Japan’s Wildest Car Brand Has a New Droptop Coming That’s Like No Miata You Know

While the automotive aftermarket is hardly lacking for ambitious creators in 2026, Japan’s Mitsuoka is nevertheless an outfit that continues to stand apart as something uniquely its own.

From retro-inspired Civics to wild supercars, the coachbuilder has delivered a wide variety of distinctly different (and wholly originally) four-wheeled creations, and their starting points span just as diverse a mix of years, makes and models.

Now, Mitsuoka has announced that it has a new project on the way. If its past efforts are anything to go by, the result is bound to look nothing like the car that underpins the bodywork.

A new Mitsuoka inbound

Based on my best guess from the initial sketch, it’s ripe to be an MX-5 Miata. The remixed body leaves a little more to the imagination.

Mitsuoka

Granted, Mitsuoka has yet to offer up any specs, show more than the above image or even give the car a name, but there are some clear similarities to the Mazda roadster. 

For instance, the door line is noticeably reminiscent of the ND, and the rake of the windscreen also shows some strong similarities. Despite the overlays, even the proportions are comparable.

In any case, an MX-5 would make the most sense logistically because of its current availability and pricing. Mitsuoka typically reimagines cars with a fresh eye rather than building them from scratch.

Mitsuoka

Towards that end, Takanori Aoki, the designer who penned the teaser, has previously reworked the Miata as part of Mitsuoka conversions twice now. In fact, this sketch even seems to reference both cars.

Making the Miata something new

They couldn’t be more different in their execution. 

For Aoki’s first MX-5 remix (the Himiko), he turned an NC into a 1940s-style sports car reminiscent of those from British brands like Jaguar. From the headlight placement to the fenders, it gave the Miata some serious Cruella de Vil vibes.

Mitsuoka

However, Mitsuoka’s subsequent Takanori Aoki redesign skewed considerably more 1960s Americana. Appropriately dubbed the ‘Rock Star,’ it made for the spitting image of a shrunken C2 Corvette, and the coachbuilder even came out with a special left-hand drive variant.

Looking at the teased car, then, you’ll see lines from both the Himiko and the Rock Star in the general shape and rough overlays.

Mitsuoka

Whether these designs will both somehow make their way into Mitsuoka’s next roadster or the Aoki is merely referencing the shared DNA, only time will tell. However, if one thing is to be sure, whatever results is bound to break the mold in one way or another.

More to come

According to Mitsuoka’s social media, the new car will be announced in November. As with the brand’s other creations, it’ll likely be a Japanese-market exclusive, but it’s nevertheless set to turn heads around the world.

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