The concept is named GalEA and is said to draw its inspiration from the previous, sharper-looking eighth generation Galant of the late 1990s, while sharing similar design cues with the smaller Concept CS. In a 180 degree turn, the designer re-imagined the Galant as a more distinct and aggressive looking four-door coupe model with a long hood, sloping roof, pillarless doors and a stumpy rear end.
Follow the jump to read Gábor's description of the project and to get a closer look at the sporty Mitsubishi saloon in our high-res gallery and CGI videos.
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As you may remember, the Inspira is a rebadged Mitsubishi Lancer sedan and is the result of an OEM collaboration between the Malaysian automaker and Mitsubishi Japan. However, we're not so sure if Mitsubishi had this in mind when it was signing the agreement with Proton.
In any case, the Jebat study, which could very well lead to a similar production model, features a wide body kit with blistered wheel arches and splashes of matte black paint all around the car. Power is provided by a turbocharged 4-cylinder MiVEC engine producing 237HP (177kW) at 6,000 rpm and 343Nm of peak torque at 3,000 rpm.
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Have a look at the gallery below and see what tickles your fancy. The SUV limos are a bit much, but the rag-top conversions don't look too bad (especially the CLS and 300).
Remember how promising Mitsubishi's all-new small crossover looked in the teaser sketch that was released back in October? Well, if these official designs are of any indication, then the reality is that the as-yet unnamed crossover won't be as near as exciting as Mitsubishi wanted us to believe. On the other hand, the production model does retain most of the styling cues featured on the 2007 Mitsubishi cX concept, on which it is based, with most changes concerning the rear end of the car that appears to have grown in length.
Leaving the styling aside, Mitsubishi's baby crossover uses the Japanese firm's mid-size global platform, which also forms the basis the Lancer and Outlander. However, the new model will be smaller than the Outlander and will compete, at least in Europe, against Nissan's forthcoming Quazana crossover.
Power will come from four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines including Mitsubishi's new 1.8-liter turbocharged that made 136 horsepower and 280 Nm of peak torque in the 2007 cX concept.
The new crossover is scheduled to go on sale in Japan next February, and in Europe and other markets, in the summer of 2010.
Following a leak into the internet last week, Mitsubishi came out with an official press release on the Lancer Prototype-S that will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. As rezza foournito suggested (click here), the prototype not only previews the forthcoming Lancer hatch, but also the European spec Lancer Ralliart, both of which will go on sale this summer.According to Mitsubishi, the Prototype-S blends elements from Concept-Sportback (the overall hatch concept), Lancer Evolution X (the execution) and Lancer Ralliart (240 HP / 343 Nm 2.0 litre turbo engine, Twin Clutch SST gearbox, full-time 4WD drivetrain with Active Center Differential), as well as proposing a further evolution of Mitsubishi's Jet Fighter grille. -Continued after the jump
Press Release
Mitsubishi Motors to show Prototype-S sports hatchback concept at 2008 Geneva Show 
Deriving from MMC's sport sedan family, which includes the Lancer (named the Galant Fortis on the Japanese market) launched in 2007 and the Lancer Ralliart announced at the 2008 Detroit Motors Show and the Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evolution X in Japan) premiered at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, Prototype-S takes the form of a hatchback - a very popular body type in European markets.
Distinguished by the inverted-slant nose with trapezoidal grille front fascia that marks Mitsubishi Motors new design identity and with wide-and-low proportions that leave no doubt as to the concept underlying its design, Prototype-S uses exterior lines to craft a shape that is powerful and sporty even by European standards, echoing the acclaimed 2005 Concept-Sportback show car.
In its mechanical specification Prototype-S is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC*1 intercooler / turbocharger engine [developing maxima of 177 kW (240 PS) and 343 Nm (35 kg-m)] mated to Mitsubishi Motors's high-efficiency Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission that marries fun-to-drive control with outstanding fuel efficiency. The full-time 4WD driveline features Mitsubishi Motors' Active Center Differential (ACD) that uses an electronically controlled multi-plate hydraulic clutch to optimally tailor front/rear drive torque split to different driving conditions and deliver the best balance between steering response and traction.
