Yes, we still think the name is absurd, but the machine itself is impossible not to appreciate it. Mitsuoka, the Japanese house best known for highly dubious retro-inspired makeovers, has in its rock star a real gem.
Starting from the latest Mazda MX-5, lord of a very good set of classic sports proportions — long bonnet and recessed cabin — it is the ideal receptacle for this recreation of the second generation Corvette (C2) — the Corvette Stingray continues to to be one of Mitsuoka's most appreciated Corvettes — by Mitsuoka.
It was the first time Mitsuoka was inspired by an American model — it generally uses European models as inspirational muses — but the results are by far the most convincing of what the company has done so far.
If it looks like a mini-Corvette Stingray, with excellent attention to detail, mechanically it remains an MX-5 — it's impossible not to consider a future engine change to accompany the look. The Corvette's LS V8 would be the ideal choice…
Sold off
Despite the high price, almost 36 thousand euros , practically twice as much as an MX-5 based in Japan, the Rock Star's impact was great.
If we initially announced a production of just 50 units — to coincide with the brand's 50th anniversary — but with the possibility of extending it, the unexpected success of Rock Star meant that Mitsuoka accepted 200 orders.
Now, according to Jalopnik, Mitsuoka has “closed the store”, no longer accepting orders beyond the 200 it has in its portfolio — it took no more than four months since its revelation to sell out.
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