Mazda has unveiled its newest concept, the Taiki ahead of its official unveiling at this month's Tokyo Motor Show.
The concept is an evolution of the previous Mazda concept cars, Nagare, Ryuga and Hakaze. The Taiki also features a next-generation rotary engine and enhanced aerodynamic performance (note the rear wheels). More importantly the overall design of the Taiki could provide a possible design direction for future Mazda sports cars.
The new RENESIS rotary engine is dubbed the 16X, most likely for its increased displacement to 1.6L from the 1.3L unit in the current RX-8. It is a twin-rotor unit (800cc x 2) that sends the power to the rear wheels. The new engine is supposed to have a wider torque band and greater fuel efficiency.
Full Story: Motor Authority
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Comments (21)
You know what.... I think Mazda should make some of these concept cars and actually put some on the market. Not a lot, no, more like an extremely limited production run of a few dozen units.
They almost have a full line-up here with Nagare, Ryuga, Hakaze and Taiki. And all of them generate positive praise: they might be outlandish but people like them. Of course they could not become production models as is, some work is needed to make them crash-test and emissions complaint most likely. But those modifications should be minimal at best, just enough to make all the government legalese be satisfied.
Pricing would be up to them, but I just wonder, what would people say to these on the streets? How would they fair as actual cars, meant for daily driving?
Posted by Allen | October 2, 2007 3:09 PM
Posted on October 2, 2007 15:09
I really wish mazda would stop fooling around and actually go forward with production on some of their concepts.
I was really hoping for the Kabura, but I've given up hope. It just made so much sense to produce it and they already had the parts.
I'm not too fond of the latest, the Taiki. It's just a little too weird. It's neat, but not anything close to produceable.
Posted by Dan | October 2, 2007 3:38 PM
Posted on October 2, 2007 15:38
Every time a car company says they're going to put a concept into production, they always remove all the most attractive technology and heavily blandify it first.
By the time Mazda's marketing department are done with this, it will look like every other car on the road.
Posted by Niz | October 2, 2007 4:11 PM
Posted on October 2, 2007 16:11
Niz you hit it right on the head. Remember the Ford 500 concept vehicles? They were cool. The production 500 -- NOT.
Posted by WareWolF | October 2, 2007 5:49 PM
Posted on October 2, 2007 17:49
I like the front end, but the butt looks like my daughter's trike.
Posted by Tom Underhill | October 2, 2007 7:27 PM
Posted on October 2, 2007 19:27
Anything, anything, anything at all that could bring back the RX7 is good news no matter how bizarre it looks! Of course the one I owned never had to deal with an North American winter and spent a good deal of time on the hoist anyway; but when it was on - ohhhhh baby it was ON! Just do it Mazda! Profits be damned! I double dog dare ya!!
Posted by Mountie | October 2, 2007 8:09 PM
Posted on October 2, 2007 20:09
Is Mazda really part of Ford? Pics like these make me wonder...
Posted by SEALBoy | October 3, 2007 1:40 AM
Posted on October 3, 2007 01:40
I really like the back wheelbase.
It looks revolutionary.
That kind of designs we need!
Posted by Pakos M | October 3, 2007 3:19 AM
Posted on October 3, 2007 03:19
Pity, you still need wheels to get around
Posted by Steadler and Waldorff | October 3, 2007 8:00 AM
Posted on October 3, 2007 08:00
That thing looks like a cross between the Alien and a scared toad! Talk about UGLY. If I see one on the road I would just have to beat it up with a really ugly stick.
Designs like this make me feel that Mazda is getting desperate.
Posted by shiftright | October 3, 2007 9:21 AM
Posted on October 3, 2007 09:21
my god it's awful. further proof that only Europeans are capable of decent car design.
a sweeping statement if there ever was one, but can you honestly name a beautiful car that wasn't designed by a European?
Posted by Bill | October 3, 2007 9:22 AM
Posted on October 3, 2007 09:22
to SEALBoy:
Mazda is not a part of FORD. They share some platforms, but thats all. Ford has 30% of Mazda and this makes Mazda still and independent producer.
Posted by bear | October 3, 2007 10:12 AM
Posted on October 3, 2007 10:12
i robot?
Posted by dennisil | October 3, 2007 4:59 PM
Posted on October 3, 2007 16:59
no, this provides 'hints' of madness
Posted by rene | October 4, 2007 6:58 AM
Posted on October 4, 2007 06:58
"The Ford Motor Company had owned 15% of Mazda, and its stake was increased to a 33.4% controlling interest on 31 March 1999 after Mazda fell into financial crisis. "
Posted by zippy | October 4, 2007 9:27 AM
Posted on October 4, 2007 09:27
The front has promise, rear isn't going to be accepted. Way to much heavy glass up front. A few tucks and a conventional rear half and they might have something.
The increased displacement is interesting. Mazda has tried this before and reliability suffer dramatically. Hopefully modern technology has solved the problem.
Posted by RX-7 guy | October 6, 2007 11:59 AM
Posted on October 6, 2007 11:59
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Posted by adam | February 20, 2008 2:26 PM
Posted on February 20, 2008 14:26
this car is UGLY!!!! and i love rx-7's
Posted by alex | August 21, 2008 3:59 PM
Posted on August 21, 2008 15:59
!@#$%^&*
Posted by af | September 14, 2008 1:46 AM
Posted on September 14, 2008 01:46
i seriously hope they are bringing this to Canada i have the money all i want it the car
very nice concept never seen anything like this before
very amazing and unique in every way love it
Posted by Li Norris | September 26, 2008 5:14 PM
Posted on September 26, 2008 17:14
this car i will poblably bye it for whatever it costs i mean i havent seen a car that nice since i watched that show called smallville
Posted by duke herrera | November 6, 2008 8:47 AM
Posted on November 6, 2008 08:47