Mazda says its Shinari concept is a "pure design model of a four-door, four-seater sports coupé which perfectly expresses the ‘kodo — soul of motion' design." We'll forgive you for thinking it's just an Aston Martin DB9 rip-off. Have a closer glimpse at the exquisite flame-surfacing details, you'd approve too. Just drool over the images and come back once you've got your breath back.
Mazda is talking a new design language these days and it comes as no surprise that it chose to show this beauty off in Milan. This is the closest the Japanese have come to matching Italian style with a dash of their own manga-inspired, calculated design cues.
The team responsible was led by Yasushi Nakamuta, who was also the father of the third generation Mazda MX-5.
"We began by developing the design around the image of a predator, as it strikes its prey," he said. Or, and this is our favourite, "the stabbing movement in kendo, Japanese fencing, to express the instant where accumulated force is released." You can't go wrong with that...
He insists there are similarities with other Mazda models, but the only ones we see are RX-8-style front fenders which bulge out from the aggressive headlights.
There are so many contrasting lines dotted about — especially in the front apron — but these really do work in the Shinari, and convincingly.
And it's because of the fact that the Shinari features this complicated design full of captivating and intersecting lines, that the surface area seems to be constantly moving and changing depending on the light.
That signature front wing is formed by an aluminium band that begins from the bottom of the grille and reaches all the way past the headlights to the fenders. The A-pillar, which tapers towards the rear of the body, the shape of the cabin and the front fenders combine to "create proportions that suggest the instantaneous release of energy to propel the car forward." If you thought the exterior was good, the interior is even better.
It is by far the most stylish cabin we've ever seen in a Mazda, although it's only a concept. There's aluminium trim, leather-covered surfaces and double stitching all over. It has a huge glass roof that makes it feel open and airy. The bucket seats, front and rear, look more comfortable than Lazy Boy recliners while the gauges are elegant and add a touch of class to the interior.
The Shinari is equipped with paddle shifters and features three driving modes — business, pleasure and sport — that change the saloon's settings, including entertainment, work tasks and ride to correspond with each mode.
The car is also equipped with a Smart Idle Stop System, dynamic stability control, and a navigation-information system controlled by a joystick protruding from the centre console.
No engine or performance details have been revealed yet, but there is one thing we are all in agreement here at wheels — we hope this is given the green light. With a rotary underneath.
