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No Surprise: Mazda confirms new small CUV to be named CX-5

Chris Shunk — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Crossover, Mazda

Mazda Minagi Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

In a move that should surprise exactly nobody, Mazda has announced that its forthcoming smaller crossover will be called CX-5. The little 'ute is said to borrow heavily from the Minagi Concept that Mazda unveiled in March at the Geneva Motor Show, and it will be the first Mazda vehicle to incorporate the automaker's new 'KODO - Soul of Motion' design theme.

The design theme was first introduced back in the fall when the Japanese automaker unveiled the Shinari Concept; a very attractive, luxurious-looking sedan that could park next to an Aston Martin Rapide and still get noticed. The CX-5 will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and will go in sale in calendar year 2012.

Mazda says the new crossover will feature the automaker's SkyActiv technologies, which will include engines, transmissions, body and chassis. SkyActiv is Mazda's "sustainable ZoomZoom" approach that includes more efficient powertrains and lower overall body mass for improved fuel efficiency and performance.

Hit the jump to read over the Mazda press release.

Gallery: Mazda Minagi Concept

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading No Surprise: Mazda confirms new small CUV to be named CX-5

No Surprise: Mazda confirms new small CUV to be named CX-5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: Mazda Shinari Concept makes North American debut

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:58:00 EST

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

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 its 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

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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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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