Japanese coach mitsuoka revealed the latest version of the second generation Himiko roadster, based on the current ND generation Mazda MX-5.
The retro-looking Mitsuoka Himiko was first revealed in 2008 and was originally based on the previous NC-generation MX-5. The current second-generation Himiko was revealed in 2018 and blends the exterior design elements of classic British roadsters such as the Jaguar XK120 and Morgan Plus 8.
This latest version of Himiko is limited to 10 pieces in Japan and priced from 6,787,000 (~AUD71,500), nearly $19,000 more expensive than the most expensive MX-5 sold in Australia.
Changes include a revised grille and badging, and new leather seats that can match the exterior colors.
If you haven’t noticed, the Mitsuoka Himiko is considerably larger than the MX-5 it’s based on. It measures at 4580mm . long, 1740mm . wideAnd 1235mm . high with one Wheelbase 2910mm.
This makes the Himiko 665 mm longer, 10 mm wider and 5 mm taller than the regular MX-5 roadster, with a 600 mm longer wheelbase.
Despite the extra body mass, Mitsuoka Himiko is only about 100kg heavier than the regular MX-5. The vehicle has a vehicle weight of 1190kg.
Mitsuoka Himiko 2024 is exclusively offered by a 1.5 liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that is no longer available on the local MX-5 scope, making 97kW power and 152Nm of torque.
This engine is only paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
While the Himiko’s exterior looks different from the MX-5, its interior is where Mazda’s roots begin to shine a little more clearly.
The only notable interior changes Himiko received compared to the MX-5 include unique trim colors, new upholstery, and Mitsuoka steering wheel badging.
The Himiko isn’t the only modified MX-5 Mitsuoka currently offers as there’s also a Rock Star, designed to look like a Chevrolet C2 Corvette.
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rock star Mitsuoka
Mitsuoka’s expertise for decades has been to provide classic styling inspired front and rear bumpers to cars from Japanese brands such as Nissan and Toyota.
Some models are pretty straightforward, such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV-based Like, while others are more comprehensive, like the Honda NSX-based Orochi that features an all-new bodywork and scissor doors.
Other wild models include the neoclassical Dore and Le-Seyde, based on the Nissan Silvia, and the Galue Convertible based on the Ford Mustang.
THAN: Everything Mazda MX-5
