2006 Mazda Kabura Concept
|
|
|
| Specifications |
| Brakes & Tires |
| Brakes F/R: |
ABS, vented disc/disc |
| Driveline: |
Rear Wheel Drive |
| Tires F-R: |
245/35 R19 - 245/35 R20 |
| Engine |
| Displacement cu in (cc): |
122 (1999) |
| Power bhp (kW) at RPM: |
150(110) / 6000 |
| Redline at RPM: |
n.a. |
| Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: |
138(187) / 4500 |
| Type: |
Inline-4 |
| Exterior Dimensions & Weight |
| Length × Width × Height in: |
158 × 69.4 × 49.9 |
| Weight lb (kg): |
n.a. |
| Performance |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph s: |
n.a. |
| Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): |
n.a. |
| Top Speed mph (km/h): |
n.a. |
|
Mazda Kabura to Redefine the Compact Sports Coupe
|
At the 2006 North American International Auto Show, Mazda is presenting Kabura, a design concept that ventures beyond the compact sports coupe norm to explore several fresh ideas that could appear in future production models.
To deliver the true “Soul of a Sportscar” that is the essence of every Mazda, Kabura incorporates the front-engine, rear-drive layout universally admired by driving enthusiasts and long delivered by Mazda’s MX-5 and rotary-engined sportscars.
While this concept has been constructed over several MX-5 chassis components, basic dimensions fall between Mazda’s MX-5 and RX-8 sportscars.
The Exterior
While Kabura’s profile is reminiscent of classic coupes, the windshield and forward portion of the roof are integrated into one seamless glass surface that extends from the cowl to the B-pillar. Admitting extra light enhances the interior’s feeling of airy space. Overhead portions of the glass have adjustable tinting so that the driver can twist a knob on bright days to change the roof’s opacity, as desired, from clear to completely opaque.
Behind its B-pillar, Kabura has a two-piece glass hatch. The uppermost glass panel normally lies flush. When pivoted-up by an electric motor, the way ailerons rise out of an airplane wing, this panel serves three purposes: it acts as a roof spoiler, it vents air from the interior and it greatly augments the rear passengers’ headroom. In addition, a photovoltaic solar cell in the panel helps to control ambient temperature as well as recharge the battery. The larger glass hatch panel has side-mounted hinges to provide ready access to Kabura’s spacious cargo compartment.
Creative Interior Composition
A standard left-side door provides access to the driver’s cockpit and the rear jump seat. The right side is a wholly different and purposely asymmetrical arrangement. Removing the glovebox and minimizing the instrument panel allowed designers to shift the front passenger six-inches ahead of the driver’s seating position. In turn, the second passenger, sitting in tandem behind the right-front passenger, enjoys approximately the same leg, shoulder, and headroom.
To maintain a sleek roofline while offering rear access that’s vastly superior to what’s available in today’s compact coupes, von Holzhausen’s team designed Kabura with an extra right-side door. After the front door is opened, touching a button slides the bonus door straight back and out of the way.
Kabura: The First Arrow Launched Into Battle
"Kabura" is a Japanese term taken from “Kabura-ya”, an arrow that makes a howling sound when fired and was historically used to signal the start of a battle. The “first arrow into battle” depicts Mazda’s spirit of pursuing unique and exciting ventures - such as the rotary engine.
Base Price: 2006 Mazda Kabura Concept - n.a. (last update: 3/27/2007)
|
|
