The Japan Mobility Show has commenced in Tokyo, and Mazda is seizing the opportunity to present a pair of innovative concepts that embody their theme: “the joy of driving fuels a sustainable tomorrow.” Among these is the Vision X-Coupe, a model that showcases the evolution of Mazda’s KODO design language, first introduced at the Tokyo show a decade ago.
The Vision X-Coupe draws a visual connection to Mazda’s current models, such as the 3 hatchback and the CX-30 crossover, yet it reinterprets these designs through the sleek, elongated form of a four-door coupe. While the design language is noteworthy, the sustainability initiatives Mazda is exploring with this concept are perhaps even more compelling.
Revolutionary Powertrain and Sustainable Fuel
At the heart of the Vision X-Coupe is a 503 hp (375 kW) plug-in hybrid powertrain. This system incorporates a two-rotor turbocharged rotary engine as its internal combustion component. Mazda claims the vehicle can achieve a total range of 500 miles (800 km), with 100 miles (160 km) powered solely by the battery.
Running the Vision X-Coupe’s engine is designed to be guilt-free. Mazda President and CEO Masahiro Moro explained,
“After years of studying fuels and CO2 exhaust, Mazda now envisions a future where the more kilometers you drive, the more you help reduce CO2.”
Moro emphasized that this vision is achievable through two technologies: carbon-neutral refined fuel derived from microalgae and a system to capture CO2 from the vehicle itself.
Innovative Fuel Production
Mazda has made strides in producing fuel from microalgae, though the process is not yet highly efficient. The company reports
“succeeded in producing over one liter of fuel from an 11,000-liter culture tank in about two weeks.”
The residual biomass from this process can potentially be repurposed for food products or fertilizers, adding another layer of sustainability.
Carbon Capture Technology
The second technology, “Mazda Mobile Carbon Capture,” extracts CO2 directly from the car’s exhaust. While details are sparse, Mazda plans to demonstrate this technology in action during a “super endurance race” in November, where a car equipped with this system will compete.
Vision X-Compact: A New Era of Interactive Driving
Alongside the Vision X-Coupe, Mazda introduced the Vision X-Compact, a vehicle designed to enhance the connection between people and cars. This concept integrates a human sensory digital model with empathetic AI, capable of engaging occupants in natural conversation and enriching the driving experience.
Designer Kaisei Takahashi illustrated the potential interactions,
“It might say ‘Hey, remember that cafe you mentioned last week? There is a fun backroad that will get us there. Way more interesting than this highway.’ So you make the turn, and hear, ‘ooh, nice merge!’ Then gently, ‘Blind spot, left side.’ And your adventure continues.”
Implications for the Future of Automotive Design
This development follows a broader trend in the automotive industry towards integrating advanced technology with sustainable practices. Mazda’s commitment to sustainability through innovative fuel and carbon capture technologies could set a new standard for environmentally responsible driving.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, the automotive industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Mazda’s approach, blending cutting-edge design with sustainable technology, may well influence future industry standards.
Looking ahead, the success of Mazda’s concepts at the Japan Mobility Show could herald a new era in automotive design, where the joy of driving is harmoniously aligned with environmental stewardship.
