LA 2010: Mazda Shinari Concept makes North American debut

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Mazda

2010 Mazda Shinari Concept

2010 Mazda Shinari Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda’s current Nagare design language starts with smiling faces and moves back into wavy body panels. It’s hit and miss on the automaker’s existing lineup of cars. The Mazda Shinari Concept, which we previously saw in Milan and now makes its North American Debut here at the 2010 LA Auto Show, aims to change that.

The flowing lines are present, but they appear to be more organic, almost as if they were shaped by the wind itself flowing over the body of the car. The Shinari is the brainchild of Mazda’s Global Head of Design, Ikuo Maeda and it represents an entire new design philosophy known as KODO.

Described by Mazda with terms such as speed, tension and alluring, the KODO design language shows us a future filled with much more stoically aggressive vehicles. Gone is the O HAI THERE! happy face, and in it’s place is a visage that appears ready to tackle the road while the wind flows over the swoops, creases and curves.

Unfortunately, as you might expect, we will never see the Shinari enter production. However, if Mazda can glean some new designs from Maeda’s gorgeous styling exercise, then we could be in for some very good looking vehicles from the Japanese automaker.

Gallery: LA 2010: Mazda Shinari Concept

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

LA 2010: Mazda Shinari Concept makes North American debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda Shinari Concept debuts new face of the brand in style

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Mazda, Design/Style

Mazda Shinari Concept

Mazda Shinari Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

When Mazda invited us to Milan to see its new concept car, we knew it must be something important. Normally concept cars get their 15 minutes of fame at an auto show, and then it’s off to the next press conference to see what the following automaker will introduce. Not so with Mazda’s latest styling endeavor. The Japanese automaker wanted our full and undivided attention, with the center of international design and fashion in Italy as a fitting backdrop.

The Shinari concept, which roughly translates to “resistance to being bent,” will serve as a the basis for Mazda’s new design language, and many of the styling cues will make it to future production vehicles. That means that the Shinari will essentially affect the design of every vehicle coming from the Japanese automaker for the next several years. An important car for Mazda? You bet.

The Shinari was officially unveiled earlier today, and we spent several hours talking with Mazda’s artists about the design and how it will affect the automaker’s forthcoming vehicles. Follow the jump to learn more about the Shinari and what it means for the brand’s future.

Gallery: Mazda Shinari Concept In Detail

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Mazda Shinari Concept debuts new face of the brand in style

Mazda Shinari Concept debuts new face of the brand in style originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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