Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and its European unit Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. will be exhibiting a number of exciting concept and production models at the 61st Internationale Automobil Ausstellung (IAA; commonly known as the Frankfurt Motor Show) in Frankfurt in September. Exhibit highlights will include the world premiere of the MITSUBISHI Concept-Sportback, a next-generation sports hatchback concept. Also on display on the Mitsubishi Motors stand will be the European version of the Lancer Evolution IX high-performance 4WD sports sedan that has its European launch in the fourth quarter of this year, and the Pajero Evolution model that took part in the 2005 Dakar Rally. Held at the Frankfurt Messe Complex, the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show will be open to the public from 15th-25th September.

MITSUBISHI Concept-Sportback is a concept for the 5-door sports hatchback class that is getting highly popular in Europe. This concept previews a brand new Mitsubishi Motors C-segment platform. The direction Mitsubishi Motors' design is set to take for the near future is readily apparent in the concept's exterior. Distinguishing features include sporty lines that embody Mitsubishi Motors' sporty DNA, a front visage that gives prominence to the 3-diamond logo, and body proportions that give full expression to the vehicle concept.

Also taking a prominent place on the display stand will be the Lancer Evolution IX that is due to appear in European showrooms during the fourth quarter of this year. The European version of the model that went on sale in Japan in March this year, Lancer Evolution IX is a high-performance 4WD sports sedan that features the critically acclaimed 2-litre MIVEC*1 engine with turbocharger/intercooler and Mitsubishi's ACD*2+Super AYC*3+Sports ABS*4 electronically controlled all-wheel control system.

Sales of Mitsubishi brand cars on the European market for the January-June period showed a robust year-on-year increase of 22%, standing at 137,088 units. Notable performers include Russia (+103% at 24,726 units), supported by the success of the 4-door Lancer that took segment honours in the Russian Car of the Year. Second was Germany (23,363 sales, or 43% increase compared to the previous year), boosted by the launch of the Colt CZ3 and Colt CZT 3-door compact models during the period. Third largest European market for Mitsubishi Motors was the United Kingdom (21,618 units or + 18%), with L200 remaining market leader.

Mitsubishi Motors will be continuing its fiscal 2005 European model drive with the introduction of a diesel-powered Grandis and a new Colt coupe-cabriolet.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX

MITSUBISHI Concept-Sportback

*1: Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system

*2: ACD (Active Centre Differential)
The ACD incorporates an electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch. An ECU optimises clutch cover clamp load for different driving conditions, regulating the differential limiting action between free and locked states. The result is improved steering response together with better traction. ACD provides three modes - Tarmac / Gravel / Snow - to enable quicker control response for changes in road surface. A single ECU provides integrated management of both ACD and Super AYC components.

*3: Super AYC (Active Yaw Control)
Mitsubishi's Active Yaw Control system uses a torque-transfer mechanism in the rear differential. Under ECU control, the system operates to raise cornering performance by transferring torque between the rear wheels as dictated by driving conditions and so control the yaw moment acting on the car body. In an evolutionary step, switching from the use of a bevel to a planetary gear differential gave Super AYC the ability to transfer almost twice the torque between the rear wheels. As well as reducing understeer further, it delivers LSD-level traction. The use of a single ECU to integrally manage Super AYC with the ACD results in a synergism that makes both components operate more effectively than if they were under independent control.

*4: Sports ABS braking
The system ECU uses information from a steering angle sensor that detects steering inputs as well as from lateral G and vehicle speed sensors to apportion pressure to each of the four wheels independently. The result is improved steering response under braking. Mitsubishi's Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system, integral with Sports ABS, optimises allocation of braking force between the front and rear wheels. Increasing the pressure applied to the rear wheels when braking close to the limit, EBD reduces the load on the front wheels to realise better anti-fade performance. The system also compensates for changes in surface and vehicle load conditions to ensure predictable and consistent stopping performance at all times.