I actually was reading about this car in my past two releases of Auto Week magazine. Now that there's articles on the net about this vehicle, I figured I'd post it up here.

Article is provided by "Road and Track" and Mike Monticello - Photos by Marc Urbano

"Mitsubishi Concept-RA" - Evo performance in a sexy coupe body.

This sporty concept is exactly what we've been waiting for from Mitsubishi: that is, Lancer Evolution performance and technology in an angularly (or is it angrily?) styled coupe. The Concept-RA "shows that thrilling performance and environmental responsibility need not be mutually exclusive concepts," according to Mitsubishi.

The Concept-RA blends a "next-generation" version of the Lancer Evolution X's Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics driveline — which includes Active Center Differential, Active Yaw Control and Active Stability Control — with Active Steering and Active Damping Control for the suspension. The Concept-RA also has the Lancer Evolution X's terrific new Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission, which allows either manual shifting via paddles or the use of a full automatic mode.

The car's environmental-ness comes from its new low-emissions 2.2-liter 16-valve turbodiesel 4-cylinder. This engine features direct injection and MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve lift and timing Electronic Control) variable valve timing as well as a Variable Diffuser/Variable Geometry turbocharger, which help to achieve 204 bhp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque.

The concept uses an aluminum space frame for weight savings (aiding both handling and fuel economy), while the hood, fenders and other body panels are made from impact-resistant (and recyclable) plastic resin.

 

Unfortunately I doubt the majority of the goodies listed for the new eclipse will actually make it into the production model. It's a very good concept car though and has definitely pushed the looks of the eclipse more into luxury. Would be nice if they actually put the performance back into it, but with that extensive list I can definitely see this car being marked up to the high 20k low 30k which would price it out of there target market. Only time will tell.

 

I've seen this afew days ago and I love this look. This is probably one of the only cars I would buy new. Just one damn sexy car.

 

Wow! Damn good looking! But with all those hi tech goodies are they going to be able to sell it for anywhere near what people are willing to afford? Keep It Simple Stupid!!!

 

its got an interesting exotic look. I like how it doesn't look like a big fat bubble. Something is telling me though, it isn't going to look, or perform like this one would. It would be nice to think that it came with some of those goodies, but those goodies cost a lot. Any idea what the price tag of an EVO X is? this car isn't too far from it. Take a few grand off cuz it is a bit slower. I'm waiting to see what the production model is going to be like....

 

I just wish Mitsubishi would step up their damn quality and refinement. They got the performance side down, so now they need to work on putting higher quality materials and parts into their cars and making them more solid and reliable. I haven't actually had the pleasure of driving an Evo or a 4G eclipse, so I can't judge, but I wish they could get into the ball park area of a Toyota or Honda, in terms of quality. I'm not expecting it to be as reliable, since it is a performance vehicle after all. But Mitsu does use some really cheap ass parts in their cars, in my opinion.

As far as this concept model goes....I think it looks pretty nice. The only gripe I have about it, is that some of the styling cues look pretty damn similar (ripped off somewhat), from the Audi R8.

 

but thats the latest style.
I've noticed that all manufacturers basically use the same design team. They get a good idea and they run with it for everything. and if it isn't one manufacturer to another, it is within the manufacturer when they make all of their cars identical......

 

so am i the only one who thinks it looks dumb? lol

 

Front end kinda reminds me of the new Honda CR-Z concept ( New CRX).

Plus turbo diesel tuning seems to be much easier for the big Ford, Chevy, Dodoge trucks, Hopefully it will be that easy for this thing.