MAZDA RX-9
Hybrid Automotive Concept
Our future leans toward the electric propulsion of cars. However, it is projected that by 2050 over 50% of vehicles on the road will still be powered by a gasoline engine. The real change in the automotive industry will be automation. Whether electric, hybrid, or gasoline, automakers expect to be producing Level 4 Autonomous vehicles for the general public in as few as 15 years.
ENDANGERED SPECIES
Owning an autonomous vehicle will comes with a range of benefits. However, the takeover of autonomous vehicles comes with the lack of driver centric cars on the road. This could lead to the extinction of both present and future car enthusiasts.
Mazda has produced some of the most exciting and iconic driving-oriented vehicles to ever touch the road. A balanced chassis, manual transmission, and high-revving Wankel rotary engine creates some of the most exciting driving experiences ever.
RICH BLOODLINE
HYBRID HEART
Mazda has recently patented a rotary-hybrid powertrain for their upcoming model, the MX-30. They continue to pioneer the use of rotary engines in the automotive industry. A tuned-up version of this powertrain would make a perfect package for Mazda's next generation hybrid sports car.
COMPETITION
INTERNAL
HISTORICAL
ELECTRIC
The MX-5 should the little brother to the this concept. It has been around since the late 80’s and it's not going anywhere in the next 30 years.
Historically this car was put up against the Toyota Supra and Nissan GTR of its time. Both of which have come back into production since then. True sports cars by definition.
Electric cars are inevitable and have many supporters. Expectations for them are high and growing. We will no doubt see lots of electric cars in the year 2050.
KODO
Kodo is Mazda's current design philosophy. Kodo is about creating cars that embody the dynamic beauty of life — cars that visually suggest different expressions of this energy. Japanese craftsmen believe that they
inject their life into what they make, giving their work a soul.
FORM LANGUAGE
Staying true to the Kodo design language, I was inspired by sweeping surfaces and convex to concave forms. Inspirations include modern architecture, sculpture, contemporary art and mother nature.
IDEATION
To aid my process of design I created simple speed form iterations in Fusion360 to nail down the proportions of my concept. These doubled as underlays for my sketching process.
SCULPTING
After sketching and deciding on design details, I went back into Fusion360 to surface a 3D model used in the following renders.
FINAL DIRECTION
Flush LED headlights and taillights provide a simple
and sleek lighting solution while also creating a unique fascia.
A mono-pipe exhaust doubles as both the regular
ICE exhaust as well as a heat exhaust for the electric motor.
Lightweight magnesium rims are fitted to
the axle hubs measuring 18" in front and 20" in back.