BangShift.com Coolest Retro-Styled SUV Combines Elements Of American Classics

(By Tom Lohnes) – The Toyota TNGA-N platform that underpins its SUV is a flexible one. Sitting underneath every little thing from the tiny CH-R to the 3-row Highlander, this chassis could be very versatile in superb methods. Different firms have been making the most of this too, corresponding to Suzuki with its Throughout, and now Japanese-exclusive model Mitsuoka, and its Buddy.

By retro, I imply retro American. With the entrance finish seemingly out of a GM truck and the rear a jeep wagoner, it is a weird-but-cool CUV. Powertrain get an improve too, with Mitsuoka’s personal straight 6 mounted transversely within the entrance. Horsepower output is 255 and 0-60 occurs in a claimed 6.9 seconds. Inside, the Buddy is generally shared RAV-4 elements, however that’s to be anticipated as a result of it’s a RAV-4 beneath. Due to the Toyota underpinnings, although, 2 issues will seemingly occur. One being that the Buddy has some off highway chops, 2 being that the chassis is manner much less prone to break than the straight-six Mitsuoka provided it with. AWD is customary, in addition to an 8-speed computerized.

In all, the Mitsuoka Buddy is a comparatively cool crossover that we’ll by no means see right here. Just like the Bissan Fígaro of the late 90’s (look it up) we’ll seemingly overlook in regards to the buddy for a pair years, after which costs will skyrocket, like each different JDM automotive folks wish to import!