Mazda’s First Shark Fin Antenna Enhances the Beauty of KODO Design
Car radio antennas used to be stowed in the fender or pillar, measuring up to nearly 90 centimetres when fully stretched.
A roof antenna is shorter and is mounted on the roof of the car.
Recently, you’ve probably seen an antenna that looks like a little wing sitting on the aft of car top for radio reception. It’s called a ‘Shark Fin’ antenna because, you guessed it, it looks like a shark fin.
The Mazdas today are known for KODO Design, which injects vitality and dynamic motion to car’s styling. Since the shark fin antenna was meant for Mazda’s new-generation models, the antenna had to be a part of KODO Design.
Because the antenna cannot be removed and it affects the car’s overall height, Mazda’s engineers worked on lowering the antenna’s height without sacrificing reception. They came up with an idea to change bar-shaped parts to spiral coil, and used electronic substrate to make a receiver.
Many technical challenges were conquered by antenna expert engineers with 25 years of experience in radio wave technology development, and Mazda’s very first shark fin antenna was successfully mounted on the CX-5.
Driven by further technological advancement in the future, the shark fin antenna is expected to be smaller and more discrete in shape and set to serve wider purposes as a composite antenna.
Mazda’s ongoing pursuit of its ideals to innovate its cars, design and technology is clearly evident even in small parts like an antenna. For Mazda, a quest for creating an ideal car is never ending but worth every effort.
Other Stories
Driving stories on the great & challenging roads and journeys
Stories about the craftsmanship and design evolution of Mazda
Visions and philosophies of Mazda engineers
The spirit of Mazda owners, collectors, clubs and aficionados around the world
Mazda brand heritage and history