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.
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 and 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 and 360 hp. Later
versions of the C2 were offered with more powerful engines including a
7.0-liter V8 developing a reported 435 hp.
Japanese pricing starts at ¥ 4,688,200 (US$ 41,698 /
£ 31,623 / € 36,202) and tops out at ¥ 5,183,600 (US$ 46,104 / £ 34,964 / € 40,028)
before options.
