2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper wallpaper 2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper wallpaper 2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper wallpaper 2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper wallpaper
2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper wallpaper 2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper wallpaper 2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper wallpaper 2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper wallpaper
2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper 2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper 2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper 2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper
2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper 2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper 2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper 2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper
2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper 2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper 2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper 2008 Mazda Taiki Concept pictures and wallpaper wallpaper

Image credits: Mazda

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.

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.

Source - Mazda
MAZDA TAIKI: FLOW DESIGN - A JOURNEY THAT EXPLORES THE FUTURE OF MAZDA DESIGN

Mazda Taiki Concept - aimed at helping create a sustainable society

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 defines its Nagare credentials, and visually expresses the atmosphere - called taiki in Japanese - that wraps the Earth in its protective mantle. 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, refer to book separate volume for details), which sets new standards for environmental and driving performance, a front-engine rear-wheel-drive layout, unique 2-seat configuration, and others which convey an image of lightness. The effect integrates perfectly the design theme to realize unbeatable aerodynamic performance.

The flow of air as a design concept

An evolution of Nagare design; the form of a car that operates in harmony with the environment; the creation of an iconic Mazda sports car symbolized by its next-generation RENESIS. To bring these concepts together and create a design worthy of the Nagare design series, chief designer Atsuhiko Yamada presented his team with a single objective: create 'a design that visually expresses the flow of air'.

'The preceding three concept cars in the Nagare series each took a hint from nature, such as the flow of water or the patterned surface of wind-swept sand dunes. In contrast, Mazda wanted Taiki to convey both the beauty and power of nature, while also emphasizing the importance and the wonderful splendor of our environment. That led to our focusing on the air that blankets our planet and our desire to apply Nagare design in visually representing this entity, which is normally invisible to the eye,' said Chief Designer Atsuhiko Yamada. And, as the very name of the concept car makes clear, Mazda Taiki's futuristic design embodies Mazda's determination to build cars that contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

Hagoromo exterior embodies celestial robes waving on a breeze

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. In addition to drawing sketch after sketch in various attempts to capture the right look, the designers also tried unique approaches, such as soaking cloth in plaster and then hanging it to dry while flapping in the wind, thereby capturing the motion of air in solid form. This gave birth to an innovative design, one with a nimble, light appearance and flowing contours that naturally capture the hearts and imaginations of those who see it.

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 the all-glass canopy, which combine to express a harmony of elegance and sportiness. The lower of the layered hagoromo flows from the front fenders to the sides, where it wraps under the body and gracefully curves up at the rear. The other hagoromo flows from the hood through the shoulder lines it etches, past the unique independent rear fender design, and lends a seductive curve to the rear deck. The fusion of these flowing upper and lower surfaces not only creates a visual depiction of flowing air, it also minimizes body volume for a trim, well-toned appearance, as well as creating a sense of floating lightly on air. This sensation is further amplified by the Ozonic Silver paint that was specially developed for this project. The outer panels of the doors that open widely toward the front form a relief that symbolizes the accelerating flow of air actually experienced by the designer during wind tunnel tests.

Aerodynamic performance with a drag coefficient of 0.25 and zero lift

The design team sought to achieve an extremely high level of aerodynamic performance through a combination of design and technologies. A bird's-eye view of the Mazda Taiki body shows how much its width is tapered from front to rear. From the side, one sees the smooth line of the flat underside kick up dramatically at the rear of the body. Validating the designer's wish to visually capture the motion of flowing air, wind tunnel testing proved the excellent aerodynamic performance inherent in the design. The distinctive shape around the rear wheels, which channels air flowing back from the front fender through a 'tunnel' formed between the body and rear fender, also proved effective in creating downforce. The already high aerodynamic potential of the original form was then fine tuned, the end result being an excellent drag coefficient of 0.25 and zero lift.

Details that capture the image of flowing air

Flowing illumination

The edges of the blades that comprise the grille are fitted with ultra-fine rows of brilliant LEDs. The rear combination lamps and door-mounted turn signal lamps employ unique Mazda technology and appear to shine through the body color but are distinguishable only when lit. The effect throughout creates the illusion of flowing air being transformed into lights visible to the human eye.

