2003 Mazda Washu Concept - Thinking Outside of the Box
 |
| The Mazda Washu Concept being introduced at the Detroit auto show. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
This year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit introduced an eclectic mixture of outrageous performance machines, hedonistic luxury 'yachts' and frugal eco-minded transportation appliances. Mazda's lone concept entry was almost anticlimactic in comparison, due to its refreshingly practical personality. But there's more to the Washu than first meets the eye.
In case you were wondering, Washu, translated from Japanese, means "Eagle's Wing," somewhat appropriate when comprehending the sheer width of the front and rear doors. They don't spread out horizontally like the famous Mercedes-Benz 'gullwing' coupe or rise vertically similar to Lamborghini's Countach, Diablo and Murciélago but nevertheless those up front open to a 90-degree width giving the concept a birdlike appearance.
The power-operated rear doors, that first swing out and then slide back like those on a minivan cum jet liner, are cut 400 mm (15.7 in) into the roof mimicking legendary racecars such as the Ford GT40. The result is incredibly large ports of entry, measuring 1,100 mm (43.3 in) across at each side. Commenting on their inherent practicality Moray Callum, head of Mazda Design Division said, "The innovative sliding doors, which are one of the key aspects of this concept car, solve problems such as ease of getting in and out. At the same time, the door system adds a new and interesting element to the design."