Mazda Shinari concept





Mazda today unveiled the precursor to its next generation design language in the shape of the Shinari concept car. A rakish four-door, four-seat vehicle created under the watchful eye of Ikuo Maeda, General Manager of Design, the Shinari showcases the company's new Kono form language, which means ‘soul of motion' in the Japanese company's native tongue.





The exterior design, created by Yong-Wook Cho at the firm's Yokohama-based design studio, embodies a sleek, coupe-like aesthetic, which is an evolution of the Nagare (flow) design language initiated by Maeda's predecessor Laurens van den Acker. The contrasting fusion of twisting forms is meant to communicate speed and tension whilst exemplifying allure - all three keywords in the design process. It was actually developed with Cho working in conjunction with a Mazda modeler, who chose his sketch and developed it into a 3D form - a reversal of the traditional process. Measuring in at 4860mm in length, 1905mm in width and 1340mm in height, the Shinari has a 2900mm wheelbase.
The fluid form of the exterior is complemented by a driver-oriented interior that focuses on ergonomics and technology. Created by Julien Montousse at Mazda's California-based design studio (headed by Derek Jenkins) the cocooning cockpit, high quality materials and innovative HMI all point towards an elevation in perceived quality - Mazda is upping its game. Soft forms and crisp surface edges are balanced by high grade organic and technical materials, lending the cabin very sporting theme and giving it a real a sense of occasion