2007 Mitsubishi Prototype X Concept

The highly anticipated Mitsubishi Motors Prototype X and its street-legal sibling, the all-new Lancer, will debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 8, 2008. Mr. Takashi Nishioka, chairman of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Hiroshi Harunari, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) will brief the media at the press conference in the Mitsubishi display in Detroit's Cobo Hall on Monday, January 8, 2007 at 1:55 p.m. EST.

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 with 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 with 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 with 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 with its boxed fenders, aggressively sloping hood with integral air scoop, 20-inch alloy wheels with 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


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 with the automated manual transmission with magnesium steering 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 with 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 with the new Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system.

Combining intelligent full-time four-wheel drive with 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) with 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 with 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 with music server, Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, and an automatic climate control system.

Source - Mitsubishi