Mitsuoka M55 Concept Transforms Honda Civic Into A Challenger-Inspired Creation

As the current iteration of the Dodge Challenger gears up for retirement, Japanese coachbuilder Mitsuoka has provided a glimpse of how it could extend the life of the coupe with a unique approach. Specifically, they've unveiled the Mitsuoka M55 concept, which grafts a Challenger-inspired body onto the current-generation Honda Civic.

We'll say the introduction of Mitsuoka's latest creation caught us off guard!

Built in celebration of the brand's 55th birthday, the M55 concept boasts a squared-off front end reminiscent of muscle cars. It features four round headlights, a retro grille, and a strip of bright trim. When viewed from the side, the Mitsuoka M55 incorporates elements like the front and rear doors, side windows, and roof line of the Civic.

At the rear, louvers on the hatch's window, a spoiler, and oval headlights surrounded by a black panel complete the distinctive design. Specific alloy wheels provide a final touch to the overall aesthetic. Internally, it predominantly reflects the Civic's design, with the exception of a Mitsuoka-branded steering wheel, concept-specific trim on the dashboard, and blue upholstery with a stitching pattern reminiscent of muscle cars. The switches, buttons, and touchscreen are sourced directly from Honda.

Under the hood, power is derived from a standard 1.5-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine sourced from the Civic. It produces 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, transmitting power to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. For comparison, the entry-level 2023 Challenger is equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine delivering 303 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque.

Sadly, Mitsuoka emphasizes that the creation of the M55 is purely to mark its anniversary, with no plans to convert the concept into a production model.