Mazda’s distinctive vehicle designs begin with a process that emphasizes patience, craftsmanship and subtle details. The automaker’s designers still turn to hand-drawn sketches and small clay models early in the design process, helping create the complex curves that define many of its cars.
Why Mazda Starts With Clay Models
Mazda has long emphasized driving enjoyment in its mainstream cars while continuing to produce the Miata. The company has also developed a reputation for particularly attractive vehicles, especially over the last decade.
In an interview with Design Week, Mazda head of design Ikuo Maeda and Mazda’s head of design in Europe, Jo Stenuit, explained how clay modeling plays an important role in that design approach.
The process begins with hand-drawn designs. Designers then create small clay models before moving on to computer models.
According to the Design Week report, one purpose of using clay is to make it easier to create subtle and complex shapes. Maeda demonstrated designs that highlighted the complexity that can result from working with clay models.
Mazda’s recent production and concept vehicles feature numerous curves rather than straight lines or flat planes. Their organic, soft shapes can be complex to create digitally but can be crafted by hand through clay modeling.
Stenuit also told Design Week that Mazda pushes to give designers as much time as possible to develop their work. The goal is to get as close to perfecting the designs as possible rather than rushing them into production.
How Mazda Takes Clay Designs to Production
Moving from hand-sculpted clay to stamped steel can make it challenging to preserve subtle curves and specific lines. Mazda’s process is designed to translate those sculptures into production vehicles.
Digital scanners map the clay models down to the smallest metric, producing CAD data that is then used to create specialized stamping dies.
Mazda also developed its signature Takaminuri paint technology to emphasize the organic shapes of its production vehicles. Robots programmed to imitate human master painters apply layers of special reflective flakes beneath translucent color coats.
The resulting finish creates highlights and deep shadows that change under different lighting conditions. The technology is responsible for Soul Red Crystal, which has become Mazda’s signature color.
How Mazda’s Design Philosophy Extends to Engineering
Mazda’s focus on small details also extends to its engineering and the way its vehicles drive. One example is G-Vectoring Control, which is used in basically every Mazda.
The system is designed to slightly reduce power when the vehicle enters a turn, shifting weight forward toward the front wheels. This is intended to aid turn-in, make it more precise and produce a smoother driving experience.
Mazda has also developed Kinematic Posture Control, which is used on the CX-90, CX-70 and Miata. The system applies a small amount of brake force to the rear inside wheel during cornering to slightly reduce body roll and assist with cornering.
That approach reflects Mazda’s effort to create a smooth and natural ride while keeping its cars engaging. Its emphasis on small details in engineering is consistent with the time and unconventional methods its designers use to shape its vehicles.
