June 5: New Miata or MX-5?

If you are a car person, then you know about the new 2016 Mazda Miata. Oops, I should have said Mazda MX-5. Why in the world did they drop a very good and recognized name? Oh well, another topic for another day. If you are not a car guy or gal, then would you believe that this is the new Mazda......

I think that even the more unknowledgeable might doubt that this is a new Mazda model. But if you look really closely, you can see the car, upon which this contemporary rendition of an old Brit sportscar, is based. Right, it is the MX-5. And the company is Mitsuoka. They are a Japanese firm that, has for many years been adding body panels to popular models to make them appear to be something they aren't. What? You thought only the Americans could take a good design and reconfigure it? Remember all those neo-classics that, were based on Corvettes or Mercury Cougars or whatever? This Mazda redo is their Himiko. Just knowing this will make you the winner of the most obscure auto trivia contest.

Well, Mitsuoka doesn't stop at the old Jag "make believes". No, their vision goes far deeper than that, even to copy Cadillac design features.......

Look at that back end, see the resemblance to this old Caddy from around 2000? Imitation being the sincerest form of flattery. Right?

Or maybe your taste leans towards something much more upmarket and dare I say, ostentatious? Would this Ryugi fit the bill..........

Not quite a Rolls, but very much an Infiniti and this one has been very heavily breathed on  -  new front end and a stretch. And Nissan reliability. And probably the price of a much more common Mercedes.

Dilemma. You don't have that kind of coin to spread around, but are desirous of an individualized ride......

........then obviously, you are a prime candidate for the Ryoga, based on a Nissan Sentra. Different enough to make you the envy of your less car knowledgeable neighbours and friends.

But like Goldilocks, none of the above are just what you want. You need/want something Ferrari sporty at a chopped liver price. Ok, friendo, Mitsuoka has something special just for you. Behold the Orochi.......

Unusual, but it has that supercar look at a much more user friendly price. And with only about 230 HP, a motor that hasn't got enough power to get you into trouble. Distinctive enough for most folks, but just in case one needs something, shall we say more unique.........

 

........Mitsuoka has done one up to get anyone's attention. Like an acid trip, but without the acid.

So is Mitsuoka creative? Or do you have another word for their creations? Either way, it's good to see that North Americans are not the only ones who can gild the lily. Effectively or not, you decide.

Until next time........