We just received these high-res official sketches (or at least they seem to be official) of the Mitsubishi Lancer Prototype S in our mail from a rezza foournito reader who wishes to remain anonymous. According to our reader, the 5door Lancer prototype will make its debut at the Geneva Show on March 4. Unlike the Lancer Sportsback 5door concept that was shown in 2005, the Prototype S in the sketches is practically production ready.While we don’t have any official information in our hands, from what we can tell, the specific prototype looks like its previewing the forthcoming Euro Spec 5door Lancer Ralliart. Like its American (4door) counterpart -click here, it too will come with a 240 PS 2.0 litre Turbo Engine coupled with a full-time 4WD system with Active Yaw Control and Active Centre Differential. We’ll try to dig out more information on the Lancer Prototype S later on the day. -Image gallery after the jump
Audi wasn’t alone in its diesel quest at this year’s the Detroit Show as Mitsubishi also unveiled a diesel-powered sports coupe concept. The Concept-RA is equipped with Mitsubishi’s all-new 2.2-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine that showcases a VD/VG (Variable Diffuser / Variable Geometry) turbocharger. The low emissions diesel unit develops a maximum output of 201 hp and maximum torque of 310 ft. lbs. (42.8 kg-m). And to make things more interesting, the Concept-RA is also equipped with Mitsubishi’s Super-All Wheel Control driveline, a next generation all-wheel-drive system that adds Active Steering and Active Suspension control to the ACD, AYC, ASC, and Sport ABS components that comprise the system used on the 2008 Lancer EVO X. -Continued
Press Release:
The MITSUBISHI Concept-RA offers a unique interpretation of the sporty coupe. This two-seat pure coupe concept explores the transversely mounted, front engine packaging theme. Generous helpings of technology create a vehicle that combines exotic appeal, outstanding, fun-to-drive dynamics and heightened sensitivity for the environment
Design
Developed as a technological showcase for Mitsubishi Motors, the Concept-RA displays athletic sport coupe proportions wrapped in dynamic flowing lines that provide a powerful and compelling showpiece for the car's advanced, high technology features. Broad, muscular wheel arches house 21-inch wheels and lend graphic expression to the high degree of road control and tenacious grip afforded by the next generation S-AWC system. Meanwhile, an exposed engine cover highlights the presence of the car's high output, efficient, clean diesel engine design. The Concept-RA's inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille fascia reinforce Mitsubishi Motors' new design identity, albeit suitably revised to reflect the concept's sporty coupe attributes.
Concept-RA's deep red exterior hue graphically accentuates the coupe's fluid, muscular body lines, and offsets a matte black engine hood that helps impart the vehicle's strong mechanical flavor. The interior has been developed to show a fusion of tradition with leading-edge touches. The cockpit's wraparound control layout uses minimal visual instrumentation and optimizes the switch and control layout. This reduces the driver's physical and mental workload, allowing full concentration on driving. The interior also makes extensive use of fine-quality natural materials in a design that delivers the utmost control, confidence, and vehicle involvement to the driver.
Mechanical
The MITSUBISHI Concept-RA's Super-All Wheel Control driveline is a next generation all-wheel-drive system that adds Active Steering and Active Suspension control to the ACD1, AYC2, ASC3, and Sport ABS components that comprise the highly capable system used on the 2008 Lancer Evolution. Concept RA's S-AWC system integrally manages these components to realize advanced levels of control over drive torque, steering input, vehicle roll, and braking at each wheel, thereby raising traction, cornering and vehicle stability levels. Such capability affords Concept-RA intuitive, on-demand vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver intent by reacting instantly, under a variety of driving conditions, from everyday use to emergency avoidance situations.
MITSUBISHI Concept-RA is powered by a new, high output, high-efficiency 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel engine with MIVEC4. This clean diesel's MIVEC system incorporates valve lift control with low and high-speed cam profiles actuating the intake valves. A Piezoelectric injector, common-rail direct fuel injection system allows the engine to use of a lower static compression ratio. The new diesel showcases a VD/VG (Variable Diffuser / Variable Geometry) turbocharger whose internal vanes can control airflow over the turbine and compressor surfaces to produce optimum boost characteristics at all times. The efficient, low emissions diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 201 hp (150 kW) and maximum torque of 310 ft. lbs. (42.8 kg-m). For compliance with Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations in the
In an effort to reduce vehicle weight to improve fuel economy, vehicle performance and safety, MITSUBISHI Concept-RA features a new, rigid body structure using an aluminum space frame made from extruded aluminum sections and die-cast aluminum components. In addition, the engine hood, fenders and other outer panels made from lightweight, impact-resistant and easily recyclable plastic resin.
1:
2: Active Yaw Control
3: Active Stability Control
4: Mitsubishi Innovative Valve lift and timing with Electronic Control
MITSUBISHI Concept-RA specifications
Overall length (mm) 175 inches (4,445 mm)
Overall width (mm) 74.6 inches (1,895 mm)
Overall height (mm) 51.8 inches (1,315 mm)
Wheelbase (mm) 103.7 inches (2,635 mm)
F/R track (mm) 63.2 inches (1,605 mm)
Occupants 2
Engine 2.2-liter in-line four cylinder Clean Diesel
Max. output 201 hp (150 kW)
Max torque. 310 ft. lbs. (42.8 kg-m)
Driveline Full-time 4WD (S-AWC)
Transmission Twin Clutch SST
Tires 285/30R21
Here’s the first official image of Mitsubishi’s Concept-RA sport coupe that will make its premier at the Detroit Show tomorrow. The all-wheel-drive Concept-RA is powered by a 204 HP 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine matted to Mitsubishi’s Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission used in the all-new Lancer Evolution X. Though Mitsubishi avoids making any connections to the Eclipse, we wouldn’t mind if the Japanese carmaker based its successor on the Concept-RA.