Mazda Ryuga To Spread Wings in Motown

TOKYO — Mazda issued a teaser sketch of its latest concept car, the gull-winged Ryuga, and said the car will get a formal unveiling on January 8 at the Detroit auto show.

The Ryuga continues the "flow" design theme that the Japanese automaker has been experimenting with for several months. It is a more sophisticated extension of the Nagare, which made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show and introduced what Mazda says is the "company's new design future." Ryuga is Japanese for "gracious flow."

Mazda said the Ryuga "will reflect a higher level of sophistication achieved through the use of rich fabrics, engineered fits and hidden details."

"Ryuga is Zoom-Zoom defined," said Laurens van den Acker, Mazda's global design director. "It combines vibrance, confidence, fun and youth all in one ingenious package."

Mazda will also roll out the 2008 Tribute HEV, which goes on sale later in 2007. The company says the SUV has a combined output of 155 horsepower between its gas engine and electric motor. Powertrain specifications will be released at the Detroit show.

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