Back in the early 1990s, Mazda built a suitcase car, a portable three-wheeled vehicle for airports that fits inside hard-shell luggage. A project coming from an internal contest called Fantasyard between 1989 and 1991, the concept automobile was built by seven of the company’s engineers from their manual transmission testing and research unit. They wanted a vehicle to move around airports faster, so the team bought a pocket bike and the largest hard-shell Samsonite suitcase, size 57 cm by 75 cm. They used parts from the pocket bike, including its 33.6 cc two-stroke engine that produces 1.7 PS. The handlebars went inside the suitcase, the rear wheels attached to the outside of the case, and the front wheel came through a removable hatch in the front.

Assembling the portable Mazda suitcase car could take around a minute. Workers turned the front wheel to an upright position through the removable section, and they inserted the rear wheels. Then, they attached the seat above the rear axle. In the end, the vehicle weighed 32 kilos while the engine pushed it to a top speed of 30 km/h, or 19 mph. The concept automobile shared traits with earlier Mazda vehicles because it had three wheels, like the Mazda-Go from 1931, which was a motor rickshaw sold in Japan. Then, there’s the low center of gravity, which was found in the previous MX-5 roadster. So far, the portable Mazda suitcase car has never made it to production.

all images courtesy of Mazda UK

Two built versions, with the US one still existing

The early 1990s marked changes at Mazda, as the company faced high demand for its MX-5 roadster. In 1991, Mazda became the first Japanese brand to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans race with a rotary-engined car, the 787B. That same year, Mazda showed a hydrogen-powered rotary concept named HR-X. The company ran Fantasyard, where teams from different departments competed to create mobility ideas, and engineers had small budgets for their projects. It is from this event that the portable Mazda suitcase car came to fruition as a concept automobile.

During its time, it received so much media attention that the company even built two versions (US and Europe). The European model appeared at the 1991 Frankfurt International Motor Show next to the 787B racer, but the original prototype got destroyed by accident months after the Fantasyard event. The US model still exists (likely owned by a collector), while the European one is missing. While the company never produced it, the portable Mazda suitcase car showcased a design direction for the company, one that focuses on small, practical mobility. 

the concept automobile could fit inside a hard-shell Samsonite suitcase

the handlebars went inside the suitcase, and the rear wheels were attached to the outside of the case

the front wheel came through a removable hatch in the front

view of the concept vehicle’s rear

project info:

name: Suitcase car

car manufacturer: Mazda | @mazda_uk

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At Japan Mobility Show 2023, Mazda unveiled the ICONIC SP, a compact electric sports car concept that can generate hydrogen and produce its carbon-neutral fuel. Mazda plans to equip the car design with batteries that can be charged by a recyclable energy source and a two-rotor rotary electric-vehicle system. The compact electric sports car could use this highly scalable rotary engine, responsible for burning various fuels such as hydrogen and generating the vehicle’s electricity using carbon-neutral fuel.

When the battery is charged, Mazda’s ICONIC SP could even drive in a virtually carbon-neutral state, as the car company claims. The two-rotor rotary EV system of the Mazda ICONIC SP also means that the system could generate a lot of power, enough to power up the vehicle and keep it going for long journeys. Because the weight of the car is evenly distributed, the compact electric sports car concept might perform well when driving. Even though it is a sports car, ICONIC SP could also provide electricity for outdoor activities and be useful during emergencies, such as natural disasters, as the vehicle itself doubles as an energy source.

images by Mazda

Viola red for the compact electric sports car

Mazda envisions ICONIC SP with a low center of gravity for its car design, which could enhance its optimal driving performance. The design team plans to place the small, lightweight rotary engine in the middle of the car, so that the front part is low and sleek. This setup could help the car drive better, and the vehicle’s low profile may give it a sporty look. ICONIC SP immediately grabs attention with its vibrant shade of red that Mazda calls ‘Viola Red.’ The car company focused on creating a vivid color while creating a sense of shading that accentuates the car’s shape.

