Anything that gets us away from the oversized smiley face that is currently spreading like a sickness through Mazda’s current product line-up is s a good thing—and the Shinari concept is particularly good. Yet another “four-door sports coupe,” easily the most popular vehicle type of the day, the Shinari is an aggressive and impressive looking concept.

Concept is the operative word here, though, as there are no plans for Mazda to build the car yet, they may not even decide to build a four-door coupe. Still, the company notes that the design elements showcased on the Shinari—which was a joint effort by their studios in Germany, Japan and America—will appear on future product.

For example, the wing-like appearance of the front fascia will reportedly carry over to future production vehicles; no word yet on the ultra-squinty headlights, push-button door handles or the rear-view cameras in place of the side mirrors. Inside, the Shinari features a full-length glass roof, gauges designed to resemble a watch face and deep-set seating for four.

Also of note is something called the Human Machine Interface (HMI), a monitor set high on the centre console that delivers customizable information to the driver. Stunning, inside and out.