Moscow 2008: Mazda Kazamai concept officially unveiled
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mazda Kazamai concept.
Mazda pulled out all the awkwardly executed stops for the reveal of the Kazamai concept, including four sets of dancers, guys in neon-pink shorts on roller skates and a 40-man Russian singing troop in Soviet-style dress. We couldn't make this stuff up if we tried, but what better way to kick off our coverage of the Moscow International Auto Salon.
Despite the strange theatrics, the Kazamai is one of our favorite Nagare-themed concepts since the Furai and Kabura. Then again, we're suckers for two-door crossovers. The Kazamai blends the "flow" theme we've seen on several other concepts with a more aerodynamic body and a slightly toned-down demeanor. Could this be a hint at the future of the CX-7? Don't count it out. But if it does head to production, we'll take it in a three-door package equipped with the MS3's drivetrain... and all-wheel-drive.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Torrent 3:01AM (8/26/2008)
Is it me, or do all these Mazda concepts look the same? I must have some weird case of dementia, because the last one looked JUST like this.
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XGM 2:31PM (8/26/2008)
Yea its part of this new design language they are using, witch explains why they all look the same. The furai is still the best of them.
Dustin 1:29AM (8/27/2008)
Which is also the most infuriating thing. I love the 'nagare' design language but despite being used in concepts since 2006, it's yet to truly filter down into any of their production models.
why not the LS2LS7? 3:06AM (8/26/2008)
Wow. That's awful.
And I blame everyone who encouraged Mazda by calling the Kurai "good looking".
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sroljo 3:25AM (8/26/2008)
Mazda really should start producing some of those concept cars. They have excellent designs.
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Dustin 1:31AM (8/27/2008)
Sadly the production car that looks most like a Mazda concept car is a Saturn Sky
Mark D 4:07AM (8/26/2008)
That's pretty slick, I don't like most off roaders and anything that tries to be an off roader but I'd at least give this one a go.
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Max Douggan 5:51AM (8/26/2008)
very diffrent and unique...ill give credit for that.
but it's a FAIL.
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iSpec 6:34AM (8/26/2008)
A real bumper will change the game. And in the concept game, it's usually like rooting for the Cubs.
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Paul M. Watson 7:19AM (8/26/2008)
The front is a bit bluff but the sides and rear are lovely. Hope they bring these concept designs down into their production cars. A Mazda 2 Furai, what a hoot.
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mr.ed 11:28AM (8/26/2008)
The front is actually retro, going back to early fifties Studies and late 30's shark-nose Grahams, and don't forget Karmann Ghias.
Atomicbri 7:45AM (8/26/2008)
I agree w/ Torrent...all of these concepts look alike. And yet each new Mazda has none of this design language as new models come out. So what really is the point of these concepts? I mean they are ok, and I hear rumors of maybe a Mazda MX-3 like car (MX-4?) or something along those lines which could be cool if done right. I know I wish there were more sporting hatch coupes here in the states. VW GTi and Subie's Imprezza are cool hatches, but that's where it ends...not much choice. I could see Mazda doing a very cool 3 door hatch in this vein....but we will have to wait and see what all of these look alike concepts mean and how they will translate into production styling cues.
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Jon 11:53AM (8/26/2008)
The reason for this concept as well as any concept EVER MADE is to gauge public reactions and see where people would accept completely new ideas in car design. Mazda is using the Flow THEME. Similar theme through all concepts but none are that similar when compared side by side. If you think this looks like the Taiki then maybe you should find other interests because you're blind. Regarding this design. Parts I like parts I don't. Rake that nose back about 15 degrees, smooth out the hood lines and it would meld better IMO. All I want is my Furai...as does just about anyone else.
Heaven forbid anyone had balls to do real concepts anymore....have fun with your Taurus/Five Hundred/Fusion box thingy.
jdoo 9:14AM (8/26/2008)
They can just give me the Furai as is.
Seriously though, I really really hope the next RX7/8/9 bears a striking resemblance to the Furai and/or Kabura.
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Mi key 10:50AM (8/26/2008)
Nice photo the the backsides in picture #7. @:)
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Benfolio 2:13PM (8/26/2008)
I should have stopped there. I kept going and saw the hairy armpit and threw up in my mouf a 'lil.
Yipcanjo 11:40AM (8/26/2008)
It's official! "Vehicles of the future" will all be butt-ugly.
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Eek 11:43AM (8/26/2008)
Normally I don't like the "futuristic" looking concepts but I'm actually kind of digging this one. Of course, much like Damon wrote, I am also a sucker for 2 door SUVs.
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gino 11:50AM (8/26/2008)
Bring back the Kabura and build it.
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Steve in TN 11:58AM (8/26/2008)
Any one of the latest HotWheels models have at least as good a design as this Mazda. Are these stylists actually full-time designers at HotWheels and moonlight at Mazda during weekends? This must be the case.
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