As if there wasn't enough to look forward to at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, Mitsubishi teases us with these sketches of thew Concept-RA, which we can only hope is indicative of the reincarnation of a new Eclipse as a vehicle worthy of the old Eclipse. The aggressive shoulders and sloping beltline are your first hints of the second generation Eclipse, while the nose makes it a very obvious nod to the new EVO.
This concept vehicle is also environmentally friendly, powered by a common-rail direct injection 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel with MIVEC variable valve timing. A whole host of engineering feats reduce emissions while still producing in excess of 200 horsepower and 310 ft-lbs of torque. All of this meets the road courtesy of an AWD system tied to the Twin Clutch SST found in the EVO and a Super All Wheel Control system that keeps the suspension working together.
The designers have kept the car on the Kate Moss side courtesy of a new body structure that utilizes an aluminum space frame and high impact-resistant recyclable plastic resin. What all this means for the future of Mitsubishi and for the return to the successful dynamics of the past is uncertain. But we shall dare to dream. Press release below the jump.
Mitsubishi Motors new "MITSUBISHI Concept" to receive global premiere at 2008 Detroit Motor Show
November 27, 2007 — Tokyo —
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. (MMNA, based in Cypress California) will premiere MITSUBISHI Concept to the world at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS or the Detroit Motor Show). MITSUBISHI Concept fuses a passion for dynamic, exciting driving with a heightened sensitivity for the environment thanks to clean, efficient high performance diesel power. The 2008 NAIAS runs from January 13 to 27 at the Cobo Center in Detroit and opens to the general public on January 19.
MITSUBISHI Concept shows that thrilling performance and environmental responsibility need not be mutually exclusive concepts. This coupe concept features the S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system driveline and the Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission used in Lancer Evolution*1, and is powered by a new high-output, high-efficiency clean diesel engine.
*1: Lancer Evolution X in Japan
The MITSUBISHI Concept S-AWC driveline adds Active Steering and Active Suspension control to the ACD*2, AYC*3, Sport ABS*4 and ASC*5 component systems that comprise the system used on Lancer Evolution. S-AWC integrally manages all of these systems to realize advanced levels of control over drive torque and braking, thereby upgrading traction, cornering and vehicle stability. All this adds up to intuitive, on-demand vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver intent under all driving conditions, from everyday use to emergency avoidance situations.
MITSUBISHI Concept is powered by a new high-efficiency, low-emissions 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbodiesel engine with MIVEC*6 continuously variable valve lift and timing control. With piezoelectric injector common-rail direct fuel injection that allows a lower compression ratio and with a VD (Variable Diffuser)/VG (Variable Geometry) turbocharger, the clean diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 150 kW (204 PS) and maximum torque of 420 Nm (42.8 kg-m). For compliance with U.S. emissions standards (Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations), the engine relies on a new catalytic converter system that brings together diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies. The new diesel engine will deliver exciting driving manners with a high degree of fuel efficiency.
For improved crashworthiness and to reduce vehicle weight MITSUBISHI Concept features a new body structure using an aluminum space frame made from extruded aluminum sections and die-cast aluminum members, as well as engine hood, fenders and other outer panels made from high impact-resistance and easily recyclable plastic resin.