Mitsubishi Concept-RA With EVO X AWD System To Debut In Detroit

Mitsubishi has announced that it will premiere the “MITSUBISHI Concept-RA” at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 13. The coupe concept, which features the Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics control system driveline and the Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission used in Lancer Evolution X, is powered by a new high-output, high-efficiency clean diesel engine.

The 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve diesel engine is fitted with a VD (Variable Diffuser)/VG (Variable Geometry) turbocharger. According to the Japanese carmaker, the diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 204 PS and maximum torque of 420 Nm (42.8 kg-m). In order to comply with U.S. emissions standards (Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations), the engine utilizes a new catalytic converter system that brings together diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies.

The “MITSUBISHI Concept-RA” is based on a new lightweight body structure using an aluminium space frame made from extruded aluminium sections and die-cast aluminium members. Additionally, the engine hood, fenders and other outer panels are made from high impact-resistance and easily recyclable plastic resin.

[Source: CarScoop]

Is this the replacement for the new Eclipse or something?

Doubt it... probably just a concept to showcase new tech.

Rumormill: Mitsubishi Concept-RA may hint at Eclipse for Europe

This is not just rumormill, this is rumors of hints and suggestions made by anonymous people. Just last week we wondered whether Mitsubishi's Concept-RA would lead to a new -- and proper -- Eclipse. What Car? went further, and although citing nothing more than "insiders," said that the red zinger "could be a forerunner for a new Eclipse coupe, which could go on sale in Europe."

True, that's a lot of coulds. But it wasn't so long ago that the Eclipse was an object of desire, and there can't be any doubt that Mitsubishi would love to see those days return -- especially after watching rival Nissan revive brand lust by slowly reinjecting its products with feeling.

Mitsubishi's attempt to mainstream the Eclipse robbed it of the fan base it had and yet didn't grow a new one. We suppose the questions, as always, would be money and the business case, but we for one would love to see Mitsu do that car, right there, in the picture above, as the new Eclipse. If they could get enough other people behind it, we wouldn't be surprised if they did. (Hint: that means it's time to tell them what you think. The comments box is waiting. Europeans are welcome.)

[Source: What Car?]

This is a Mitsubishi I could actually own again.
Nice! A 3000GT Replacement?

Detroit Show: Mitsubishi Concept-RA Picture Leak

Here’s the first official image of Mitsubishi’s Concept-RA sport coupe that will make its premier at the Detroit Show tomorrow. The all-wheel-drive Concept-RA is powered by a 204 HP 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine matted to Mitsubishi’s Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission used in the all-new Lancer Evolution X. Though Mitsubishi avoids making any connections to the Eclipse, we wouldn’t mind if the Japanese carmaker based its successor on the Concept-RA.

[CarScoop]

I'd have to consider owning another Mitsubishi if they come out with this. Looks like something other than an Eclipse replacement, something more uplevel from that.

M

Press Release
Concept-RA

The MITSUBISHI Concept-RA continues a long tradition of sporty coupe concepts dating back to the 1972 debut of the Galant GTO R73-X show car, which showcased high revving, high output (200 hp) DOHC engine technology. Combining cutting edge drivetrain technologies with the latest clean diesel engine design, MITSUBISHI Concept-RA demonstrates that a thrilling performance machine and a sense of environmental responsibility need not be mutually exclusive concepts. The Concept-RA features a "next generation" Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system that is comprised of Active Center Differential, Active Yaw Control, Sport ABS and Active Stability Control component systems, as equipped on the very capable Lancer Evolution. For Concept-RA, this vehicle-dynamics-enhancing, all-wheel-drive system is upgraded to include Active Steering and Active Damping Control elements to further improve driver control, as well as vehicle handling and stability. S-AWC integrally manages all of these systems to realize advanced levels of control over drive torque and braking, thereby improving traction, cornering and vehicle stability. This complex system of electronic traction and driveline control help create intuitive, on-demand vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver intent under all driving conditions, from everyday use to emergency avoidance situations.

MITSUBISHI Concept-RA is powered by a new high output, low-emissions 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel engine. This engine features a MIVEC(1) valvetrain that offers continuously variable valve timing control as well as low and high speed camshaft profiles. The new diesel is equipped with piezoelectric injector common-rail direct fuel injection that allows a lower compression ratio and a VD (Variable Diffuser)/VG (Variable Geometry) turbocharger. The 2.2 liter clean diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 201 hp (150 kW) and maximum torque of 310 ft. lbs (42.8 kg-m). In an effort to comply with U.S. emissions standards (Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations), the diesel relies on a new catalytic converter system that utilizes diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies. When mated to a Twin Clutch-SST gearbox, the torque-rich diesel engine will help deliver sporty driving manners with a high degree of fuel efficiency.

MITSUBISHI Concept-RA makes extensive use of lightweight materials in its construction to help reduce vehicle mass for improved performance, fuel economy and safety. The athletic coupe features a new body structure that utilizes an aluminum space frame made from extruded aluminum sections and die-cast aluminum components, as well as the hood, fenders and other outer panels molded from impact-resistant and easily recyclable plastic resin.

[Source: Mitsubishi via WCF]

Mitsubishi Concept RA unveil at Detroit Auto Show