The Mitsuoka Himiko is a luxury roadster designed and built by Mitsuoka. It is named after Himiko, an obscure shaman queen of Yamataikoku in ancient Wa. In the UK it is known as the Mitsuoka Roadster.[1]

Mitsuoka Himiko
Overview
ManufacturerMitsuoka
Also calledMitsuoka Roadster (UK)
Production2008-present
AssemblyToyama City, Toyama
DesignerTakanori Aoki
Body and chassis
ClassGrand tourer
Body style2 door convertible
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
PlatformMazda N platform
RelatedMazda MX-5

First generation (2008-2018)

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Rear view
First generation
 
Overview
Production2008-2018
Body and chassis
PlatformMazda NC
RelatedMazda MX-5 (NC)
Powertrain
Engine2.0L Mazda MZR I4
Transmission
  • 6-speed manual
  • 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase3,030 mm (119 in)
Length4,575 mm (180.1 in)
Height1,245 mm (49.0 in)
Curb weight1,230–1,280 kg (2,710–2,820 lb)

Based on the Mazda MX-5 NC, Mitsuoka replaces most of the body panels, fits fibre-reinforced plastic paneling, leather seats and extends the wheelbase front of the A-pillar to generate the long bonnet line reminiscent of English roadsters such as the Jaguar XK120 and Morgan Aero 8. Designed by Takanori Aoki, the exterior theme of the Himiko is said to mimic a 'ship riding the high seas cruising majestically as one with the waves'. Transmission and roof options are similar to the MX-5 with the option of either a 6 speed automatic transmission with manual shifting or a 6 speed manual transmission. Each Mitsuoka vehicle is handmade by 45 craftsmen at the Japanese Mitsuoka factory in Toyama City, Japan.

Second generation (2018-present)

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Second generation
Overview
Production2018-present
Body and chassis
PlatformMazda ND
RelatedMazda MX-5 (ND)
Fiat 124 Spider (2016)
Powertrain
Engine1.5 L Mazda SKYACTIV-G
Transmission
  • 6-speed manual
  • 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,910 mm (115 in)
Length4,580 mm (180 in)
Height1,255 mm (49.4 in)
Curb weight1,130–1,200 kg (2,490–2,650 lb)

The second-generation Himiko was released in 2018. Now based on the Mazda MX-5 ND, the styling remains nearly identical to the previous generation. The retractable hard top previously available was dropped and was replaced with a folding soft top.

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  Media related to Mitsuoka Himiko at Wikimedia Commons

References

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  1. ^ Kew, Ollie (2016-07-27). "Review: the insane £54,000 Mitsuoka Roadster". Top Gear. Retrieved 2024-02-04.