New Concept Vehicles From Mazda
Mazaas approach to human-oriented automobile development was the theme of their show display at the 27th International Tokyo Motor Show held in Harumi, Tokyo, recently. Along with a variety of production cars and commercial vehicles Mazda exhibited two new concept vehicles - the Mazda MX-04 modular sports car and PAlR mini-trailer. Also included are several specially prepared models and some production models for preview. The highlight of the 18 models on Mazda's passenger car stand was the Mazda MX-04, a two seater sports car developed with a unique "modular" car concept. It features a "driveable" base chassis unit and a number of FRP outer panels which can be effortlessly interchanged to create various exterior designs and body configurations. As a result, the owner can easily create' his own preferred exterior or change designs according to prevailing mood and conditions. For the Tokyo Show, Mazda has prepared two MX-04 base chassis units and three different sets of outer panels, (for Sports Coupe, Roadster and Semi-Cowl chassis con-
figurations). Outer panels are actually interchanged at the show stand to demonstrate this remarkable feature. To achieve the dynamic performance necessary for a compact sports car the MX04 incorporates numerous advanced features. It is powered by a high performance, compact and lightweight rotary engine, the RF.10X which is front-mid-mounted under the hood. Its drive-train is selectable between four wheel drive with a centre differential, and rear wheel drive, according to the driver's preference or mood. The car
has double wishbone type suspension both front and rear and each wheel incorporates twin spring/ damper units and aluminium upper and lower A.arms. On display in the Motor Sports Zone were two Mazda competition models - the Mazda 757 racing prototype and the Mazda 323 4WD rallying version. The 757 was placed seventh overall in the Le Mans 24hour Endurance Race this year, which represents the best finish ever achieved by a Japanese entry. In the New Model Presentation Zone, Mazda's production models with distinc-
tive features, like the Familia (323) Sedan full time 4WD and Cabriolet models, the Etude, Capella (626) 4WS version, Luce 3000 V6 model and the Savanna RX-7 Cabriolet were on display. Also exhibited were two special versions of the Capella - the Capella CZ (2 door coupe) "Infini" and Capella Canvas Top. Mazda's state-of-the-art technology was well demonstrated in the Advanced Technology Exhibit, where several high-tec power plants, as well as a bare chassis model of the Capella 4WS were displayed. Two concept engines displayed were the RF.10X rotary engine which powers the MX-04 concept car, and a 2.0L DOHC 16 valve engine with a special supercharging system.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIBUL19871208.2.60.19
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Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 28, 8 December 1987, Page 7 (Supplement)
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438New Concept Vehicles From Mazda Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 28, 8 December 1987, Page 7 (Supplement)
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