Detroit Preview: Mitsubishi to unleash Concept-RA

Performance enthusiasts have witnessed the devolution of the Mitsubishi Eclipse from the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive thrill ride it once was to the V6-powered, front-wheel-drive highway cruiser it is today. Perhaps the Concept-RA that Mitsubishi will unveil at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January heralds a return to that original Eclipse. The concept certainly has the look of those first-gen cars, with a low slung body and perfectly arching roof line. The rear even has a bit of Boxster to it. The fender flares and what we hope are functional extraction vents give purpose to the design, which is backed up by the use of lightweight materials and an eco-friendly though potent powerplant.

The Concept-RA is built on an aluminum space frame and most of its body panels, including the hood and fenders, are made from a recyclable plastic resin that's impact resistant. That brings the weight down so that the 2.2L four-cylinder turbodiesel doesn't have to work as hard to make the car go. The diesel features Mitsu's MIVEC valve timing technology, as well as direct injection and piezoelectric injectors. It requires no urea injection to meet our strict emissions standards for diesels, instead relying on a smorgasbord of traps, filters and catalytic converters. Despite its formidable green cred, the 2.2L mill produces just over 200 HP and 310 ft-lbs. of torque. Like the best Eclipses of old, it sends power to all four wheels, though through a more modern Twin Clutch SST transmission. Mitsubishi's Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) also keeps the car planted by coordinating the efforts of a variety of systems, including the brakes, stability control, steering and damping.
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stldrummer - 11/27/2007 4:27:01 PM

+1 Boost

You know what else this reminds me of? The 3000GT.

DaHarder - 11/28/2007 11:33:41 AM

+3 Boost

"Who wants a diesel anyway ?"

Those intelligent/forward-thinking enough to know the considerable benefits they offer...

America will soon catch on - No Doubt!

ThierryHenry14 - 11/27/2007 5:10:33 PM

+1 Boost

New eclipse?

MtlMotors - 11/27/2007 6:31:40 PM

+1 Boost

LOL... The rear looks like the front of the 2nd gen car.

mini22 - 11/27/2007 7:41:32 PM

+2 Boost

This is where Mitsubishi needs to go on the Eclipse.Make it lighter,make it awd,and make it a turbo or V6 with a smaller displacment but with lighter pistons,more aggressive cams.

Lexus - 11/28/2007 2:21:03 AM

+2 Boost

This concept or drawing is definitely stunning! If the production model look anywhere near this picture, put me on the list for one.

Lexus

M35MT - 11/28/2007 8:20:46 AM

+3 Boost

just build it. just like that. change nothing. c'mon do it...i dare ya mitsu...

DaHarder - 11/28/2007 11:36:10 AM

+2 Boost

"The concept certainly has the look of those first-gen cars"

No... It Doesn't - At All!

If anything, it looks more like the logical styling evolution of the second generation (1994 - 1999) Eclipse than anything.

investor27 - 12/3/2007 2:18:05 AM

+1 Boost

It's a diesel, with all the performance benefits and frugal gas mileage. Who wouldn't want one? Bring it over in late 2008. The earlier the better, but only with a diesel engine first.