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Image credits: © Mitsubishi.
2007 Mitsubishi Prototype X Concept news, pictures, and information | ||
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Prototype X hints at the next production version of the world-renowned Mitsubishi Motors rally-winning Lancer Evolution, which will be released later in 2007. The high performance engine, excellent dynamics and striking design will appeal to enthusiasts worldwide - for those who desire a daily driver wîth street credentials as well as those anticipating weekend club or rally performance. The Prototype X is closely related to the all-new 2008 Lancer, which also makes its show debut in Detroit.
The first 2008 Mitsubishi model to debut is the all-new Lancer compact sport sedan, delivering driven-to-thrill dynamics, ''class-up'' value, advanced safety and available cutting-edge user-technology in an aggressively styled package. The new-generation Lancer models arrive in Mitsubishi dealerships in early 2007.
The 2007 models on display will include: the all-new Outlander, Endeavor, Galant, Eclipse, Eclipse Spyder and Raider models. Specialty vehicles on display will be the Baja Raider, which roared to victory in the Stock Mini class at the 2006 Baja 1000 and the Endeavor SE Concept, revealed at the SEMA show in November.Source - Mitsubishi
In Detroit, Mitsubishi Motors hints today at the next generation of its iconic supercar, the much anticipated and all-new Lancer Evolution. Consistent wîth MMCs impeccable sporting credentials, its high performance engine, outstanding dynamics and sharp design will appeal to enthusiasts worldwide. As such, Prototype X also demonstrates the depth and breadth of the new Lancer sports sedan family, ranging from entry model (1.5 l in Europe) right up to the all-new Lancer Evolution, the range topping supercar. Coming Soon: (R)Evolution
Heir of the Lancer 1600 GSR of the 70s or the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo of the 80s, the Lancer Evolution has lived up to its namesake by greatly improving wîth each successive generation since 1992. (Lancer Evolution VIII was the first to be officially offered in the European market).
As Prototype X demonstrates, the Lancer Evolution will soon make perhaps the largest leap in overall capability seen between two generations of this model. The next Lancer Evolution will offer major gains in handling dynamics and technology while maintaining the kind of thrilling turbo engine performance that has made the model a legend around the world.
Although clearly based on the new Lancer and sharing its distinctive shark-mouth grille opening, Prototype X features a unique front end, rear fenders and decklid. Making a maximum-performance statement, Prototype X looks the part wîth its boxed fenders, aggressively sloping hood wîth integral air scoop, 20-inch alloy wheels wîth massive brakes and the high-tech LED turn signals in the sideview mirrors.
Inside, the deeply contoured bucket seats are upholstered in high-grip suede-like material An electronic lap counter hints at the cars weekend club racer capability, while the red LED light band that spans the doors and the dash surface might suggest a customizing idea to future customers.
The user technology in Prototype X previews what will be available for the next Lancer Evolution. While not all design features and content seen on Prototype X will make it to the production vehicle, the overall design will carry through.
Next-Gen Power
The engine powering Prototype X and the next Lancer Evolution is a turbocharged version of the all-new aluminum 4B11 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC engine used in the 2008 Lancer sports sedan. (concept carz)
It will yield the highest power rating ever in a Lancer Evolution model. (Since development continues, final engine output figures will be revealed at a later date.) Significantly, the newest Lancer Evolution will have less differentiation from market to market than the previous generations.
The new models aluminum engine block is a significant 20 kg lighter than the iron-block 4G63 engine used in all previous models, which aids weight distribution. In addition, its orientation (exhaust located on bulkhead side) allows for improved placement that helps to lower the center of gravity.
Although the new Lancer Evolution engine block is lighter, it was designed from the outset for high-performance turbocharged applications. High inherent strength has been achieved partly through over-engineering of the open deck block, and the use of large water jackets and metal areas around each siamesed cylinder bore. The reciprocating assembly of the turbocharged 4B11 is capable of withstanding high levels of boost.
Automated Manual Transmission
Prototype X is equipped wîth the automated manual transmission wîth magnesium §teering wheel paddle shifters that will be available on the next Lancer Evolution.
This new transmission will offer lightning fast, paddle-shift actuated shifting when desired, along wîth offering a fully automatic mode. This unit is not a conventional torque-converter automatic transmission, but rather a true auto-capable manual similar to that used on some of the worlds most notable performance models.
For stick shift purists, the next Lancer Evolution will still offer a conventional 5-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) With the 4B11 turbo engines stronger torque performance, a 5-speed will provide optimal acceleration response.
Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC)
The next Lancer Evolution, while still providing the levels of engine performance that appeal to this models loyal core customers, will expand dynamic capability wîth the new Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system.
Combining intelligent full-time four-wheel drive wîth stability control, S-AWC is a further development of the advanced full-time 4WD technology first introduced on the new-generation Outlander SÚV for 2007.
In Prototype X and the upcoming Lancer Evolution this next-generation system combines an Active Center Differential (ACD) wîth an Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential and Active Skid Control (ASC). The AYC rear differential has never been offered on a Lancer Evolution sold in the Ú.S. market.
The combination of all these technologies will help the Lancer Evolution make optimal use of its considerable torque and also ensure the highest level of dynamic capability and stability ever in this model. At the same time, the new technology will further enhance the exhilarating driving performance character that customers have come to expect from this model.
The next Lancer Evolution once again features its own suspension system, replacing steel stampings of the standard Lancer wîth race-proven forged aluminum components. Due to the high rigidity of the new Project Global platform, the Evolutions suspension can be tuned to provide a more compliant and stable ride than before without compromising handling performance a trait that is expected from a true world-class performance sedan. (concept carz)
With exciting performance* assured Mitsubishi will be able to equip the upcoming Lancer Evolution to be a markedly better car for everyday driving. Úser technologies introduced on the new Outlander and Lancer models will also be offered in the next Lancer Evolution, including a premium Rockford-Fosgate 650-watt (max.) audio system, HDD navigation system wîth music server, Bluetooth, §teering wheel audio controls, and an automatic climate control system.
