The Mazda MX-5 is one of the most popular two-seat roadsters on the market, but its design doesn’t appeal to everyone. While fans cans always opt for the Fiat 124 Spider, Mitsuoka has an interesting alternative in the form of the Rock Star.
Drawing inspiration from the second-generation Chevrolet Corvette, the Rock Star bears little resemblance to its donor vehicle. This is due a virtually all-new body which mimics the lines of the classic Corvette.
Starting up front, the car has been equipped with a new front fascia which features chrome bumpers and circular headlights. Moving further back, we can see a ventilated hood, new quarter panels and a retro-inspired rear end with circular taillights. About the only components that carryover from the Mazda are the doors and mirror caps.
The same can’t be said about the interior as it’s a dead-ringer for the MX-5. However, Mitsuoka offers a handful of customization options including painted upper door trim, special leather seats and an extended leather package.
While the Rock Star has Corvette-inspired styling, drivers shouldn’t expect Corvette-like performance as the model has a 1.5-liter SKYACTIV-G engine that produces 130 hp (97 kW / 132 PS) and 112 lb-ft (152 Nm) of torque. It can be connected to a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic.
To put those numbers into perspective, the second-generation Corvette was launched with a 5.3-liter V8 engine that produced between 250 hp (186 kW / 253 PS) and 360 hp (268 kW / 365 PS). Later versions of the C2 were offered with more powerful engines including a 7.0-liter V8 developing a reported 435 hp (324 kW / 441 PS).
Japanese pricing starts at ¥4,688,200 ($41,698 / £31,623 / €36,202) and tops out at ¥5,183,600 ($46,104 / £34,964 / €40,028) before options.
H/T to Jalopnik
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