Mazda Vision-X Coupé: the return of the rotary engine with 510 hp and a plug-in hybrid soul

Mazda dazzles at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 with the Vision-X Coupé, a plug-in hybrid prototype powered by a rotary engine that defines the future of the Japanese brand.

At the Japan Mobility Show 2025, Mazda unveiled two stunning prototypes that preview the next generation of its design language and electrification strategy: the Vision-X Coupé and the Vision-X Compact. The former, an elegant four-door grand tourer, combines a plug-in hybrid system featuring a twin-rotor rotary engine capable of running on carbon-neutral fuel derived from microalgae. Together, they deliver an impressive 510 hp, with 159 km of pure electric range and more than 800 km total when factoring in the combustion engine’s fuel tank.

Eco fuel from microalgae: a sustainable revolution

Mazda’s innovation goes far beyond performance. According to the brand, the microalgae used in the process capture CO₂ as they grow and store oil within their cells, which can then be refined into carbon-neutral fuel. The company has already managed to produce over one liter of this biofuel in just two weeks from an 11,000-liter cultivation tank. As an added bonus, the by-products of this process can be repurposed for food production or organic fertilizer, further reducing the environmental footprint.

Mazda Mobile Carbon Capture: extracting CO₂ straight from the exhaust

Pushing the boundaries of sustainability, Mazda is also developing a new system called Mazda Mobile Carbon Capture, designed to extract CO₂ directly from the exhaust gases. This cutting-edge technology will make its debut next month in an endurance race with the Mazda 55, underlining the brand’s ongoing philosophy of using motorsport as a testbed for innovation—a legacy rooted in Mazda’s storied history at Le Mans and its iconic rotary engine.

Evolved KODO design and breathtaking aesthetics

The Vision-X Coupé captivates with its silver finish and a bold evolution of Mazda’s KODO design language, featuring LED daytime running lights that extend from the lower air intake to the headlights. At the rear, the taillights blend seamlessly into the sculpted bodywork. Inside, the cabin exudes refined minimalism with white seats, green and brown trim accents, and a large integrated dashboard screen, complemented by a three-spoke steering wheel that reinforces its sporty yet elegant character.

Vision-X Compact: emotional intelligence on wheels

The second prototype, the Mazda Vision-X Compact, represents the athletic and emotional evolution of the now-discontinued Mazda2. Beyond its dynamic design, it introduces an AI system capable of responding to the driver’s emotions — suggesting a more exciting scenic route instead of a highway, or warning of hidden vehicles in the blind spot. Its interior embraces a minimalist philosophy, with a simple three-spoke steering wheel, a large analog speedometer, and no central infotainment screen — just a smartphone mount. Mazda is clearly hinting at a future of purer, more intuitive driving that reconnects the driver with the road.