If you had money to spend on a prestigious supercar with a powerful engine, you went to the Italians. But for those who didn't need all that power or status, yet still wanted a sharply-dressed midship sports car with refined handling, the Shimizu Gran Paradiso from Japan was the perfect package.
Between the passenger compartment and the rear axle was a retooled version of the fuel-injected 2.5-litre V8 engine used in the Mont Blanc. It had new intake and exhaust manifolds and better internals, for a peak output of 121 kW (163 hp) over the Mont Blanc’s 79 kW (106 hp).
The Gran Paradiso had a top speed of 220 kph (137 mph) and could reach 100 kph (62 mph) from a standstill in 5.8 seconds. Even if such numbers were easily surpassed by the Italians, they were sufficient in establishing a car for the driver who didn’t have it all, nor needed it.
Gran Paradiso
SPECS Layout MR Engine Name S-25 Aspiration NA Displacement 2496 cc Peak Power 121 kW (163 hp) @ 6400 RPM Peak Torque 214 Nm (158 ft-lb) @ 4400 RPM Weight 780 kg (1719 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 41/59 STARTING PRICE
¥625,000 JDM
$5,800 USDM COLOURS
Long, low, and luxurious, the Matterhorn was Shimizu's first limousine, created for an upper echelon of clients that included corporate executives and government officials. It had a four-litre inline-six engine sending respectable power to the rear wheels, useful for hauling the 1.6-tonne sedan around town.
The Matterhorn came standard with such features as double-wishbone suspension in both the front and rear, a 4-speed automatic transmission, adjustable full-grain leather seats, a microsuede-wrapped steering wheel, and plenty of sound-deadening insulation.
Adorned with just the right amount of chrome, the stately Matterhorn—in a similar manner as its namesake—rose to fame as one of the most prominent ultra-luxury cars of its time.
Matterhorn
SPECS Layout FR Engine Name S-40 Aspiration NA Displacement 3996 cc Peak Power 140 kW (187 hp) @ 5400 RPM Peak Torque 293 Nm (216 ft-lb) @ 2400 RPM Weight 1641 kg (3618 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 55/45 STARTING PRICE
¥1,030,000 JDM
$9,500 USDM COLOURS
Deep Red
Space Blue
Grey Fog
Piano Black
VIP Custom
SPECS Layout FR Engine Name S-40 Aspiration NA Displacement 3996 cc Peak Power 140 kW (187 hp) @ 5400 RPM Peak Torque 293 Nm (216 ft-lb) @ 2400 RPM Weight 1749 kg (3856 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 54/46 STARTING PRICE
N/A (modification cost approx. ¥11,000) COLOURS
The minimalistic designs of the Gran Paradiso and Matterhorn would have been quite futuristic at the time of their respective debuts, but they would have been more easily accepted by the public in later years.
Even if Shimizu's lineup was rather small—consisting of only a limousine and a mid-engined sports car—the marque enjoyed perennial sales throughout the 1970s. The supercar boom in the '80s, however, gave Shimizu what it really needed to make its mark on the automotive world.
Integral to the Shimizu Lyskamm was a twin-turbocharged 4-litre DOHC V8 producing a massive 370 kW (496 hp) and 559 Nm (412 ft-lb) of power and torque, respectively. As was the standard for top-tier performance cars at the time, the engine was positioned between the cockpit and rear axle in a rear-midship layout. Most cars with this configuration, however, were strictly performance vehicles, with little attention paid towards comfort. The Lyskamm, however, was quite different.
Described by some as half supercar and half grand tourer, the Lyskamm incorporated extensive use of acoustic measures, including a thicker firewall, as well as generously padded seats and all-wheel drive. To offset the increase in weight, a fibreglass body was used, resulting in a total weight of 1390 kg (3064 lb).
With a top speed of 315 kph (196 mph) and a 0-100 time of 4.1 seconds, the futuristic Lyskamm could be considered a forerunner of the modern hypercar. Having spent four years in development, it first entered the market in 1987, but quickly became a hit and outshone its European competitors.
