Mazda has shown two new concept cars at the Japan Mobility Show (née the Tokyo Motor Show) and while one has an obvious place in the current Mazda lineup, the other... doesn't.
Let's look at the non-obvious one first
This is the Vision-X Coupe, and it's meant to be the ultimate iteration of Mazda's 'Kodo' design language.
While you can see clear influence from the current Mazda lineup in its ultra-clean styling (there's a lot of the Mazda3 hatchback in there) it's a bigger model than we're used to, a sleek four-door that's closer to being a Mercedes CLS than a new Mazda RX-7.
It does have a rotary engine though, right?
Oh yes - the Vision-X Coupe uses Mazda's idea of combining a smooth-running rotary engine and an EV battery, with one acting as a range-extender for the other.
While technical details are on the thin side right now, the idea seems to be that there's enough battery capacity for around 160km of range on a full charge from the mains, while the rotary engine stretches that range to around 800km on a full tank.
So, it runs on petrol?
Errrr... not quite. Mazda says that the Vision-X Coupe's rotary has been designed to run on a synthetic e-fuel derived from micro-algae, and that the car is a 'mobile carbon capture device' although quite how it does that remains to be revealed in full.
Will it be fast?
Definitely - the combined peak power output is 510hp. Mazda could potentially launch this as a range-topping model sitting above the newly launched electric Mazda 6e saloon, but don't hold your breath - we've been down the road of the 'new RX-7' before.
What's the other Mazda at the show?
Ah, this one is a bit simpler - the Vision-X Compact is clearly a hint at the next generation of Mazda2 small hatchback.
Mazda's own home-grown 2 has recently gone out of production, leaving the brand with only the badge-engineered Mazda2 Hybrid (a Toyota Yaris with Mazda badges) so the Vision-X Compact most likely previews a return to Hiroshima designing its own small cars.
Is it electric?
Possibly. Mazda isn't saying for now, and the Vision-X Compact is purely a concept car for the moment.
Interestingly, though, Mazda has shown the Compact with an interior that does without a touchscreen, instead using a mount for your mobile phone. Rather than Dacia-style cost-saving, this is potentially a recognition that big in-car screens might become victims of safety legislation in the coming years, and Mazda has spoken of the Vision-X Compact using a "fusion of a human sensory digital model and empathetic AI” which can "act like a close companion, it is capable of engaging in natural conversation and suggesting destinations, helping expand the driver's world.”
So, possibly, the idea is that you talk to the car, rather than touching a screen, and it talks back to you, as Mazda puts it, "much like a friend.”
Masahiro Moro, president and CEO of Mazda, said: "The phrase, 'The joy of driving fuels a sustainable tomorrow,' expresses not only Mazda's fundamental spirit, but also the core of its future challenges. Under the shared global mission of achieving carbon neutrality, Mazda believes that the joy of driving can be a force for positive change for society and the planet. We remain committed to fulfilling the desire of those who love cars and wish to continue driving forever.”