AUGUST 2004 ISSUE  
? The Wheels of Tomorrow
? Ford Mustang 427
? Mazda Kusabi
? Mitsubishi Sport Truck
? Toyota Fine-N, CS&S and PM
? Hummer H3T

The Wheels of Tomorrow

Mazda Kusabi
"Kusabi" refers to a bond or connection that ties two things together. In this Mazda's case, it combines sports car appeal with the versatility and economy of a modern compact car. It also means "wedge." The concept's wedgy design has a roof with pronounced edges and which slopes down to the rear. An X-shaped C-pillar is created where the roof meets the side and rear windows. The hatchback body has a tailgate mechanism featuring two split hatch doors that can be opened individually or simultaneously like a regular hatchback. The sporty aspect comes from 17-inch wheels, a long wheelbase, minimal weight, and compact dimensions. A spirited 1.6-liter diesel engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic-shift manual transmission. Diesel? It's probably the fossil fuel of the future!

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