Lyskamm
SPECS Layout M4 Engine Name R-40 Aspiration TB Displacement 3990 cc Peak Power 370 kW (496 hp) @ 6900 RPM Peak Torque 559 Nm (412 ft-lb) @ 4500 RPM Weight 1390 kg (3064 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 41/59 STARTING PRICE
¥5,500,000 JDM
$51,000 USDM COLOURS
In March of 2000, Rinkai Motor Company announced that it would be buying out Japanese luxury automaker Shimizu Automotive, as part of an effort by both companies to focus on the triad of "fun, luxury, and value". The resulting merger created the Mizuiro Motor Company, which continued to sell rebranded Rinkai and Shimizu models as usual. Not long after, though, Mizuiro would launch its first car, the Hikyaku (飛脚; courier)—a wagon with various trim levels designed to cater to each of the company's "three points".
The base E model was powered by an 80 kW (108 hp) two-litre V6 and weighed 1346 kg (2967 lb), making it less of a performance vehicle than a practical, no-nonsense daily driver. The luxury-oriented L model used the same engine as the E, but was outfitted with an electronically controlled automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, electronic stability control, and a comfortable luxury interior.
The crown jewel of the Hikyaku trim levels, however, came in the form of the S. This performance-oriented variant was equipped with a 168 kw (226 hp) version of the standard 2.0 V6 mated to a five-speed sequential gearbox sending power to the rear wheels, as well as upgraded suspension and 71 kg (157 lb) of weight lost.
With the Hikyaku, Mizuiro served as an adequate successor to Rinkai and Shimizu, but their new car was only the beginning of a diverse series of vehicles designed to cater to many different markets.
E
SPECS Layout FF Engine Name MV0-6D Aspiration TB Displacement 1998 cc Peak Power 80 kW (108 hp) @ 6000 RPM Peak Torque 188 Nm (139 ft-lb) @ 2400 RPM Weight 1346 kg (2967 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 55/45 STARTING PRICE
¥1,680,000 JDM
$16,000 USDM COLOURS
Ardour Red
Steel Blue
Sandy Khaki
Steel Grey
Pewter Grey
Sumi Black
L
SPECS Layout FF Engine Name MV0-6D Aspiration TB Displacement 1998 cc Peak Power 80 kW (108 hp) @ 6000 RPM Peak Torque 188 Nm (139 ft-lb) @ 2400 RPM Weight 1393 kg (3071 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 54/46 STARTING PRICE
¥2,032,000 JDM
$19,000 USDM COLOURS
Ardour Red
Steel Blue
Sandy Khaki
Steel Grey
Pewter Grey
Sumi Black
S
SPECS Layout FR Engine Name MV0-6D Aspiration TB Displacement 1998 cc Peak Power 168 kW (226 hp) @ 7400 RPM Peak Torque 253 Nm (187 ft-lb) @ 5000 RPM Weight 1275 kg (2811 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 51/49 STARTING PRICE
¥1,875,000 JDM
$17,500 USDM COLOURS
A first for the company, the Mizuiro Tenet was a large minivan with seating for seven occupants and a weight of over 1.6 tonnes. Its tall stature and gentle curves exuded an air of grandeur, backed up by a lofty interior and a comfortable ride.
Under the hood of the Tenet was a 2.5-litre V6 engine paired to a five-speed automatic transmission. Unusually for a minivan, it also had double-wishbone suspension in both the front and rear for smooth cornering.
For those in the market for a premium car with a low floor and a tall roof, the Tenet L trim level came standard with such amenities as a premium audio system with MP3 player support, electronic stability control, and tables that folded down from the backs of the front seats. The interior of the L was also changed in a crucial way; the third row was removed and the second row was moved far back for legroom surpassing even that of top-end luxury sedans.
Despite it having plenty of tricks up its sleeve, the Tenet failed to catch on amongst potential customers, mainly due to being a relatively dull, mundane offering from a company that had prided itself on fun, sporty vehicles.
