Mazda revives rotary spirit with Vision X-Coupe hybrid concept 

Mazda has reignited its rotary heritage with the world premiere of the Vision X-Coupe at the Japan Mobility Show; a striking four-door coupe concept that blends high-performance hybrid technology with the brand’s sustainable vision for 2035. 

Unveiled alongside a smaller Vision X-Compact concept, the X-Coupe embodies Mazda’s show theme, “The Joy of Driving Fuels a Sustainable Tomorrow.” It’s a clear statement of intent from the Hiroshima brand that driving excitement and environmental responsibility can coexist. 

At the heart of the Vision X-Coupe lies a turbocharged twin-rotor plug-in hybrid system, producing a combined 510PS (around 375kW). The setup allows for up to 160km of pure-electric range, extending to 800km when the rotary engine and electric motor work in tandem. 

But it’s Mazda’s approach to sustainability that helps set the concept apart. The rotary engine is engineered to run on microalgae-derived carbon-neutral fuel, while the car also debuts a new Mazda Mobile Carbon Capture system that actively reduces CO₂ in the atmosphere as it drives. In essence it is claimed that the Vision X-Coupe doesn’t just cut emissions, it helps clean the air. 

Measuring 5050mm long, 1995mm wide, and 1480mm tall, the concept is nearly as long as a CX-90 SUV but sits dramatically lower, giving it a muscular, grand touring stance. The long bonnet, sculpted haunches and minimalist surfaces represent the next evolution of Mazda’s ‘Kodo – Soul of Motion’ design philosophy, while the low-slung proportions and wide track hint at serious performance intent. 

Inside, the X-Coupe adopts a driver-focused cockpit with a modern interpretation of classic rotary-era design cues — including digital analogue-style dials, a broad horizontal display, and a deep-dish steering wheel inspired by the RX-3. 

Mazda President and CEO Masahiro Moro said the concept captures the brand’s spirit of optimism. 

“The joy of driving fuels a sustainable tomorrow. Mazda believes the love of cars can be a force for positive change — for society, and for the planet,” he said. 

While the Vision X-Coupe remains a concept, its sophisticated hybrid rotary setup could preview Mazda’s next generation of performance cars — potentially even a spiritual successor to the RX line. 

For now, the Vision X-Coupe stands as a bold vision of what Mazda’s future might look like: emotionally charged, driver-focused, and cleanly powered.