November 28, 2007 Mitsubishi has released tantalizing design sketches of its Concept-RA ahead of the car's world premiere at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January 2008.
With a view to rolling high-performance, low-emissions and fuel efficiency into one package, the coupe concept features the all-wheel control system and automated manual transmission used in the Lancer Evolution X and is powered by a turbo-charged, 2.2-liter, 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve clean-diesel engine that delivers a maximum output of 150 kW (204 PS) and maximum torque of 420 Nm (42.8 kg-m).
The Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics control system driveline borrowed from the Lancer Evolution X (outside Japan this car will be known simply as the "Lancer Evolution") improves handling, traction and stability by marrying the control of drive torque and braking management with the four-wheel drive system. The Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (SST), also from the Lancer, is designed to shift gears quicker than is possible in conventional manual or automatic set-ups with no drop-off in engine power, delivering high-performance, better fuel economy and low emissions.
To further enhance responsiveness, the Concept-RA adds Active Steering and Active Damping control to the Active Center Differential (ACD), Active Yaw Control (AYC), Sport Antilock Brake System and Active Stability Control component systems that comprise the S-AWC driveline used on Lancer Evolution.
The clean diesel engine features MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) continuously variable valve timing control and piezoelectric injector common-rail direct fuel injection that delivers a lower compression ratio. For compliance with U.S. emissions standards (Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations), the engine relies on a new catalytic converter system that brings together diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies.
The 2008 NAIAS runs from January 13 to 27 at the Cobo Center in Detroit and opens to the general public on January 19. Stay tuned for updates!