E
SPECS Layout FF Engine Name MV1-6S Aspiration NA Displacement 2497 cc Peak Power 100 kW (134 hp) @ 6400 RPM Peak Torque 202 Nm (149 ft-lb) @ 3400 RPM Weight 1510 kg (3329 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear STARTING PRICE
¥1,790,000 JDM
$16,400 USDM COLOURS
Deep Velour
Light Steel Blue
Steel Blue
Steel Gold
Cloud Grey Metallic
Pewter Grey
L
SPECS Layout FF Engine Name MV1-6S Aspiration NA Displacement 2497 cc Peak Power 100 kW (134 hp) @ 6400 RPM Peak Torque 202 Nm (149 ft-lb) @ 3400 RPM Weight 1509 kg (3327 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear STARTING PRICE
¥2,120,000 JDM
$19,400 USDM COLOURS
That would have made the Tenet more expensive to build than rivals - combined with the fact that it was out of character for the company, it would have been a guaranteed loss-maker in the day! Today, however, it would be seen as a curious, intriguing choice for those wanting a modern classic people mover.
In 2003, development began on a lightweight mid-engine roadster intended to be Mizuiro's first true flagship car since the pre-merger Rinkai JIKO of 1999. Having been displayed at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show and first produced in early 2006, the Hizoku (匪賊; bandit) had front and rear McPherson strut suspension, a bonded aluminum chassis, and a manually convertible hardtop roof.
Mated to a six-speed manual transmission was another refresh of Rinkai’s classic two-litre SOHC inline-four engine, this time with multi-point fuel injection and a turbocharger for a total output of 158 kW (212 hp). The base RS model’s low weight of 944 kg (2082 lb) gave it a top speed of 241 kph (150 mph) and cornering forces in excess of 0.94 g.
A limited-edition rally version called the RX was produced in 2007, receiving upgrades in the form of an offroad undertray, all-wheel drive with limited-slip differentials, lower fog lights, rally wheels, and lifted suspension. The engine and transmission were carried over from the RS model.
The Hizoku was no grand tourer, but it didn’t aim to be. Although sacrifices were made in terms of comfort, it proved to be a popular little car with an acceptable price tag.
RS
SPECS Layout MR Engine Name RI1-4S Aspiration TB Displacement 1999 cc Peak Power 158 kW (212 hp) @ 6700 RPM Peak Torque 252 Nm (186 ft-lb) @ 5600 RPM Weight 944 kg (2082 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 38/62 STARTING PRICE
¥1,905,000 JDM
$17,750 USDM COLOURS
Ardour Red
Tangerine
Legacy Sunset Orange
Candy Burnt Orange
Hornet Yellow
Vivid Green
Kuromatsu
Electric Blue
Pacific Blue
Legacy Coastal Blue
Sandy Khaki
Ethereal White
Steel Grey
Sumi Black
RX
SPECS Layout MR Engine Name RI1-4S Aspiration TB Displacement 1999 cc Peak Power 158 kW (212 hp) @ 6700 RPM Peak Torque 252 Nm (186 ft-lb) @ 5600 RPM Weight 1009 kg (2224 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 39/61 STARTING PRICE
¥2,225,000 JDM
$21,000 USDM COLOURS
Adapted from the Hizoku RS roadster, the Hizoku TC ("Touring Concept") was a one-off racing machine produced by Mizuiro. This specific model sported an extensive aero kit, wider tires, a large competition-spec rear wing, a limited-slip differential, and a six-speed sequential transmission in place of the standard manual. All of these enhancements, however, played second fiddle to an extensively overhauled engine, now producing 340 kW (456 hp), and a weight reduction of 51 kg (113 lb). The TC had a power-to-weight ratio of 0.333 kW/kg (0.203 hp/lb), comparable to those of contemporary exotic supercars.
While its road-going RS counterpart was built with driving pleasure in mind, the Hizoku TC was a machine focused on numbers, and as such, it was definitely not for the faint of heart.
TC
SPECS Layout MR Engine Name RI1-4S Aspiration TB Displacement 1999 cc Peak Power 340 kW (456 hp) @ 7600 RPM Peak Torque 456 Nm (337 ft-lb) @ 6600 RPM Weight 896 kg (1975 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 36/64 STARTING PRICE
N/A (development and production cost approx. ¥79,331,683/unit) COLOURS
The Kasui (河水; stream) served as Mizuiro's first sedan, as well as their first attempt to capitalize on the growing hybrid market. Despite its hybrid system making it one of the company's heavier cars, its weight of 1323 kg (2917 lb) was comparable to that of non-hybrid competitors.
