Mazda Motor Corporation today unveiled two vehicles at the 2003 North American International Auto Show: The Mazda Washu concept and the much-anticipated production model of the Mazda RX-8 (North American version).
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.
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.
Product Outline of ‘Mazda Washu’
1. Modern proportions with low-slung layout that delivers greater dynamic performance — Mazda2 sedan world premiere.
2. Airline-inspired door system that allows passengers to enter the vehicle with ease
3. Functional, flexible seating suitable for a wide range of applications
4. Innovative packaging realized by adjustable instrument panel and steer-by-wire
5.Additional Features
– Roof with LCD dimmer glass that can be switched electrically between transparent and non-transparent states. — Suzuki Makai concept at Los Angeles Auto Show.
– 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. — Tokyo Show sustainability concepts.
– 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.
Product Outline of ‘Mazda RX-8’
1. Unprecedented sports car driving pleasure
– The new generation rotary RENESIS employs side intake and side exhaust ports, and has more intake area, realizing greatly reduced intake flow resistance. The engine’s sequential dynamic intake system and drive-by-wire system deliver 247hp with a high power version model. Fuel efficiency and emissions also substantially improved over the previous rotary engine.
– The advanced front midship layout in which the RX-8’s engine is mounted 60mm further aft with the dashboard being located 80mm forward than the RX-7, and all-new front/rear suspensions achieved exceptional cornering and stability.
– Engineers devised a suitably rigid underbody frame and cabin reinforcements to give the RX-8 a body that, in terms of rigidity and low weight, surpasses those of comparable sport sedans of the same wheelbase.
2. Innovative sports car styling: The product of Mazda DNA
3. Unique sports car package with space for four adults
4. Mazda’s unique craftsmanship evolves to a new level
5. High-level safety and consideration for the environment
