New Mazda Taiki

Mazda unveiled their latest concept car today for journalists touring their Yokohama, Japan, facilities. The Mazda Taiki follows in the path of Mazda’s “flow” design concept with elements of real-world technologies

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The Taiki is equipped with a next-generation RENESIS rotary engine under the hood, which Mazda claims “sets new standards for environmental and driving performance.” Mazda’s rear-wheel-drive concept is a two-seater inside a body that looks light as air.

Not surprisingly, the nose of the Taiki is similar to previous Mazda concept Ryuga. The new car also looks to be a more refined sibling of the Nagare concept. Both the Ryuga and Nagare were introduced under the “flow” design banner.

The Japanese word “Taiki” roughly translates to atmosphere. Mazda used this name to equate the car’s stretched cabin, short overhangs, and glass canopy with the “protective mantle” around Earth.

One of the key differences from previous concept cars is the Taiki’s rear wheels, which seem to stick out a bit, and are covered by a sort-of simulated wheel well. The effect of this is the illusion that the rear wheels are not protected as part of the chassis, but if you look at a picture of the car from behind the wheels look more integrated.

The inspiration behind Taiki’s exterior came from the idea of two floating Hagoromo, “the flowing robes that enable a celestial maiden to fly in Japanese legend,” states the press release. When thinking about the interior, designers looked to the Japanese koinobori carp streamers, and decided to try and create a space depicting the flowing wind.

The Taiki will be debuted to the public at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.

Mazda also introduced the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid, which the company claims gets 40% better output compared to the RX-8 Hydrogen RE. The end result is faster acceleration and a fuel range of roughly 200 km (124 mi). Five adults should be able to sit comfortably into this hydrogen/gas hybrid. 

The Premacy has a rotary engine that rests in a transverse layout, intake/exhaust resistance and combustion efficiency seeing solid output at different engine speed. Ultimately, the car is believed to have a quick responsiveness along with high energy efficiency.

The car also has a lithium-ion battery that recharges from the car’s braking, and is used for the car’s electric motor. The electric motor also derives power from the rotary engine.

Although the engine runs on hydrogen, it can be switched to gas when the hydrogen runs out.

The Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid will be available in Japan next year, at a leasing cost of around $3,500 per month. The car is being targeted towards government and ecological agencies. It will also see its public debut at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The Taiki and Premacy are another step in an awfully busy period for Mazda. The brand new Mazda Atenza was just introduced at Frankfurt, with expectations to be available for order soon. Atenza comes as either a four-door sedan, five-door sport hatchback, or sport wagon, and is expected to be more economical. This despite its 2.5litre engine that supposedly provides more torque, more response, and more acceleration.

Mazda MX-5

MSRP: $21,750 - $29,290

To some reviewers the 2009 Mazda MX-5 ’s style is neither butch nor muscular. The New York Times says, “It doesn’t have side pipes or a hood scoop or a name that conjures images of bloodlust and rage.” In fact, Car and Driver calls it a “cutie pie,” though Edmunds returns some dignity when it reports that the Miata has “more aggressive styling, without bumping up the price or diluting its perky personality.”

Jalopnik says it "resembles a lightweight power lifter" and describes it as follows: "flared wheel arches rising out of the hood and the trunk, aggressive swells around the headlights and dual pipes poking out of a chiseled, muscular derriere." Cars.com points out that this version of the Miata “retains the fixed headlights but returns somewhat to the original shape, with fewer curves—except for the accentuated wheel arches that recall the 2009 Mazda MX-5 ”

The 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is available in two models: a soft-top roadster and a Power Retractable Hard Top model. The hardtop edition is good-looking too; Car and Driver says, “raised, the body-color bubble looks stubbier than the soft-top but is still attractive.”

Inside the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata’s cabin, the seat shape is refined for better comfort and lateral support. The center console has more flexible storage, and a padded armrest provides better comfort. “The interior is highlighted with chrome and silver accents, and the driver faces a three-spoke tilt steering wheel,” Cars.com notes of its test car. “The $515 interior trim package,” according to the New York Times, “consists of a few bits of ‘aluminum look’ trim on the door panels and dashboard. Mind you, this isn’t aluminum trim—it’s plastic. For that price, on a per-ounce basis, I’d think you could trim your doors and dash in anything from titanium to sashimi-grade tuna belly.”2009 Mazda MX-5