The design of Mizuiro’s two-litre inline-four, dating back to 1974, was given a modern-day refresh and built from the ground up with an aluminum-alloy block and head as well as a DOHC valvetrain. Combined with an electric motor, the resulting hybrid powerplant was capable of 83 kW (111 hp) and 21 km/L (49 mpg US).
The Kasui, being a hybrid geared towards everyday use, was styled in a simple manner, with a faux lower grille to preserve aerodynamics, as well as an inconspicuous exhaust disguised as a vent on the bottom edge of the rear bumper. It was a premium car, with LED units in the headlights and taillights and electric power steering, among other amenities. The Kasui effectively projected an eco-friendly image through its understated appearance, but the way it handled—especially in spite of its relative lack of power—demonstrated that Mizuiro hadn’t lost its touch when it came to green cars.
Kasui
SPECS Layout F4 Engine Name MI1-4D Aspiration TB Displacement 1999 cc Peak Power 83 kW (111 hp) @ 5200 RPM Peak Torque 225 Nm (166 ft-lb) @ 2100 RPM Weight 1323 kg (2917 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 55/45 STARTING PRICE
¥2,735,000 JDM
$25,250 USDM COLOURS
At 1323 kg (2917 lb), the Mizuiro Kasui (河水; stream) compact hybrid sedan wasn't particularly heavy for a vehicle of its type. With its hybrid system producing 83 kW (111 hp), it wasn't particularly slow either. A recently formed tuning company by the name of Splash thought differently, however.
The Kasui’s hybrid system was removed and the engine was modified to make 137 kW (183 hp) over the standard car’s 83 kW (111 hp). Connected to the engine was a six-speed sequential transmission that replaced the six-speed automatic, routing power to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential. New wheels, brakes, and shock absorbers were installed, the interior was stripped, and an undertray was added to improve aerodynamics. The car’s weight was brought down to 1030 kg (2271 lb), completing the package.
These rare, specialized cars were only sold in Japan by Mizuiro, as Splash had the company’s full support.
Kasui
SPECS Layout FR Engine Name MI1-4D Aspiration NA Displacement 1999 cc Peak Power 137 kW (183 hp) @ 7200 RPM Peak Torque 200 Nm (148 ft-lb) @5000 RPM Weight 1030 kg (2271 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 53/47 STARTING PRICE
¥4,820,000 JDM COLOURS
In the wake of the recent financial crisis, a decline in kei car sales for Mizuiro in favour of other automakers necessitated a new model by the company. Having spent a year in development, the resulting Mizuiro Karai (花蕾; flower bud) combined sportiness with practicality and value.
The Karai was instantly recognizable thanks in no small part to its swooping, rounded-off body and small, efficient LED headlights. It also differed significantly from other kei cars in that it had a kei-sized flat-4 engine as opposed to the de facto standard inline-3. Power from said engine was also transferred to the rear wheels to help harness its limited maximum output.
The Karai, as Mizuiro’s new flagship kei car, sported a unique badge in the shape of a flower bud. While it did not have as much cargo space as its competitors due to the unusual body shape, they were in turn somewhat over-optimized for practicality and lacked the finesse of the Karai, which served as Mizuiro’s return to form.
Karai
SPECS Layout FR Engine Name MBK1-4D Aspiration TB Displacement 660 cc Peak Power 47 kW (63 hp) @ 6300 RPM Peak Torque 77 Nm (57 ft-lb) @ 5300 RPM Weight 900 kg (1983 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 54/45 STARTING PRICE
¥800,000 JDM COLOURS
A lightweight sportscar with an equally lightweight engine, the Inuwashi (犬鷲; golden eagle) was part of a novel approach by Mizuiro to cater to sportscar buyers. The Karai was inexpensive and sporty, but as a kei car, it had its flaws. At ¥3,175,000 ($28,966 US), the Inuwashi was created to compete among similarly-priced performance offerings, but only tipped the scales at 50-70% the weight of its competitors.
