Mazda Eyes the Future with SENKU Concept

Motoring Channel Staff - 5/10/2005

Mazda will exhibit more than 20 vehicles at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, commencing on the 19th of October, with the showstopper being a newly developed concept car, the SENKU, making its world-wide debut.

Powered by a rotary engine (RE), one of the Mazda's most powerful marketing tools, the SENKU is not unlike a future version of the RX-8, with seating for four and an unorthodox door assembly.

Mazda says the SENKU is a concept car that reflects a new direction for 4-seater rotary sports cars designed with mature drivers in mind.

The concept clearly demonstrates how Mazda continues to offer new and unique performance driving qualities in the face of increasing environmental and safety requirements and diversifying customer demands posed by societal changes.

Its overarching design concept is "sharpness and mellowness," according to Mazda, and these contradictory factors are cleverly integrated to create a next generation design standard.

The features include an ultra long wheelbase, minimal overhangs, a unique “floating” appearance supported by large wheels, a smoothly dignified shape devoid of all ornamentation, and large "flying wing" electric powered sliding doors.

Mazda asserts that these elements come together in a revolutionary coupe form that is both dynamic and supremely elegant, while in the cabin, personal space was designed to give priority to the people seated in the front seats, and interior trim was executed in supple, high quality leather.

The name 'Senku' is a Japanese term meaning “pioneer”, depicting Mazda's spirit of pursuing unique and exciting ventures - such as the rotary engine.

Located between the front and rear axles is the next generation '13B DI' direct injection gasoline rotary engine with a hybrid unit. The 1.3-litre rotary engine utilises twin rotors (each expected to be of the typical 653cc capacity) in combination with an electric motor to generate its power.

The Japanese company says that the direct injection rotary engine hybrid achieves high power output and low fuel consumption along with the ideal 50:50 front:rear weight distribution and a low center of gravity, now a trademark of Mazda sports cars, which help to provide fun and dynamic driving.

In addition to highlighting the possibilities of a hybrid rotary engine powertrain, the new SENKU concept also provides clues as to the design direction in which the company will take in the future, evolving its current design DNA.

Further to the hybrid/petrol rotary engine variants on offer, and proof that the Wankel engine is well and truly entrenched at Mazda, the Japanese car maker will showcase a hydrogen powered version of its rotary engine, fitted to models such as the RX-8 and Premacy.

The Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid concept features a hybrid power unit that combines a dual-fuel, hydrogen/gasoline rotary engine with an electric motor.

The power unit is transversely mounted at the front in a front-wheel drive layout, with the company saying the development team aimed to produce a vehicle with outstanding driving and environmental performance along with a comfortable, roomy interior.

Mazda says the sporty RX-8 equipped with the hydrogen RE engine is viable for practical uses, with plans for commercial leasing in the future, which bodes well for the future of performance-based hydrogen vehicles, and puts it in step with Honda and others who are already leasing hydrogen powered cars in some countries.

Some other interesting features at the Mazda exhibit in Tokyo will include the all-new, soon-to-be-launched Mazda MPV. Mazda's vision of the next-generation touring minivan offers all the interior space and utility of conventional minivans, but with "graceful proportions" and taut, athletic lines.

The new MPV will rival the Honda Odyssey in the 'sexy' people mover stakes, with the exhibited version powered by a new direct-injection diesel engine.

The MZR 2.3-litre DISI turbo engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission ti deliver high fuel efficiency and low emissions, along with spirited performance, which Mazda says is far beyond the norm for a minivan.

First seen at the 2005 NAIAS in Detroit, the Mazda MX-Crossport concept will make its Japanese debut at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show alongside the SENKU concept as well. Click here for the full report on the MX-Crossport's features and capabilities. The company claims the Mazda MX-Crossport indicates a direction that it's future products could take as it further expands its lineup of new generation products. The MX-Crossport concept is rumoured to form the basis for a new luxury/sports SUV to rival vehicles such as the Subaru B9 Tribeca.

Mazda will display a wide variety of vehicles and technologies at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, the most important of which is the SENKU concept and the new 2006 model MPV (to be launched first in Japan as part of its global rollout) that demonstrate an impressive product-led growth to visitors.