Today Mazda’s latest concept the Takeri broke cover just before its official debut set to take place at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show.  The Takeri is among the first concepts to utilize Mazda’s new “i-ELOOP” regenerative braking technology.  Now, I am sure as soon as you read that last part you were thinking a Prius-like hybrid system but this is different.  The i-ELOOP uses regenerative braking to charge a large capacitor instead of a battery.  This capacitor then takes the load off your alternator to power the major electronic systems in the car (AC, radio, etc).  With the alternator taking a break it lightens the work-load on the engine with one less pulley to turn, thus increasing efficiency by as much as 10%.  Couple that with Mazda’s SKYACTIV-D diesel engine and you have a combination that can possibly match most hybrids and electric cars in MPG/range.

The Takeri’s looks don’t hurt either.  The KODO design language (carried over from the SHINARI concept) suits the Takeri well.  Mazda is getting really good at blending their motorsports inspired aggression with luxury cues.  See it all for yourself below in the pictures and video.

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Press Release:

Leverkusen, 13 February 2012. Mazda Motor Corporation will unveil for the first time its Mazda TAKERI concept, a next-generation mid-sized sedan featuring Mazda’s unique i-ELOOP regenerative braking technology, at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show. It will be joined on-stage by the Mazda CX-5, a new compact crossover SUV equipped with the full range of Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY[1], the MX-5 Special Edition Spring 2012, designed exclusively for the European market, and an array of new technologies and production models.

The newest adaptation of Mazda’s new “KODO – Soul of Motion” design theme, the TAKERI concept brings a new level of strength and allure to sedan styling. The TAKERI offers a taste of the future direction of Mazda’s next-generation CD sedan, having inherited the vision of the Mazda SHINARI, an exciting four-door sports coupe concept showcased last year in Geneva. Under this captivating exterior, the TAKERI features Mazda’s highly-efficient new SKYACTIV-D diesel engine with i-stop idle-stop system and six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission.

The TAKERI aims for the ultimate in energy efficiency without compromising on Mazda’s characteristic Zoom-Zoom performance. In fact, it’s the first car to be equipped with i-ELOOP. Short for “Intelligent Energy Loop”, the company’s first regenerative braking system uses a unique solution that converts kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration and stores it in an electric double layer capacitor. The power is used to run the vehicle’s electric components, thereby reducing the engine load and increasing fuel economy by up to 10%. This contributes to the Mazda TAKERI’s outstanding fuel economy, which is achieved at no sacrifice to performance or comfort.

Even though you may not have heard of Pininfarina you have definitely seen their work.  The Italian-based design firm has been the go-to guys for Ferrari for decades.  They have also done design work for many other OEMs including Ford, GM, Mitsubishi, Jaguar and many other Italian OEMs like FIAT and Alfa Romeo.  I like to keep an eye on what they are up to because their designs tend to be trendsetting and suggest where automotive design will go for the next few years.  In just a few days Pininfarina will debut a new concept named the Cambiano at the 2012 Geneva autoshow.  I am not sure if this is just a design study concept for this or if this car is for a mystery client but judging by the teaser shots (click on thumbnails below) I think it will make waves once the show opens.

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