The most unique feature of the Inuwashi was its engine; sourced from the company’s Washiza (鷲座; Aquila) superbike, the punchy 1.3-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four revved quickly, propelling the sub-1,000 kg (2205 lb) car to 100 kph (62 mph) in six seconds. Connected to the engine was a six-speed sequential transmission similar to that on the Washiza, but overhauled for automotive use.
With an aluminum frame and aluminum bodywork, the Inuwashi possessed incredible agility and lacked sway bars due to its incredibly low weight. Its handling performance was impressive on its own, but the power provided by its engine made it into a true bird of prey among sportscars.
Inuwashi
SPECS Layout MR Engine Name --- Aspiration NA Displacement 1340 cc Peak Power 118 kW (158 hp) @ 8900 RPM Peak Torque 137 Nm (101 ft-lb) @ 7500 RPM Weight 970 kg (2138 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 46/54 STARTING PRICE
¥3,296,000 JDM
$30,000 USDM COLOURS
To go along with the performance-oriented Karai, Mizuiro needed a kei car that balanced sportiness with practicality. Therefore, the decision was made to resurrect the Kaizoe (介添え; helper) nameplate. This new Kaizoe was noticeably taller, allowing for more cargo space, but it retained many of its predecessor's features, including round taillights and a slim, low-set grille.
While the 660 cc flat-four engine used in the Karai was novel and helped lower the car’s centre of gravity, a three-cylinder of comparable displacement would ultimately be less complex, more reliable, and capable of a higher torque output. The Kaizoe’s inline-three, in particular, made 89 Nm (66 ft-lb) of torque over the 77 Nm (57 ft-lb) of the Karai’s flat-four, supplementing the maximum of 47 kW (63 hp) allotted to kei cars and allowing for a lower redline. Once again, the standard model (designated “T” for “turbocharged”) was offered alongside the S model, which lost 49 kg (108 lb) of weight and came with alloy wheels and a stiffer suspension tune.
While the more agile Karai was somewhat lacking in practicality, the Kaizoe easily solved such issues while retaining the charm of its predecessor.
T
SPECS Layout FF Engine Name MIK2-3D Aspiration TB Displacement 659 cc Peak Power 47 kW (63 hp) @ 6500 RPM Peak Torque 89 Nm (66 ft-lb) @ 3300 RPM Weight 1098 kg (2421 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 56/44 STARTING PRICE
¥1,070,000 JDM COLOURS
Ardour Red
Tangerine
Hornet Yellow
Vivid Green
Electric Blue
Legacy Coastal Blue
Sandy Khaki
Katsuobushi
Ethereal White
Legacy Snow Grey
Sumi Black
S
SPECS Layout FF Engine Name MIK2-3D Aspiration TB Displacement 659 cc Peak Power 47 kW (63 hp) @ 6500 RPM Peak Torque 89 Nm (66 ft-lb) @ 3300 RPM Weight 1049 kg (2313 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 56/44 STARTING PRICE
¥1,230,000 JDM COLOURS
The Mizuiro Tozansha (登山者; mountaineer), first introduced in 2017, was a small three-door SUV with its sights set on the subcompact off-roader market. It was the product of Mizuiro's sports-car expertise distilled into a form engineered to shrug off difficult terrain. The Tozansha's styling—particularly its simple front fascia—exuded confidence, defying trends of excessive aggression that had defined the automotive industry in the 2010s. Its L-shaped taillights extended inwards and downwards simultaneously, improving visibility while maintaining visual integrity.
Due to the car’s stature, a flat-4 engine layout and offroad undertray were used to more effectively lower the centre of gravity. With a displacement of 2.5 litres and natural aspiration, it provided decent power quickly, crucial for tackling steep grades.
Alongside the standard N model was the X model, with upgraded suspension, a bull bar, and a more powerful engine as standard features. The N lent itself well to both off-road and on-road conditions, but the X was a thoroughbred adventurer that punched above its weight when taken off the beaten path.
