Mitsubishi Lancer Prototype-S

Mitsubishi Motors to show Prototype-S sports hatchback concept at 2008 Geneva Show

Prototype-S (1024x768 wallpaper)

Tokyo, January 28, 2008 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is to give the Prototype-S concept for a sports hatchback its global debut at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 4 through March 16 at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex (opening to the general public on March 6.)

Deriving from MMC's sport sedan family, which includes the Lancer (named the Galant Fortis on the Japanese market) launched in 2007 and the Lancer Ralliart announced at the 2008 Detroit Motors Show and the Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evolution X in Japan) premiered at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, Prototype-S takes the form of a hatchback — a very popular body type in European markets.
Distinguished by the inverted-slant nose with trapezoidal grille front fascia that marks Mitsubishi Motors new design identity and with wide-and-low proportions that leave no doubt as to the concept underlying its design, Prototype-S uses exterior lines to craft a shape that is powerful and sporty even by European standards, echoing the acclaimed 2005 Concept-Sportback show car.
In its mechanical specification Prototype-S is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC*1 intercooler / turbocharger engine [developing maxima of 177 kW (240 PS) and 343 Nm (35 kg-m)] mated to Mitsubishi Motors's high-efficiency Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission that marries fun-to-drive control with outstanding fuel efficiency. The full-time 4WD driveline features Mitsubishi Motors' Active Center Differential (ACD) that uses an electronically controlled multi-plate hydraulic clutch to optimally tailor front/rear drive torque split to different driving conditions and deliver the best balance between steering response and traction.

*1 MIVEC : Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control System

Mitsubishi's Line-up at the 08 Geneva Motor Show

THE COLOUR ORANGE
Mitsubishi Motors at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show

What’s in a colour? Well for Mitsubishi at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the colour will be orange, embodying the lively, warm, enthusiastic, creative, energetic, successful, and stimulating character that is Mitsubishi Motors in 2008.

Right-brained (emotional responses) and different (standing out from the crowd), MMC embodies these traits through an all-new range of cars, each of them supported by an iconic figure on a mission:
# Lancer Evolution:
… our sporting spirit
# “i”:
… our green (orange..?) vision
# Shogun:
… our “go-your-own-way” 4-Wheel Drive expertise

Indeed, at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, each of Mitsubishi’s premieres and key displays will broadcast the same very orange messages:

Lancer Prototype-S:
Just as Concept-X (2005 Tokyo) and then Prototype-X (2007 Detroit) announced the new Lancer and Lancer Evolution X (ten), Prototype-S will follow in the footsteps of the much-acclaimed Concept-Sportback show car (2005 Frankfurt) to preview the shape of the forthcoming Lancer Sportback.

When launched later in the year, this 5-door hatchback variant of the new Lancer family will be the most important of all in Europe, representing 70% of the forecasted Lancer volume in the overall region and 80% in the UK. Sporting a powerful metallic orange - similar to the one selected for Lancer Ralliart at the Detroit Auto Show a few weeks ago - Prototype-S will add the convenience of a lift-gate and flexible rear seating to the driving dynamics of the new Lancer range. It will hit the same unconventional buttons as Lancer Sports Sedan, albeit in a hatchback format, benchmarking the likes of Alfa Romeo with the 156 / 159 Sportwagons (dynamic benchmark) and of Saab with the legendary Saab 900 Turbo Combi-Coupé (aspirational benchmark).

Mirroring this aspiration: a sporty wedge-like profile, sharply chiselled lines, assertive stance born from a long wheelbase and wide track proportions, a high-shouldered rear end and the very expressive rear roof spoiler will embody Mitsubishi’s vision for a flexible sports sedan in the C/D sector, away from the traditional hatchbacks.

Fittingly, Prototype-S will blend elements from Concept-Sportback (the overall concept), Lancer Evolution X (the execution) and Lancer Ralliart (240ps / 343 Nm 2.0 litre turbo engine, Twin Clutch SST gearbox, full-time 4WD drivetrain featuring Mitsubishi Motors’ Active Center Differential), as well as proposing a further evolution of Mitsubishi Motors’ Jet Fighter grille.

i- EV
Livelier and more indicative of a healthier future for mankind than the cold tones of green and blue usually connected with environmental communication, orange would suit Mitsubishi’s bright developments in that direction very well indeed…

Spearheading these efforts, the electric-powered “i-EV” city car will also be displayed in Geneva as an indication of Mitsubishi’s commitment to innovative environment-friendly solutions.