Masahiro Moro, Mazda’s Representative Director, President, and CEO, comments, ‘Mazda will always deliver vehicles that remind people that cars are pure joy and an indispensable part of their lives. As a car-loving company that mass-produces the inspiring mobility experience, we are committed to shaping the future with our partners sharing the same goal, as well as our fans, where everyone can proudly say, ‘we love cars.’ With such a strong will, Mazda is committed to enriching life-in-motion for those we serve.’ As of publishing the story, Mazda has yet to unveil the production date of the compact electric sports car.

rear view of Mazda ICONIC SP

the compact electric sports car is planned to have two-rotor rotary EV system that could burn fuels

the two-rotor rotary EV system could also generate electricity using carbon-neutral fuel

Mazda envisions ICONIC SP with a low center of gravity for its car design

Mazda’s ICONIC SP, a compact electric sports car unveiled at Japan Mobility Show 2023

inside Mazda ICONIC SP

velvet-like texture may be employed as a primary material for the interior

Mazda ICONIC SP at Japan Mobility Show 2023

project info:

name: ICONIC SP

company: Mazda

event: Japan Mobility Show 2023

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all images courtesy of mazda

with a max of 125 miles per charge, there’s a reason for the comparatively low mileage for the mazda MX-30. its smaller battery size is crucial to reducing CO2 emissions and environmental impact over the entire life-cycle, from extraction of raw materials to disposal. mazda ran the numbers, calculating that 35.5 kWh lithium-ion batteries balance the best peace of mind for driving range and eco-friendliness. type 2 AC and DC rapid charging re-energizes the battery from 20-80% in around 35 minutes, which makes daily journeys easy and comfy. longer, outer-city travel need routes planned in advance though.

the smaller battery also keeps the overall vehicle weight as low as possible for light handling and agility. this is just one of the ways mazda electrifies its renowned ‘jinbai ittai – car and driver as one’ ethos. unlike other EVs, the SUV does not focus on a zippy performance. its skyactiv-vehicle architecture, together with the e-skyactiv drivetrain, delivers smooth power instead. throttle pedal transitions are seamless, as is the gradual regeneration when braking to conserve power. paddle shifters increase or decrease energy recuperation with five selectable settings, although a one-pedal-driving mode – a normality in other EVs – would be more aggressive and advantageous for the driver here.

from performance to style, the EV feels and looks as a mazda should. with the brand’s kodo design philosophy – a visual expression of the soul of motion – the SUV’s body appears as a pure, solid shape devoid of unnecessary elements. only the signature LED headlights and rear lights interrupt. its simple yet stylish aesthetic is accentuated in its three-tone soul red crystal metallic paint, also available in a special ceramic metallic option or five standard colors. a brilliant black roof and metallic dark gray upper side panels strikingly contrast, hinting to the spaciousness inside.

the cabin opens up with pillar-less freestyle doors, where the rear set bares backwards as if a carriage. the novelty does create a more memorable welcome and affords more space for passengers to maneuver in and out. however, the freestyle doors mean rear passengers must open both front and back sets to enter or exit, and one cannot close without the other.

the light, modern cabin pairs high quality materials with sustainability. fibers made from recycled plastic bottles line the door trim, and distinctive light gray cloth, stone leatherette and orange stitching adorn the seats. the floating center console sits independently from the dashboard, creating handy storage space below and behind. cork-lined trays and inner side door handles nod to mazda’s foundation as the toyo kogyo cork company in 1920. the material is a mixture of bark harvested without felling trees and, again, recycled plastic. the slim dashboard screen displays the reversing camera, connected systems and navigation. the lattermost does not actively recommend charging stations on preselected routes, which if one dares to go beyond the city limit, is a must with 125 mile range of the mazda MX-30.

