Mazda to unveil all-new Mazda5 and Mazda Shinari Concept at 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show
The Mazda5 incorporates motifs from Mazda’s Nagare design language which, inspired by the beauty of nature, presents an elegant look not found in any existing vehicle today. It’s an appealing compact van that captures the eye upon first glance. Changes run deep under the skin too, as the vehicle is now powered by a 157-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in North America, and can be paired with either a manual or automatic transmission. Outstanding fuel economy and unexpected drivability are carried over from the previous model, as is the vehicle’s unique, multi-configurable seating for six. Mazda North American Operations will debut the all-new North American version of the popular Mazda5 multi-activity vehicle at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. Since its launch in 2005, Mazda5 has redefined the compact van by offering seating for six (US version) in three easily configurable rows, as well as styling and dynamics simply not found in any other vehicle in this segment. Furthermore, the original Mazda5 was the first compact van with two sliding rear doors. This type of insight and fun to drive engineering is found in all Mazdas, and is defined by the term “Zoom-Zoom.”
In Europe the all-new Mazda5 with up to seven seats hit the show rooms in October 2010 with two petrol engines: the 150-PS MZR 2.0 DISI with direct injection and ‘i-stop’, Mazda’s unique stop start system, and the 115-PS MZR 1.8-litre, both paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The MZ-CD 1.6-litre diesel engine with 115 PS and six-speed manual transmission will follow in early 2011.
Sharing the stand and the spotlight with Mazda5 will be the world premiere of the Shinari design concept, the first vehicle to feature Mazda’s new global design language, Kodo, or the “Soul of Motion.” Under the direction of Ikuo Maeda, the company’s new Global Design Director, Shinari evokes lessons learned from the successful Nagare (“flow”) series of concepts and moves them to a new level. As with all concepts, customers may never see a vehicle on the road that looks just like this, but Mazda Shinari teaches the company’s designers new ways to explore form and surface language.
The Shinari is a pure design concept model of a four-door, four-seater sports coupe which perfectly expresses the Kodo design theme in a graceful and carefree form. The Japanese word shinari describes the powerful yet supple appearance of great resilient force when objects of high tensile strength, such as steel or bamboo, are twisted or bent. It also refers to the appearance of a person or animal as it flexibly transforms its body to generate a fast movement.
One glance at Shinari stirs the emotions. Its form expresses the powerful movement of a lean body with highly developed muscles, supple but at the same time filled with tension. Mazda’s desire is to reach car lovers’ hearts and go beyond the notion of rational logic. This form purely embodies that desire.
Both vehicles will be presented to the media at a press conference scheduled to begin on Wednesday, 17 November, at 16:45 Los Angeles time (Thursday, 18 November, 0:45 Central European time).
In addition to the all-new Mazda5 and the Shinari concept, Mazda will showcase the entire lineup of 2011 vehicles, including a selection of unique customized models and racing cars.
The 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show will be open to the public on 19-28 November 2010.
Press days are on 17-18 November.