Pajero Evolution
Cancellation of the 2008 Dakar notwithstanding, Pajero Evolution will once again play the guest star, bringing warm and exotic memories from Pajero’s 12 victories: a tribute to Pajero’s abilities and to Mitsubishi’s rugged quality and expertise in 4-Wheel Drive technology.

MMNA donates an 08 Lancer to Cypress Police [US]

Mitsubishi Motors and Cypress Police Department Reunite Efforts to Help "Keep Kids Off Drugs"
Mitsubishi Donates D.A.R.E. Car to Cypress Police Department

January 28, 2008 -- CYPRESS, Calif. --
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) proudly announces the donation of a 2008 Lancer to the Cypress Police Department for use as the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) vehicle. The Cypress Police Department will utilize the vehicle to supplement educational programs and to build community awareness of D.A.R.E.'s mission to keep kids off illegal drugs, decrease membership in gangs, and detour violent behavior in kids. The D.A.R.E. vehicle will participate in various programs in the Cypress/Savannah Elementary School District. Mitsubishi will officially present the Lancer during the Cypress City Council Meeting on January 28th, at 7:00 p.m.

Mitsubishi's relationship with the Cypress Police Department dates back 15 years. In the past, Mitsubishi donated a 1995 Eclipse coupe to the department, contributed the proceeds from local corporate events such as MOD (Mitsubishi Owners' Day) and supported Orange County D.A.R.E. events. Mitsubishi looks forward toward future collaboration with the Cypress Police Department, and involvement with the Cypress community, said Dan Kuhnert, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for MMNA.

D.A.R.E. teaches kids how to recognize and resist the direct and subtle pressures that influence them to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs. The D.A.R.E. program is usually introduced to children in the 6th grade. A specially trained officer comes into the elementary schools and teaches the children a strict curriculum about drug abuse, the consequences of abuse, and skills for resisting peer pressure to experiment with drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

In addition to the D.A.R.E. vehicle, Rockford Fosgate donated a custom audio system, which will be installed by Al and Ed's Auto Sound of Huntington Beach. The Cypress Police Department plans to equip the car with a police radio, emergency lighting and placement of attention grabbing D.A.R.E. graphics in an effort to raise awareness of the program. Victor Rivera's Body Shop and Restoration of Cypress will once again be handling the design and additional graphics for the new D.A.R.E. car.

Cypress Police Chief Rick Hicks had the following to say about the donation: "The Cypress Police Department is pleased to continue our 15-year association with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation as we work cooperatively to keep children from drugs and violence. This is certainly a generous donation from a sponsor that truly cares about our children and our childrens' future. The Police Department enjoys an amazing level of support from both businesses and the community at large, and the men and women of the Cypress Police Department remain dedicated to working with our community to ensure a drug-free future for our children."

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart [US]

2009 Lancer Ralliart
January 13, 2008 -- CYPRESS, Calif. --

The new Lancer Ralliart reinforces the sporty identity of the Lancer lineup (Lancer, Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution) with aggressive styling and driving performance that creates a unique product between the Lancer GTS 2.4 and the Lancer Evolution models. The Lancer Ralliart makes effective use of the Lancer's rigid unibody and four-wheel independent suspension by mating this capable chassis to a turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive.

Mechanical

Lancer Ralliart is powered by the new 4B11 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC intercooled and turbocharged engine (also used in the Lancer Evolution) that develops an estimated 235 horsepower. The engine is mated to Mitsubishi's efficient Twin Clutch-SST gearbox that helps enhance the sporty nature of the vehicle by allowing the driver to execute lightning-quick, silky-smooth, paddle-actuated shifts. The TC-SST transmission also operates in fully automatic modes for Normal and Sport driving conditions.

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 front helical limited slip differential and a rear differential mechanical limited slip differential.

Design

Elaborating on the basic sporty design and proportions of the Lancer, 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, Bluetooth® 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-gigabyte hard drive navigation system with digital music server.