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product info:

brand: mazda

model: MX-30

max range: 125 miles

pricing: starting at £26,045 GBP

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all images by giediprime, the seller

designed by tatsumi fukunaga and toshiko hirai, the mazda AZ-1 is most recognized for its gull-wing doors and its compact size. weighing only 720kg and about 4 feet tall, the car runs on a turbo-charged 657cc three cylinder engine of 63 horsepower, at 8500 rpm. the two-door mazda coupe drives on tri-spoke 13” enkei wheels, mounted with 165/60 yokohama ecos tires, and also features other key components such as the custom red front license plate, mazdaspeed exhaust, fog lamps, turbo timer, MOMO steering wheel, roof sunshades, a kenwood CD player and customized M2 1015 front bumper, front hood and rear spoiler. 

available at the davis collection in arizona, USA, the mazda AZ-1 is now offered at no reserve on bring-a-trailer, with the auction open until april 13, 2020.

project info:

title: 1992 mazda autozam AZ-1

auction link: link

auction deadline: april 13 2020

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all images courtesy of maximilian schneider via carscoops

the mazda RX-10 vision longtail is penned as an incredibly low-slung design by maximilian schneider. its front features the brand’s slim yet wide and angular grille with sets of sharp LED headlights on either side. the curvaceous wheel arches accentuate the car’s surface treatment. in line with the essential emotive styling of their KODO design philosophy, its body is completely fluid with no split lines. the design is complete with width-spanning taillights that highlight its powerful road stance and low center of gravity.

with an all-encompassing halo, the hypercar exemplifies the type of car that could race in the new halo class at le mans in the future. a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine with 780 hp is accompanied by two front-driven electric motors with 125 hp each. this provides a total of 1,030 hp that propels the 1450 kg car to a top speed of 265 mph (427 km/h).

concept info:

brand: mazda

model: RX-10 vision longtail

designer: maximilian schneider

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‘these special edition models were prepared as a token of our appreciation for those who have supported mazda this far, along with our determination to continue to cherish our founder’s aspiration of enriching people’s lives.’ mazda explains. ‘we owe these 100 years to the continued support from our customers, business partners, shareholders and fans all over the world, who have stuck with us through thick and thin every step of the way.’

the nine models  included in the release are the mazda2, mazda3, mazda6, CX-3, CX-30, CX-5, CX-8, roadster (MX-5) and roadster RF. each of the commemorative special edition vehicles is adorned in snowflake white pearl mica premium exterior paint, accented by red styling, and comes with an exclusive 100th anniversary logo. red leather seats and red carpet nod to the two-tone R360 coupe. the logo can found in both the exterior and interior of the models — including the wheel center cap, leather seats, carpet, the headrest and the key fob. 

project info:

title: mazda 100th anniversary special edition series

brand: mazda

The post mazda celebrates its 100th anniversary with a lineup of retro-styled, limited-edition releases appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

all images courtesy of mazda

the mazda R360 coupe was not the first kei car (microcar) but quickly became the most popular in japan. unlike competitors within the 3 x 1.2 meter size segment, the car enhanced a more efficient four-stroke engine with two 360 cm 3 V-cylinders, which, despite only producing 12 kw, propels it to a top speed of 56 mph (90 km/h). this power, combined with an incredibly low weight of just 380 kg, made it the lightweight four-seater in the world at the time.

the model conceived mazda’s gram strategy, which is their ongoing obsession with containing mass. aluminum elements, from its hood to engine valves, were integrated throughout and even a rear window made from specially developed plexiglass was used to help reduce weight. without a frame, its monocoque structure furthered its weight reduction, even improving safety, ride comfort and reducing vibrations. the result was extremely engaging and fun to drive, and reflected the brand’s jinba ittai spirit, which is defined as the connection between driver and car.

as well as its lightweight design, driver engagement and affordability, the mazda R360 coupe captured hearts with its aesthetic style. as a first, the microcar resembled an elegant coupe rather than an essential city car. its combination of fluid surfacing and sharp geometries set precedents for the brand, and is noticeable in the designs of some of their other classics including the cosmo 100S, luce R130, RX-7 and RX-8. today, its influence has evolved into their kodo design philosophy that has crafted the recent CX-3 and concepts RX-vision and vision coupe. after 60 years, the characteristics of mazda are still the same: stylish looks, lightness, joy of driving, and affordable.

product info:

brand: mazda

model: R360 coupe

world premier: 1960

location: tokyo motor show

The post mazda and microcars: how adorable R360 coupe shaped mazda’s design DNA appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

images courtesy of mazda

the mazda MX-30 delivers 141bhp and 195lb ft from an electric motor powered by a 35.5kwh battery, offering a range of 130 miles. it is capable of 6.6kW domestic charging and and 50kW rapid charging via a ccs connection, the latter of which will give 80% charge in 30 to 40 minutes, claimed mazda.

