by Japanese coachbuilder Mitsuoka, known for its extravagant automobiles, has officially released a teaser of a new two-seater roadster. The model’s premiere is scheduled for November this year.
New Roadster from Mitsuoka: What is Known
The teaser sketch shows a car with a retro style, sculpted bodywork, and round headlights. Although the company does not disclose technical details, most of its models are reworked versions of production cars. The only exception is their in-house developed supercar, the Orochi.
Judging by the proportions, the new model may be based on the Mazda MX-5 platform. This is not the first such project by Mitsuoka: in 2018, they introduced the Rock Star model, which imitated the Corvette C2 based on the MX-5 ND, as well as the Himiko, built on an extended MX-5 NC or ND chassis.
Design and Features
The sketch was authored by designer Takanori Aoki, who previously worked on the Himiko and Rock Star. The new model features a unique body with round headlights, a large radiator grille, side “gills” reminiscent of the Corvette C1, and sculpted rear fenders that smoothly transition into a descending rear bumper. Also noticeable are a sharp splitter, sporty side sills, and a matching diffuser.
If the roadster is indeed built on the MX-5 ND platform, it will likely receive a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS). It will be rear-wheel drive, paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Plans and Prospects
The company promises to publish additional teasers of the roadster in July, August, and September, with the official debut taking place in November. Mitsuoka states that in the coming months, through social media and a special website, they will reveal more information about the “fun and exciting origin of the Mitsuoka identity.”
Like previous models from the workshop, the new model will likely be produced in a limited series and intended exclusively for the Japanese market.
It is worth noting that Mitsuoka already has experience creating unusual cars based on popular models. For example, their M55 RS, built on the basis of the Honda Civic, cost twice as much as the original. The new roadster will likely continue this tradition, offering a unique retro design for those who want to stand out but do not need extreme technical specifications. The use of the proven MX-5 platform also suggests a pragmatic approach to production, allowing the focus to remain on appearance and limited edition runs.
