Design Mazda Shinari

Mazda Shinari

Mazda recently shocked the automotive world by unveiling the stunning new Shinari four-door coupe concept car at an exclusive event in Milan, Italy. The latest concept is the result of collaboration between Mazda’s design studios in Germany, the U.S. and Japan and previews the automaker’s future design language.

The new design language has been labeled ‘Kodo’, the Japanese word for soul of motion. Key design elements include the aluminum signature wing and the sculpted body.

Speaking at the Shinari’s unveiling, Mazda design boss Ikuo Maeda said: "this design will lead to the next generation of Mazda design and will lead to other elements." Few other details have been revealed, including whether or not Mazda plans to put the Shinari into production.

Exterior – unbridled expression of agile movement

With an image of strength emanating across every panel and component, the Mazda Shinari Concept looks ready to leap at any second. The strong backbone running through the body, the sudden release of pent-up energy, and the interplay of beautiful, supple movements – this form is the expression of all of these elements.

Mazda Shinari Interior

The appearance of the A-pillar, which tapers towards the rear of the body, the shape of the cabin, the front fender; these and Shinari’s other elements combine to create proportions that suggest the instantaneous release of energy to propel the car forward.

With Mazda Shinari Concept as the first step, Ikuo Maeda, general manager of Mazda’s design division, aims to create original Mazda designs that will be recognized around the world. He summarizes his resolve in the following words:

‘My goal is to create designs that people can point to proudly and say, ‘This is a Mazda design’. There is no need for Mazda to build cars for people who are only concerned with ‘style’ and ‘trends’. Whether working on sports cars or compact cars, I have always worked to create designs that evoke an emotional response in people and I hope to keep doing the same as I remain fully committed to develop designs for people who love and admire cars. It is my personal belief that the only way to create designs that fundamentally connect with people and to create designs they love, is if the people creating them are absolutely passionate about cars and are willing to make that passion a firm policy for design expression.

‘Further, I consider it vitally important to have an awareness of Japanese originality in designing cars for Mazda. This is not merely about incorporating traditional Japanese elements into car design. I believe in reflecting the Japanese spirit in car designs as part of a subconscious practice. So, while I consider where this may lead in the future, my plan is to create cars that will be instantly recognizable as a Mazda, even when viewed at a distance. My ultimate goal is to create a brand presence that car lovers around the world recognize as representing both Mazda originality and Japanese originality. Future Mazda‘s will move people physically and emotionally – this is ‘KODO – Soul of Motion”