Mitsuoka has opened orders for a new limited-run model called M55 RS, a Honda-based project with styling linked to old American muscle and a manual transmission under the floor tunnel. Production stops at 55 cars. Each unit starts at 4,398,900 yen, equal to $55,470, which places the car above the Honda Civic Type R in price and close to $10,000 above a regular Civic RS.
The new version joins a line already shaped in recent years. The story began in 2023, when Mitsuoka first showed the M55 as a concept. At that point, production plans were absent. Demand changed direction after 1,300 people expressed interest. A Zero Edition followed in 2024 and sold out soon after its debut. Then came the M55 1st Edition last year, with deliveries extending into 2026. This new RS becomes the third chapter.
Underneath the body, the donor remains a Honda Civic RS. Mitsuoka keeps the original doors, side glass, and roof profile. The front splitter and rear spoiler also stay from the standard M55 layout. Most outer panels differ, though, and the visual result points toward a Dodge Challenger with added cues drawn from the Nissan Skyline Kenmeri.
The nose carries the strongest Dodge reference. Rear treatment moves in another direction, with slatted vents placed above the rear glass adding a retro note. Mitsuoka also installs model-specific badges. Buyers choose between Shore Blue Metallic and Nardo Grey, both reserved for this version.
Inside, the Civic foundation stays visible. The dashboard and infotainment layout come from Honda, while the steering wheel receives Mitsuoka branding. Seats wear ringed leather trim with contrast stitching, RS embroidery, red detailing, and inserts shaped to resemble carbon fiber. The cabin suggests a faster car than the numbers support; then again, the numbers stay modest.
Power comes from a turbocharged 1.5-liter petrol engine rated at 180 horsepower, or 182 metric horsepower. Output goes to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. Mitsuoka states clearly this version sits far from Civic Type R territory, even though the RS badge and seat trim hint elsewhere.
The price comparison makes the gap clearer. A Civic Type R delivers 315 horsepower with a manual transmission, yet the M55 RS costs more money despite lower output. The appeal sits elsewhere, in shape and rarity rather than pace.
Order books are already open. Mitsuoka says production and sales plans for later years stay undecided. For now, only 55 examples move forward, and no extra batch has been confirmed.
Mitsuoka M55 RS – Photo Gallery
