Japanese coachbuilder Mitsuoka has revealed the most recent model of its second-generation Himiko roadster, which relies on the present ND-generation Mazda MX-5.
The retro-looking Mitsuoka Himiko was first revealed in 2008 and was initially primarily based on the earlier NC-generation MX-5. The present second-generation Himiko was revealed in 2018 and blends exterior design parts of basic British roadsters just like the Jaguar XK120 and Morgan Plus 8.
This newest model of the Himiko is restricted to only 10 models in Japan and is priced from ¥6,787,000 (~A$71,500), which is nearly $19,000 costlier than the costliest MX-5 offered in Australia.
Modifications embody a tweaked grille and badging, and new leather-based seats that may be matched with the outside color.
In the event you haven’t already observed, the Mitsuoka Himiko is significantly bigger than the MX-5 it’s primarily based on. It measures in at 4580mm lengthy, 1740mm broad, and 1235mm tall with a 2910mm wheelbase.
This makes the Himiko 665mm longer, 10mm wider, and 5mm taller than the common MX-5 roadster, with a 600mm longer wheelbase.
Regardless of the added physique mass, the Mitsuoka Himiko is just round 100kg greater than the common MX-5. It has a automobile weight of 1190kg.
The 2024 Mitsuoka Himiko is powered completely by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that’s not obtainable on the native MX-5 vary, which produces 97kW of energy and 152Nm of torque.
This engine is mated to a six-speed computerized transmission solely.
Though the outside of the Himiko seems drastically totally different to the MX-5, its inside is the place the Mazda roots begin to shine by means of slightly extra clearly.
The one notable inside adjustments the Himiko receives over the MX-5 embody distinctive trim colors, new upholstery and a Mitsuoka steering wheel badge.
The Himiko isn’t the one modified MX-5 Mitsuoka presently provides as there’s additionally the Rock Star, designed to seem like a Chevrolet C2 Corvette.
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Mitsuoka Rock Star
Mitsuoka’s speciality for many years has been placing retro-inspired entrance and rear ends on vehicles from Japanese manufacturers like Nissan and Toyota.
Some have been reasonably simplistic affairs, just like the Mitsubishi i-MiEV-based Like, whereas others have been extra complete, just like the Honda NSX-based Orochi which had a radical new physique and scissor doorways.
Different wild fashions have included the neoclassical Dore and Le-Seyde, primarily based on the Nissan Silvia, and the Ford Mustang-based Galue Convertible.
MORE: Every thing Mazda MX-5
