1999 Mazda Nextourer

With the comfort of a high-grade sedan plus the functionality of a sport utility vehicle, It's a next-generation touring saloon for the discriminating driver. The crossover field is still today not clearly defined. In 1999, Mazda proposed this study crossing a station wagon with a coupe. Freestyle doors for the body, rear-wheel drive, and hybrid powertrain under the skin.

Appearing at the 2000 show was the Mazda Nextourer concept that predicted the "next-generation touring sedan," featuring style, luxury appointments, and high-tech features combined with the versatility and functionality of a sport-utility vehicle. Power was supplied by a 3.0-liter DOHC V-6 engine with Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT), mated to a Toroidal Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Toroidal CVT delivered 20 percent better fuel economy compared with a conventional automatic transmission. Like the paddle shifters used on Formula One racecars), the Nextourer wing shift selectors allowed the driver to make quick fingertip shifts without removing their hands from the steering wheel. An Active Height Control system powered the vehicle when stopped for ease of entry and exit, raised nearly 4-inches at low speeds, then lowered it by 2-inches at highway speeds for improved handling and fuel economy.

Sources: www.chicagoautoshow.com; Mazda Motor Corp.