The Mazda Vision X-Coupe: Rotary. Turbocharged. Hybrid.

A turbocharged two-rotor rotary engine–and an electric motor. Yes, true believers, the rotary-powered hybrid is one step closer to reality with Mazda’s Vision X-Coupe concept that debuted at the Japan Mobility Show. Power output? More than 500 horses.

There’s also the Mazda Vision-X Compact. While it gives Cozy Coupe vibes, it incorporates technology that’s increasingly becoming more common in everyday life. That’s right, AI. Mazda said, “Acting like a close companion, it is capable of engaging in natural conversation and suggesting destinations, helping expand the driver's world. This represents Mazda’s vision for the future of smart mobility, where vehicles and people form an emotional connection, much like a heartfelt relationship.”

Will either one make it into production? Maybe. The better question: Will we ever get a new car from Mazda? Eventually? Keep in mind the current ND Miata is now 10 years old. And the Miata and Mazda3 are the only cars offered by Mazda in the U.S. The rest of the lineup primarily consists of CX-whatever.

Comments

Colin Wood Associate Editor
10/29/25 8:57 a.m.

The Vision-X is downright adorable.

I'm happy to see some progress towards the next Mazda rotary-powered sports car, too.

maschinenbau GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
10/29/25 9:31 a.m.

Annual reminder to automakers that a coupe does not have 4 doors.

j_tso SuperDork
10/29/25 9:35 a.m.

X-Coupe looks ungainly. But I do love the X-Vision Compact.

Coniglio Rampante GRM+ Memberand HalfDork
10/29/25 10:40 a.m.

Mazda…again with its rotary dreams.

But it works as clickbait on me, which I guess can be monetized for them to some degree.

brandonsmash GRM+ Memberand Dork
10/29/25 10:59 a.m.

I've said it before, but if Mazda makes the RX Vision as or near it was developed in concept 10 years ago I would be a new-car buyer.

J.A. Ackley Senior Editor
10/29/25 12:36 p.m.

brandonsmash said:
I've said it before, but if Mazda makes the RX Vision as or near it was developed in concept 10 years ago I would be a new-car buyer.

I'm with you on that.

Coniglio Rampante GRM+ Memberand HalfDork
10/29/25 12:51 p.m.

J.A. Ackley said:
brandonsmash said:
I've said it before, but if Mazda makes the RX Vision as or near it was developed in concept 10 years ago I would be a new-car buyer.

I'm with you on that.

Yup, that was a beauty with real potential.

I recall seeing a GT3 rendering made for gaming purposes. To this day it would look right at home in IMSA or the WEC series.

But, we live in a crossover world that pays the bills so the market gets what the market buys.

Mr_Asa MegaDork
10/29/25 1:09 p.m.

Coniglio Rampante said:
J.A. Ackley said:
brandonsmash said:
I've said it before, but if Mazda makes the RX Vision as or near it was developed in concept 10 years ago I would be a new-car buyer.

I'm with you on that.

Yup, that was a beauty with real potential.

I recall seeing a GT3 rendering made for gaming purposes. To this day it would look right at home in IMSA or the WEC series.

But, we live in a crossover world that pays the bills so the market gets what the market buys.

Its the same height as a Chrysler 300. How is that crossover related?

Pete. (l33t FS) GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
10/29/25 1:09 p.m.

maschinenbau said:
Annual reminder to automakers that a coupe does not have 4 doors.

Colloquially, maybe, but the regulatory definition of coupe doesn't take doors into account, just back seat volume.

J.A. Ackley Senior Editor
10/29/25 2:22 p.m.

Pete. (l33t FS) said:
maschinenbau said:
Annual reminder to automakers that a coupe does not have 4 doors.

Colloquially, maybe, but the regulatory definition of coupe doesn't take doors into account, just back seat volume.

Theoretically, if I remove the seats in a four door, does that mean I can turn something into a coupe?