Mazda Kickin' Some Design Ass!

I have to say I was a bit wary of where Mazda was headed with their string of recent concepts over the last few years. Once they started with the water ripple and sometimes gill-looking details, I couldn't help but wonder if they were eating too much fish oil. I do appreciate when a company tries new stuff and still pulls it off - and they've been doing a fine job in distinguishing Mazda in the automotive world.

Their "Flow" design language is intriguing and has shown itself in many forms from the subtly beautiful Senku of 2005 to the wild Taiki of 2007. The Nagare of 2006 was probably the flagship of this design language but limited its detailing to the body side mostly. The interiors have also been a nice reflection of the exteriors and have some very cool innovations.The one that caught my attention in terms of taking this aesthetic to the next level was the Furai racer above. The detailing is insane! They used it not only for aesthetics but also for function. As a whole the car doesn't appear that different from any other LeMans car but when you get up close and see the intricate surfacing of the ribs, how the air flow is directed on the haunches and rear deck and the accent lighting that glows creating an ominous street racer - it really is impressive.

But if you go back and look at many of the concepts: the Senku, Nagare and Ryuga - you start to see a trend that sort of keeps on going. What is it with the 2 box shape? I think this a valid design direction that would do well in the market - so when are they gonna make one? Why do they keep making new 2 box concepts with just different surfacing? Are they just having fun, feeling out the market or is there another reason?


This is another one of those shapes we've all drawn a thousand times because it's so natural.

So despite their interesting design language, what I hope is that Mazda doesn't dilute it to the point of adding ripples on a safe, market friendly design. It'll remind me of when Pontiac always had to put those ridiculous ridges on the bumpers to add a "sporty" feel. Mazda could really own the market with a sporty 2 box design that's more dynamic than most people movers on the road. It would be a welcome alternative to the classic 5 seat sedan or small SUV.

Besides, isn't it about time we had another production car with gull wing doors?