Mazda's Innovative Kabura Concept Unveiled by Beau Arrow
In the world of automotive design, Franz von Holzhausen is a name that echoes with prestige. Known for his work at Tesla as Chief Designer, von Holzhausen's career began with stints at various automakers, including Mazda North American Operations. His tenure at Mazda was marked by his contributions to the design language that influenced models like the Mazda6 and possibly early MX-5 Miata design phases.
Von Holzhausen's design philosophy, often centred around elegant, timeless proportions and crisp, clean shapes, resonated with Mazda's emphasis on their "Kodo" design language, which focuses on dynamic form and balance. This approach is evident in the Mazda Kabura, a model he helped shape.
The Kabura, unveiled in 2006, was a testament to von Holzhausen's design ethos. The recontoured cutaway dash eliminated the glovebox, providing enough free space for the front bucket to be positioned six inches ahead and offering sufficient rear legroom for tandem seating. Access to the aft quarters was facilitated by a nifty pocket door that slips into the right rear-quarter panel.
The interior surfaces of the Kabura were covered in a "regenerated" leather product made from 100-percent post-industrial waste trim. The durable substrate that lines its cargo area was created using reground and reprocessed scrap rubber, reflecting von Holzhausen's commitment to sustainability.
The Kabura's "3+1" cabin configuration divided people zones into two distinct environments: one for the driver, the other for passengers. The command seat for the driver had a large piano-black trim element, creating a de facto cockpit with analog gauges and switchable electronic displays. The steering wheel, F1-style with a digital speed readout, reprised the design theme of the Kabura's wheels.
An integrated iPod dock was a prominent feature in the Kabura's cabin, reflecting the era's growing emphasis on in-car entertainment. Accessibility was further enhanced by the forward portion of the back glass flipping up like a spoiler to gain extra headroom and improve cabin ventilation.
Von Holzhausen's admiration for fashion icons like Tom Ford and Miuccia Prada, as well as automotive legends like Giorgetto Giugiaro and corporate boss J Mays, is evident in his work. His designs, simple yet emotional, communicate performance and craftsmanship without excessive ornamentation.
While specific details about von Holzhausen's post-Mazda career philosophies were not found in the search results, it is known that his broader philosophy carries through to his later roles, including at Tesla, where he pushed sleek, futuristic designs with functional elegance. For those interested in more detailed insights on his Mazda phase specifically, further targeted research might be required.
- Franz von Holzhausen's design philosophy at Mazda emphasized elegant, timeless proportions and crisp, clean shapes, similar to the automotive industry's focus on dynamic form and balance.
- Von Holzhausen's contributions to Mazda's design language influenced models like the Mazda6 and possibly early MX-5 Miata design phases.
- His design approach was evident in the Mazda Kabura, a concept car that he helped shape, showcased at an auto show in 2006.
- The Mazda Kabura's recontoured cutaway dash eliminated the glovebox, offering sufficient rear legroom for tandem seating.
- Access to the aft quarters was facilitated by a nifty pocket door that slips into the right rear-quarter panel.
- The interior surfaces of the Kabura were covered in a "regenerated" leather product made from 100-percent post-industrial waste trim.
- The Kabura's "3+1" cabin configuration divided people zones into two distinct environments: one for the driver, the other for passengers.
- The command seat for the driver had a large piano-black trim element, creating a de facto cockpit with analog gauges and switchable electronic displays.
- An integrated iPod dock was a prominent feature in the Kabura's cabin, reflecting the growing emphasis on in-car entertainment.
- Von Holzhausen's designs, simple yet emotional, communicate performance and craftsmanship without excessive ornamentation, a trait visible in his work at Mazda.
- His admiration for fashion icons like Tom Ford and Miuccia Prada, as well as automotive legends like Giorgetto Giugiaro and corporate boss J Mays, is evident in his work.
- Von Holzhausen's design philosophy continued to influence his later roles, including his work at Tesla, where he pushed sleek, futuristic designs with functional elegance.
- For those interested in more detailed insights on von Holzhausen's Mazda phase specifically, further targeted research might be required, as specific details about his post-Mazda career philosophies were not found in the search results.
