Mitsubishi RA concept (top) and 2009 Mitusbish Lancer Ralliart. Click image to enlarge |
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2009 Mitusbish Lancer Ralliart
Mitsubishi RA concept
Detroit, Michigan - In a worldwide debut, Mitsubishi unveiled the Concept-RA (Road Alive) and the Lancer Ralliart in Detroit today. The Concept-RA combines high performance with a low-emissions diesel engine, while the 2009 Lancer Ralliart has been upgraded to a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive sports sedan.
Concept-RA
The Concept-RA continues a long Mitsubishi tradition of sporty coupe concepts dating back to the 1972 debut of the Galant GTO R73-X show car, which showcased high revving, high output (200 hp) DOHC engine technology. With the latest clean diesel engine design, the Concept-RA demonstrates that a performance machine and a sense of environmental responsibility need not be mutually exclusive concepts, says a company news release.
The Concept-RA is powered by a new high output, low-emissions 2.2-litre 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo-diesel engine. This engine features a MIVEC valvetrain that offers continuously variable valve timing control as well as low and high speed camshaft profiles. The new diesel is equipped with piezoelectric injector common-rail direct fuel injection that allows a lower compression ratio and a VD (Variable Diffuser)/VG (Variable Geometry) turbocharger. The 2.2 litre clean diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 201 hp and maximum torque of 310 ft. lbs. In an effort to comply with U.S. emissions standards (Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations), the diesel relies on a new catalytic converter system that utilizes diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies. When mated to a Twin Clutch-SST gearbox, the torque-rich diesel engine will help deliver sporty driving manners with a high degree of fuel efficiency.
The Concept-RA features a "next generation" Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system that is comprised of Active Centre Differential, Active Yaw Control, Sport ABS and Active Stability Control component systems, as equipped on the Lancer Evolution. For the Concept-RA, this vehicle-dynamics-enhancing, all-wheel-drive system is upgraded to include Active Steering and Active Damping Control elements to further improve driver control, as well as vehicle handling and stability. S-AWC integrally manages all of these systems to realize advanced levels of control over drive torque and braking, thereby improving traction, cornering and vehicle stability. This complex system of electronic traction and driveline control help create intuitive, on-demand vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver intent under all driving conditions, from everyday use to emergency avoidance situations, says the company.
The Concept-RA makes extensive use of lightweight materials in its construction to help reduce vehicle mass for improved performance, fuel economy and safety. The coupe features a new body structure that utilizes an aluminum space frame made from extruded aluminum sections and die-cast aluminum components, as well as the hood, fenders and other outer panels moulded from impact-resistant and easily recyclable plastic resin.
2009 Lancer Ralliart
Positioned between the Lancer and the Lancer Evolution models, the 2009 Lancer Ralliart is powered by a new 2.0-litre DOHC MIVEC intercooled and turbocharged engine that develops an estimated 235 horsepower. The engine is mated to Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch-SST gearbox that delivers efficient power transmission while enhancing the sporty driving qualities of the vehicle with lightning-quick, paddle-actuated shifts or programmed fully-auto modes.
The Lancer Ralliart's full-time 4WD driveline features Mitsubishi's Active Centre Differential (ACD). The ACD unit employs an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch centre differential, vectoring drive torque to the front and rear according to different driving conditions to realize the best balance between steering response and traction characteristics on Tarmac, Gravel, or Snow surfaces. The Lancer Ralliart is also equipped with a front helical and rear mechanical limited slip differentials.
The exterior is distinguished by its more aggressively styled front bumper design, rear bumper cover, dual outlet muffler and a lightweight aluminum, ducted hood that delivers cooling air to the turbocharger.
The interior design places greater emphasis on function and vehicle control. The Ralliart is equipped with FAST key, hands free telephone interface, the same Twin Clutch-SST shifter used on the Lancer Evolution, and easily accessible steering column mounted paddle shifters.
Available equipment and options will include: Recaro seats, HID headlights, 650-watt Rockford Fosgate nine-speaker audio system, Sirius satellite radio, power sunroof, and a 30 GB Hard Drive Navigation system
The 2009 Lancer Ralliart will be in showrooms in the summer of 2008.
