Mazda Ryuga Making Detroit Debut

Mazda North American Operations says it will unveil the Ryuga concept car Jan. 8 at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Ryuga means “gracious flow” in Japanese and continues the theme of the Nagare (”flow” in Japanese) concept shown at the recent Los Angeles auto show.

Mazda’s sketch of the Ryuga shows gullwing doors and the 5-point grille the auto maker has said will be seen on future Mazda production models.

The auto maker promises the concept “will reflect a higher level of sophistication achieved through the use of rich fabrics, engineered fits and hidden details.”

Mazda also reiterates plans to unveil the ’08 Tribute hybrid-electric vehicle in Detroit, specifying it will boast 155 hp and meet California’s Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEVII) and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) emissions standards.

The Tribute HEV is set to go on sale late in 2007, Mazda says.

An artist's rendering of Mazda's Ryuga concept.