2009 Mitsuoka Orochi

The Mitsuoka Orochi sports car is named after an eight-headed serpent from Japanese folklore. In 2001 it was displayed in concept form with the production version appearing a few years later. Aesthetically, little changed during that period. Its appearance is exotic and indicative of a supercar, however, its engine does not do its low, wide, aerodynamic appearance justice. The engine is a Toyota 3MZ-Fe which can also be found in the Camry, Sienna, Highlander, Solaraand the Lexus RX. The 3.3-liter V6 engine is mounted mid-ship and offers around 230 horsepower. It is mated to a Toyota 5-speed automatic. Performance figures were not shared, but judging from the 3400 pound overall weight, it is unlikely it could keep pace with other similarly styled supercars.

During its four-year production run, 400 examples will be produced, each costing ¥10,500,000. First delivery took place in January of 2007.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2009

Quite famous for being considered the 'Ugliest 'Super Car' Ever, the Mitsuoak ORochi is definitely an exotic car that deserves a raised eyebrow, and a second look. An innovative design by anyone's standard, the Orochi concept was unveiled at the 2001 Tokyo Auto Show by Japanese car manufacturer Mitsuoka, a company famed for their retro concepts. The creation of company founder Susumu Mitsuoka, the Orochi was envisioned as a vehicle that anyone could drive.

Mitsuoka Motors is one of Japan's smallest and ‘strangest' car builders yet and are responsible for extraordinary and eccentric creations such as the Viewt and the Galue. The bizarre boutique has been growing in stature since its introduction of the Orochi and in even more so since it unveiled a 'nude top' (convertible) version of the Orochi in 2005.

The Japanese translation of the work Orochi is 'Serpent', an apt description for this reptile-like mid-engined super car. Other variations of the translation are 'eight-headed serpent' or ‘crazy frog'. Originally, the Orochi was based on Honda's NSX supercar. Built in 2001, the Mitsubishi Orochi was redesigned in both 2003 and 2005.

The vehicle featured twin headlamps, a distinctive grille, swooping bodywork, circular light clusters and vertical windows at the back, inspired by past Ferrari's. On the inside, the Orochi came with wide sills and low ride height, and the interior featured plenty of leather, though critics have complained that the inside is not as dramatic as the exterior suggests it should be. The interior gear selector for the five-speed automatic is sourced from a Lexus RD off-roader.

The Orochi could achieve 0-60mph in 7.0 seconds. Though it rides exceptionally well, critics suggest that it won't win any awards for its ultimate cornering ability and that it lacks ‘the involvement of an out-and-out sports car'. Carrying a hefty pricetag of $108,135, these limited-edition supercars were sure to turn heads wherever they go. Total production of the Orochi was limited to only 400 units, and all models were built to order.

Mitsuoka Motors announced on January 30, 2008 that they would be producing 20 limited Orochi Zero models that will be a pre-order release. These models will be cheaper than the original Orochi models and the vehicle will be available in only one color. The Orochi's biggest competition has been the Porsche 9111, which is Germany's best-known supercar which sets the class standard for driver involvement. Though it has a sexier exterior, it is also much more expensive than the Orochi.

More recently the vehicle was reincarnated as the Orochi Kabuto at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show. This two-seater features new carbon-fiber body panels with aero add-ons and a sizable rear wing. The production version will most likely be even more exclusive in regards to price and volume. The Mitsuoka Orochi was featured as an unlockable vehicle in the racing videogame Auto Modellista, a racing game developed and published by Capcom. The game was first released on Sony PlayStation 2 and also on Nintendo GameCube and Microsoft Xbox.

The Mitsuoka Orochi is in the process of sending itself worldwide and company officials are short-listing a number of markets to receive the NSX-based vehicle. Japan's strangest super car will not be marketed to the United States, but two wealthy countries from the Middle East, Jordan and The United Arab Emirates will receive the vehicle.

By Jessica Donaldson