A Rock Star built based on 4th gen of Miata to mimic Vette C2

Rare ONES This time we will discuss about a compact-sized sports car made by Mitsuoka. Did you know those Japanese auto brand? Well, if anyone doesn't know about the brand, that's natural because the Mitsuoka only markets a limited number of car products.

The Mitsuoka Rock Star's styling is modelled after a classic American muscle car, specifically the Chevrolet Corvette C2 of the 1960s. (Picture from: BusinessTimes)

Well, back in 2018, the Japanese car maker, which is known for its quirky design, has again shocked the automotive world in Japan by introducing the Mitsuoka Rock Star figure. Uniquely in appearances and designs, the Mitsuoka Rock Star's figure is not like its predecessor Mitsuoka Orochi or even Mitsuoka Himiko.

When you see this Mitsuoka Rock Star, what's car immediately comes to your mind? In our opinion, as you've seen from the front and back this Mitsuoka's roadster model has similarity designs to the Corvette Stingray C2. However there are clearly some differences, such the Mitsuoka Rock Star has no pop-up headlights, its design lines from the side is more rounded, and looks more modern, plus the rear stern is more sloping.

The Mazda MX-5 ND or known as the 4th gen of Mazda MX-5 Miata used as the car basis of the Mitsuoka Rock Star. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Well, did Mitsuoka build this roadster from scratch? Of course not. If you look closely at the car's body line on the side, as you can see there's the doors and rear-mirrors typical shape. From there you can gues the car's base used to build this Mitsuoka Rock Star. Well, those doors and rear-mirrors are still similar with ones attached on the Mazda MX-5 ND (known as the 4th generation of Mazda Miata) which used as the basis of this Mitsuoka roadster.

The Mitsuoka Rock Star is is powered by a 1,500 cc SkyActiv-G engine that capable burst out power of 132 PS, and 152 Nm of torque combined with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. (Picture from: CarBuyer)

Then for what purpose is the Mitsuoka Rock Star built? The car was intended as a celebration form of the Mitsuoka's 50th anniversary. Well, like the company's previous models, the Mitsuoka Rock Star was sold only for the Japanese Domestic Market with the number of production was only 200 units (with only one unit has left-sided steering wheel), and the model production ceased on February 14, 2021.

The Mitsuoka Rock Star has similar interior setting as the Mazda MX-5 ND, differ only its logo. (Picture from: BusinessTimes)

Okay, let's discuss the car's design aspects. First from the front, the car's headlights are rounded and small plus it uses a projector model ones. There are no other lights on the front side except for the headlights and a small turn signal at the end of the front bumper. Then what about the bumper? It's cool, and shiny because it has a lot of chrome there, fits the retro concept carried by the car. Its hood also looks muscular with holes and bulges in the middle. While on the side, this car gets 15-inch five-spoke wheels with gunmeal color and black mirrors.

There is a metal strip on the side coupled with the gray-painted side skirts. While the roof, canvas, and the doors still came up under the Miata style. Next, slide to the back side, as you can see the car's has two rounded taillights, and again similar to the Stingray C2, and there are jumbo-sized chrome accents in the shape of a wing like on the rear side. While the rear bumper is gray, harmonizing to its side-skirts. The rear trunk looks sloping and provides quite large of storage spaces.

The Mitsuoka Rock Star has has two rounded taillights, and again similar to the Stingray C2, and there are jumbo-sized chrome accents in the shape of a wing like on the rear side. (Picture from: CarBuyer)

Then what about the interior? If you've ever seen the interior of the Mazda MX-5 ND, then that's the Mitsuoka Rock Star has also, differ only its logo. It's a shame the interior didn't come with a retro concept. And the last thing is the engine, Mitsuoka Rock Star still relies on Mazda's MX-5 ND engine as well, namely the 1,500 cc SkyActiv-G engine that capable burst out power of 132 PS, and 152 Nm of torque combined with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Then, how much do fans have to spend in order to bring home this Mitsuoka Rock Star? When it was launched back in 2018, this unique car was priced at around JPN ¥4,688,200 (approx Rp. 633.5 millions). Expensive? Well, it depends, but at least the Mitsuoka Rock Star can be an alternative for those of you who don't want to have a mainstream style while to drive with a Mazda MX-5 in Japan. So, what do you think? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ID.MOTOR1 | BUSINESSTIMES ]

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