Mitsuoka cosplays a Honda Civic as a forgotten generation of the GT-R, not a Dodge Challenger
CY Foong · Nov 17, 2023 11:45 AM
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Japan’s tenth automotive manufacturer, Mitsuoka, builds eccentric-looking models on existing cars. The likes of the Mazda MX-5, Toyota RAV4, and Toyota Yaris have been transformed into something completely different and their latest victim model is based on the Honda Civic.
For now, the Mitsuoka M55 is still a concept with no plans for production. The name is in celebration of the quirky carmaker’s 55th anniversary having been founded in 1968 as a workshop and dealer specialising in European cars.
At first glance, the completely reworked FL1 Civic’s bears an uncanny resemblance with the Dodge Challenger. The sharp, squarish front design complemented with the quad circular headlights set-up is an immediate doppelganger of the American muscle car.
However, Mitsuoka is more known for looking at the past for its designs and while the Challenger comparisons are almost immediate, it’s not quite the true inspiration behind the M55’s design.
On its website, Mitsuoka describes its 55th anniversary present as an appreciation of cars from the 1970s which was “an important era that laid the foundation for today’s business.”
As explained in a translated description by Mitsuoka, “The Americanised Japanese identity also influences the design of cars. Under the period of high economic growth, the performance of automobiles improved and GT-type cars appeared."
Based on that information, the M55 is more likely a tribute to the Japanese sports cars of the 1970s, and not the Dodge Challenger. Japanese media have pointed out that the M55 is likely inspired by the “Kenmeri” Nissan Skyline.
Sold between 1972 and 1977, the C110 Skyline was the last generation of the Skyline to use the GT-R badge before it was revived 16 years later with the R32. It is known as the Kenmeri Skyline after a series of commercials that featured a couple named Ken and Mary and its design was heavily influenced by American muscle cars.
Even with the H badge taken out, it's still unmistakably Honda
Back to the M55 and aside from giving the exterior a major retro restyling, the interior is largely the same as the Civic it is based on. This is common on all Mitsuoka models which only apply visual transformations outside.
While Mitsuoka has not revealed any details on powertrain figures, the interior offers a very vital clue. The M55 has a 6-speed manual transmission which is offered on the FL1 Civic hatchback in Japan albeit on the turbocharged 1.5-litre variant.
The power output on the VTEC Turbo unit is 182 PS and 240 Nm. In Japan, the Civic is only available as a hatchback though this unit is also available in the FE Civic sedan that is offered in Malaysia.
Though the M55 remains a concept for now, it will be shown at two Mitsuoka showrooms in Japan. Perhaps it’s for Mitsuoka to gauge interest from the public before deciding to produce the M55. Expected deliveries will take some time though as each Mitsuoka model produced is handbuilt at its facility in Toyama City.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
