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driviNG
Mazda’s vision of the future
Motoring supremo uses Japanese angel as inspiration for its latest bodywork
Have a peek at the new concept car
to be unveiled by Japanese automotive
master Mazda. The Taiki (‘atmosphere’
roughly translated) was inspired by
the image of a pair of angel’s wings
belonging to a figure from a Japanese
legend. The stretched lines, glass
canopy and over-hanging rear wheels
reduce the amount of drag and make
it look like wind (apparently).
One of the key differences from
Mazda’s previous concepts (the Nagare,
Ryuga and Hakaze) is that the rear
wheels are separate from the chassis.
This is to allow air to move around the
body as quickly as possible.
tomorrow’s world:
‘wind’-shaped cars
and gravelly roads
6 / www.ShortList.com
The front-engined, rear-drive car
is powered by the latest version of
Mazda’s rotary engine – one that uses
rotors instead of pistons and is powered
alternately by hydrogen and petrol. The
car also has a lithium-ion battery that
recharges when you use the brakes,
which in turn powers the car’s motor.
While this may sound like it should be
confined to the realms of sci-fi, Mazda
will be putting the same technology into
its vehicles next year. And bosses have
hinted that the Taiki may be the basis
for its top-secret RX-8 roadster.
Go to mazda.com for more details
Kitt could now stick
his tongue out
Get your fill of film,
car, fashion and
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SEE THE BEST
CONCEPT CARS OF
2007 AT
shortlist.com
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