The realm of automotive design has witnessed various revolutionary ideas, especially when it comes to steering mechanisms. The 1981 Mazda MX-81 Aria concept car stands out as a significant example of venturing beyond the traditional steering wheel. Conceptualized by Bertone’s then-head of design, Marc Deschamps, this vehicle encapsulated the essence of 1980s futurism. It boasted a Blade Runner-esque silhouette and a cockpit laden with complex buttons and unconventional styling. Arguably, the highlight of this design was its novel steering interface.
The period of the 1970s and ’80s brought forth a plethora of concept vehicles sporting nonstandard steering controls. Unique as they may have been, it is the steering solution of the MX-81 Aria, with its ribbon steering concept, that arguably outdid them all. Unlike the traditional method of turning a steering wheel, the MX-81 required the driver to navigate by maneuvering a belt-like device around a stationary rectangular column which also served as the gauge cluster.
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This innovative column incorporated various controls for turn signals, windshield wipers, headlights, and even featured a large area to actuate the horn. At the center was a CRT screen displaying critical driver information such as speed and RPM. However, the steering belt itself, adorned with unusual, tactile nubs, presented a potentially cumbersome and unfamiliar steering choreography.
The car’s interior offered several visionary features, including rotatable front seats, a sizable screen, and a cleverly designed rotating dashboard storage compartment. The exterior of the MX-81 likewise included innovative elements, such as a retractable windshield-wiper cover.
Generally, Mazda would scrap its concept cars, but the MX-81 Aria was preserved, stowed away for several decades until Mazda decided to restore and showcase it in 2021. Once restored, the MX-81 was brought to Milan’s Piazza del Duomo to reenact its initial press photoshoot in front of the iconic cathedral. Despite being transported likely via trailer, as managing the peculiar steering mechanism on actual roads would be a challenge, the event marked a special occasion for this unique piece of automotive history.
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FAQ Section:
- What is the Mazda MX-81 Aria?
- The Mazda MX-81 Aria is a concept car designed by Marc Deschamps of Bertone in 1981, known for its futuristic design and unique steering mechanism.
- How does the steering mechanism of the Mazda MX-81 work?
- Instead of using a traditional steering wheel, the Mazda MX-81 featured a conveyor belt-like device that the driver would manipulate to steer the vehicle.
- Did the Mazda MX-81 Aria ever go into production?
- No, the Mazda MX-81 Aria remained a concept car and never entered production.
- Why was the Mazda MX-81 preserved instead of destroyed?
- While it is common for concept cars to be destroyed, Mazda decided to preserve the MX-81 Aria for reasons not publicly disclosed. It became part of automotive history and was eventually restored for a press photo recreation.
Conclusion:
The Mazda MX-81 Aria concept remains a testament to the creative and experimental spirit that pervaded the automotive industry in the late 20th century. Its unconventional and ergonomically challenging steering belt stands out in the annals of automotive design as both a unique foray into the unknown and a bold statement about the future that might have been. With the MX-81 preserved and now proudly displayed once more, it serves not just as a retrospective curiosity but also as a reminder of the innovative potential that continues to drive the automotive world forward.
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