Autoblog

REPORT: Mitsuoka to offer unique rental cars in Japan, also plans to sell in China

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, China, Japan, Beijing Motor Show

Mitsuoka Orochi - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsuoka, the Japanese car company whose mission seems to be hoarding all the ugly in the entire world and using it to design automobiles, will expand into Japan's rental car market and offer its luxury range in China. Japanese drivers will be able to rent the Orochi for ¥25,000 ($279 US) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., or for three whole days for ¥45,000 ($501 US). They can also sport the Himiko for ¥20,000 ($223 US) for those nine hours, or ¥36,000 ($401 US) for 72 hours.

The sea monster-faced Orochi will also spearhead Mitsuoka's charge into China. The company plans to display the car at next year's Beijing Auto Show, and to open dealerships in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. We know the Chinese have occasionally fascinating taste in car design, but we can't wait to see how they receive the Orochi. Mitsuoka wants to move 35 units in its first year, and as if its looks weren't queer enough, the car is expected to cost 50% more in China than it does in Japan, where it will already set you back ¥9,345,000 ($87,287 USD). Any takers?

Gallery: Mitsuoka Orochi

[Source: Antara News]

REPORT: Mitsuoka to offer unique rental cars in Japan, also plans to sell in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Japanese can now buy Mitsuoka Orochi for less

John Neff — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:22:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Japan

click above for plenty more images of the Mitsuoka Orochi

This is for all of our Japanese readers out there. We know that the only thing holding you back from running right out and buying the Mitsuoka Orochi is its hefty price tag of ¥11,945,000 ($111,572 USD). The car's exuberant styling is a fusion of inspirations that combines elements of the mighty Humpback Whale (see grille) with the attention-grabbing power of Britney... being Britney on any given day of her life. Yes, the Orochi is a peerless car (we won't call it a supercar, you can't make us), and now Mitsuoka is making the hand-built monument to bad taste less expensive for the average Japanese consumer. By using less metal-plated parts and artificial leather for 25% of the interior, the oddest Japanese automaker of them all has slashed 2.6 million yen from the car's starting price, which now begins at ¥9,345,000 ($87,287 USD). That's a big drop in the Orochi's cost of entry, which should mean you'll soon be seeing it on every street in Tokyo. Any day now...

[Source: japancorp.net]

Gallery: Mitsuoka Orochi

Japanese can now buy Mitsuoka Orochi for less originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsuoka Orochi specs, pricing announced

Alex Nunez — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Japan

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 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.

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.

(Photos, tech specs after the jump)

[Source: Carview (translated)]

Continue reading Mitsuoka Orochi specs, pricing announced

Mitsuoka Orochi specs, pricing announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Oct 2006 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments