Autoblog

Video: Mazda Shinari concept and Kodo-fied Mazda3 make the scene

Zach Bowman — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Mazda

Mazda Shinari Concept - Click above to watch video after the jump

We're going to go ahead and say it: of all of the companies out there, few demonstrate a command of the concept car quite like Mazda. While most manufacturers seem to be eschewing the concept in favor of thinly-veiled production vehicles, Mazda continues to tantalize the imaginations of onlookers with cars like the Furai. Now, it looks like the company is planning to turn away from its somewhat controversial (read: smiley) Nagare design language in favor of a new theme. Mazda is calling it Kodo, meaning "soul of motion," and if the Shanari Concept is any indication of what we can expect from future models, we're sold.

Mazda has just rolled out a couple of videos that show off the company's new look. The first features a CG Shanari rolling through crowded city streets, tunnels and the rolling tarmac of what we assume to be the Japanese countryside. The second gives us an idea of what a Kodo-fied Mazda3 might look like. Hit the jump for a quick look see.

[Source: Mazda via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Mazda Shinari concept and Kodo-fied Mazda3 make the scene

Video: Mazda Shinari concept and Kodo-fied Mazda3 make the scene originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2008: production Ford Kuga

Noah Joseph — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, Ford

Click above to view the Ford Kuga in hi-res

Kinetic design has been swallowing Ford of Europe's product range whole, and took a big bite at this year's Geneva Motor Show. Alongside the new Fiesta, Ford showed off the production version of the all-new Kuga crossover. Previewed by the concept unveiled at the last Frankfurt show and drawing on styling cues from the Iosis X show car, the Kuga is based on the same platform as the slicker Focus they get overseas.

Although the Kuga is admittedly one more European model that Ford won't offer in its home market, we're not short of Ford crossovers to choose from over here, so we'll let the Europeans have this one. (Just give us the Focus RS and we'll be happy.) But to see what we're missing, check out our gallery of images from the Geneva show floor by clicking on the thumbnails below. Unfortunately, although we're sure the Kuga rolled off its turntable at night after we were gone and duked it out with the Renault Koleos for market share, we couldn't prove it.

Gallery: Ford Kuga

Geneva 2008: production Ford Kuga originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Mar 2008 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When the unobtanium gets too puffilated, cars take on the J.C. Whitney look

Erin Mays — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Courtesy of Ward's AutoWorld, the term 'Design Language' is rapidly taking on new meaning. The publication recently delved into the world of car designer lingo, mining minds like DaimlerChrysler designer Ralph Gilles for 'it' words.

In addition to the oft-used "craptastic," a word used to describe a horrible design but a fantastic launch and presentation, Ward's came upon the following equally appropriate and equally funny descriptors:

J.C. Whitney Look: "When something looks added on to the car, it looks out of place, it looks like an afterthought." (Ralph Gilles, DaimlerChrysler)

Puffilate: "When we sit there and review a surface and we think it's too hollow or flat, we say we have to puffilate that." (Ralph Gilles)

Unobtainium: "A designer type of material you can shape in any way or fashion. It has virtually no cost, and it really helps us to get our designs forward. However, the engineers just despise that." (Pat Schiavone, Ford)

Looks like an RV: "Anything where I don't like the trim, or if it feels like it's not bolted on correctly, or it doesn't have the fit and finish, I say 'man that reminds me of an RV." (Pat Schiavone, Ford)

Goiter: "An unexpected bulging of the clay that, although previously invisible, becomes visually magnetic by virtue of being pointed out by one's boss." (Kevin George, Ford)

[Source: Ward's AutoWorld]

When the unobtanium gets too puffilated, cars take on the J.C. Whitney look originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jun 2006 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spyshot: 2008 Ford Five Hundred bagged!

Chris Paukert — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Trends, Sedan, Ford

As Edmunds Inside Line correctly points out, Ford looks to be readying more facelifts for next year than a Los Angeles plastic surgeon. The latest to get the Norelco flat-bar grille treatment would appear to be the 2008 Five Hundred sedan, whose value and interior volumes have come in for praise, but whose milquetoast styling and underwhelming drivetrain and handling have been derided.

The Blue Oval hopes to rectify both issues by early next year, so we're eager to see how they manage.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

(Great tip, Brian!)

Spyshot: 2008 Ford Five Hundred bagged! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Apr 2006 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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