DETROIT, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC)
and Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. debut the MITSUBISHI Concept-RA
and the Lancer Ralliart to the world at the 2008 edition of the North
American International Auto Show. Building on Mitsubishi's global history
of exciting two door sports coupes, the MITSUBISHI Concept-RA takes the
sports coupe design theme in a new direction and brings the ROAD ALIVE. The
exciting MITSUBISHI Concept-RA is an athletic pure coupe concept that
allows a passion for dynamic performance driving to coexist with a
heightened sensitivity for the environment thanks to high output clean
diesel power. Also making its global debut, the 2009 Lancer Ralliart is a
turbocharged, all-wheel-drive compact sports sedan that will be in
showrooms in the summer of 2008.
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.
2009 Lancer Ralliart
The Lancer Ralliart model is the latest addition to the sporty Lancer
compact car family. This new model reinforces the sporty identity of the
Lancer lineup (Lancer, Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution) with
aggressive styling and driving performance to be well positioned between
the Lancer and the Lancer Evolution models.
Lancer Ralliart is powered by a new 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC intercooled
and turbocharged engine that develops an estimated 235 horsepower. The
engine is mated to Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch-SST gearbox that delivers
highly-efficient power transmission while enhancing the sporty driving
qualities of the vehicle with lightning-quick, silky-smooth,
paddle-actuated shifts or programmed fully-auto modes. The Lancer
Ralliart's full-time 4WD driveline features Mitsubishi's Active Center
Differential (ACD). The ACD unit employs an electronically controlled
multi-plate clutch center differential, vectoring drive torque to the front
and rear according to different driving conditions to realize the best
balance between steering response and traction characteristics on Tarmac,
Gravel, or Snow surfaces. Lancer Ralliart is also equipped with a front
helical and rear mechanical limited slip differentials.
The Lancer Ralliart exterior is distinguished by its more aggressively
styled front bumper design, rear bumper cover, dual outlet muffler and a
lightweight aluminum, ducted hood that delivers cooling air to the
turbocharger. The interior design places greater emphasis on function and
vehicle control. Lancer Ralliart is equipped with FAST key, hands free
telephone interface, the same Twin Clutch-SST shifter used on Lancer
Evolution, and easily accessible steering column mounted paddle shifters.
Available equipment and options to include: Recaro seats, HID
headlights, 650 watt Rockford Fosgate 9-speaker audio system, Sirius
satellite radio, power sunroof, and a 30 GB Hard Drive Navigation system
Also on display, the Galant GTO R73-X show car, the Lancer EX2000 Turbo
and the all-new 2008 Lancer Evolution complement the full-line up of
Mitsubishi vehicles for North America.
About Mitsubishi Motors North America
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all
manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development
operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes,
convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a
network of approximately 500 dealers. For more information, contact the
Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit
http://media.mitsubishicars.com.
(1) Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system
SOURCE Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
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Related links:
http://media.mitsubishicars.com
CONTACT:
Janis Little, Director, Product
Communications, +1-714-372-6429, jlittle@mmsa.com, or Moe Durand,
Manager, Product Communications, +1-714-372-6567,
m1durand@mmsa.com, both of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
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