Japan: Mazda Atenza and Taiki concept to premiere at Tokyo motor show

Mazda has issued the following press release:

The all-new Mazda Atenza ( Mazda6 in Europe) - soon to be introduced in Japan, the Mazda Taiki concept car, equipped with a next-generation rotary engine, the new Mazda Premacy (Mazda5 in Europe) 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 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 Taiki

Mazda Taiki reflects one possible direction for a future generation of Mazda sports cars aimed at helping create a sustainable society. The fourth concept car in the Nagare design series, Mazda Taiki further evolves the ???flow??? theme to establish a breathtaking presence that clearly distinguishes it as the next in the series, and which visually expresses the atmosphere ??“ called taiki in Japanese ??“ that wraps the Earth in its protective mantle. The basic proportions begin with the stretched coupe form of a front-engine rear-wheel-drive layout, the short overhangs, and the liberating feel of an all-glass canopy. The challenge to create "a design that visually expresses the flow of air" was inspired by the image of a pair of Hagoromo ??“ the flowing robes that enable a celestial maiden to fly in Japanese legend ??“ floating down from the sky. Inspired by Japanese koinobori ??“ the decorative "climbing carp streamers"??“ the notion of creating an Air-tube became the concept word for the interior design. In accordance, from the dashboard and seats down to the door trim, the interior space creates the dynamic sensation that the flow of the wind is being visually depicted. Centering around the performance rotary engine sports packaging that is synonymous with the Mazda name, technologies introduced for the Mazda Taiki include the next-generation RENESIS (rotary engine 16X), which sets new standards for environmental and driving performance, a front-engine rear-drive layout, a unique 2-seat configuration, and Mazda??™s rotary sports package, which conveys an image of lightness. The effect integrates the design theme perfectly to realize outstanding aerodynamic performance.

New Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid

Compared with the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE, the new Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid yields 40% better output, resulting in enhanced acceleration performance and an extended hydrogen-fueled range of about 200km, or twice that of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE. Seating capacity is also increased to give accommodation for five *****s along with greater luggage space. The hydrogen rotary engine is changed from a longitudinal to a transverse layout and its intake/exhaust resistance and combustion efficiency are improved to yield high output across a wide range of engine speeds. The hybrid system employed for the hydrogen rotary engine efficiently converts energy from hydrogen combustion into electricity that powers the electric motor. Thanks to progress in electric drive technology, the system realizes high energy-efficiency and a quick response allied with low fuel consumption. Acceleration kicks in the instant you hit the accelerator, creating a direct feeling of power.

Plant-derived Mazda Biotechmaterial is used for interior plastic parts and seat fabrics to accelerate research and development for commercial use.

2007-10-02 Filed under New model introduction

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