MAZDA DESIGN
BREATHING LIFE INTO SHEET METAL
We engineer cars that deliver pure driving joy. That starts with an alluring design that conveys soul and personality. Design that is uniquely Mazda. Each and every car in our lineup is made to appeal to the senses, and design is the language we use to communicate that.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
In the same way that an artist wants to evoke a response from his audience, we want to design cars that spark emotion in drivers. Only human hands can create true art and so this is where our process begins. We call it “Exploratory Preparation,” and it rarely includes anything car-like. Rather, we experiment with forms that we find exciting or pleasing and translate these ideas into fabrication, where the human hand always plays a vital role.
KODO: “SOUL OF MOTION”
Creating a sense of motion, even at a standstill—That’s the essence of Mazda’s Kodo: “Soul of Motion” design philosophy. It allows designers to imbue each model with its own personality while staying true to a unifying theme. Cars are our canvas, and every one we make begs to be driven. We’re honored that drivers are so happy to oblige.
“I want them to feel Mazda´s devotion to design. If they do, I believe they will feel the joy of driving and love their cars all the more"."
OSAMU FUJIKI, EXPERT FABRICATOR
COMMITED TO CLAY
We’re in the golden age of computer-aided design. It allows us to render 3D models with a level of accuracy that was out of reach just a few short years ago. But at Mazda, design starts with a block of clay. And for that, there is simply no substitute. Artisans shape the clay until the ideal lines reveal themselves and only then do they collaborate with digital modelers. This traditional/digital partnership takes the best of both worlds to create uniquely appealing designs.
Fabrication
Once the initial design is finalized, it goes to an expert fabricator who crafts it into a scale model. The goal is to create a model even “more perfect than the real car.” Every part of the car that will be visible to its occupants must be reproduced precisely. Revisions can also be made at this point, which is another example of Mazda’s collaborative design process. Quality is never compromised.
“In our minds, red was the only color that could express Mazda’s strong passion and dedication to the creation of cars.”
COLOR DESIGNER AKIHIRO HOSONO ON THE CREATION OF SOUL RED
PREMIUM PAINT
The diligent care that goes into design and fabrication continues during the paint process. The color designer and master painter work together to make sure the designer’s color is translated perfectly onto the newly built cars. A combination of precise mixing and expert application technique ensures that the color and finish are worthy of such breathtaking designs. The Soul Red Crystal Metallic color is a beautiful example of what can be achieved through this meticulous application process.
Concept Cars
Vision Coupe
The Vision Coupe pays homage to classics that defined Mazda elegance. The Vision Coupe, which is fitted with revolutionary Skyactiv-X engine technology, was revealed at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. Handcrafted bodywork provides contrasts of light and shade that create a sense of fluid movement.
BREATHING LIFE INTO SHEET METAL
Breathing life into the car. That’s Mazda Design philosophy.
