- Mazda has introduced the Vision-X Coupe concept.
- It features a plug-in hybrid powertrain with 503 hp.
- The car also incorporates carbon capture technology.
Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro has introduced the new Vision-X Coupe at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo. It’s a stylish four-door coupe created for 2035.
The company kept details about the styling brief, but the concept clearly builds on the familiar Kodo design language, refining it rather than reinventing it. The front end is dominated by a fully enclose grille, which is broken up by fang-like accents. They’re joined by slender headlights and a wide lower intake.
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Streamlined bodywork dominates the car’s profile, which is devoid of traditional door handles and mirrors. We can also see a rakish windscreen that flows into a long, sloping roof. It meets a distinctively styled rear window and a small trunk. The model also has an upright rear end with playful taillights.
Bigger Than A CLS
In terms of size, the car measures 198.8 inches (5,050 mm) long, 78.5 inches (1,995 mm) wide, and 58.3 inches (1,480 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 121.3 inches (3,080 mm).
This means the concept is significantly larger than the Mazda6 as it is 7.3 inches (185 mm) longer and has an extra 9.9 inches (251 mm) between the wheels. The model is also bigger than the recently departed Mercedes CLS, which once defined the four-door coupe segment.
A Minimalist And High-Tech Interior
Interior design has seemingly taken a back seat as many automakers are focused on screens. This leaves cars feeling cold, clinical, and anonymous.
Mazda isn’t following suit as the coupe’s interior should be a case study in modern design. It features an awesome digital instrument cluster, which is broken up into three separate ‘gauges’ with retro-inspired graphics. They’re joined by a similar display on the steering wheel, which is mounted on an elegant pillar.
Elsewhere, we can see an infotainment system and a front passenger display. Designers also gave the car a wide center console and a baseball-like shifter. Other notable highlights include two individual rear seats and stylish two-tone upholstery that is accompanied by interesting trim.
A Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain With Carbon Capture Technology
Motivation is provided by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which consists of a turbocharged rotary engine, an electric motor, and an undisclosed battery pack.
This setup gives the concept a combined output of 503 hp (375 kW / 510 PS) as well as an electric-only range of 99 miles (160 km). Overall, drivers can expect to travel up to 497 miles (800 km) between stops.
While plug-in hybrids are eco-friendly by nature, Mazda took things a step further as the car cleans the air as it drives. This is made possible by “combining a carbon-neutral fuel derived from microalgae with Mazda’s proprietary CO2 capture technology.”
As Moro explained in his speech, microalgae absorbs CO2 as it grows and stores oil in its cells. These oils can then be extracted and turned into carbon-neutral fuel. The remaining microalgae is rich in nutrients – such as protein – and can be transformed into food or organic fertilizer.
On the carbon capture side of things, Mazda has developed a technology that can pull CO2 emissions directly from the exhaust. These captured emissions can then be used to help grow crops or produce “high-performance carbon materials.”