Gallery:

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Mitsubishi Concept-RA [US]

Mitsubishi Concept-RA
January 13, 2008 -- CYPRESS, Calif. --

The MITSUBISHI Concept-RA offers a unique interpretation of the sporty coupe. This two-seat pure coupe concept explores the transversely mounted, front engine packaging theme. Generous helpings of technology create a vehicle that combines exotic appeal, outstanding, fun-to-drive dynamics and heightened sensitivity for the environment

Design

Developed as a technological showcase for Mitsubishi Motors, the Concept-RA displays athletic sport coupe proportions wrapped in dynamic flowing lines that provide a powerful and compelling showpiece for the car's advanced, high technology features. Broad, muscular wheel arches house 21-inch wheels and lend graphic expression to the high degree of road control and tenacious grip afforded by the next generation S-AWC system. Meanwhile, an exposed engine cover highlights the presence of the car's high output, efficient, clean diesel engine design. The Concept-RA's inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille fascia reinforce Mitsubishi Motors' new design identity, albeit suitably revised to reflect the concept's sporty coupe attributes.

Concept-RA's deep red exterior hue graphically accentuates the coupe's fluid, muscular body lines, and offsets a matte black engine hood that helps impart the vehicle's strong mechanical flavor. The interior has been developed to show a fusion of tradition with leading-edge touches. The cockpit's wraparound control layout uses minimal visual instrumentation and optimizes the switch and control layout. This reduces the driver's physical and mental workload, allowing full concentration on driving. The interior also makes extensive use of fine-quality natural materials in a design that delivers the utmost control, confidence, and vehicle involvement to the driver.

Mechanical

The MITSUBISHI Concept-RA's Super-All Wheel Control driveline is a next generation all-wheel-drive system that adds Active Steering and Active Suspension control to the ACD1, AYC2, ASC3, and Sport ABS components that comprise the highly capable system used on the 2008 Lancer Evolution. Concept RA's S-AWC system integrally manages these components to realize advanced levels of control over drive torque, steering input, vehicle roll, and braking at each wheel, thereby raising traction, cornering and vehicle stability levels. Such capability affords Concept-RA intuitive, on-demand vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver intent by reacting instantly, under a variety of driving conditions, from everyday use to emergency avoidance situations.

MITSUBISHI Concept-RA is powered by a new, high output, high-efficiency 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel engine with MIVEC4. This clean diesel's MIVEC system incorporates valve lift control with low and high-speed cam profiles actuating the intake valves. A Piezoelectric injector, common-rail direct fuel injection system allows the engine to use of a lower static compression ratio. The new diesel showcases a VD/VG (Variable Diffuser / Variable Geometry) turbocharger whose internal vanes can control airflow over the turbine and compressor surfaces to produce optimum boost characteristics at all times. The efficient, low emissions diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 201 hp (150 kW) and maximum torque of 310 ft. lbs. (42.8 kg-m). For compliance with Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations in the United States, the clean diesel powerplant relies on a new catalytic converter system that combines a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies.

In an effort to reduce vehicle weight to improve fuel economy, vehicle performance and safety, MITSUBISHI Concept-RA features a new, rigid body structure using an aluminum space frame made from extruded aluminum sections and die-cast aluminum components. In addition, the engine hood, fenders and other outer panels made from lightweight, impact-resistant and easily recyclable plastic resin.

1: Active Center Differential
2: Active Yaw Control
3: Active Stability Control
4: Mitsubishi Innovative Valve lift and timing with Electronic Control

Gallery:

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Mitsubishi Motors still official auto sponsor for AFL in 2008

Mitsubishi Motors Renews As Official Automobile Manufacturer Of The Arena Football League
ArenaBowl MVP to Once Again Receive Brand New Mitsubishi Automobile
January 9, 2008 -- NEW YORK --

Mitsubishi Motors has renewed as the Official Automobile Manufacturer of the Arena Football League's 2008 regular season, and will become the Exclusive Automobile Manufacturer of the 2008 AFL playoffs, including ArenaBowl XXII, both organizations jointly announced today. The one-year agreement mirrors last year's partnership, including a variety of branding and activation elements, such as helmet decals, as well as a full slate of playoff and ArenaBowl promotional platforms.

