Mazda Nagare

The Nagare (pronounced na-GA-reh) is the first of several concept cars Mazda will show on this winter's auto show circuit. It's supposed to evoke a sense of motion — aren't they all? — even while standing still. In case onlookers don't get the drift, there are flowing stripes painted along the doors to remind them: This thing is more aerodynamic than a Gulf Stream.The motion theme starts up front, where flared headlights look like they're already leaving the car. A silver plate sits in place of the grille, and massive fenders incorporate enormous seven-spoke wheels. They're wedged perilously close to the sheet metal, so anything worse than glass-smooth pavement would probably shred the paper-thin tires. In back, a large hump sits above a large bumper with dark lower openings. The taillights are striped red.The gull-wing doors open to reveal a four-passenger interior, with the driver's seat positioned front and center under the highest point in the roof. Three passengers can lounge on the wraparound rear seats. A curvy dashboard incorporates orange and blue gauges and a truncated steering wheel.The drivetrain isn't entirely clear, but Mazda says the Nagare could use a hydrogen-powered rotary engine. Given that a hydrogen-powered RX-8 is being produced in small numbers in Japan, that's the Nagare's most believable feature.For additional coverage of the Los Angeles Auto Show, visit our blog, KickingTires.

source : cars