Mitsuoka M55 RS: This Isn’t a Challenger… It’s a Wildly Restyled Civic

Mitsuoka is doing its usual trick again. Take a normal Honda Civic, give it a full makeover, and turn it into something with real character. The newest one is the M55 RS, and it leans a bit more toward driving than the earlier versions.

It comes after the M55 Zero Edition from 2024 and the M55 1st Edition from 2025, which is still around for 2026. The RS sits on top as the more focused option.

Under the skin, it keeps things simple. It’s based on the Civic RS, not the Type R. That means a 1.5-liter turbo with 180 hp and a six-speed manual. Nothing automatic here. Honda does offer a hybrid RS, but Mitsuoka skipped it for now.

The big change is the look. Like before, it mixes American muscle vibes with old-school Japanese style. Think Challenger meets the “Kenmeri” Skyline. Only the doors, windows, and roof are from the Civic. Everything else is new.

The RS gets its own details. Special badges, new colors like Shore Blue and Nardo Grey, and different wheels. The splitter and rear spoiler stay the same as the regular M55.

Inside, it’s mostly familiar. The seats get RS logos and red stitching. You also get red accents, a leather gearknob, and some carbon-style trim. The rest is straight from the Civic, which keeps it easy to use every day.

Only 55 cars will be made for 2026. Orders open on April 24 in Japan—no word on what happens after that.

The price is ¥8,888,000, around $55k. That’s a lot more than a normal Civic RS. But if you like that retro style, this one hits the mark.