Caught testing in the deserts of the US, presumably somewhere in California, where MMNA's Research and Design center is based (though the vehicle was probably registered in Michigan), is a new front end design for the Outlander. From all indications, the base body is either a 2.4L SE US model or could be a 30G Japan model. Very apparent in the front end is the "jet fighter" design that is unifying the current line of Mitsubishi vehicles starting from the early concept models of the Concept-X, to the Prototype-X, to the current production of the Lancer family including the current Evo X. Notable also is the very consistent design pattern for the front end with that of the the recently unveiled Concept-cX, a crossover concept that is to be further developed into production. Could this be the Concept-cX in production? Or perhaps a 2010/2011 Outlander Ralliart? It might be either of the two. My personal prediction is that this will be equipped with Mitsubishi's newly developed diesel engine, which is also due in 2010, and could be equipped with the dual clutch TC-SST transmission that's being utilized by the current Evo X and Lancer Ralliart.
Mitsubishi Concept-cX
A thing about diesel engines. This is the current focus of Mitsubishi's effort right now. They are working hard developing clean diesel technology. Very evident by their focus on the 2009 Dakar with a Racing Lancer entry that is powered by diesel. And the new crop of concepts like the Concept-cX, Concept-ZT, and Concept-RA that are all diesel powered.
So this indeed is a very interesting development. Stay tuned to this blog for more info.
Photo Credits to Automedia/Worldcarfans.
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