Japanese coachbuilder Mitsuoka has announced pricing for its latest bespoke model, a wannabe muscle car built atop a bog standard Honda Civic.
The company famous for other uniquely American-styled models like the Chevrolet Corvette-inspired Rock Star (based on the Mazda MX-5) and Blazer-esque Buddy (based on the Toyota RAV4) first rolled out the new M55 as a concept in 2023.
It’s now available for purchase, but you’ll have to go to Japan to get your hands on one.
You’ll have to be quick and somewhat lucky too, because Mitsuoka will only produce 100 examples of the baby Dodge Challenger mash-up, with buyers to be chosen by lottery.
Mitsuoka is now accepting purchase applications and has priced the M55 Zero Edition at ¥8,085,000 (A$80,082).
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The company’s tweaks – while extravagant – are purely cosmetic and are primarily limited to the exterior. Under the skin is Honda’s 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces 131kW of power and 240Nm of torque.
It’s mated to a six-speed manual transmission, taken from a non-Type R Civic variant sold in Japan. Mitsuoka says it will also consider introducing additional models based on CVT and e:HEV Hondas in the future.
The interior changes are minimal, though the company has fitted blue leather upholstery accented by unusual metal eyelets. Mitsuoka’s logo has also been fitted to the steering wheel’s horn pad.
Elements like the doors are typically Civic, though the front and rear ends have seen the most significant changes. The four round headlights, slim black grille, and rear window louvres in particular are reminiscent of the original 1970-74 Challenger.
Mitsuoka says it will be taking 350 requests until January 19, 2025, and prospective buyers must place their order at one of the company’s various dealers across Japan.
Those wanting to enter the lottery must pay an upfront fee of ¥550,000 (A$5473), which puts them in the running to purchase one of the 100 vehicles planned for production.
Fortunately for those who don’t succeed in the lottery, that initial fee will be refunded.
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