2003 Mazda Washu Concept

Mazda Soars Into North American International Auto Show on Eagle's Wing

Mazda Únveils Washu Concept Vehicle Along With 2004 RX-8

Mazda Motor Corporation and Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today unveiled the Washu at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The concept vehicle showcases the company's commitment to questioning the expected in design and packaging. Japanese for Eagle's Wing, the Washu six-seat touring vehicle was developed as a calculated experiment to determine how customers interact with a vehicle's interior space.

Like all Mazda products, central to the Washu's development was a commitment to make every moment in a car exciting, whether traveling from place to place or just driving for fun. Low, sleek, and well proportioned, the Washu works to tear down the barriers that traditionally separate sports cars and family cars.

The Washu, which hints at Mazda's next-generation design direction, combines functionality and refined passenger comfort with well-proportioned, modern styling that presents a level of visual excitement previously not found in multi-seat vehicles.

In addition to the debut of the Washu, Mazda unveiled its new 2004 RX-8, which is scheduled to begin arriving in Mazda dealerships this summer. Mazda also announced that pricing of the RX-8 would start at $25,180 equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Base MSRP of the 2004 RX-8 with six-speed manual transmission is $26,680. A fully loaded RX-8 with either manual or automatic transmission and every available option, including leather seats, Bose(R) audio, 18-inch tires, moonroof, and fog lamps will run approximately $30,000.

Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer service, and parts support of Mazda vehicles in the Únited States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide.

Source - Mazda North American Operations

The Mazda Washu is an innovative six-seat concept that presents a new genre of vehicles. It is well proportioned and features Mazda's product DNA in every aspect of the vehicle. Low and sleek, the six-seat concept also works to tear down the barriers that traditionally separate sports cars and family cars. Just as the all-new 2003 Mazda RX-8 is a unique approach to the four-seat performance car, the new Washu concept is an innovative approach to a six-seat configuration.
The Mazda RX-8, powered by the all-new rotary engine, features sports car styling and excellent sports performance, while providing an ample interior space for four adults. The vehicle delivers incomparable driving excitement. As a 'sportscar like no other,' it turns the sports car dream into a reality for many. The RX-8 will make its debut in North America next spring.
*1:
Mazda Washu means 'Eagle's Wing' in Japanese. The vehicle's design was based on the image of an eagle soaring swiftly through the air - a concept particularly evident in the unique doors. The Mazda Washu is an attempt to express the excitement of 'Zoom-Zoom' through the proportions of a vehicle.
*2:




2. Airline-inspired door system that allows passengers to enter the vehicle with ease
The 'airplane doors' first open outward and then slide rearward. With the sliding door fully extended, the doors provide an opening that measures 1,100mm across, with an additional 400-mm opening in the roof section. This allows passengers to enter the vehicle in an almost upright position, making it dramatically easier.


3. Functional, flexible seating suitable for a wide range of applications
The Washu concept benefits from a low, flat floor and long wheelbase, both of which help to maximize interior space. The seats in the Washu are captain's chairs and can be arranged in a flexible manner to accommodate a variety of passenger and cargo-carrying chores. The middle pair of seats is electrically powered and can be independently moved fore-and-aft a full 645mm. The seats can also slide to the side to allow easier access to the rearmost seats.



5. Additional Features
- Roof with LCD*3 dimmer glass that can be switched electrically between transparent and non-transparent states.
- LCD Multi-Information display that controls driving information services.
- Video monitors mounted on the sides of the front doors (in place of traditional side mirrors) and on the rear gate, allowing the driver to monitor all angles of the vehicle.
- Climate control system without traditional air conditioning and heating nozzles.
- Large, 15-inch DVD screen mounted in the ceiling of the rear seat to enable video playback of DVD movies.
- The Mazda Washu is equipped with an electrical parking brake system. Pressing the brake pedal when the car is stopped automatically engages the parking brake, and pressing the accelerator automatically disengages it.
*3: Liquid Crystal Display.

Source - Mazda