Supposedly the all-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Concept-RA has a turbocharged 2.2-liter inline-four cylinder diesel that cranks 201 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, but to tell you the truth, we don't really care.
With its aerodynamic lines and motorized butterfly doors, the Concept-RA is just so darn nice to look at, the high-output clean diesel partnered with Mitsubishi's twin-clutch SST transmission is just a bonus.
Mitsubishi says the Concept-RA diesel coupe is a car you'd "need not imagine, just reach out and touch it."
How about build it? -- Kelly Toepke, News Editor
estreka says:
05:09 PM, 01/13/08
It is visually striking.
I hope they can do better than a meager 200hp turbo 2.2L even if the torque is high.
firstwagon says:
05:31 PM, 01/13/08
Lots of talk of weight saving but no mention of what it weighs.
If it's 2800lbs then it could be great.
If it's 3800lbs then it's a waste of time.
trackwrex says:
05:32 PM, 01/13/08
i agree with kelly. BUILD IT!! And i mean NOW!!! estreka: i don't mind if the hp is "meager". make the price right, and this will be yet another step forward for mitsu. they are making a LOT of the right moves. talk about a turnaround. SUBARU, are you listening yet!?! Wake up!!!
stovt001 says:
08:07 PM, 01/13/08
This is in my humble opinion one of the most significant concepts at the NAIAS. Finally someone is exploring the use of diesel in a sport compact application in the American market. If this works out well, it will alter the discussion of alternative fuels. It's quite a looker too. Mitsu definitely has my attention.
felonious says:
09:18 AM, 01/14/08
Looks great! Unfortunately, Mitsubishi has a long history of not building their stunning show cars. :( In the rare cases where they have built them, they got watered-down into blandness for production - remember the sexy Concept E?
ateixeira says:
11:00 AM, 01/14/08
Weird, they combined an EVO nose with an Eclipse back half. I dunno, it's too strange looking for me.
Just bring an EVO 5 door.