Mitsuoka Continues to Transform Hondas into Dodge Challengers | Carscoops

      You can now acquire the Japanese counterpart of the Dodge Challenger featuring a hybrid powertrain.

      7 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      Mitsuoka has introduced the M55 1st Edition in Japan, limited to just 250 units.

      The M55 is built on the Honda Civic platform, providing both gasoline and hybrid variants.

      This model follows the sold-out M55 Zero Edition, which was produced in a limited run of 100 units.

      Mitsuoka is back, catering to enthusiasts with a redesigned Honda Civic that captures the essence of a Dodge Challenger—though with an added quirkiness. Following the quick sell-out of the original M55 Zero Edition last year, the Japanese firm has decided to produce an extra 250 units of the M55 1st Edition. And indeed, it still resembles the Challenger’s bewildered little cousin.

      More: Mitsuoka Will Sell You A Civic-Based Challenger Lookalike For $52,000

      The M55 first made its debut as a unique one-off project in November 2023, presenting a Dodge Challenger-inspired exterior mounted on a Honda Civic chassis. To their surprise, the concept received positive feedback, prompting Mitsuoka to swiftly move toward making it a production model, while preserving the original design and attributes.

      A Civic With Muscle Car Style

      The Mitsuoka M55 can be seen as a Japanese muscle car confined within the shell of a compact hatchback, which creates an identity crisis on four wheels. The elongated front overhang adorned with quad round headlights integrated into the grille practically shouts Dodge Challenger, while the fastback rear, complete with optional louvers on the back glass, gives off Ford Mustang vibes. It’s an unusual blend, but it undoubtedly possesses its own appeal.

      Mitsuoka

      While the original M55 was only offered in a dull gray reminiscent of a Monday morning, the M55 1st Edition now provides 10 distinct color choices, featuring names so exotic you might think you’re selecting a yacht rather than a car. Options include Platinum White Pearl, Sonic Gray Pearl, Premium Crystal Red Metallic, Seabed Blue Pearl, Skyscraper Gray, Blue Iceland, Old English White, John Mango, Spring Blue, and Papaya Orange Metallic.

      The interior, still recognizably Honda Civic, receives an upgrade with leather seating that features tiny perforations and stylish contrasting stitching. The Honda emblem? Removed, substituted by the prominent M55 Mitsuoka branding on the steering wheel. If you’re looking to elevate the style, there’s an option for carbon-style trim. It all screams, “I’m a bit different, but not overly so.”

      Powertrain Options

      Regarding trims and powertrains, the M55 1st Edition keeps it straightforward with three trims and two engine choices. The base model is equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine generating a commendable 180 hp (134 kW / 182 PS). For those who are eco-conscious (or simply wish to say “hybrid” with pride), there’s also the Honda e:HEV hybrid powertrain.

      Price Tags That’ll Make You Blink

      The starting price for the M55 1st Edition is ¥7,568,000 ($50,100) for the gasoline variant, whereas the hybrid model is priced at ¥8,118,000 ($53,800). The top-tier hybrid version? ¥8,427,100 ($55,800).

      It’s somewhat more affordable than the sold-out M55 Zero Edition, which was priced at ¥8,085,000 ($53,600), but keep in mind that the price will increase if you opt for additional features such as a sleek paint finish at ¥495,000 ($3,300), leather seating for ¥495,000 ($3,300), and carbon interior trim for ¥395,000 ($2,600).

      More: Nissan Murano Transforms Into The R35 GT-R Of SUVs

      Mitsuoka intends to begin delivering the M55 Zero Edition in May 2025, with the M55 1st Edition set to be on the roads in 2026. The company has also indicated that pre-orders for the new model will close once all 250 production slots are filled, which is likely to occur sooner rather than later. So, if you’re interested in owning one, you may want to act quickly before they sell out.