2010 LA Auto Show: Mazda Shinari Concept

November 17, 2010

By Marc-André Hallé, Auto123.com

Sometimes concept cars are just like the ideas you were having at a younger age. It may sound nice and have all the potential in the world, but only a few of those ideas end up becoming reality. The only wish I have about the Shinari Concept that was unveiled in Los Angeles is that all of it turns to reality, and that other Mazda models benefit from all this work, as the Japanese manufacturer is currently stating.

The Shinari looks like the love child of an Aston Martin Rapide and an RX-8. Being the first Mazda to wear their new “KODO – Soul of Motion” design theme, which isn’t a bad thing at all, this car just screams at you to look at it. With its intersecting lines and a surface area that's constantly moving and changing depending on the lighting, the result is just splendid. In fact, this car is so beautiful that there are already postage stamps available with the Shinari's picture on them in Japan!

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com

The interior follows the same lines seen outside, offering a modern design all made of aluminum, leather and double stitching. The Shinari is also driver-oriented, with gauges accessible at a quick glance and a seat that really makes the driver stick on it. Another good idea on the concept consists of making the passenger and rear bucket seats to be much more relaxed, giving more comfort for somebody that is not driving. One of the best touches consists of the immense glass roof that gives away the impression of having even more space, something the car already gives out to its occupants.

The only question I ask to myself, after seeing this wonderful piece of engineering: what will be the impact of such a design on future cars? Don’t look for it on the 2012 Mazda5, which incorporates the company’s “Nagere” theme.

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2010 LA Auto Show: Mazda Shinari Concept

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