2009 Mazda3 design to influence Mazda's entire lineup

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Mazda

Click the image above for more high-res shots of the Ryuga concept.

It's no surprise that Mazda's looking to radically revamp its entire product portfolio in the coming years, and the cohesive style set by the Nagare line of concepts will bring Mazda's design chief, Laurens van den Acker's vision to the road in the next few years.

The first model to benefit from this new design direction will be the 2009 Mazda3, which will sport a trio of new elements that we've seen in concept form over the last year. The five-point gaping grin that's been showcased on everything from the Kabura to the Taiki will find its way onto all of Mazda's products, along with flowing creases embedded into the side panels. Like many automakers, longer wheelbases and shorter front and rear overhangs, with the wheels pushed to the outer edges of the body, will be adopted, and the Dutch designer is intent on making all of Mazda's products appear more sporting, with a low-slung style that mimics the shape of rear-drivers.

What lays beneath that new sheet metal should be just as intriguing as the styling, and if the aforementioned Kabura and Taiki are any indication, Mazda's continuing goal to be a driver-focused brand is evolving from the inside out.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Gallery: Mazda Ryuga Concept


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