But this concept doesn't just look good, it is also packing some sophisticated technology under the hood in the form of a
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| The steering wheel is the highlight of the interior, with the gaugesset in the middle, in place of a conventional hub, and a series ofswitches lining the inside and outside of the steering wheel rim. (Photo: Mazda Canada) |
hybrid rotary power plant. This HEV isn't just an electric motor slapped between the engine and the transmission, mind you. The conventional power (read gasoline) comes from the next generation 13B rotary engine with direct injection. Furthermore, Automobile magazine reports that this engine sports a two-rotor configuration combined with a motor, a generator and a battery, which is charged with the help of solar panels on part of the glass roof. All of the hardware is placed between the front and rear axles in such a way as to achieve the holy grail of sports-car balance, 50:50 weight distribution.
Mazda, already leaders in design and performance, and therefore reaping in the
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| The Senku and Sassou are visions of what Mazdas could look like in the future. (Photo: Mazda Canada) |
pursuant sales benefits that accompany such leadership, are not content to rest on their laurels. With the three concepts presented at the three major automotive shows, Mazda is setting forth the next stride into 21st-century design.
We're unlikely to be test-driving the Senku or the California-designed concept, or the vehicles that these prototypes inspire, anytime sooner than a few years down the road, but maybe we will see a reinterpretation of the big flying-wing coupe with more conventional wheel sizes and a more cost-effective interior. Nevertheless, the Senku and Sassou are visions of what Mazdas could look like in the future, and this point was discussed specifically by Moray Callum, chief of Mazda design, in an interview with Autoweek.com.
