Mazda Vehicles Inherit Kodo Design Philosophy

Now, they are focusing on the new school Kodo design philosophy. This is a drastic change from the Nagare philosophy, and it has already been integrated into a wide variety of new, low priced Mazda vehicles.

What is Kodo?
According to a Motortrend article detailing the Kodo design philosophy, Kodo means “soul of motion” in Japanese. Essentially, Kodo centers around creating a vehicle that looks like it is constantly in motion. More importantly, it simulates the grace and beauty of nature's rhythm and movement. A Kodo vehicle should appear as natural as the wind, and should be just as graceful, quick, and powerful.

Of course, all modern vehicle design has centered around creating a vehicle that flows easily through the air, and appears graceful in motion. However, Kodo is unique in its adherence to simulating the movements of nature. This new design philosophy creates faster, more “carefree” looking vehicles, with more primal movement designs.

Speed, Tense, and Alluring
According to Mazda.com, Kodo Mazda design centers around three basic concepts: speed, tense, and alluring. These ideas drive the Kodo philosophy, and separate it from past Mazda design ideas.

“Speed” is the focus on creating a vehicle that instantly conveys a feeling of intense speed, even as it sits motionless in the driveway. A Kodo vehicle should create an animalistic instinct to drive a fast, powerful car. Again, this taps into the new Mazda design focus on naturalism, and creating a vehicle that seems like an extension of the driver.

“Tense” refers to the tension that occurs just before motion begins. Basically, a Kodo vehicle should look like an animal, ready to pounce. By extension, the driver of the vehicle should feel like that animal, tapping into their naturalistic urges for power. Kodo may focus on natural grace and speed, but only if each vehicle creates a true feeling of “power” in the driver.

“Alluring” refers to the ideas of design beauty, sophistication, craftsmanship, and a feeling that the vehicle was “made by hand.” A Kodo vehicle should look and drive like it was crafted expertly by hand, out of the natural elements of the Earth. This further cements the importance of “naturalism” in Kodo design.

Vehicles Using Kodo
Mazda has already unveiled three new Kodo concept cars, all of which can be seen at Mazda.com.

The “Shinari” is a four-door, four seat sports coupe. It has several free flowing curves and lines, a rather gentle front, and smooth flowing sides. 

The “Minagi” is a four-door, four seat sedan that reflects Kodo design by simulating the natural curve of insects in the wild. According to Mazda, it also utilizes new SKYACTIVE technologies.

The “Takeri” is a larger, four-door sedan, that also utilizes SKIACTIV technology, and more naturalistic curves and lines.

The new Kodo Mazda design philosophy has also influenced the design of the new 2013 CX-9. Minimal changes, such as a new front end, a new pentagonal grille, sleeker headlights, and more streamlined interior designs, bring it in line with the new Kodo philosophy.

Engine Possibilities
According to Motortrend, Kodo vehicles are designed to use Sky engines. Mazda is likely to use both diesel and gasoline engines, although the exact specifications are still heavily under wraps. It is uncertain whether Mazda will design new Sky engines, or utilize the past 2.0-liter I-4 Sky engine. Both the gasoline and diesel Sky engines meet current emission

It is clear that Mazda design is on to something with the new Kodo design philosophy. The auto world is buzzing with excitement for Kodo vehicle debuts, and if they live up to the hype of expectation, they could change the auto industry.

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