Mazda 3, Mazda 6 get customized for the SEMA Show

We like the look of Mazda's current lineup, from the basic 2 to the sleek 6. Kodo design language has a lot to do with it -- Mazda North American Operations design director Derek Jenkins says that, thanks that Kodo styling, "the Zoom-Zoom genetic code is further being embraced, not buried, through increasingly expressive vehicle design." (Ugh.-ED)

We didn't know genetics had anything to do with it, but hey -- tough to argue with the results. Perhaps Kodo's effectiveness is why Mazda's SEMA show concepts are fairly...restrained compared to what other automakers are bringing to Las Vegas.

Mazda is bringing two 3s -- one sedan and one hatch -- as well as two 6 sedans to the show. Rather than exploring the darker corners of the custom tuning scenes, the Japanese automaker is focusing on what can be done with off-the-shelf components like wheels, brakes, springs and an OEM aerodynamic kit. Restrained (and dare we say tasteful?) custom paint and graphics packages complete all four cars.

Let's start with the pair of Club Sport concepts:

Mazda

The Club Sport 3 concept starts with the Mazda 3 hatchback and adds an aerodynamic package that's actually fairly restrained -- probably because it's sourced from Mazda itself. The kit, which features front, rear and side diffusers and a slightly bolder rear spoiler, will be available worldwide. Mazda hasn't yet released pricing information.

The Club Sport 3 enjoys more powertrain modifications than the other three concepts, with its 2.5-liter gasoline engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission derived from the gearbox in the CX-5. A shorter 4.7:1 final drive ratio, a Wavetrac helical limited-slip differential, a CUSCO coilover kit and a Racing Beat performance exhaust round out the package. Like all of Mazda's 2013 SEMA show concepts, the Club Sport 3 gets Brembo brakes with drilled brake rotors.

Inside, you'll find red aniline leather on seats, door panels with contrasting black leather on the steering wheel, arm rest, shifter and E-brake.

Mazda

Like the Club Sport 3, the Club Sport 6 gets a Mazda-sourced aerodynamic kit and a paint job set off by Club Sport graphics. Rays 57 Motorsport 20-inch black wheels and Yokohama tires complete the exterior package.

Unlike the Club Sport 3, the 6 gets the Skyactiv-D 2.2-liter diesel powerplant; Mazda does note that it is the Eurospec version of the engine, not the one destined for eventual US release. Why this matters from the perspective of the SEMA show floor, we're not exactly sure -- attendees are probably more likely to be gawking at the Mazda Design aero kit than they are to be peeking under the hood.

Mazda

Mazda's Vector 3 concept seems to be a 3 sedan with a custom paint job; frankly, the effect is fairly subtle. To create the car, Mazda started with a "soul red" car accented by darker patches of custom-blended crimson paint positioned to emphasize the lines of the sheet metal.

Moving beyond aesthetic enhancements, the car rides on an H&R spring kit and Rays Volk Racing Original G25 19-inch wheels. There's plenty of room between the spokes to gaze at the Brembo brakes, though we're not sure if those drilled rotors are, strictly speaking, necessary as Mazda makes no mention of powertrain upgrades. But then, SEMA has never been about what's necessary.

Mazda

Like the Vector 3, the Ceramic 6's novelty starts with a unique exterior finish -- in this case, a white matte paint set off by geometrically arranged taupe silver accent stripes. Mazda says it looked to the "linear frequency patterns found on the likes of couture dresses and flowing fabrics" to devise the design; though the treatment is supposed to radiate a "presence of serenity and pureness," we think it just goes to show that its hard to screw up a car as attractively styled as the Mazda 6 sedan. Rays Volk Racing Original G25 10-spoke, 20-inch wheels sit at all for corners, as do the requisite Brembo brakes.

Designers didn't neglect the interior of the Ceramic 6, though. Carefully stitched white leather abounds on seating and door panel surfaces; black leather covers just about everything else for contrast. It's clean, stylish, and, unlike much of what we see at SEMA, it looks almost production-ready. All in all, a nice complement to the 6 sedan's elegant exterior.

About the SEMA Show

SEMA -- short for Specialty Equipment Marketing Association -- is the biggest aftermarket auto event in the world, held in Las Vegas each fall. The show fills multiple convention halls and shows off everything from high-performance OEM specials to custom wheels and graphics from local shops. Get the full rundown on what automakers and suppliers are up to at the industry's biggest trade show at our SEMA Show home page.

By Graham Kozak