it features the mazda’s new powertrain the company is calling e-skyactiv. the high-voltage components that comprise the e-skyactiv system include the motor, battery pack, inverter, and dc-dc converter. the direct current from the battery is converted to alternating current by the inverter to drive the motor, while the dc-dc converter steps down the voltage to supply power to the car’s various 12v auxiliary equipment.

inside, a minimalist, modern interior comprises a low and wide dashboard with a seven-inch touchscreen display that features climate control functions. the cabin features unique materials such as fabric made from plastic bottles (a vegan alternative to real leather) and cork used in the ‘floating’ center console that provides storage space. the cork is made of leftovers from a cork stopper company, a throwback to mazda’s origins as a cork producer.

the MX-30’s freestyle doors use custom-designed hinges that allow the front doors to open to 82° and rear doors to open to 80°, giving the car a distinctive and elegant cabin silhouette. this should make loading and unloading cargo easier as well as providing easier access for strollers and wheelchairs.

‘alongside the electrification technologies we are introducing across our range, being a smaller manufacturer we focused all our efforts on creating an electric car that we anticipate will be a second car where the range of our vehicle will meet customers’ needs,’ explains yasuhiro aoyama, president & ceo of mazda motor europe.

the MX-30 is available now for pre-order, which should arrive in european dealerships during the second half of 2020 (UK 2021). cnet reports that the car is also destined for the US. exact pricing is yet to be confirmed, but autocar notes that the MX-30 is expected to start at below £30,000 (approximately $38,500).

project info

company: mazda

model: MX-30

type: electric car

available: 2021

event: tokyo motor show 2019

other information: available for pre-order

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all images courtesy of mazda

reflecting the breaking dawn and the beginning of another new, exciting future for the miata, the racing orange of the mazda MX-5 30th anniversary edition continues further than just the bodywork. behind the forged aluminum wheels, it features orange brake callipers and then accents on the seats, door trim, dashboard and, even, the shift lever. each model includes an anniversary badge that displays its serial number.

the special edition car has been limited to just 3,000 units worldwide, which includes both the soft-top and RF retractable hardtop models. so far, the racing orange roadster has already sold out in the US so the only way to see one might be at the 2019 chicago auto show itself, which runs until february 18th.

project info:

name: MX-5 30th anniversary edition

manufacturer: mazda

units: 3,000

The post mazda MX-5 30th anniversary edition marks three decades of the roadster appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

all images courtesy of mazda

‘the beauty of the surface makes the car much more than a product,’ explains masahi otsuka. fundamentally, the mazda ‘CX-3’ follows the brand’s KODO design, which, by combining hiroshima traditions and japanese craftsmanship with french spirit, creates an essential emotive style. in a way similar to that of the subtle, artisanal yet fluid curves seen in vase craft, the exterior body is sharp, striking but minimal with almost no defining lines.

the 2019 model follows a mission of ‘exquisite and edgy’, where the exterior not only emphasizes strength in form and proportions but a deeper feeling of elegance and quality. starting with the large wheels pushed to its corners, the strong presence is furthered by the new front grille. chrome accents, running along its side, projects a forward motion and combines with piano black details on the side pillars to contrast with its soul red crystal premium paint.

the vehicle’s interior continues the ‘soul of motion’ design but, subtly, more complexly. whilst eliminating the unnecessary, the space is simplified and focused on human centric design. from the redesigned center console to the armrests and again to the wider front seats, it is a cabin of japanese aesthetics paired with upscale materials. as such, a suede-like material, from the dashboard to the door trims, helps provide a sophisticated ambience.

the updates to the ‘CX-3’ highlight the brand’s continuing developing and devotion to their KODO principles. the redesigns further strengthen the connection between the car and customer, which, for a vehicle intended for extended use for active lifestyles, is hugely important. the car is completed with improved ride comfort, handling and quietness that is made possible by the new powertrain and suspension.

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