By Steve Laser
Mazda introduced the gorgeous RX-VISION rotary powered sports car at the Tokyo Motor Show ten years ago. While the concept didn’t reach production, Mazda is still thinking about sporty futuristic design and its signature rotary engine. And so, Mazda has premiered the new VISION X-COUPE concept at the Japan Mobility Show 2025.
The VISION X-COUPE is beautiful, with its evolved “KODO Soul of Motion” design. And while it’s called a coupe, it actually has four doors. Mazda calls the concept a crossover coupe, with the “X” standing for “cross”.
Unlike some other concept vehicles with “clamshell” style doors, the neatly integrated rear doors for VISION X-COUPE swing open in conventional style, like the front doors.
The powertrain features a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) system, with a twin-rotor, rotary turbo engine, plus an electric motor and battery. “With a maximum output of 510 PS, the vehicle offers a driving range of 160 km in motor-only mode and up to 800 km when operating in combination with the engine,” says Mazda.
“Furthermore, by combining carbon-neutral fuel derived from microalgae with Mazda’s proprietary CO2 capture technology, ‘Mazda Mobile Carbon Capture,’ the vehicle contributes to reducing atmospheric CO2 the more it is driven,” adds Mazda.
The interior features modern styling combined with heritage design cues. The driver and front passenger are treated to contemporary style bucket seats. Rear seats provide space for two passengers, and share their design with the front seats.
The dash offers a horizontal format with an integrated super-wide center screen display. While the tall center floor console features a gearshift that appears to include “P, R, N, D” settings.
There’s a three-spoke steering wheel, and three-gauge round instrument cluster, that shows analog-style displays in the above photo. It’s interesting to note that the concept is left-hand drive, indicating that its creators were thinking about the international market.
Note: The concept vehicle shown in this story is not for sale.
News source and photos courtesy of Mazda Motor Corp.
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