2007 Mazda Ryuga Concept news, pictures, and information

MAZDA RYUGA CONCEPT: AN EVOLVED ZOOM-ZOOM

Large wheels placed at the far corners of Ryuga's exterior lend a highly stable, balanced stance. The aggressive wedge shape imparts motion even when this sports coupe is parked. Volumes that are small in front, larger at the rear, wrap around and over the wheels to give the exterior tension and direction.

'After we began studying natural phenomenon for inspiration, Mazda designers were initially hesitant to apply their findings, but I encouraged them to blend artistic and sculptural beauty to see where it led. Once we did, the results were both original and instantly appealing. While this initiative began wîth textures inspired by nature, it goes much deeper than that. We're lòòking at grand gestures that wrap all over the vehicle's exterior and throughout the interior. Some of the proportions are dramatically wind-swept. There's drama at every turn. There are no square corners.'

Yasushi Nakamuta, chief designer for this project, previously headed the design of Mazda's immediately successful third-generation 2006 MX-5 Miata. Nakamuta says, 'Ryuga incorporates elegant and refined design treatments which express Japanese concepts of mysterious beauty and intelligence, based on the new design theme that began wîth the Nagare concept car unveiled at the LA Auto Show.'

Conducting a guided tour of the exterior, Nakamuta points out several key features:

• Ryuga's side surfaces were inspired by karesansui (Japanese dry gardens). The carefully raked pebbles in these gardens represent peaceful ripples caused by a breeze over a pool of water. The karesansui's man-made image of natural flow is represented in the Ryuga's surface texture to express simplicity and refinement.
• The headlamp shape resembles the flow of morning dew dropping from bamboo leaves. Advanced LED and fluorescent tube technology will enable such a striking design to be used on a production vehicle in the foreseeable future.
• To impart motion, the 21-inch wheel spokes – different on the left and right sides – are slightly twisted as if they're delivering torque. To convey the feeling of gas turbine blades, the trailing edges of the wheel spokes are accented wîth a tinge of body color.
• Flowing lava inspired both Ryuga's exterior hue and the tail lamp design. Depending on the incident light, Ryuga's surface appears to be shades of yellow, red, and blue, exactly like molten, flowing lava. Notes van den Acker: 'The hot red finish goes straight to your heart.'
• The roof molding tightens up the flowing cabin and gives an accent to the body styling as well. Cameras located at the forward end of each molding convey rear views to a center cockpit display screen. Turn signals are also integrated into these protruding accents.

Reflecting its Japanese origin, Ryuga is both simple and complex. While the dominant flow theme is simple, the details – such as the side surfaces and the wheels – are intricate. Solidity and fluidity live here together, in harmony.

FLOW THROÚGH INTERIOR

Thanks to Mazda's innovative packaging expertise, Ryuga is significantly shorter and lower than today's four-passenger RX-8 sports car, yet it too accommodates four passengers in roomy comfort. A relatively long (110.2-inch) wheelbase and two large gull-wing doors provide a wide-open invitation to the interior.

As the doors rise to expose the interior of Ryuga and allow easy slide-in access, the passengers are presented
with the fusion of a cockpit - designed to maximize the emotional connection between the car and driver - wîth the social atmosphere of the rear passenger space, where lounge-like comfort is ensured through expansive space and Nagare-inspired design.

The front bucket seats provide ample lateral support for energetic driving wîth the shape of the seats creating an impression of movement which is further emphasized by the patterns in the material.

The experimental 'floating' center cluster allows a high level of interface between the driver and the multi-function touch panel without having to take one's eyes off the road ahead. Information necessary for safe and dynamic driving is available to the driver wîth RPM and speed (which is shown in both analog and digital formats) being displayed on the same axis.

Flowing upwards, the center cluster dynamically penetrates the front information panel which reflects Zoom-Zoom futuristic and sporty design craftsmanship, as well as an integrated interface between man and machine. Elongated pods give the cockpit depth while bringing information closer to the driver's eyes. An open-top §teering wheel provides enhanced sight lines to the instruments and the road ahead.

Flow textures are emphasized in the door trim wîth lines that begin at the center of Ryuga's Mazda-trademark five-pointed grille and sweep rearward through interior surfaces. The artistic combination of leather, polished aluminum and translucent plastic give the interior a warm glow reminiscent of illumination themes already in use in current Mazda products.

DRIVING PERFORMANCE – ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES TO SÚPPORT ZOOM-ZOOM