Mazda unveiled their latest concept car today for journalists touring their Yokohama, Japan, facilities. The Mazda Taiki follows in the path of Mazda's "flow" design concept with elements of real-world technologies.
The Taiki is equipped with a next-generation RENESIS rotary engine under the hood, which Mazda claims "sets new standards for environmental and driving performance." Mazda's rear-wheel-drive concept is a two-seater inside a body that looks light as air.
Not surprisingly, the nose of the Taiki is similar to previous Mazda concept Ryuga. The new car also looks to be a more refined sibling of the Nagare concept. Both the Ryuga and Nagare were introduced under the "flow" design banner.
The Japanese word "Taiki" roughly translates to atmosphere. Mazda used this name to equate the car's stretched cabin, short overhangs, and glass canopy with the "protective mantle" around Earth.
One of the key differences from previous concept cars is the Taiki's rear wheels, which seem to stick out a bit, and are covered by a sort-of simulated wheel well. The effect of this is the illusion that the rear wheels are not protected as part of the chassis, but if you look at a picture of the car from behind the wheels look more integrated.
The inspiration behind Taiki's exterior came from the idea of two floating Hagoromo, "the flowing robes that enable a celestial maiden to fly in Japanese legend," states the press release. When thinking about the interior, designers looked to the Japanese koinobori carp streamers, and decided to try and create a space depicting the flowing wind.
The Taiki will be debuted to the public at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.
Mazda also introduced the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid, which the company claims gets 40% better output compared to the RX-8 Hydrogen RE. The end result is faster acceleration and a fuel range of roughly 200 km (124 mi). Five adults should be able to sit comfortably into this hydrogen/gas hybrid.
The Premacy has a rotary engine that rests in a transverse layout, intake/exhaust resistance and combustion efficiency seeing solid output at different engine speed. Ultimately, the car is believed to have a quick responsiveness along with high energy efficiency.
The car also has a lithium-ion battery that recharges from the car's braking, and is used for the car's electric motor. The electric motor also derives power from the rotary engine.
Although the engine runs on hydrogen, it can be switched to gas when the hydrogen runs out.
The Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid will be available in Japan next year, at a leasing cost of around $3,500 per month. The car is being targeted towards government and ecological agencies. It will also see its public debut at the Tokyo Motor Show.
The Taiki and Premacy are another step in an awfully busy period for Mazda. The brand new Mazda Atenza was just introduced at Frankfurt, with expectations to be available for order soon. Atenza comes as either a four-door sedan, five-door sport hatchback, or sport wagon, and is expected to be more economical. This despite its 2.5litre engine that supposedly provides more torque, more response, and more acceleration.
A new "sporty version" of Atenza will also be debuted in Tokyo, with larger bumpers, premium grille, and side spoilers.
The all-new Mazda Atenza - soon to be introduced in Japan, the Mazda Taiki concept car, equipped with a next-generation rotary engine, the new Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid, a series of future-oriented powertrains, and a variety of environmental and safety technologies will be revealed by Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show*1 in October 2007.
Mazda's theme for the show is "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom- Mazda's showroom today and in the future" under which new and exciting second-generation Zoom-Zoom products and future-oriented technologies will reflect the long-term research and development plans to support the "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom" program, Mazda's long-term vision for technology development which was announced this spring.
The all-new Mazda Atenza premiered at the Frankfurt Motor Show, held last month in Germany, and was highly rated by journalists and visitors. Marking a quantum leap forward in blending driving pleasure with safety and environmental performance, this model embodies Mazda's latest car-making philosophy and offers the ultimate long-distance touring experience, making it a striking statement of the evolution of Mazda's Zoom-Zoom. At the Tokyo Motor Show, an even sportier and more distinctive model will be showcased for the first time.
Mazda Taiki continues the evolution of the Nagare design theme, following in the footsteps of the Mazda Nagare, Mazda Ryuga, and Mazda Hakaze concept vehicles. As the fourth in the series, Mazda Taiki further advances and refines the theme through a fusion of the Nagare (flow) design concept and real-world technologies, such as a next-generation rotary engine and enhanced aerodynamic performance. Mazda Taiki sets a new ideal for the front-engine rear-drive sports car of the future.
The new Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid is equipped with a transverse hydrogen rotary engine, featuring Mazda's hydrogen/gasoline dual-fuel system. The hybrid system efficiently converts energy from hydrogen combustion to electricity and uses it to power the motor. This vehicle promotes practical use thanks to an extended hydrogen-fueled range, and enhanced driving performance and packaging. Leasing is now planned to commence in 2008.
In the decade following 2010, Mazda will revise its entire powertrain series, aimed at reaching "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom" with the emphasis on enhanced fuel and emissions performance, combined with superior driving performance. These next-generation powertrains will be on display, along with the many safety technologies currently under development to realize sustainable transportation systems.
Mazda is offering an exhilarating driving experience with vehicles that achieve Mazda's trademark fun-to-drive performance, allied with outstanding environmental and safety performance. Visitors will have an opportunity to test drive the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE at the clean energy vehicle demo drive course.
Mazda will hold its press conference at 15:10 on Wednesday, October 24.
*1 The 40th Tokyo Motor Show will be held on: Wednesday, October 24 and Thursday, October 25(press days); Friday, October 26 (invitation day); and Saturday, October 27 through Sunday, November 11 (public days) at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture.