(autoinsidenews) - Mazda unveiled its second concept вЂ" the Ryuga (pronounced ree-yoo-ga, Japanese for gracious flow) вЂ" in a series of three it plans to debut this auto show season. The Ryuga concept is a follow up to the Nagare concept, which was revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Nagare вЂ" Japanese for flow вЂ" introduced Mazda's future design direction. The Ryuga continues the development. Where the Nagare concept was primarily about form, the Ryuga adds a high level of sophistication. And while the Nagare was just the skin, the Ryuga has an interior and details the powertrain.
The Ryuga concept we're presenting in Detroit is our next step in the evolution of Nagare. It's an exploratory design study that's more realistic than Nagare and therefore more useful in gauging reactions from those who see it, said Laurens van den Acker, Design Division General Manager for Mazda Motor Corporation, reports Trend.
The Ryuga expands on the elements of flow, which is captured in the car's sheetmetal. The Ryuga's side surfaces were inspired by Japanese dry gardens. The headlamp shape resembles the flow of morning dew dropping from bamboo leaves. The 21-inch wheel spokes are slightly twisted as if they're bent by torque. Flowing lava inspired both Ryuga's exterior hue and the tail lamp design.
Inside, the Ryuga is a work of art, with a futuristic interior dominated black leather and silver metal featuring a floating, center cluster that pierces the center console, elongated floating gauge pods and an open-top steering wheel. The Ryuga seats four, with two buckets up front and lounge-like bench in the back. The interior is accessed by two giant gull-wing doors.
The real significance of both Nagare and Ryuga, notes van den Acker, is that it's the first time Mazda has ventured forth in search of a design motif that is undeniably new. Both concepts are exploratory studies and neither is planned for production. While Mazdas of the past and present have embraced flow in various ways, it's our intention to greatly intensify that character in the future.
The flow expressions that Nagare and Ryuga embody will be seen both in the near term on other concept cars and in the long term on production models.