Mitsuoka ZERO1. These Lotus 7 lookalikes are based on NA Mazda MX5 / Miata / Eunos Roadster mechanicals. This is the series one car. They softened the Series 2 cars slightly so they were more user friendly to lesser drivers. Translation below.
Mitsuoka ZERO1
Mitsuoka Motors, a Japanese dreamy coachbuilder that has produced a small number of unique hobby cars, has released another fun and unique sports car. This time, the ZERO1 is a Japanese-made super fast roadster. The running gear is the Eunos Roadster, so it's easy to drive and maintain.
Dream time accelerating from 4000 RPM
The word "Mitsuoka" written on the vehicle inspection certificate shines. The ZERO1 uses the 1600cc (B6) power unit and drivetrain from the Mazda Eunos Roadster, so if you write it in racing style it would look something like "MITSUOKA-MAZDA". This is the first car that Mitsuoka Motors, which specializes in making replicas of classic cars, has launched as a chassis manufacturer.
The exterior of the car conveys a clear message that it is for the enjoyment of driving. As you can see, it is an open-type car with a Super 7 look. The frame is made of steel pipes and aluminum panels riveted together, which is an orthodox technique. The yellow cover seen in the photo is also a highlight.
The body (fiberglass) and engine hood (aluminum) are only attached as covers to protect against the elements, resulting in a lightweight car weighing just 710kg. It may be easier to understand if you imagine a light car with a 1600cc engine.
The engine, transmission, differential, rear suspension, and brakes are all from the Roadster (the front suspension is made by Mitsuoka), so there is no need to worry about any problems with the power or drivetrain.
It was a cold day on the day of the test drive, but when I turned the key, the engine started right away. The clutch stroke and weight were normal, and the pedals were easy to operate.
The driving position is also natural, so you will soon realize that you can drive this car just like you would a regular car. However, while the bucket-type seat with sliding seat was just right for me (160cm, 48kg), taller or larger people may find the position a little tight.
Driving around town is as easy as driving a FR Roadster. Now, let's head to the winding roads!
On regular roads, the Zero1 felt a little tame, but as soon as you opened the throttle fully on the highway, its hidden personality began to emerge.
Especially when the engine speed exceeds 4000 rpm, the surge of power and torque, the whirring sound of the muffler, and the vibrations you feel in your hips give you an indescribable sense of excitement that is different from that of a passenger car. It's the moment when you and the car become one. From that point on, driving becomes worthy of being called a sport.
The car has high stability, including straight-line stability at high speeds, and the suspension seems to outperform the engine. Perhaps because of the harder tires, the information and grip from the road surface is a little weak, but it responds to steering movements with agility. It certainly requires a certain level of skill to drive at high cornering speeds, taking advantage of its neutral steering characteristics rather than power drifting. Of course, it's also quite fast in normal driving.
Cars with a straddle-body-side style make people take it seriously. The ZERO 1 tickles the instincts of those who love driving. The first 99 units have already been sold out, so we are looking forward to the second and third editions.
PIC CAPTIONS
●The limit is high and there is little roll. It runs smoothly like a water spear. The standard Michelin tires could do with a little more grip.
Okuyama Michiko
A veteran female driver with 10 years of racing experience. Active in Formula Mirage, NI Endurance, Gr. A, etc. Due to her cheerful and friendly personality, she is also popular as an instructor at various driving schools.
●The dark lavender original meter is stylishly fitted to a modern carbon Kevlar panel. The interior is finished in black vinyl leather. The stainless steel roll bar is optional. If you remove the aluminum cover, the Mazda B6 engine will appear. On the right side there is a standard heater hose. A cooler can also be installed. The exhaust pipe that runs through the left side of the body has a stainless steel cover. Finally, the exhaust is at the rear. The suspension is double wishbone (F is made by Mitsuoka, and they also make stainless steel arms as an option).
The construction of the hood and the fastening parts are very well made. It also comes with a tonneau cover. This makes it smaller than the Roadster.
Main specifications
[Dimensions and weight]
Total length 3560 x total width 1680 x total height 1230
Wheelbase: 2310
Tread: Front 1425 x 1460
Vehicle weight: 710
[Engine· Performance】
Model: Mazda B6
Type: Inline 4 DOHC
Total displacement: 1597cc
Bore and Stroke:78.0×83.6
Compression ratio: 9.4
Maximum output: 120ps/6500rpm
Maximum torque: 14.0kgm/5500rpm
Fuel supply device: Electronically controlled fuel injection
Fuel used/tank capacity: unleaded regular 36L
Gear ratio: 1st gear 3.136
2nd gear 1.888
3rd gear 1.330
4th speed 1.000
5th speed 0.814
Final reduction ratio: 4.300
[Applied device]
Steering: Rack & pinion
Suspension front by Mitsuoka and rear from Eunos Roadster
Brakes: Front V-disc/rear disc
Tires: 185/60VR14 Michelin pilot SX