Dynamic tire tread pattern and wheel design

A collaborative effort with the tire designers and engineers created 22-inch tires for the Mazda Taiki that are dynamic in size and feature a bold tread pattern modeled after a flowing motif. The turbine wheel design was inspired by the turbo fan blades of a jet engine and developed in close collaboration with wheel engineers to create a unique design.
(Cooperation: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., Enkei Corporation)

Koinobori interior design

Inspired by Japanese koinobori - the decorative 'climbing carp streamers' that fly proudly in the early May skies of Japan- the notion of creating an Air-tube became the concept word for the interior design. In accordance, everything from the dashboard and seats down to the door trim creates the dynamic sensation that the flow of the wind is being visually depicted.

At the same time, the design team created a unique ambience for each half of the interior. The colors and materials clearly divide the cabin into black and white zones, and the strength of the design lines expresses a dynamic yet gentle quality.

On the driver's side, the dashboard twists in dynamic fashion and continues on the cushion of the driver's seat. The independent seatback and headrest also create a new expression of flowing lightly, as though on a breeze. Black trim used as the keynote color, creates an environment that better helps the driver concentrate on driving.

The passenger 'zone' provides the relaxing comfort of a lounge chair surrounded by plenty of legroom. The white trim color helps accent the resulting expression of roomy comfort that truly befits a passenger seat.

The design concept aims for a new form of sports car cabin. The center shelf between the driver and passenger seats can be effectively used as flexible utility space.

Interior details that emphasize flow

The cabin precludes any sense of symmetry or adherence to any prescribed design doctrine. Each part embodies flowing wind, instilling a light, airy feel, that also creates an organic, dream-like ambience.

Structural beauty with emotion

The transparent teardrop roof that covers the cabin is reinforced by a truss frame with flowing contours that constitute one part of the body structure. The same design theme is also applied to the steering column and seat frame of the driver's seat. To make the beautiful contours of this frame design clearly visible, the cushion and back for the driver's seat are made from a clear elastic silicone plastic material.

Zen calligraphy with a shine

The black and white genuine leather of the interior features flowing calligraphic strokes painted on the surface using a gloss paint that contains metallic pigment. A new technique developed through collaboration with textile designers allowed an artist to use a brush to visually recreate the flow of the wind. The lines follow the contours of the dashboard and seats to further emphasize the sense of flow. The material surface is coated using a process that is unique to Mazda.
(Cooperation: NUNO Corporation)

Tachometer that renders visible the beat of the rotary engine

Extending gracefully to embrace the steering wheel and driver's seat, the respective edges of the dashboard each feature a row of red LEDs that function as the tachometer. Streams of red light flow toward the front on either side of the driver to visually depict leaps in engine RPM. The result is dynamic visual feedback that expresses the emotion of driving.

Advanced human-machine interface (HMI)

To further advance safety performance and take it to new levels for the future, Mazda is actively working on an HMI that will make communication between driver and machine smoother and easier, as well as further developing advanced active safety technologies. Multi-control switches for the respective systems are integrated into the rotary-inspired steering wheel in a design that allows drivers to perform all driving operations without removing their hands from the steering wheel. Also integrated into the steering wheel is a multi-display that provides the driver with a variety of information displays.

Source - Mazda

 
View more photographs
View Wallpaper
Similar Automakers
Add Review
View Reviews (3)
Mazda History
Manufacturer Website
Other models by Mazda
AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Related Articles and Event Coverage
2008 North American International Auto Show
2007 Tokyo Motor Show

Topics
Cheese grater

Replies: 3
Saturday, October 13, 2007

2008 Mazda models
Mazda 3
Mazda 3 MPS Extreme
Mazda 5
Mazda 6
Mazda CX-7
Mazda CX9
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mazda RX-8
Mazda Tribute
2008 Mazda Concepts
Mazda Furai Concept
Mazda Hakaze Concept
Mazda Kazamai Concept
Mazda Kiyora Concept
Mazda Moscow Concept Car

Vehicle Spotlight
2010 Lexus RX 3502010 Lexus RX 450h2010 Kia Soul
2010 Ford Fusion HybridNissan 370ZSpyker C8 Laviolette LM85
Infiniti G37 ConvertibleAston Martin V8 Vantage GT4Brabus tuned Tesla Roadster
Anteros XTRHyundai Genesis RHYS Millen RacingHyundai HKS Genesis
Hyundai Genesis Street ConceptsDodge Mopar Drift ChallengerToyota Tacoma X-Runner Concept
Subaru Forester XTI ConceptVolkswagen CC Eco Performance ConceptHamann Volcano
Pontiac G8 ST ConceptPontiac Solstice GXP Coupe ConceptChevrolet Camaro LS7 Concept
Chevrolet Camaro Black ConceptLamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Super TrofeoLamborghini Estoque Concept