New this year will be Mitsubishi Motors' activation at eight 2007-2008 auto shows being held in AFL markets including Tampa, Orlando, Phoenix, San Jose, Philadelphia, Chicago, Cleveland and Dallas. The Mitsubishi Motors exhibit at each of these shows will feature an AFL themed interactive display, including a green screen component allowing visitors to pose for a picture as if they were an AFL player. The exhibit will be complete with team specific jerseys and an official AFL football. Pictures will be downloadable from a joint Mitsubishi/AFL microsite. Select auto shows will also feature appearances and autograph sessions by players from local teams.

"We are thrilled to be continuing our partnership with Mitsubishi Motors and are excited about the evolution of our joint activation for 2008," said AFL Deputy Commissioner & President, Ed Policy. "Mitsubishi Motors, like the AFL, is an organization that truly values its relationship with its consumers. Together we have a partnership built to last."

"The AFL has great fans that are just as passionate and enthusiastic about football as our spirited customers are about driving Mitsubishi vehicles, so we see the two brands as a natural compliment," said Dan Kuhnert, executive vice president of sales and marketing for MMNA. "We're very excited to continue our relationship for a second year and we hope that it continues well beyond the 2008 season."

"After the success of last year, we felt that a deeper and richer partnership between Mitsubishi and the AFL would be a benefit," said Susan Taylor, Managing Partner, PHD West. "This year we have increased the level of integration with all elements of the AFL package, including online, print and on-site, building promotions/sweepstakes to cross platforms in 'Driving to the Arena Bowl.'"

As part of their ArenaBowl sponsorship, Mitsubishi Motors will again present the ArenaBowl Most Valuable Player with a new Mitsubishi automobile. Last July, San Jose SaberCats quarterback Mark Grieb was named MVP for his performance at ArenaBowl XXI in New Orleans, after completing 24 of 29 pass attempts for 218 yards and four touchdowns and leading his team to a 55-33 over the Columbus Destroyers.

Mark Grieb/SJ Sabercats

Grieb was presented with a Mitsubishi Spyder, but later requested and was granted a Mitsubishi Outlander, which he felt would be more appropriate than the high-performance convertible Spyder for his wife and twin three-year-old daughters. Grieb received his new Mitsubishi Outlander at Serramonte Mitsubishi in Colma, CA. -MMNA

2008 Dakar Cancelled!! See you in 2009.

Lisbon, Friday the 4th of January 2008
A.S.O. cancels the 2008 edition of the Dakar rally

After different exchanges with the French government - in particular the Ministry for Foreign Affairs - , and based on their firm recommendations, the organisers of the Dakar have taken the decision to cancel the 2008 edition of the rally, scheduled from the 5th to the 20th of January between Lisbon and Senegal’s capital.

Based on the current international political tension and the murder of four French tourists last 24th of December linked to a branch of Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb, but also and mainly the direct threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organisations, no other decision but the cancellation of the sporting event could be taken by A.S.O.

A.S.O.’s first responsibility is to guarantee the safety of all: that of the populations in the countries visited, of the amateur and professional competitors, of the technical assistance personnel, of the journalists, partners and rally collaborators. A.S.O. therefore reaffirms that the choice of security is not, has never been and will never be a subject of compromise at the heart of the Dakar rally.

A.S.O. condemns the terrorist menace that annihilates a year of hard work, engagement and passion for all the participants and the different actors of the world’s biggest off-road rally. Aware of the huge frustration, especially in Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, and beyond the general disappointment and the huge economical consequences in terms of direct and indirect repercussions for the countries visited, A.S.O. will continue to defend the major values of great sporting events and will carry on its engagement for a durable development through the Actions Dakar, started 5 years ago in sub-Saharan Africa with SOS Sahel International.

The Dakar is a symbol and nothing can destroy symbols. The cancellation of the 2008 edition does not endanger the future of the Dakar. To offer, for 2009 a new adventure to all the off-road rally passionate is a challenge that A.S.O. will take on in the months to come, faithful to its engagement and its passion for sports. -ASO

Pictures of the Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Team after scrutineering. All four cars given a green light to start on January 5, until ASO announced they're cancelling the rally.