New Mazda car represents a shift in design philosophy 11/22/2010
Mazda plans to unveil a new vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show that embodies a new philosophy when it comes to exterior car design.
Autoweek reports that the Japanese automaker's previous design philosophy was inspired by the Nagare, a concept car noted for its curvy, fluid lines. Although the Nagare's 2006 debut lead to numerous other concept cars with the same design inspiration, only one production model - the 2012 Mazda 5 minivan - has ever been released to the market.
The new design philosophy is centered around "kodo," a Japanese concept referring to the soul of motion. Kodo will first be seen in the design of the Shinari concept car, set to arrive at the Los Angeles Auto Show this year.
Ways in which kodo will depart from the philosophy of the Nagare include a more cab-rearward layout, vehicles that sit lower and wider and wheels that are closer to the car's corners. Elements of kodo that continue on from the old philosophy include flowing lines and an emphasis on the grille and headlights.
The changes are intended to give Mazda a more upscale image. "We've gone back to a simpler, cleaner overall palette," Derek Jenkins, design director for Mazda North American Operations, told the source.