When first introduced, it joined Mitsubishi's other models which included the Galant, their compact car, and the Minica kei car. The Lancer fell into ranks between these two models, serving as the company's lower-to-middle class vehicle. When introduced, it was offered in twelve different trim levels, included the base 1.2-liter sedan, and ranging towards the rally-prepared 1600 GSR. Two bodystyles were offered, the 2-door coupe and the 4-door sedan. There was also a five-door station wagon, but the production levels on this never reached very high. A hatchback was added in 1975, called the Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste and offered with either a 1.4- or 1.6-liter engine. A 2.0-liter unit was later added.
The second generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer was introduced in 1978 and remained in production until 1983. The only bodystyle offered was the four-door sedan; two engine sizes were available, a 1.4- and 1.8-liter four-cylinder unit. The big news for this generation was the addition of the Lancer EX, which brought with it a turbocharger for the 1.8-liter engine.
In 1982 the next generation of the Lancer was introduced. A new model was launched, dubbed the lancer Fiore and based on the Mitsubishi Mirage. This generation of the Lancer was offered in a 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback, and five-door station wagon. The 1.6- and 1.8-liter engines were still available. A diesel version was introduced, and fuel injected and turbocharged versions were offered.
The station wagon was added in 1985, and it was followed quickly by a four-wheel drive version.
In 1988 the next iteration of the Lancer began, and would persist until 1992. The design changed; the car became less boxy, and more aerodynamic in appearance and principle. The edges became more round and modern. The shape followed the design of the Galant.
By now, the Lancer name was being shared with the Dodge Lancer, which was being sold in the United States by Chrysler Group. In Japan, the model was known as the Mirage Aspire.
This generation of the Lancer was sold as a 3-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and 5-door hatchback. Front and four-wheel drive was available.
In 1991, the differences between the Mirage and the Lancer became even greater, though both were still built on the same platform. In the North American market, the Lancer was sold as the Eagle Summit.
A V6 engine, which displaced just 1.6-liters, was introduced and powered the Mirage, along with other Mitsubishi cars. It would even become the power source for one of the HSR Concept vehicles. This V6 engine was the smallest mass-produced V6, a title it retains to this day. Other engine options included a 1.3, 1.5, 1.8, and 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines. The 1.3 and 1.5-liter versions were SOHC while the rest were DOHC. The 1.8 was created in both SOHC and DOHC fashion. The standard gearbox was the five-speed manual, with the four-speed automatic being sold as optional equipment.
The big news was the Lancer GSR, which had a high-performance turbocharged engine and would form the groundwork for the Lancer Evolution, commonly known as the Lancer Evo, which began in September of 1993. The Evo used the drivetrain of the Galant VR-4 rally car, and would soon prove its potential as a high performance competition machine.
All of the Lancer Evolutions has shared a two-liter, turbocharged engine and four-wheel drive system. The Evolutions, prior to version V, are the officially-approved models for Mitsubishi's efforts in the World Rally Championship's Group A class and SCCA Pro Rally Championship. The cars are built on the same platform as the other Lancers, but given many performance upgrades and mechanical improvements.
Lancer Evolutions continue to race in Group A and Group N classes.
The seventh generation of the Lancer was introduced in 1995 and produced until 2000. It continued the Lancers successful formula of enjoying strong sales throughout the world. In Japan, the name for the sedan and wagon continued as the Libero; related Mirage models were still available. The Coupe was known as the Mirage Asti in Japan, and the Lancer Coupe in the rest of the world.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V is the only Mitsubishi to earn the WRC Constructors Championship for its marque. Tommi Makinen has claimed four WRC Drivers Championships, from 1996 through 2000, in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (IV, V & VI). Makinen has driven Mitsubishi's in most of his WRC career. The exception being a Ford Escort RS Cosworth in 1994 and a Subaru Impreza WRC in 2002.
The eight generation of the Lancer was introduced in 2000 in Japan. Most of the other markets continued with the seventh generation. The 8th gen Lancer was available in a four-door sedan configuration or as a station wagon.
Styling changes for the Lancer occurred in 2004 and 2005 for the North American market. The grille was given more fins so it was closer in design to the American version of the Galant. The facia was changed slightly again in 2006.
The Sportback and Ralliart were introduced to the US in 2004. Both of these trim levels brought more equipped and bigger engines. The Sportback has a 160 horsepower engine and the Ralliart was just a little higher, at 162. For both, the suspension had been improved, resulting in better handling and performance. The cars were lowered and 16-inch alloy wheels could now be found on all four corners. Aerodynamic ground package, fog lamps, and front bucket seats completed the ensemble. The Ralliart was given clear rear tail lights and a rear deck spoiler, which did little except enhance the cars appearance. All Sportbacks were equipped with an INVECS-II automatic gearbox. The Ralliart had the five-speed manual as standard and the four-speed automatic as optional.
Slow sales and financial difficulties for Mitsubishi had the Sportback canceled after just one year.
The Mitsubishi Concept X was unveiled to the public at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show; Concept-Sportback was shown a little while later at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The new lancer drew its design inspiration from both of these concepts, which was officially unveiled at the 2007 Detroit Motor Show. Sales for this generation of vehicle went on sale in the US in March of 2007. it is available as a four-door sedan.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2007
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 | 2006 Mitsubishi Concept X |
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 | 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution |
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