MAZDA RX EVOLVS INTERIOR OFFERS LEATHER METAL HIGH TECH, 2000-01-12 (photo)

Mazda's RX-Evolv, shown for the first time in North America on January 11 during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, offers a chrome-and-leather interior packed with high tech. The freestyle door system, which disposes with the center column, makes entry and exit from the car easier. The car's automatic transmission offers a manual shift option which uses F-1 style, steering-wheel mounted shifter wings and a rear-seat slide mechanism that moves the rear seats forwards and backwards depending on passenger or cargo needs. Mazda says it has no plans to produce the car but say it does give clues to future product development. Managing Director Kei Kado said, "The reaction to this car has been such since we first revealed it ... that we cannot simply put this concept model into the Mazda museum. TCB/H