Mitsubishi Lancer Prototype S
January 25, 2008 by George Skentzos
Whilst Subaru seems to have narrowed its focus for the mainstream with the new Impreza, Mitsubishi is beginning to diversify its new breed of evolved cars with sketches revealing the possible addition of a sports hatchback.
Seemingly official sketches have been leaked onto the web depicting a near production ready rendition of the Mitsubishi Sportback concept first shown in early 2007, dubbed the Prototype S.
Little else is known at this stage, however subtle design features could indicate it would be similarly equipped as the recently revealed Lancer Ralliart.
What we do know is that under the bonnet sits a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC turbocharged engine, producing 177 kW and 343 Nm of torque.
Mitsubishi is making good use of its newly designed Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission, which is implemented in the Prototype S.
The company has also injected some EVO blood with a full-time 4WD system featuring an Active Center Differential (ACD). The ACD makes use of an electronically controlled multi-plate hydraulic clutch to split torque between the front/rear.
More on this as it comes!
Source: CarScoop
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So now the Lancer could be morphing into a Hatch – similar to the Impreza.
Although the [Aussie] designer of the Mitsubishi Lancer has executed the change with a bit more style and taste
That is awesome! It looks 10000000000 times better than the Imprezza! I’d have an EVO version of that in my driveway anyday!
So this is like a Ralliart hatch? It looks okay, if not great.
Still better than your Impreza! I love it!
Fan-bloody-tastic. Not even a deluded Imprezza fan can deny the Mitsubishi is sexier and a better over all package.
Nice to see a car that appears to be wide and low. So many Euro cars are providing massive headroom giving the impression of tall narrow cars which must effect handling, although Ford Focus handles really well considering. This look nice and given the above I guess would handle really well.
Just randomly from what no name has said, that boot looks very current model Focus crossed with Alfo Brera. Interestingly, the tail lights on the sedan model are very Alfa 159. Certainly no hiding some influences from European models that’s for sure.
The more I look at it the second shot looks like an XR5 Turbo Focus in side/rear profile, naturally with different tail lights, but rear pipes and rear spoiler, even the front fender are very similar.
Yes, An Alfa Brera with Lancer sedan front. Seen the Brera in the flesh recently and what a stunning looking car it is!
The Italians sure know how to style cars.
Lancer Coupe has a very appealing look. Thank goodness the Euros still inspire the japs.
(First Test)
Subaru Impreza Hatch V Mitsubishi Lancer Hatch
(Second Test)
Subaru Impreza Sedan V Mitsubishi Lancer Sedan
( I Know this sounds silly but imagine if they made both of the cars into wagons)
Subaru Impreza Wagon V Mitsubishi Lancer Wagon
I would like to see a wagon version too, now that would be special…..
Damn a luxury evo wagon. It could be a competitor for the Audi RS4 wagon. Good idea imo!!
No question – this time around, Mitsu have the goods on Subaru in the looks department
An admirable concept. Very sharp. Low, wide, midly aggressive, would become a classic for sure. Too bad subie designers weren’t as clever. Well done mitso.
That looks awesome!!
How fickle are some here….
thats a styling sketch. And it will not look as low or wide as that, Mitsubishi will not produce new body-shell panel dies, which costs up to a million dollar per die.
Engineering wise, thats going to be hampered severely to basically the current EVO X with a hatch style door at the boot.
Now, people who were scolding Subaru for opting for the Hatch for the WRX are applauding this?
The WRX STi looks better… because [1] The front and back side fenders are still wider and apart from the front bumper and head lamps… this is a EVO X… an uglier version. IMO of course.
The sedan EVO X is fine the way it is… what they need to do is release that R-A concept shown at Detroit Motorshow, give it a 4WD platform and call it the new Eclipse… price it the same as a 350Z down under and call it a day.
The EVO X as a sedan and the STi as a Hatch is fine the way it is. And STi Hatch is so much better looking in person people… I got into one and had a better look up close and personal.. and I’ll tell you what its better. The potential for after market enhancement such as bigger wheels and suspensions make it look so much more like a race car too. Check out http://www.nihoncar.com for more photos.
Jamison – first you start saying how fickle previous comentators are for daring to comment on a sketch, then you comment on it a detail yourself AND compare it to a Subaru when its not a direct competitor for the WRX. Uh?
Your obviously a Subaru fan. Nuff said
It would be great to see a new hatchback, Mitsubishi haven’t have a good hatch since the Mirage. The Colt is just plain horrid. I don’t care how good they say the Colt Ralliart is, it’s still ugly!
Looked good….then i saw the rear
These are only sketches. I’m sure the real version won’t look as wide or low.