Mazda unveils its New Design Theme: ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’

Mazda has presented its new design theme through the design concept model, Mazda Shinari. ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ is the name of the new design approach from the Japanese brand which tries to express movement.

For the last 50 years, starting with the R360 Coupe, Mazda has spent many years exploring the concept of ‘motion.’ Throughout the years the brand always offered to customers designs that are exciting both to view and to drive.

Since the launch of the Zoom-Zoom brand message with the Mazda6, followed by the RX-8 and the Mazda2, the Japanese brand has undergone a pursuit for a concept of more athletic and sporty motion. With the Mazda Nagare concept car and the all-new Mazda5 the motion-based design was further extended to integrate the theme of ‘motion inspired by nature’.

According to Ikuo Maeda, the head of Mazda’s Design Division, “In our work to further evolve the expression of motion, Mazda Design has focused on the strength, beauty and tension found in the instantaneous movement seen in animals. This motion that is so full of vitality that it stirs the emotions of those who see it. We have named it ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’, and our aim is to express movement with forceful vitality and speed as the design theme for Mazda’s upcoming models.”

Mazda Shinari

Together with ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ Mazda is presenting the Shinari concept car, a 4-door, 4-seat, sports coupe which is claimed to be a pure expression of the new design theme. The Shinari features several new design elements that will carry forward into production.

The strength and the motion on the Shinari are shown thanks to the distinctive front fenders which are a further evolution of the ones introduced on the RX-8. They highlight the dynamic movement expressed in the sides of Shinari, combining sporty and elegant. The Shinari also features a front grille that is further three-dimensional sculpted, emphasizing Mazda’s lineage. Also the aluminum floating bar linking the grille with the headlights enhances the three-dimensional expression of speed.

There are some rumours that say the Shinari concept car will be showcasing in Paris, at the French capital Motor Show in October. But there still hasn’t been an official confirmation from Mazda.