Paris 2010: Mazda debuts new Kodo design language with Shinari concept

[tunersteve]

With the departure of Laurens van den Acker to Renault, Mazda's loved or loathed Nagare design language has been dispatched, and in its place is a new designer (Ikuo Maeda) a new theme, a new concept and a new name: Kodo.

Set to debut at the Paris Motor Show later this month, the Shinari concept is our first glimpse at the future of Mazda styling. The four-door design exercise evolves the Nagare theme into a more cohesive and – dare we say – production-ready form, toning down the massive grin currently found on the Mazda3 and other models, while incorporating new aluminum accents that are expected to proliferate through Mazda's future products.

Until the Paris show, these leaked image are all we have to go on, but judging by the hit-or-miss nature of Nagare, we like what we're seeing thus far. And if you're wondering, "Kodo" translates roughly to "soul of motion."

[Autoblog]

 

[tunersteve]

__________________

 

[meGrimlock]

aston martin rapide much?

 

[tunersteve]

I see some Fisker and Tesla design in there too. I think this should have been the next iteration of the smiley-face design.

 

[mikeyb]

WOW!! I really like this design.

 

[tunersteve]

How bout a Mazda9 or Millenia revival? Mazda could have a flagship sedan again.

 

[Antoine]

WOW...Now we're talking...Sexy, Speedy & Sophisticated...Sign me up! (2thumbs)

 

[altspace]

I love the concept, but I've seen way to many now. Let's get on with a production model already.

 

[tunersteve]

I love the concept, but I've seen way to many now. Let's get on with a production model already.

+1 on that. Hopefully we don't see 10 concepts and one final production inspired vehicle from this. Maybe Mazda will follow suit with other automakers and start to get "wiser" with concepts, make them closer to production form.

 

[tunersteve]

Pics of the car in the flesh here:

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/30/mazda-shinari-concept-debuts-new-face-of-the-brand-in-style/

 

[Antoine]

The more I read about this new Concept and Mazda's new design direction etc...The more I'm liking what I'm seeing....

"Even though we are a mainstream brand we have a customer that wants a little bit more. We monitor premium segments, we monitor premium trends, and the question is ultimately how can get some of that feeling into a more affordable vehicle. We think our customer wants a little bit more sophistication."

BINGO! (2thumbs)

 

[LaraS]

Wow, now this is SEXY! If the new car goes into production looking like this.. well.. you can sign me up.

 

[SeR_Cyclops]

I read that article and I wonder what the target price range is on this vehicle. I love this car it is so sexy.

 

[altspace]

Pics of the car in the flesh...

...as a concept design. Hopefully Mazda will properly translate the design elements into a production car this time. I'd so love to see it made.

 

[BradW]

That is one sweeeet looking car. I agree with everyone else, Mazda needs to start producing some of there concept cars. I'd start with this one and make it affordable.

 

[SeR_Cyclops]

If it was affordable, I might consider buying one when im out of college.

 

[SeR_Cyclops]

That is one sweeeet looking car. I agree with everyone else, Mazda needs to start producing some of there concept cars. I'd start with this one and make it affordable.

Off topic, but I see you live in Lexington KY. I Go to college in Richmond but I couldn't help but notice that you are from Lexington yet you are supporting the Vols???? What could be wrong with you? Are you sick? Big BLUE all the way!

 

[CTt3P5]

Nice....get on this Mazda, now! It would be great to see a Mazda9 released as a flagship car utilizing this styling.

 

[Rockin03mp5]

this looks promising.

 

[HKPRO5]

I'm waiting for the next rotary that Mazda makes. But this car is looking awesome.