Mitsubishi Mitsubishi Lancer Prototype-S Concept @ 2008 Geneva Auto Show

[siko]

Mitsubishi Lancer Prototype-S Concept: Pre-Production Lancer Ralliart Hatch Pics Leaked

The first official images of the Mitsubishi Lancer Prototype-S have been leaked into the internet ahead of the car’s debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. More of a pre-production version than a concept, the Lancer Prototype-S previews the shape of the forthcoming Lancer Sportback (5door hatch) that’s expected to be introduced in the European market this summer.
In particular, the Prototype-S previews the Lancer Sportback Ralliart that will compoete head on with the Subaru Impreza WRX. Like the Lancer Sedan Ralliart that we saw in the Detroit Show, the Prototype-S is equipped with a detuned version of the EVO X’s 2.0-liter Turbo engine (delivering 240 PS and 343 Nm of torque) combined with a Twin Clutch SST gearbox and a full-time 4WD drivetrain featuring Mitsubishi Motors’ Active Center Differential.

If anything else, the Prototype-S’ mechanical specs sound very promising. Too bad we can’t say the same about the concept’s looks…

[Source: CarScoop]




More pics @ CarScoop here...

 

[Monster]

The rear half of the car looks like an after thought. The entire profile is very 1980s, like a Ford Escort, but worse.

 

[Centurion]

^^
I second that. What a disaster, the proportions, tail lights and 80s styled spoiler are all wrong.

 

[Monster]

Mitsubishi tried to cut cost by using the same rear doors as the sedan version. The car wouldn't look so bad if the side window profile is in a semi circular shape like those in the A6, that way the D-pillar won't look so fat. Since the rear has such an extreme slope angle, I wonder if this hatchback version has a larger boot capacity over the sedan version.

 

[Poverty]

Its nasty. Looks like a focus but uglier.

 

[Deleted member 25]

It's good.

 

[cawimmer430]

I like it.

It does bear a slight resemblance to the current Subaru Impreza from the side, but other than that I find it sleek and dynamic in appearance and this obviously suits the cars character.

 

[siko]

[Source: WCF]

 

[martinbo]

Yuk. New STI shows the hatch way for the road-rally specials.

This thing looks like the bastard child of a cylon and a Saab.

 

[siko]

Video on WCF here:

http://www.worldcarfans.com/4080227.001/mitsubishi-prototype-s-hot-video

 

[siko]

Press Release

Just as Concept-X (2005 Tokyo) and then Prototype-X (2007 Detroit) announced the new Lancer Sports Sedan and Lancer Evolution, Prototype-S will follow in the footsteps of the much-acclaimed Concept-Sportback show car (2005 Frankfurt) to preview the shape of the forthcoming Lancer Sportback.

When launched later in the year, this 5-door hatchback variant of the new Lancer family will be the most important of all in Europe, representing 70% of the forecasted Lancer volume in the region.

Sporting a very tonic metallic orange - similar to the one selected for Lancer Ralliart at the Detroit Auto Show a few weeks ago - Prototype-S will add the convenience of a liftgate and of flexible rear seating to the driving dynamics of the new Lancer range.

In that sense, it will hit the same emotional / non-mainstream buttons as Lancer Sports Sedan, albeit in a hatchback format, benchmarking the likes of Alfa Romeo with the 156 / 159 Sportwagons (dynamic benchmark) and of Saab with the legendary Saab 900 Turbo Combi-Coupé (aspirational benchmark).

Mirroring this aspiration, a sporty wedge-like profile, sharply chiselled lines, assertive stance born from long wheelbase / wide track proportions, a high-shouldered rear end or the very expressive rear roof spoiler will embody Mitsubishi’s vision for a flexible sports sedan in the C/D sector, away from the traditional hatchbacks.

Fittingly, Prototype-S will blend elements from Concept-Sportback (overall concept), Lancer Evolution (execution) and Lancer Ralliart (240 ps / 343 Nm 2.0 l turbo engine, Twin Clutch SST gearbox, full-time 4WD drivetrain featuring Mitsubishi Motors’ Active Center Differentia), as well as proposing a further evolution of Mitsubishi Motors’ Jet Fighter grille.

[Source: Mitsubishi via WCF]