2006 Mazda Kabura Concept

t the 2006 North American International Auto Show, Mazda is presenting Kabura, a design concept that ventures beyond the compact sports coupe norm to explore several fresh ideas that could appear in future production models. The Kabura incorporates the front-engine, rear-drive layout universally admired by driving enthusiasts and long delivered by Mazda’s MX-5 and rotary-engined sportscars.

While this concept has been constructed over several MX-5 chassis components, basic dimensions fall between Mazda’s MX-5 and RX-8 sportscars.

While Kabura’s profile is reminiscent of classic coupes, the windshield and forward portion of the roof are integrated into one seamless glass surface that extends from the cowl to the B-pillar. Admitting extra light enhances the interior’s feeling of airy space. Overhead portions of the glass have adjustable tinting so that the driver can twist a knob on bright days to change the roof’s opacity, as desired, from clear to completely opaque.

Behind its B-pillar, Kabura has a two-piece glass hatch. The uppermost glass panel normally lies flush. When pivoted-up by an electric motor, the way ailerons rise out of an airplane wing, this panel serves three purposes: it acts as a roof spoiler, it vents air from the interior and it greatly augments the rear passengers’ headroom. In addition, a photovoltaic solar cell in the panel helps to control ambient temperature as well as recharge the battery. The larger glass hatch panel has side-mounted hinges to provide ready access to Kabura’s spacious cargo compartment.

A standard left-side door provides access to the driver’s cockpit and the rear jump seat. The right side is a wholly different and purposely asymmetrical arrangement. Removing the glovebox and minimizing the instrument panel allowed designers to shift the front passenger six-inches ahead of the driver’s seating position. In turn, the second passenger, sitting in tandem behind the right-front passenger, enjoys approximately the same leg, shoulder, and headroom.

To maintain a sleek roofline while offering rear access that’s vastly superior to what’s available in today’s compact coupes, von Holzhausen’s team designed Kabura with an extra right-side door. After the front door is opened, touching a button slides the bonus door straight back and out of the way.

Kabura is a Japanese term taken from Kabura-ya, an arrow that makes a howling sound when fired and was historically used to signal the start of a battle.

Story by Mazda