|  Mazda has finally dropped the embargo on its Ryuga concept and we can now present to you the vehicle in all its glory. Following on from the Nagare, which was displayed at the L.A. Auto Show, the Ryuga is, according to its designers, “the next step in the evolution of Nagare.” Japanese for “gracious flow,” the Ryuga concept features a windswept design with no square edges whatsoever.
The Ryuga features a wheel at each corner design, an aggressive wedge shape and flared arches wrapped around huge 21-inch wheels. Video cameras mounted on the roof relay images to the floating center cockpit display screen instead of regular side-view mirrors. Turn signals are also integrated into these protruding accents.
Design inspiration was taken from elements in nature such as the headlamp shape that is said to resemble the flow of morning dew dropping from bamboo leaves. The high-tech looking units feature LEDs and fluorescent tubing to give a unique look. Inside, passengers are treated to a lounge-style seat in the rear, especially handy for passionate evenings, with conventional bucket seats in the front. Hopefully the Ryuga truly is a sign of things to come in future Mazda production cars.
Ryuga is significantly shorter and lower than today’s four-passenger RX-8 sports car, yet it too accommodates four passengers in roomy comfort. A relatively long (110.2-inch) wheelbase and two large gull-wing doors provide a wide-open invitation to the interior.
As the doors rise to expose the interior of Ryuga and allow easy slide-in access, the passengers are presented with the fusion of a cockpit - designed to maximize the emotional connection between the car and driver - with the social atmosphere of the rear passenger space, where lounge-like comfort is ensured through expansive space and Nagare-inspired design.
The front bucket seats provide ample lateral support for energetic driving with the shape of the seats creating an impression of movement which is further emphasized by the patterns in the material.
The experimental ‘floating’ center cluster allows a high level of interface between the driver and the multi-function touch panel without having to take one’s eyes off the road ahead. Information necessary for safe and dynamic driving is available to the driver with RPM and speed (which is shown in both analog and digital format s ) being displayed on the same axis.
Flowing upwards, the center cluster dynamically penetrates the front information panel which reflects Zoom-Zoom futuristic and sporty design craftsmanship, as well as an integrated interface between man and machine. Elongated pods give the cockpit depth while bringing information closer to the driver’s eyes. An open-top steering wheel provides enhanced sight lines to the instruments and the road ahead .
Flow textures are emphasized in the door trim with lines that begin at the center of Ryuga’s Mazda-trademark five-pointed grille and sweep rearward through interior surfaces. The artistic combination of leather, polished aluminum and translucent plastic give the interior a warm glow reminiscent of illumination themes already in use in current Mazda products.
Mazda is working on various technologies to deliver Zoom-Zoom driving in the future, including earth-friendly environmental technologies and people-friendly safety technologies. As part of the initiatives, an E85/Gasoline FLEX FUEL engine which runs on sustainable bio fuel could be used in Ryuga. This engine delivers torque and power, balancing driving and environmental performance. Other important features that will support safe driving are the Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) cameras installed for the rear monitoring system and the blind-spot monitoring system. These help ensure safe driving while changing lanes and allow easy identification of potential obstacles.
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