That, in turn, produced four winning candidates subsequently narrowed to just two theme models which graduated to full-size hard models that could be further evaluated in clinics held in 2005.
One design was deemed to be advanced, youthful, and distinctive while the other was received as a beautiful expression with quiet elegance.
After some consideration, the conclusion was that, while conservative participants admired the beautiful car, the advanced and distinctive design was far more suitable for the risk takers to whom the new MAZDA6 was targeted. The more aggressive design won the final selection process and was chosen for additional refinement.
One of the most distinctive features drawn from Mazda’s design portfolio is a front fender reminiscent of the one found on today’s RX-8.
Sculpture that flows from the front fascia, through the headlamp, over the top of the front-wheel opening, and into the side surface ahead of the front door achieves two aims: it accents the importance of wheels to the MAZDA6’s athletic character and it visually trims the length of the front overhang.
The graceful S-curve that flows smoothly from the highest point of the roof to the subtle lip at the very end of the decklid’s top surface and the rear glass that melts into the decklid give the MAZDA6 an exceptionally sleek appearance from almost any angle.
The harmony of sharp edges with richly curved surfaces adds to the MAZDA6’s visual value. Powerful wheel arches, attached like wings to an airplane’s fuselage, create an athletic stance and instill a dynamic character.
Large areas of both doors are perfectly smooth and taut to exhibit blank-space beauty. Fine attention to detail is clearly evident in the taillamps’ intricate LED components. All lamps nestle jewel-like within their surrounding surfaces.
Manufacturing and cost-analysis experts took issue with a few aspects of the MAZDA6’s exterior design. The polished chrome side-window trim and the highly detailed dual exhaust tips were quite expensive.
The hood-to-fender parting line and the juncture of the hood to the grille, front fascia, and front fender caused anxiety among manufacturing and quality personnel. Just as with the RX-8, the ambitiously sculpted front fenders could not be made with conventional stamping methods.
Sato-san’s team stuck by its guns and refused compromises that would diminish their design. In the end, ingenuity and team work delivered the necessary miracles and the MAZDA6 proceeded to production as conceived without sacrifices.
Car Mazda Interrior Design
While a few distinctive Mazda interior design elements, such as round instruments and a three-spoke steering wheel accompanied by a T-shaped instrument panel, were a given from the start of this design project, new priorities called for an otherwise fresh approach.
"The quality of execution had to be the highest Mazda had ever achieved in any US production. Surface textures, gloss levels, parting lines, and decorative areas all received careful attention."
The interior needed an expansive feeling without losing its focus on fun for the driver combined with comfort and safety for all passengers. To achieve that, a bi-level theme was adopted: a roomy bottom zone with solid and safe upper areas.
A multitude of sketches were soon boiled down to three principal candidates. One featured a floating instrument panel and strict left-right symmetry. The second included a much narrower center console and stack, essentially an evolution of the first-generation MAZDA6. The third execution integrated the center stack with the instrument cluster to strengthen the interior’s dedication to the driver’s needs.
Car Mazda Interrior Design
Car Mazda Interrior Design
The final design embodies the most successful attributes of the first and third design alternatives. The center area of the instrument panel is a large tilted area that provides excellent functionality to both front-seat occupants.
Car Mazda Interrior Design
Blacked-out instrument faces with brighter metallic markings, needles, and trim gives the MAZDA6 interior an exquisitely detailed look. Seats are highly refined with soft-look volumes combined with comfortable cushions and highly effective side bolsters. Attractively curved surfaces blend the console into the instrument panel.
Sculpted shapes combined with metallic-looking control panel areas achieve the desired contrast between dignity and celestial beauty. Crisp edges abut gently curved soft surfaces.
Unique patterns and textures give the MAZDA6’s interior a fresh, original appearance. Use of black trim provides a rich, sporty look that’s unprecedented in the mid-size segment.
Car Mazda Interrior Design
Brightly finished switches in the steering wheel and center stack area mark the interior as a premium execution. High-mounted entertainment system and climate controls enhance functionality.
The entry-level interior benefits from brightly plated metal accents and a choice of black, beige, or gray cloth upholstery with a tasteful weave pattern.
Available Touring-level trim blends tastefully-patterned cloth with leather upholstery and adds a leather steering wheel cover.
The Grand Touring interior uses leather only for upholstery material in a choice of black, beige, or gray tones.
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