New roadster from Mitsuoka: a Japanese take on the classic Corvette
Japanese car manufacturer Mitsuoka Motors, known for its eccentric design solutions, has released a second teaser of its upcoming roadster. The full presentation of the car is scheduled for November 2026. The new teaser shows the front part of the car, confirming the assumption of styling inspired by the iconic Chevrolet Corvette C1, specifically the post-1958 version with quad headlights.
Mitsuoka Motors has dropped a second teaser ahead of the car’s full reveal in November 2026, and this one shows the front quarter. Its proportions and detailing appear to confirm what the first teaser’s open-top silhouette only hinted at, that the styling will ape the C1 Corvette, specifically the post-1958 version with its quad headlights.
The company promises to release additional teasers in August and September before presenting the car fully.
Unique approach to design
Mitsuoka always goes its own way, creating cars that look like nothing else on the road. The new roadster will likely be two-seater and have a distinct retro style. Like most Mitsuoka models, this car will probably be built based on an existing production car. The only exception in the company’s lineup is the Orochi supercar, created entirely in-house.
Likely base — Mazda MX-5
Judging by the proportions, the new model may be built on the Mazda MX-5 chassis. This is not Mitsuoka’s first such experiment. In 2018, the company introduced the Rock Star model, which was also based on the Mazda MX-5 (ND) and styled after the Corvette C2. Another model, the Himiko, used an extended MX-5 NC or ND platform.
The sketch is signed by Takanori Aoki, the designer who created the Himiko and Rock Star. The body appears unique, with round headlights, a large radiator grille, side “gills” reminiscent of the C1 Corvette, and sculpted rear fenders. Hints of a sharp splitter, sporty “skirts,” and a diffuser are also visible.
Technical specifications and plans
If the roadster is indeed based on the Mazda MX-5 ND, it will likely get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 hp (135 kW). The drive will be rear-wheel, and the transmission will be a six-speed manual or automatic.
Mitsuoka promises to reveal more about the “fun and exciting origin of the Mitsuoka identity” over the coming months, publishing materials on social media and a dedicated website. Additional teasers will appear in July, August, and September, with the official presentation taking place in November. Like previous models, this roadster will likely be produced in a limited series exclusively for the Japanese market.
Mitsuoka’s approach is not just a tribute to retro fashion, but a conscious strategy of creating unique cars for connoisseurs. The company masterfully combines a modern technical base, such as the proven Mazda MX-5 platform, with a nostalgic design that evokes associations with American classics of the 1950s. This allows Mitsuoka to occupy a niche where there are almost no competitors, offering a product that is both familiar and utterly unusual. Limited production and focus on the domestic market only enhance the exclusivity of these cars, making them a desirable object for collectors and enthusiasts who value individuality above all else.