This is the Mazda Vision-Cosmo from
designer Yi Dong and while a vehicle resembling it is unlikely to be produced
by the Japanese carmaker, we think it looks utterly superb. The concept gets
its name from the original Mazda Cosmo, introduced way back in 1967 and built
through until 1995 in four different generation. Yi’s design is inspired by the
original model built through until 1972 which got its name thanks to the
public’s fascination with the ongoing Space Race at the time.
Creating a modern-day interpretation of a
vehicle like the Mazda Cosmo is no easy feat but Yi’s concept does it
brilliantly, combining some of the Cosmo’s key features with Mazda’s current
Kodo design philosophy.
More specifically, the Vision-Cosmo adopts
a somewhat similar overall shape and this is particularly apparent with the
presence of a cabin clad almost exclusively in glass, inevitably providing
occupants with an outstanding view of the outside world. Gone are the round
headlights of the original and in their place sits LED headlights and a light
bar more fitting of Mazda’s current design language.
Hints of the Cosmo are also visible at the
rear where the original’s jet afterburner-esque taillights have been
miniaturized with LED technology. There is also a third brake light positioned
vertically at the rear. As the Mazda Cosmo was one of the marque’s first
vehicles to feature a Wankel rotary engine, it would only make sense for the
new one to feature a rotary engine also. Yi has envisioned the car to be a
hybrid using a rotary as a range extender.
