Kabura Concept: Sports Coupe with innovative 3+1 layout

Research shows Mazda has one of the youngest new-car buyer groups (average age 41 years) in North America. Based on this research, the latest Mazda concept car is designed to enhance its appeal to Generation-Y buyers, who are several steps ahead of the latest trends and constantly on the lookout for affordable possessions that satisfy their hunger for stylish, insightful and spirited designs. The Kabura design concept ventures beyond the compact sports coupe norm to support youthful lifestyles and explore several fresh ideas that could appear in future production models, with one of the most interesting aspects being the interior versatility. Replacing the typical 2+2 layout is a clever 3+1 arrangement which establishes a new interior concept giving greater passenger comfort versus a traditional coupe without increasing weight or size. Obliging spur-of-the-moment adventures and shopping sprees, all passenger seats fold flat to make way for snow boards, shopping bags and all the tools of an active life.

The name: KABURA

“Kabura” is a Japanese term taken from “KABURA-ya”, an arrow that makes a howling sound when fired and was historically used to signal the start of a battle. The “first arrow into battle” depicts Mazda’s spirit of pursuing unique and exciting ventures - such as the rotary engine.

The Kabura is the first project guided by Mazda North American Operations’ (MNAO) Director of Design Franz von Holzhausen, who joined Mazda in February 2005. The 37-year-old von Holzhausen studied industrial design at Syracuse University and graduated from the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena , Calif.

Reinvigorating the affordable coupe

“With Kabura, we set out to use innovative design to rekindle the passion for driving,” notes von Holzhausen. “Our intention is to rouse the segment with some intravenous creativity. While we have no plans at the moment to build a production version of Kabura, it is not a complete flight of fancy. It embodies several innovations Mazda could implement when a compact sports coupe, steeped in Zoom-Zoom, is ready for production.”

Power is supplied to Kabura’s rear wheels by a 2.0-liter version of Mazda’s highly respected MZR DOHC 16-valve engine and through to 245/35R19 Bridgestone Potenza front tires and 245/35R20 tires at the rear. While this concept has been constructed over several MX-5 chassis components, basic dimensions fall between Mazda’s MX-5 and RX-8 sportscars.

Were the Kabura design study to achieve production status, it would likely be a stand-alone product rather than an extension of any existing model line.

Von Holzhausen describes Kabura’s exterior as “a nimble-looking fuselage with a powerful stance, pronounced wheel arches and taut surfaces.” He adds , “Every line flows into another with no open ends. Surfaces are drawn tight over the wheel arches, the way a spider’s web stretches between anchor points.”

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