Infiniti Kuraza Highlights

Kuraza Introduced at 2005 NAIAS

Infiniti's Kuraza concept SUV was introduced in January of 2005 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Kuraza wad designed for passenger comfort, with stadium seating for two in each of its three rows and a stepped-up roof line that adds height above the rear passengers.

Third row seating is accessed through an extra set of wide, rear-hinged doors, and the absence of a pillar between the second and third row makes the opening for rear seating even more spacious.

Kuraza offers its passengers a panoramic view of the outside through large windows with wrap-around rear glass, along with three overhead glass roof panels. At night, the roof area is defined by subtle overhead lighting.

Kojii Nagano, the product design director who headed the Kuraza design team, offered the press his thoughts about a portion of the their design objectives:

• "Kuraza, like a beautiful guest room in a fine home, is not designed to be used everyday. It is intended as a social space for six adult friends, such as couples meeting at a resort and heading out together for a special dinner. Therefore it doesn?t need all of the usual utility features, including cupholders, excess luggage space, storage compartments and individual DVD monitors."

Kuraza, Dynamic Movement, Front to Rear

Kuraza is deep violet -- it's painted with a pearl metallic flake paint. Aluminum is used to for several exterior features, including the band that wraps around the Kuraza's roofline.
Auto retracting outside steps, grip handles and armrests are lighted with violet-colored LED illumination.

Kojii Nagano stated in a press release:

• "There is a dynamic movement from front to rear, designed to catch and reflect the light as the eye travels over the body. The shape suggests a vigorous brush stroke ? dynamic in attitude but not overtly muscular. The windshield angle and greenhouse are upright and authentic. We are not trying to hide its size or purpose. Yet at the same time, there are jewel-like elements and details ? the lights, the side mirrors, the grille detail, all of which suggest that there is more subtlety to Kuraza than its pure dimensions might suggest."

Touch Screen Monitor with a Twist

Kuraza Blends Traditional and Modern Features

The 16" x 6" touch-screen central monitor handles the normal jobs of accessing weather, road conditions and other functions, but is also programmed to display images of nature and the changing seasons. Team leader Kojii Nagano's words explain the concept:

• "We were looking for new ways to add an emotional element to the current information-centric monitors. We want the images on the monitor to provide a peaceful contemplation area, much like you find in a Japanese home. You can also add images from nature or digitize personal photos for display, anything to make the experience of driving or riding in Kuraza more spiritually rewarding."

Kuraza's Seating Concepts

Kimono Like Seats Inside the SUV

Kuraza's seat coverings are a combination of leather and silk. Designers wanted the shape of seat backs to suggest the form of a traditional Japanese kimono, with many folds and layers.

Kuraza Flooring

The SUV's flooring is made from aluminum strips and violet-stained wood that's cut using a traditional method to highlight its grain. Many of Kuraza's interior metal surfaces are treated with palladium gilt.

Front View of Kuranza

A surround-view camera system rests in each headlight and transmits images to the upper area of the central monitor.

Rear View of the Kuraza Concept

Kuraza's cast-aluminum 23-inch wheels are mounted with specially designed Dunlop 305/45R23 tires.

Kuraza's three glass roof panels give an open view out the roof from every row of seating.

This photo gives you an excellent overview of the Kuraza's door openings and its three rows of seating.