Japan's Wildest Automaker Built a New Corvette-Inspired RoadsterAutoblogJacob OlivaSat, September 19, 2026 at 3:46 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleAutoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Mitsuoka Is Back With Another Corvette-Inspired RoadsterYou've probably heard of the Mitsuoka Rock Star, the Chevrolet Corvette C2-inspired sports car based on the Mazda MX-5 Miata. It became one of the company's most recognizable creations, turning Mazda's lightweight roadster into something that looked like it rolled straight out of 1960s America.Well, they're back for round two. Mitsuoka, Japan's most love-it-or-hate-it carmaker, has just pulled the covers off the new LA1, showing off the whole exterior before the official debut. And yes, Mitsuoka really is a full-fledged automaker, not just a tuner or body shop. They're officially Japan's 10th car manufacturer, and their specialty is giving everyday Japanese cars a total personality transplant.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe LA1 keeps Mitsuoka's retro obsession alive, but this time they're digging even deeper into Corvette lore. Forget the Sting Ray vibes of the Rock Star – this one takes its inspiration straight from the original Corvette C1 of the 1950s.MitsuokaView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleThe LA1 Looks Straight Out of the 1950sThe newly released images on Mitsuoka's teaser website leave very little to the imagination. The LA1 wears nearly every signature styling cue associated with the Corvette C1, starting with its rounded front fascia and twin circular headlights housed in chrome bezels. A wide chrome grille stretches across the nose, while a chrome bumper with prominent overriders completes the classic American sports car look.Down the sides, Mitsuoka goes all-in with oversized white side coves, a direct nod to the Corvette C1's signature look. The front fenders melt into curvy rear haunches, making the LA1 look softer and more organic than the sharper, edgier Rock Star.AdvertisementAdvertisementSwing around to the back, and the Corvette vibes keep coming. Teardrop taillights, big chrome bumpers, and just a hint of tail fin all scream post-war America, even though it's all wrapped around a modern roadster base.Mitsuoka's also rolling out a paint palette straight from the 1950s. Take your pick: pastel green, light blue, gray, bright red, ivory white, plain white, or black – most with those trademark white side coves. Top it off with a black soft top and retro wheels on white-letter tires, and you've got the full vintage package.Of course, look closer and you'll spot the giveaways: modern side mirrors, up-to-date lighting, and proportions that remind you there's still a Miata lurking under all that chrome.MitsuokaView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleExpect Familiar Mazda Bones UnderneathMitsuoka is keeping the specs under wraps for now, and the teaser website doesn't help either. But if history is any guide, the LA1 will stick to the tried-and-true Rock Star recipe. Expect the current-gen Mazda Roadster (that's the MX-5 Miata to the rest of us) underneath, with its featherweight, rear-drive chassis and naturally aspirated engine left untouched.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe real question mark is the interior. Mitsuoka hasn't shown it off yet, so we don't know if they're going full retro inside or just slapping on some unique trim and badges over the standard Mazda dash. Judging by the teaser pics, we're betting on the latter.We'll get the full picture in November, but for now, the Mitsuoka LA1 is looking like another home run for the niche automaker.MitsuokaView the 7 images of this gallery on the original articleThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.