Mazda NEXTOURER Concept Makes North American Debut
10 February 2000
Mazda NEXTOURER Concept Makes North American Debut - Touring Sedan of the Future Combines Luxury with Versatility -
CHICAGO, Feb. 9 -- Some vehicles defy easy classification.
Mazda's NEXTOURER concept vehicle is one such example. It has the style,
luxury appointments and high-tech features of a luxury touring sedan, yet it
also possesses the versatility and functionality of a sport-utility vehicle.
Mazda calls the NEXTOURER concept a "next-generation touring sedan."
- Sedan Luxury, SUV Versatility -
The NEXTOURER embodies Mazda's "Stylish, Spirited and Insightful" brand
characteristics in a vehicle that cuts across several conventional categories.
Like a touring sedan, the NEXTOURER provides a sense of style and luxury with
responsive performance and exceptional dynamic balance. Like a sport utility
vehicle, it offers a sense of adventure combined with a spacious, versatile
interior layout.
- "Contrast in Harmony" Design -
The styling of the NEXTOURER is in line with Mazda's "Contrast in Harmony"
design direction seen in the 2000 MPV minivan and 2001 Tribute SUV.
Distinctively shaped high-intensity discharge headlights flank Mazda's
signature five-point grille with its large chrome "winged M" emblem. The
lines of the hood flow back to muscular shoulders and a taut greenhouse.
Strong wheelarches provide a sense of balance and stability. At the rear, the
shape of a unique Dual-Mode liftgate echoes the five-point grille. Large
taillight clusters complete the shoulder line.
- Clean Instrument Panel Design -
The luxurious interior has a spacious and open feel, due in part to the
centralized instrument cluster. The only control directly in front of the
driver is the steering wheel -- all of the gauges, control switches and seven-
inch pop-up multi-function display have been moved to the center of the
instrument panel. The center console even has space to store a laptop
computer.
There are no air vents in the instrument panel. Instead, the multi-zone
air-conditioner has a compact main heat-pump unit and distributes air through
vents located in the roof (for cold air) and at floor level (for heated air).
This provides superior temperature balance, which is aided by left/right
temperature controls and individual fan-speed settings for each passenger.
- Rear Seat Amenities -
The rear seats are equally spacious and luxurious. There is a six-inch
display in the center console, which allows the rear seat passengers to access
the Internet, read e-mail or watch television. Indirect lighting in the roof,
doors and instrument panel adds to the luxury feel.
- Dual-Mode Liftgate -
The cargo area is key to the NEXTOURER's versatility. In normal use, a
Flexible Package Board covers the cargo area behind the rear seats, isolating
the passenger compartment from the 14.1 cubic foot cargo area. If more space
is needed, each rear seatback can be folded forward independently, and the
entire rear seat may be double folded to create a large 35.2 cubic feet of
space. Access to the cargo area is through the NEXTOURER's Dual-Mode
liftgate. For smaller items, the lower half of the Dual-Mode liftgate can be
opened like the trunk of a conventional sedan, while larger items may be
loaded by opening the entire liftgate.
- Sophisticated 3.0-Liter DOHC V6 S-VT Engine -
A responsive 3.0-liter DOHC V6 engine with Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT)
powers the NEXTOURER. The S-VT system enhances both power and low- to mid-
range torque. This sophisticated engine is mated to a highly advanced
Toroidal Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This efficient,
lightweight and compact next-generation transmission delivers superb response,
quiet operation and excellent fuel economy. In fact, when paired with the
3.0-liter engine, the Toroidal CVT delivers 20 percent better fuel economy
compared with a conventional automatic transmission.
- Innovative Toroidal Transmission -
The innovative design of the Toroidal CVT uses a semi-circular disc
pressed against a power roller with an exclusive traction oil between them.
Changing the effective radius of the contact point changes the gear ratio,
resulting in stepless shifting. The Toroidal CVT also uses a geared-neutral
starting system, which operates like a conventional planetary gear automatic
transmission at low speeds, allowing superior low-speed performance. A
computer controls the switch between the geared-neutral system and the
Toroidal CVT.
- Formula One-Type Shifting -
The Toroidal CVT in the NEXTOURER offers a choice of manual or automatic
shifting. In manual mode, shifts are made using the wing shift controls
mounted behind the steering wheel (similar to the paddle shifters used on
Formula One racecars). The wing shift selectors allow the driver to make
quick fingertip shifts without removing his or her hands from the steering
wheel.
- Advanced Chassis Technologies -
The suspension is a multi-link design, both front and rear. The
four-wheel disc brake system features dynamic stability control and electronic
brake force distribution for added security under all road and load
conditions. Run-flat tires are mounted on the stylish, satin-finish 19-inch
alloy wheels, eliminating the need for a heavy and bulky spare tire. A
low-pressure warning system alerts the driver in the event of a leak or
puncture.
- Intelligent Transport System -
The NEXTOURER employs a number of advanced technologies, including a
driver ID card that activates the starter switch and moves the six-way power
driver's seat to the driver's pre-set position. In addition, an Intelligent
Transport System (ITS) uses sensors mounted in the vehicle and a navigation
system to alert the driver if the vehicle strays out of its lane, approaches a
corner too fast or if there is another vehicle in the driver's blind spot.
- Active Ride Height Control -
The NEXTOURER features an Active Height Control that lowers the vehicle
when it is stopped for ease of entry, raises it nearly four inches at low
speeds, then lowers it by two inches at highway speeds for improved handling
and fuel economy. An Intelligent Lamp System keeps the angle of the headlight
beams at the proper level, regardless of vehicle load, and automatically
adjusts the beams as the vehicle approaches a corner, based on input from the
navigation system.
Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and
marketing, customer parts and service support of Mazda vehicles in the United
States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has over 750 dealerships
nationwide and is owned by Mazda Motor Corporation, Hiroshima, Japan.
