Mazda has unveiled the Kazamai concept ahead of its official unveiling on August 26 at the Moscow International Auto Salon.
According to Mazda "Kazamai, which means "swirling crosswinds" in Japanese, expresses the powerful yet nimble image of a stylish and compact crossover."
The Kazamai concept features Mazda's "Nagare" design language that is mated to a four-wheel-drive powertrain. The concept also features a new direct injection engine and transmission.
Let's hope this means that Mazda is continuing work on a new small crossover that will be more stylish than the current Ford based Mazda Tribute.
Related Stories:
Mazda's New CX-5 Crossover may Share its Platform with the MX-5 (Miata)
All-New 2009 Mazda6 Pricing Leaked...It Starts at $19,850
PRESS RELEASE:
Mazda Kazamai Concept to Premiere at Moscow International Automobile Salon 2008
HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda will unveil a sporty, compact crossover concept vehicle, Mazda Kazamai, at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) on August 26. Kazamai, which means "swirling crosswinds" in Japanese, expresses the powerful yet nimble image of a stylish and compact crossover. The concept is based on Mazda's long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, which aims to provide a unique balance between sporty driving fun and superior environmental and safety performance. Kazamai will be joined at MIAS by the Russian debut of Mazda's CX-9 SUV, which was crowned 2008 North American Truck of the Year in February.
The Kazamai concept further evolves Mazda's 'Nagare' design language by fusing Nagare's 'flow' design cues with aerodynamic proportions. The design features panel lines inspired by crosswinds in nature which evoke visual lightness. Its bold five-point grille, accentuated front wheel arches and sleek roof line, combined with large 22-inch wheels, lend it high emotional appeal.
Sporty to look at, Kazamai is meant to be spirited and fun to drive, with compact dimensions. Kazamai's four-wheel drive powertrain will consist of a next-generation direct injection engine and a newly developed transmission. It is also aerodynamic, with an evolved lightweight body structure and enhanced the vehicle safety attributes. Were it to be built, Mazda's latest show car would deliver exciting driving dynamics, frugal fuel consumption and greatly reduced CO2 emissions.
The Mazda Kazamai promises to be another ground-breaking show car from Mazda Design, winner of this year's Grand Prix du Design in Paris. Created especially for the Moscow International Automobile Salon, it gives a good indication of where Mazda is going with a possible future compact crossover. And in Russia's growing automotive market, compact SUVs are the second-largest segment, representing about 13 percent of all new car sales.
Complete information will be made available immediately after Mazda's press conference at 10:15 a.m. local time, on August 26 at the Mazda stand.
Comments (15)
That's all fine and good, but what happened to the Kabura? I bet this one will fizzle out and disappear just like the rest of the hundreds of concept cars that Mazda punches out.
Posted by Dan | July 15, 2008 10:11 AM
Posted on July 15, 2008 10:11
Looks like something straight from the Hotwheels design department.
Posted by Mr K | July 15, 2008 10:21 AM
Posted on July 15, 2008 10:21
Mr K
Most concepts do.
Posted by 426Hemi | July 15, 2008 11:07 AM
Posted on July 15, 2008 11:07
What a waste of money. All those funny angles and such are going to cost far too much to produce. This concept is a pile of malarky.
Posted by idiots | July 15, 2008 11:09 AM
Posted on July 15, 2008 11:09
Looks like it was a nice prototype, to bad they left it in the sun and it melted!
Posted by sparky | July 15, 2008 11:43 AM
Posted on July 15, 2008 11:43
Futuristic, definitely. Unfortunately, it's ugly as well (atleast the front).
Posted by SEALBoy | July 15, 2008 11:51 AM
Posted on July 15, 2008 11:51
Kazamai?
That's just too close to a name that Mitsubishi should be using.
Posted by bubba551 | July 15, 2008 2:25 PM
Posted on July 15, 2008 14:25
At first glance it kinda looks like the Honda CR-Z concept. At least the body shape does anyways.
Posted by ThrawnDougal | July 15, 2008 3:11 PM
Posted on July 15, 2008 15:11
WTF!I know this is just a "concept" Mazda, but damn does this look FUGLY! I liked that Kabura concept much more than this design nightmare. I hope this doesn't make it to production, It looks like a turtle and whats up with the nose? Does Motor Trend give out an ugliest design concepts award, because this would definitley be in the running! Mazda, go back to trying to redesign another RX-7 or update the RX-8, but please don't put out garbage like this.
The views and opinions expressed here are solely that of ME! Thank you and have a nice day!
Posted by Spec4Mech | July 15, 2008 4:02 PM
Posted on July 15, 2008 16:02
They should name it Mazda Kamikaze and let it commit hari-kari.
Posted by Tommy Boy | July 15, 2008 5:04 PM
Posted on July 15, 2008 17:04
Can a car disembowel itself? If so, Mazada should seppuku this concept and go back to the drawing board!
Posted by Spec4mech | July 15, 2008 7:06 PM
Posted on July 15, 2008 19:06
Or better yet, rename it to Mazda Katana, and trim off the fat (front).
Posted by john | July 15, 2008 7:59 PM
Posted on July 15, 2008 19:59
i could of sworn my crap looked like that last night, except for them rims, they are very cool looking.
Posted by Rozz | July 15, 2008 8:09 PM
Posted on July 15, 2008 20:09
Well the prototype for the 3rd gen RX-7 looked like a Probe at one point. It does look light though and perhaps as a Volt like car it might work.
Posted by RX-7 Guy | July 15, 2008 9:19 PM
Posted on July 15, 2008 21:19
mazdas design team huffs paint
Posted by lotus1 | July 17, 2008 10:49 AM
Posted on July 17, 2008 10:49