Cars Pictures,Cars Wallpapers,Concept Cars » Mitsuoka

2001 Mitsuoka Orochi Concept Car

Robson — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:39:00 +0000

The is a Japanese sports car built by Mitsuoka Motors first built in 2001 and subsequently redesigned in 2003 and 2005. The car takes its name from the Yamata no Orochi of myth.

Japanese automaker Mitsuoka has revealed the production version of it’s unique-looking mid-engined Orochi sports car, along with the car’s production plans, pricing, and specifications. The Orochi, named for an eight-headed serpent out of Japanese folklore, first appeared as a 2001 concept car, and from the looks of things, the production vehicle stays very true to the concept. The Orochi was introduced at a press conference that opened with a Kabuki show (above right), during which a white example of the sports car was driven onstage.

In the past, we’ve seen the Orochi referred to as a supercar, but while it looks as (if not more) exotic as just about any limited-production vehicle on the planet, it lacks the performance credentials (on paper, at least) to put it in supercar territory. In fact, the power train will be familiar to many. The 3.3L V6 mounted aft of the passenger compartment is Toyota’s well-known 3MZ-FE, which sees duty in the Camry, Solara, Sienna, Highlander, and Lexus RX (hybrid and standard versions). It makes around 230 horsepower and is connected to a Toyota 5-speed automatic. The decision was made to place efficiency and ease of use ahead of high performance.

Speaking of performance, no numbers were released along with the technical specifications, but don’t expect anything earth-shattering. The car’s average power, combined with a weight of approximately 3,400 pounds (around 100 less than a Solara), is not a recipe for big-time track numbers. In Japan, though, exclusivity seems to trump all, and that’s a commodity the Orichi has in abundance. So what if it has just 230 horsepower? In Japan, arriving anywhere in one of these will bestow instant superstar status upon the driver.

400 Orochis will be built over the next four years, each costing ¥10,500,000 (around $89,000 USD). Orders can be placed beginning today with the first deliveries taking place in January 2007.

Mitsuoka Orochi Concept Car 2006

Robson — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 16:57:43 +0000

The “Orochi Nude Top Roadstar” is a new design proposal that expands the frame of the conventional “Orochi”. There are many reasons for loving and for selecting a car. These include specifications, driving performance, environmental performance, new technologies and how well the vehicle matches your lifestyle. However, one other key reason is “design”.

Isn`t it fair to say that “design” is one of the simplest and easiest to understand reasons? Some designs just seem cool and leave a powerful impression. These designs move your spirit and sensibilities in a way that can only be described as “love at first sight”.

Our design approach is to vividly and directly appeal to one`s sight, spirit and sensitivity. The “Orochi Nude Top Roadster” exemplifies how this new approach is taking form. We applied a more open design and gull-wing doors to the previous road-version prototype “Orochi”. The name “nude top”
is well suited for this beautiful and stylish design.

We even went so far as to not attach any side mirrors in order to create a daring design that would bring forth this new “Orochi”. We hope that you will take a
close look at this unique design.

Basic Specifications
Overall length: 4,587mm
Overall width: 2, 060mm
Wheel base: 2,570mm
Drive system: MR

* Other detailed specifications are still undetermined as this is a design study car
* The type of engine, transmission and other components have yet to be determined.

We have redone the chassis and body panels for the commercial “Orochi” currently being developed and various other preparations are being made for the start of testing. We have had many inquiries from customers eagerly awaiting the new “Orochi”. All of our employees have been working hard together with an unwavering purpose in order to realize commercialization of this car. We would like to ask these loyal customers to wait just a little bit longer.

In the past, we’ve seen the Orochi referred to as a supercar, but while it looks as (if not more) exotic as just about any limited-production vehicle on the planet, it lacks the performance credentials (on paper, at least) to put it in supercar territory. In fact, the powertrain will be familiar to many. The 3.3L V6 mounted aft of the passenger compartment is Toyota’s well-known 3MZ-FE, which sees duty in the Camry, Solara, Sienna, Highlander, and Lexus RX (hybrid and standard versions). It makes around 230 horsepower and is connected to a Toyota 5-speed automatic. The decision was made to place efficiency and ease of use ahead of high performance.

400 Orochis will be built over the next four years, each costing ¥10,500,000 (around $89,000 USD). Orders can be placed beginning today with the first deliveries taking place in January 2007.

Technical Specifications:

Total length / Width / Total height = 4560mm / 2035mm / 1180mm
Wheelbase: 2600mm
Ground Clearance: 130mm
Vehicle weight: 1580kg
Passengers: 2
Engine: 3.3L V6DOHC (Toyota 3MZ-FE)
Max output: 233ps (172kW) at 5600rpm
Max torque: 33.4kg-m (328Nm) at 4400rpm
Fuel capacity: 60 liters (unleaded premium)
Transmission: 5-speed AT (Toyota)
Drive system: Mid-engine/rear drive
Suspension: front and rear double wishbone
Tires: Front: 245/45ZR18, Rear: 285/40ZR18
Body: hand made FRP make body
Door: side impact door with built-in steel beams
Chassis: handmade steel space frame

Equipment:
Low-beam side HID, motorized door mirror, airbags, automatic A/C, the Panasonic HDD Navigation, power windows, immobilizer, and full leather interior all standard

Mitsuoka Company – Do you know what that means???

Robson — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 01:02:37 +0000

Mitsuoka Motors is a small Japanese automobile company which builds modern Japanese cars to resemble British vehicles of the 1950s and 1960s. It is primarily a coachbuilder, taking production cars like the Nissan Micra and replacing the bodywork with its own custom designs. It has also produced a concept supercar, the Orochi. Famous owners in Britain include Wilmslow entrepreneur Spencer Davies and Watford based Communications moghul Mr. James Connolly McGuigan.
Mitsuoka Motors is also the principal distributor of retro-classic TD2000 roadster in Japan.
The history of Mitsuoka as a coach builder goes back to 1982 with the launch of the “BUBU shuttle 50″ which was equipped with the 50cc engine. This model was designed with disabled persons in mind. This model was a starting point of Mitsuoka as a coach builder.
After that Mitsuoka manufactured replica models. In 1987, “BUBU classic SSK” was launched.
In 1989 “BUBU 356 Speedster”, in 1990 “Le-Seyde”, in 1991 “Dore” was launched. “Le-Seyde” was sold out in only 4 days with 500 units of limited production.
In 1993 the “Viewt” was launched. This was reminiscent of famous Jaguar Mark II. Mitsuoka achieved a remarkable sales record of 1.000 units of the “Viewt”. Mitsuoka then established a dealer’s network for easy access anywhere in Japan.
In 1994 the Mitsuoka “Zero1″ was launched. Mitsuoka got type approval for this model and was recognized as the 10th Japanese passenger car manufacturer. It was sensationally announced through the mass media.
The Mitsuoka “Zero1″ model was the starting point of spirit of challenge. At the same time it still gave Mitsuoka a tremendous drive to develop various models. At this stage, Mitsuoka was still a chassis manufacturer.
The “Galue”, “Zero 1 Type F” and “Rei” were launched in 1996, and “Ryoga” in 1998. These models made up the base of Mitsuoka’s current lineup.
Mitsuoka proceeded to challenge the competitives in the 50cc engine car series with the “Micro Car” and “Kit Car”.
Further to this, Mitsuoka launched a Battery operated Micro Car for a single passenger drive.
2000 saw Mitsuoka becoming the exclusive sole distributor of the famous London Taxi “TX-I” from England. The “Le-Seyde” was also re-launched in 10 years. In 2001 Mitsuoka joined the 35th Tokyo Motor Show for the first time.