Rate It: Not a Corvette, but the Miata-Based Mitsuoka Rock Star

Ever look at an ND-chassis Miata and think to yourself, “I really wish that looked more like an old-school Corvette?” Well, small Japanese car maker Mitsuoka has you covered.

First, the name—which we promise we aren’t making up: Rock Star.

Available in two trims, “S” and “S Special Package,” the Rock Star is powered by the 1.5-liter engine rated for around 129 horsepower. …

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You know, toss on some side pipes and I'm a customer. 

I dig it.

It's the Corvetty's grandkid. There's an RX-7 under there.

In reply to David S. Wallens :

I agree, Side pipes and im sold. 

ChrisTropea said:

In reply to David S. Wallens :

I agree, Side pipes and im sold. 

And don't give me any of this "it's powered by an inline four so pipes on both sides would be wrong."

Dude, I'm checking off the box for side pipes.

Ever since these broke cover, I've been praying someone would send us one for an LS conversion. C'mon people!

I hate it.

Berkeley yes. I've wanted one bad since they announced them years ago. But once again, the US doesn't get the fun stuff

starting price $41,700 equiv, and sold out of all 50 made.  Yeesh.  The real deal is not too far from this cost, especially after you throw in a few options.

philacarguy said:

starting price $41,700 equiv, and sold out of all 50 made.  Yeesh.  The real deal is not too far from this cost, especially after you throw in a few options.

You don't buy one of these as a cheap way to get something that looks like a Corvette.

RichardSIA said:

LHD version available? Importable to US?

Kit version? Price less than the 'Vette it resembles?

Not really a copy and certain the tooling cost them a bundle since it includes new bumpers and trim.

With GM announcing they are going full retard, er um, Electric, this may become the only option for a real "Corvette" soon. 

Buddy, don't use that word.  Period.  You can have your opinion, but that word shouldn't be used.

We can all point and laugh at the rest of your backwards opinion(s) around cars, but honestly when was the last time you bought a new car?

I have to say that is one of the most successful 'retroification' I've seen on any car.  Better than a lot of the Japanese body kits and light years better than those awful retro C3 kits you see on C5 Corvettes.

Better than most but the stack height below the body crease looks too tall. Like the area from the point of the nose down is too thick. 

I happened to take this picture back in the early ND days - looks like Sept 2015.

Most of those Miata conversions have wonky proportions.  This is not one of them. 

Liking the Vet looking cars. But the Morgan. Oh my!!!!!  Yes please!!!  

Not for me, thanks anyway.

That RAV4 / Blazer looks like the Canyonero from The Simpsons.

I'd rock it, if only to wind up the Vette and Miata folks at our local cars and coffee. Better yet, someone needs a faux-911 kit on a Miata chassis to really get tongues wagging.

You've gotta get the right angle for the photos, but is this good enough?

There's the M1stang, too. Which is a great little caricature.

.

Or Cobra?

And you can't use a fake TVR to troll American gearheads, but I kinda want one.

Miata-based Toyota 2000GT?

Weirdly, an NB-based 2000 GT would be both more powerful and lighter than the original.

Just came across this. Put a rotary in and you'd really confuse people.

Heck yeah! I like all of them a lot. 

It's the ying to the Habu's yang. 

One looks like a vette but goes like a miata. The other looks like a miata but goes like a vette.

In reply to Keith Tanner :

I've seen that one before, too, and it's pretty perfect.