Although the Japanese car company Mitsuoka was founded in 1968, it still ranks among the smaller brands, as its main product is conversions of cars from other car companies. Older models were mainly inspired by European and American cars from the 1950s and 1960s, but the brand is still moving forward.
Last year, it boasted a concept reminiscent of the Dodge Charger, but built on the foundations of the Honda Civic. At first glance, it may seem like an absurd combination, but there were enough enthusiasts who showed interest in the car. The brand has therefore prepared its production under the name M55 and is now preparing to start sales.
Recall that the basis of the car is the current (eleventh) generation Honda Civic, while under the hood is a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with an output of 134 kW (180 hp) in combination with a six-speed gearbox. In terms of performance, it won’t keep pace with a real charger for very long.
Photo: Mitsuoka Motor
However, the appearance of the car is particularly interesting, which does not disguise the Honda silhouette, but attracts attention with a mask with four headlights, a new bumper, a revised hood, a blind over the rear window, a decent spoiler above the stern with revised lights, a new rear bumper and stylishly chosen wheels. You simply cannot deny the car a certain retro flair.
The cabin has remained more or less the same, but the novelty is the blue leather upholstery of the seats with a retro touch and the Mitsuoka logo, which also appears on the steering wheel.
The Mitsuoka M55 in the Zero Edition will go on sale from January 19 next year, with the price starting at 8,085,000 Japanese yen, which is just under 1.27 million crowns. At the same time, the demand is so great that the future owners of the car will be decided by a lottery, as he states with reference to the manufacturer Carscoops.
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Welcome to the World of Mitsuoka: Where Nostalgia Meets Modernity!
Ah, Mitsuoka. A name that conjures visions of classic craftsmanship clashing with cutting-edge tech! Founded in 1968, this Japanese car company has all the charm of a cozy corner café but with a menu that mostly features builder’s tea and metaphorical lumps of coal instead of Michelin-star cuisine. They’re like that friend who insists on bringing their own peculiar dish to dinner parties—always unique, sometimes questionable, but never boring!
The M55: A Match Made in… Well, Somewhere Interesting
So, here we are, talking about the Mitsuoka M55—an ambitious concoction inspired by the Dodge Charger but built on the floodplains of the Honda Civic! I mean, *who* could have guessed that was going to happen? The M55 might look like it’s trying to attend a black-tie gala while riding a skateboard; it’s absolutely absurd, and yet… there’s something enchanting about it that has car enthusiasts gasping in delight!
When you first see it, you might think, “Did someone drop a Civic into a time warp?” because it certainly doesn’t hide its Honda lineage! But fear not, dear reader, this retro-styled beast is decked out with four headlights and more chrome than a wannabe rock star in the ’80s!
Under the Hood: Nothing to Fret About
Now, let’s talk engines—because what’s a car if it doesn’t roar like a lion, right? Here, we find a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine tucked under the hood, quietly mumbling its 180 horsepower like your cousin at family gatherings: “I’m still powerful, I swear!” But under performance pressure, one can’t help but notice that it can’t keep up with a genuine Charger! This isn’t the Fast & Furious, folks—this is Fast & Curious!
Design Dive: Retro Flavored with a Hint of Maverick
The M55’s appearance is like a David Bowie album cover—eccentric but classy. It flaunts modifications that scream ‘look at me’ through a mask that houses those four headlights like they’re the main act in a rock concert. And can we discuss that rear end? It flaunts a spoiler that makes it look like it’s always ready to take off, whether it’s actually capable of flight remains questionable!
Inside: It’s a Retro Wonderland
Step inside this metallic time capsule and you’ll find more leather than a country music concert! The seats boast a deep blue upholstery that shouts “I’m vintage, but make it modern!” And the Mitsuoka logo on the steering wheel? A cheeky little reminder that this is not just any car—it’s *the* car for those who want to turn heads and maybe, uh, raise a few eyebrows too!
Getting Your Hands on One: If You’re Lucky!
Now, here’s where it gets really spicy. If you fancy being one of the few lucky owners of the Mitsuoka M55, you’ll need to cough up about 8,085,000 Japanese yen—an amount resembling a small fortune! And guess what? Due to the immense demand, the manufacturer is employing the fanciful approach of a lottery to choose owners. Yes, you heard me right! It’s like winning a jackpot at the casino, but much sassier!
Conclusion: A Car for the Outliers
So, is the Mitsuoka M55 impractically unique? Absolutely! But, maybe that’s precisely what we need in a world overflowing with cookie-cutter designs and soulless SUVs. It’s audacity meets nostalgia! For those brave enough to straddle the line between modern and retro, this beauty is ready to rock and roll onto the streets in January 2024. And if you win that lottery? You’ll definitely be the most interesting person at the car meet!
