Despite its unusual styling, the Mitsuoka Orochi is significant in Japan’s sports car history. With a snake-inspired design and a grand touring-oriented driving experience, it gained attention as more than just a uniquely styled vehicle. Its name, drawn from the mythical Japanese serpent Yamata no Orochi, reflects its dramatic and eye-catching appearance.
The Mitsuoka Orochi was first revealed at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show and entered production in 2006. It was built on the Honda NSX chassis, which is known for its excellent handling and advanced engineering. This provided the Mitsuoka Orochi with an excellent starting point for entering the sports car market. However, it took a different path. Instead of using the NSX’s high-revving V6 engine, it opted for Toyota’s naturally aspirated 3.3-liter V6 engine (3MZ-FE), clearly establishing its unique identity.
Bold Design and an Unexpected Engine Choice
The Mitsuoka Orochi’s styling draws mixed reactions. Its small fish-eye grille and sharp headlights make a bold impression, while triangular cutouts along the sides give it a distinctive presence. The short stance and elongated taillights are reminiscent of the Lamborghini Gallardo. The raised hood contours prioritize aerodynamics over aesthetics.
The most interesting part of the vehicle is its powertrain. While it’s built on a Honda chassis, Mitsuoka chose not to use a Honda engine, instead opting for Toyota’s 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V6. This decision gives the car a unique identity and feels like an unofficial collaboration between the two brands.
This Toyota 3MZ-FE V6 delivers about 233 horsepower, with a supercharged option pushing the output up to around 300. It’s paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission—no manual option—further emphasizing that the Mitsuoka Orochi is built more for grand touring than high-performance driving.
An Attractive Collectible with Only about 400 Units Remaining Worldwide
The Mitsuoka Orochi uses a double-wishbone suspension setup at all four corners, paired with standard ventilated disc brakes and 18-inch wheels. It weighs about 1,600 kg (3,527 pounds), so it’s not exactly light. But it delivers a smooth ride and solid cornering grip, which underlines its GT personality. Its 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) time is roughly 7 seconds, which is well behind most modern supercars.
The Mitsuoka Orochi still stands out. With its one-of-a-kind look, minimal production, and hand-built craftsmanship, it has developed a dedicated fan base. Today, only about 400 units are believed to remain around the world.
For collectors drawn to unique and uncommon cars, the Mitsuoka Orochi is still a dream vehicle that’s become well-known for its eye-catching look.
