Your Grandfather’s Ultra-Cool Miata

Japan's Mitsuoka Motors Co. has introduced a highly modified, stretched version of Mazda Motor Corp.'s MX-5 Miata. Known for its retro-styling, Mitsuoka transforms the Miata into an elegant British roadster reminiscent of a classic Jaguar or Morgan Aero.

The Mitsuoka Roadster is based on the outgoing third-generation Miata and maintains that vehicle's powertrain and other mechanical features. But it has been visually reimagined save for the doors, A pillars and short rear deck. The redesign converts the understated Miata into a zoomy eye candy full of curves and bulges.

The Miata's rounded front end is replaced by an elongated hood, flowing wheel arches, tall grille, chrome bumper and distinctive headlights. The rear features a much taller trunk lid and rounded tail lamps, similar to the Jaguar-like styling Mitsuoka evoked in its previous Nissan Micra-based Viewt.

The retro Roadster comes with such modern amenities as heated seats, automatic climate control and Bluetooth connectivity. Buyers can choose between a soft and a power hard top. The latter can open and close in 12 seconds, which Mazda touts as the world's fastest power retractable system.

Sales begin this month in the U.K. with a base price of 53,800 ($82,500). Mitsuoka says it also will make customized versions of the vehicle that could include turbocharging the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine.

Formed in 1968, Mitsuoka's current lineup ranges from quirky microcars and full-size luxury cruisers to its signature Orochi sports car and Lotus Seven-based Zero1.