Mitsuoka is preparing another open-top sports car based on the Mazda MX-5 Miata, and early teasers suggest the Japanese automaker is once again turning to Chevrolet Corvette history for inspiration. The new model appears to draw from the classic Corvette C1 and is scheduled to be fully unveiled in November.
A New Mitsuoka With Corvette Inspiration
Japanese automakers such as Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and Nissan may be the industry’s most familiar names, but Mitsuoka has built a reputation for transforming everyday Japanese cars into distinctive creations with unusual styling.
The company’s latest project follows the Rock Star, a Miata-based roadster that paid tribute to the second-generation Chevrolet Corvette, the C2. This time, Mitsuoka appears to be looking even further back in Corvette history.
Early teasers point toward a design inspired by the Corvette C1, although Mitsuoka has yet to reveal the complete vehicle. The full unveiling is expected in November.
Mitsuoka Keeps the New Roadster Under Wraps
Mitsuoka has so far revealed the new sports car through a series of teasers rather than showing the entire vehicle. The latest preview provides a closer look, but much of the car remains covered.
The first teaser sketch showed several key design elements, including a stretched-out front end, a cabin positioned far toward the rear, and pronounced fenders. Together, those details establish the classic front-engine roadster proportions Mitsuoka appears to be pursuing.
The second teaser reveals more of the car’s appearance, including a bright red body with white accents at the front. The vehicle sits low to the ground and features large wheels that emphasize its sporty stance.
The teaser also provides glimpses of the windshield and front section, while Mitsuoka continues to keep the rest of the design hidden.
Mitsuoka Has Been Building Cars for Decades
Although models such as the Rock Star can make Mitsuoka look like a novelty company focused on unusual body kits, the automaker has a longer history of developing its own vehicles.
Mitsuoka has been building its own cars since the early 1980s. Its current lineup includes the Rock Star, Himiko, Buddy, Viewt, and Ryugi.
The company’s roots in original car development extend back to the 50cc BUBU Shuttle from 1982. Mitsuoka has also developed a reputation for reimagining ordinary Japanese cars with distinctive retro styling.
The Himiko Shows Mitsuoka’s Miata Formula
The Himiko provides another example of the company’s approach. It is a two-seat convertible with an exaggerated long-nose, short-deck design and is also based on the Mazda Miata.
The new project appears to follow a similar formula while taking its Corvette influence in a different direction. The early teasers suggest that Mitsuoka’s latest Miata-based roadster could be its most Corvette-focused design yet.
The complete vehicle will be revealed in November, when Mitsuoka is expected to show how far it has taken the Corvette-inspired styling.
