Mitsubishi Outlander GT evokes Evo
April 15, 2009 by David Twomey
Japanese carmaker Mitsubishi says that building on the success of its Outlander soft-roader, Mitsubishi Motors North America today conducted the world debut of a distinctive new model that takes the compact SUV to another new level of performance and sportiness – the Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype.
The all-new design study is the centre piece of the Mitsubishi Motors exhibit at the New York International Auto Show.
Mitsubishi says the diamond white Outlander GT Prototype infuses performance and design inspiration from Mitsubishi’s Lancer sport sedans and provides clear indicators of the future of Outlander.
“The Outlander GT Prototype is packed with technology, performance and premium features that are uncommon in the compact SUV class,” commented John Koenig, executive vice president of Mitsubishi Motors North America.
“Along with its faster heartbeat, we also wanted to quicken pulses by channelling the look of our sportiest cars.”
A front grille design inspired by the Lancer Evolution’s “jet fighter” look is clearly in play on the Outlander GT Prototype, which sports complementary new design elements, such as a reshaped front bumper, side mirrors, fenders and hood, he said.
Reshaped Bi-Xenon HID headlamps, a new rear bumper and side sills, plus a bold polished finish on the already standard aluminium roof panel accentuate the sporty appeal.
The Outlander GT Prototype also benefits from improvements to the all-aluminium 3.0-litre, SOHC, MIVEC V6 currently found in the Outlander XLS, including a reduction in intake restriction plus optimised camshaft timing and compression ratio.
The engine changes raise maximum output by seven kilowatts, for a total of 172kW, with an improved torque curve for more responsive city driving and enhanced fuel economy and emissions.
To further increase fuel economy, the Outlander GT Prototype features an upgraded shifting program and Idle Neutral Logic, which automatically, and smoothly, shifts into neutral during vehicle standstill.
It re-engages at the slightest lift of the foot off the brake pedal, thereby providing instantaneous response.
Print it: 
That’s one mean looking 4wd!
I really like mitsubishi’s new aggressive look they’ve added to their cars.
Yuk, its just like all the riced up Subaru Forresters out there with 20″ rims and a dropped ride height. Congratulations Mitsubishi, you have now made a softroader that will struggle to get over a speed hump.
I like the evo, I like the outlander, but I don’t like this love child.
Btw it’s VR/VRX/RX and not the XLS. The XLS has a 2.4L.
this is wrong! :(
It does look good. But why couldn’t they have given it a turbo 4 with more power than the NA 6?
7 more kw doesn’t mean a whole lot, you can gain more from just an exhaust system. Be good if they released a few here in Aus :p
One of the ugliest cars I have ever seen.
What were/are they thinking?
Hmm, it doesn’t look too bad but It doesn’t look right either. And I don’t want one.
Why don’t they drop this silly idea and make an EVO Estate? There’s something very cool about performance station wagons (Holden Sportwagon range excluded) and I think that would make an excellent adition to the range. Fathers all over the world would celebrate that they could be rally drivers on the school run. And I would want one of those, even if I don’t have children.
Lancer front end on an SUV. Just doesnt look right ;{
The Lancer’s front looks good on Lancer, but i don’t think the integration onto Colt and Outlander has being a success, they both look weird and front heavy. Reminds me of when Audi started putting the corporate face on facelifted A4/A8, and it doesn’t look quite right. I actually prefer the current Outlander without this hideous nose job.
that’s fu*kin aweome! idk why but i think car manufacturers should make bodykits for their cars too. that would be even better.
^ I haven’t been watching this website for a while, but checking it out today, what’s with all the swearing in the comments? What exactly do the moderators do on this website – the Code of Conduct may as well be written on toilet paper.
I’ve looked at photos of this car for a while – and it just doesn’t look right. If you squint your eyes it looks kind of retro from the front 3/4 view. The nose just sticks out too far and droops too much!
Hmmm, yet another example of a regular car grille not adapting well to an SUV. Like the Audi SUV fronts, not pretty.
Absolute disaster
Next Toyota will release a Landcruiser “lowracer” with 0.5 inch clearance…. :-)
It’s like a deformed Q5.
Fantastic!.
The new Mitsubishi “family” look is a stunner and it looks great on Lancer, the European Colt and now Outlander.
Design preference is subjective and anyone who feels the need to swear and bash Mitsubishi over a bold and stylish design isnt thinking clearly.
I’d prefer this design over its main competitors, just take a look at them and you’ll know what I mean.
Good job Mitsubishi for breaking the mold that all small/medium AWD’s need to be dull or weird in design.
I like the look of the new Lancer. However; this is different that’s for sure – maybe Mitsubishi are looking at introducing some unity throughout their range like BMW.
I’m just imagining what the Triton would look like with the Lancer/EVOs sporty front end flared guards etc on it – something like a Freightliner…. Cool!
I don’t know why but I don’t mind the look. It’s kinda nice in a slightly weird way and amusing at the same time. Here’s hoping it’s fun to drive and it’d better be with the low clearance.
I agree with Alan’s comments. For me the design is not cohesive. The front end works well on the Lancer sedan but not on this abomination.
Where’s the Lancer and Outlander recall news?
Yeah bring on the low rider SUV’s, pimpn’! Lol.
The storm trooper front may grow on me, but for now im still undecided.
Its actually coming out with 177kw CARADVICE
The Current Outlander has 162kw
A gain of 15KW!
This looks like a copy of the Kia Soul
Don’t know what would posess anyone to buy either one…
hey i rekon that it looks like a volvo and it is looking like shit (sorry guys for swearing) but seriously it is i piece of shit and wow more kw why not putting out a lot more bhp