The name "RA" is derived from 'Road Alive', not, as you may expect, the traditional Mitsubishi partner 'RalliArt'.

Mitsubishi Concept-RA is a sport coupe concept that fuses a passion for dynamic, exciting driving with a heightened sensitivity for the environment thanks to a clean, efficient drivetrain. The concept is powered by a new high-output, high-efficiency clean diesel engine and Twin Clutch SST^*1 automated manual transmission, driving Mitsubishi Motors' advanced S-AWC^*2 vehicle dynamics control system. The 2008 Detroit Motor Show runs from 19th January to 27th January at the Cobo Centre in Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Also on the MMC stand at the Detroit Motor Show will be two new additions to the Lancer line-up. The 2.0-litre Lancer sedan is joined by a new 2.4-litre DOHC MIVEC^*3 engine variant and, in the (northern summer), will also be joined by the Lancer Ralliart model. The Ralliart will be powered by a new 4-cylinder 2.0-litre MIVEC turbocharged engine that develops maximum output 177 kW (240 PS) and 343 Nm (35kg-m).

MMC will also be showing its new-generation high-performance 4WD sedan, the Lancer Evolution^*4 that gives drivers of all abilities access to Mitsubishi's dynamic driving experience by underpinning exhilarating road performance with intuitive control, security and safety. The MMC stand will also feature a chassis model of Mitsubishi Motors' S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system while visitors may physically experience the benefits conferred by this advanced system in the "S-AWC Theatre" simulation booth. Exhibits underlining Mitsubishi Motors' commitment to environmental responsibility and used in the Mitsubishi Concept-RA include: a fuel-efficient next generation clean diesel engine developed to U.S. emissions standards (Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations); the Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission, which realises superb levels of power transmission efficiency; and a selection of interior trim materials using Mitsubishi's own Green Plastic plant-based resins.

Notes:
^*1   Sportronic Shift Transmission for North American market (Sport Shift Transmission for the Japanese market)
^*2   Super All Wheel Control
^*3   Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system
^*4   Lancer Evolution X for the Japanese market

Mitsubishi Concept-RA in further detail

Illustrating the fact that thrilling performance and environmental responsibility need not be mutually exclusive concepts, Mitsubishi Concept-RA features the S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system and the Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission used in the Lancer Evolution X. The car is powered by a new high-output, high-efficiency clean diesel engine and uses an aluminium space frame body to reduce weight.

Design

Developed as a "MMC technology showcase", the design uses stylish sport coupe proportions wrapped in dynamic flowing lines that give powerful and eloquent expression to the car's advanced technological features. Wheel arches housing 21-inch wheels give graphic expression to the powerful drive torque and stopping power that Mitsubishi's S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system transmits so effectively to the road surface, while an exposed engine cover highlights the presence of the car's new powerful and clean diesel engine. Mitsubishi Concept-RA also sports the inverted-slant nose with trapezoidal grille fascia that marks Mitsubishi Motors new design identity, suitably tweaked to reflect the car's sport coupe attributes. Mitsubishi Concept-RA uses red exterior colouring that graphically accentuates the beauty of its fluid body lines, counter-pointed by a matte black engine bonnet that imparts a strongly mechanical flavor. The interior has been developed to show a fusion of tradition with leading-edge touches. The cockpit's wrap-round control layout uses minimal visual instrumentation and optimises 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 a reassuring presence and peace of mind.

Technologies

The Mitsubishi Concept-RA's S-AWC driveline adds Active Steering and Active Damper to the ACD^*1, AYC^*2, Sport ABS^*3 and ASC^*4 components that make up the system used on the Lancer Evolution X. S-AWC integrally manages these systems to realise advanced levels of control over drive torque and braking at each wheel, thereby raising traction, cornering and vehicle stability levels. All this adds up to intuitive, on-demand vehicle behaviour 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-efficiency and low-emission 2.2-litre 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo-diesel engine with MIVEC, which switches between low and high-speed cam profiles to drive intake valves and piezoelectric injector common-rail direct fuel injection, allowing the use of a lower compression ratio. And with its VD/VG (Variable Diffuser/Variable Geometry) turbocharger producing optimum boost characteristics at all times, the clean diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 150 kW (204 PS) and maximum torque of 420 Nm (42.8 kg-m). For compliance with Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations in the United States, the clean power unit uses a new catalytic converter system that brings together diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies for improved crashworthiness and to reduce weight Mitsubishi Concept-RA features a new body structure using an aluminium space frame made from extruded aluminium sections and die-cast aluminium members, as well as engine bonnet, guards and other outer panels made from high impact-resistance and easily recyclable plastic resin.

Notes:
^*1  Active Centre Differential
^*2   Active Yaw Control
^*3   Sport Antilock Brake System
^*4   Active Stability Control