Mizuiro Motor Company

The_Stig_Is_A_Spy · 16 February 2020 22:09

Mizuiro Hizoku '06

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