Mazda Hakaze Concept Vehicle to Make North American Debut at New York International Auto Show

NEW YORK, April 4 -- The Mazda Hakaze compact crossover coupe concept will make its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, April 4. The third concept vehicle to illustrate Mazda's new design direction of flow, Hakaze (pronounced: "hah-kah-zay") takes inspiration from the increasingly popular sport of kite-surfing.

Hakaze is the third design concept of the series created around the "Nagare" -- flow -- design language, joining the Nagare (pronounced "nah-gah-reh") and Ryuga (pronounced: "ree-yoo-ga"), which were revealed earlier this auto show season. Even while standing still, Hakaze, which is a combination of Japanese words "ha" for "leaf" and "kaze" for "wind," looks as if it is effortlessly cutting through the air. Outside, the side body panels are textured to give the impression of sand dunes rippled by the wind, while the body shape creates a muscular and taut look. The rear part of its roof is removable, giving Hakaze the feel of a roadster. Inside the cabin, the seating layout is unique, as the rear seats slide forward and under the front seats to produce a spacious cargo compartment -- perfect for luggage, pets or surfing equipment.

To complement Hakaze's sand and dark blue interior, Mazda will also showcase a freshened version of Nagare. To demonstrate how different colors play with the flow concept, the design team at Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) chose a simple palette comprised of a liquid metal blue metallic base, a super high-gloss white tri-coat trim and silver metal accents -- giving Nagare a translucent feel like slate rock under river water. Nagare has also been updated to include tires that are made from recycled materials.

In addition to the Hakaze and Nagare concept vehicles, Mazda will display the all-new seven-passenger CX-9 SUV and the balance of its 2007 product lineup.

Launched in February 2007, the CX-9 is a three-row, seven-passenger crossover SUV offering an up-market interior with class-leading space and unmatched versatility. Available in three trim levels -- Sport, Touring and Grand Touring -- the CX-9 blends sporty driving spirit with seven-passenger SUV practicality.

CX-9 is a clean break from the traditional boxy SUVs crowding the US market. While styling echoes the CX-7, CX-9 is not a lengthened three-row CX-7, and CX-7 is not a shorter-wheelbase CX-9. Engineered with Mazda's "Soul of a Sportscar" signature, CX-9 deftly blends sporty driving spirit with seven-passenger SUV practicality. Standing out from existing crossover SUVs -- vehicles that deliver SUV practicality with a passenger car driving experience -- the Mazda CX-9 is the insightful solution not only to the modern family's complex needs but also to the enthusiast driver's desires. And of course Zoom-Zoom is standard.

The CX-9 represents everything a Mazda SUV should be, offering ample power, striking appearance, fun-to-drive vitality, precision build quality and unexpected versatility. While other vehicles in this category focus only on what's behind the driver's seat for the family, CX-9 is a unique solution that is equally as exciting for the driver.

The NYIAS is open to the public April 6 - 15 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

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