Japanese coachbuilder Mitsuoka has revealed the newest model of its second-generation Himiko roadster, which is predicated on the present ND-generation Mazda MX-5.
The retro-looking Mitsuoka Himiko was first revealed in 2008 and was initially based mostly on the earlier NC-generation MX-5. The present second-generation Himiko was revealed in 2018 and blends exterior design parts of traditional British roadsters just like the Jaguar XK120 and Morgan Plus 8.
This newest model of the Himiko is proscribed to only 10 items in Japan and is priced from ¥6,787,000 (~A$71,500), which is nearly $19,000 dearer than the most costly MX-5 offered in Australia.
Modifications embody a tweaked grille and badging, and new leather-based seats that may be matched with the outside colour.
If you have not already seen, the Mitsuoka Himiko is significantly bigger than the MX-5 it is based mostly on. It measures in at 4580mm lengthy, 1740mm vastand 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 simply round 100kg greater than the common MX-5. It has a automobile weight of 1190 kg.
The 2024 Mitsuoka Himiko is powered solely by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that is not out there 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 appears drastically totally different to the MX-5, its inside is the place the Mazda roots begin to shine via a bit extra clearly.
The one notable inside adjustments the Himiko receives over the MX-5 embody distinctive trim colours, new upholstery and a Mitsuoka steering wheel badge.
The Himiko is not the one modified MX-5 Mitsuoka at present 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 specialty for many years has been placing retro-inspired entrance and rear ends on vehicles from Japanese manufacturers like Nissan and Toyota.
Some have been somewhat 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, based mostly on the Nissan Silvia, and the Ford Mustang-based Galue Convertible.
MORE: All the pieces Mazda MX-5