N
SPECS Layout F4 Engine Name MB2-4D Aspiration NA Displacement 2497 cc Peak Power 99 kW (133 hp) @ 5500 RPM Peak Torque 215 Nm (159 ft-lb) @ 3600 RPM Weight 1201 kg (2648 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 54/46 STARTING PRICE
¥3,450,400 JDM
$32,200 USDM COLOURS
Ardour Red
Serene Blue Metallic
Pacific Blue
Steel Blue
Sandy Khaki
Steel Gold
Katsuobushi
Ethereal White
Cloud Grey Metallic
Tungsten Grey
Sumi Black
X
SPECS Layout F4 Engine Name MB2-4D Aspiration NA Displacement 2497 cc Peak Power 138 kW (184 hp) @ 6400 RPM Peak Torque 246 Nm (181 ft-lb) @ 3600 RPM Weight 1222 kg (2694 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 53/47 STARTING PRICE
¥5,070,150 JDM
$47,350 USDM COLOURS
Following a bevy of victories in the All Japan Road Race Championship, Shimizu decided to try its hand at auto racing. Using a British-made chassis and bodywork reminiscent of 1960s endurance racers, the GP70 was built for the Japanese Grand Prix.
Behind the driver’s seat sat the same 2.5-litre SOHC V8 used in the Mont Blanc, having had everything except the engine block either upgraded or replaced with race-ready components that included DCOE carburetors and a racing exhaust system. It produced 165 kW (221 hp) of power—a figure that ultimately contributed to a top speed of 294 kph (183 mph) and a 0-100 time of 5.34 seconds.
While some design elements were carried over, the somewhat dated body shape was ultimately scrapped in favour of a more angular design for Shimizu’s first road-going midship sports car: the Gran Paradiso.
GP70
SPECS Layout MR Engine Name S-25R Aspiration NA Displacement 2496 cc Peak Power 165 kW (221 hp) @ 7100 RPM Peak Torque 252 Nm (186 ft-lb) @ 5700 RPM Weight 848 kg (1870 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 36/64 STARTING PRICE
N/A (development and production cost approx. ¥619,488/unit) COLOURS
The Mizuiro Aspect was created to fill a gap in Mizuiro's lineup, that being for a car with a little bit more power. Weighing in at 1233 kg (2718 lb), it was heavier than even the rugged Tozansha mini-SUV, but minimizing curb weight wasn't a priority for the Aspect. Instead, it had a longitudinally-mounted turbocharged inline-four engine producing 192 kW (258 hp) coupled to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, allowing it to reach 100 kph from a standstill in five seconds and giving it more of an edge on straightaways. Nevertheless, it was a Mizuiro, and what it sacrificed in raw handling dynamics, it made up for in spirit.
A more track-oriented version was also available. Called the Aspect R, it shed 88 kg (194 lb) and boasted a power output of 239 kW (321 hp), making it Mizuiro’s most powerful mass-produced car yet and resulting in a 0-100 time of 4.2 seconds. It was also appropriately equipped, with a rear wing, rain light, magnesium wheels, and most importantly, a more planted suspension setup for tackling corners head-on.
S
SPECS Layout FR Engine Name MI1-4D Aspiration TB Displacement 1997 cc Peak Power 192 kW (258 hp) @ 7700 RPM Peak Torque 260 Nm (191 ft-lb) @ 4700 RPM Weight 1233 kg (2718 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 56/44 STARTING PRICE
¥3,740,000 JDM
$35,100 USDM COLOURS
Blazing Red Metallic
Ardour Red
Tangerine
Legacy Sunset Orange
Candy Burnt Orange
Biwa Blue Metallic
Legacy Coastal Blue
Ethereal White
Cloud Grey Metallic
Pewter Grey
Sumi Black
R
SPECS Layout FR Engine Name MI1-4D Aspiration TB Displacement 1997 cc Peak Power 239 kW (321 hp) @ 8300 RPM Peak Torque 307 Nm (227 ft-lb) @ 6900 RPM Weight 1145 kg (2524 lb) Weight Distribution Front/Rear 56/44 STARTING PRICE
¥4,167,600 JDM
$39,050 USDM COLOURS
Why not offer a manual on the Aspect, to satisfy the enthusiasts even more? At any rate, it’s a formidable entry into the affordable sports car market.