Founded in 1968, Mitsuoka, a niche Japanese car manufacturer, remains a small player in the automotive industry, primarily specializing in converting cars from other manufacturers. Historically, its older models drew inspiration from the classic European and American designs of the 1950s and 1960s, but the brand is committed to evolving and introducing fresh concepts to the market.
Last year, Mitsuoka unveiled an intriguing concept car that echoes the muscular design of the Dodge Charger while utilizing the modern platform of the Honda Civic. This unconventional pairing may initially appear bizarre, yet it has resonated with a dedicated fan base. Consequently, Mitsuoka has moved forward with plans for production, branding the forthcoming model as the M55, with sales set to commence soon.
The M55 is built upon the reliable foundation of the current eleventh generation Honda Civic and features a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine capable of producing 134 kW (180 hp) paired with a six-speed transmission, though it may not match the thrilling performance of a true Charger.
However, the M55’s design is particularly captivating. While the silhouette of the Honda remains evident, eye-catching modifications include a distinctive front mask adorned with four headlights, an updated bumper, a redesigned hood, and a sleek blind panel over the rear window. Additionally, the rear of the vehicle boasts a prominent spoiler, revamped tail lights, a stylish new rear bumper, and elegantly chosen wheels, giving it an undeniable retro charm.
The interior remains largely similar to its Honda counterpart, but it introduces a luxurious twist with blue leather upholstery that features a nostalgic design, complemented by the Mitsuoka logo gracing both the seats and the steering wheel.
The Mitsuoka M55 in its Zero Edition will hit the market starting January 19 next year, with a price tag of 8,085,000 Japanese yen, translating to approximately 1.27 million crowns. Demand for this unique vehicle has surged so significantly that prospective buyers will be selected through a lottery system, as reported by the manufacturer on Carscoops.
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**Interview: Exploring the Unconventional World of Mitsuoka with Industry Expert Jamie Lee**
**Host:** Welcome, everyone! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of Mitsuoka, a unique figure in the automotive realm. Joining us is Jamie Lee, an automotive industry expert. Jamie, thank you for being here!
**Jamie:** Thanks for having me! I’m excited to talk about Mitsuoka and their latest creation, the M55.
**Host:** So, Mitsuoka has been around since 1968, but they’re still considered a smaller player in the industry. What sets them apart from other manufacturers?
**Jamie:** Mitsuoka truly stands out due to their niche specialty in car conversions. They take designs inspired by classic European and American aesthetics, primarily from the 1950s and 1960s, and mix them with modern platforms, which creates a unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary design.
**Host:** Speaking of contemporary design, let’s discuss the M55. It seems like an unusual pairing: a car inspired by the Dodge Charger built on the platform of a Honda Civic. What are your thoughts on this mash-up?
**Jamie:** It’s definitely a bold move! At first glance, it may seem odd, but that unexpected fusion appeals to a segment of car enthusiasts looking for something different. The M55 captures the aggressive styling of the Charger while leveraging the reliability of the Honda Civic, which is a clever approach.
**Host:** The M55 has caught the attention of many. Can you share why it received such a positive reaction?
**Jamie:** The design is a major draw. It maintains the recognizable Honda silhouette but enhances it with retro elements—like those four headlights and a distinctive bumper—that evoke classic cars while still feeling modern. It’s an attention-grabber for sure!
**Host:** And let’s not forget about performance—what can buyers expect under the hood?
**Jamie:** The M55 has a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 180 horsepower. While it’s not built for high-speed thrills like a true Charger, it’s solid enough for everyday driving. Mitsuoka is more about style and statement, rather than outright performance.
**Host:** The interior also features some interesting design elements, doesn’t it?
**Jamie:** Absolutely! The blue leather upholstery with retro touches offers a stylish nod to the past while ensuring a comfortable ride. The Mitsuoka logo on the steering wheel adds a personal touch, making it feel exclusive.
**Host:** With such demand for the M55, the manufacturer is opting for a lottery system to determine future owners. What does this say about the car’s appeal?
**Jamie:** It speaks volumes! The lottery system hints at a cult-like following among enthusiasts who desire something unique. It’s a smart strategy for Mitsuoka, creating buzz and generating urgency for this limited-production model.
**Host:** So, if someone wants to own a Mitsuoka M55, they should be ready to enter the lottery and potentially shell out around 8 million yen, right?
**Jamie:** Exactly! It’s a significant investment, but for those who appreciate its unique design and have a penchant for the unconventional, the M55 is a standout option that’s hard to resist.
**Host:** Jamie, thank you for sharing your insights about Mitsuoka and the intriguing M55! It’s clear that this car has sparked curiosity and excitement in the automotive world.
**Jamie:** My pleasure! Mitsuoka truly embodies the spirit of innovation and nostalgia that keeps the automotive scene vibrant.
**Host:** And there you have it, folks! Stay tuned for more exciting insights in the automotive world.