| Mitsubishi Concept RA - Click HERE for Original Thread |
| oldraven |
Other than the fact that the rear of this thing reeeally wants to be a Cayman, I think it's the best thing to come from Mitsu since the E-boosted Eclipse concept (and this is far nicer to look at).
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/a...iconceptra.html
What is it?
Mitsubishi Concept-RA
What's special about it?
Although the current Mitsubishi Eclipse is more attractive and entertaining to drive than it has been since the late 1990s, it will never be accepted by hard-core enthusiasts. It's too big and heavy to be a real sport coupe, and a front-wheel-drive layout seals its fate. Mitsubishi knows this, and with the two-seat Concept-RA coupe, the company is taking a first step toward doing something about it.
If you look at the Concept-RA's basic measurements, it doesn't appear to be a terribly lightweight car. Sure, it's 5 inches shorter than a Mitsubishi Lancer, but its track has been pushed out an additional 3 inches, and exaggerated wheel arches house 21-inch wheels wrapped in 285/30R21 rubber. Then you stumble across the description "aluminum space frame," and it's obvious how Mitsubishi achieved a useful weight loss that suits this car's sporting intentions. In addition, the Concept-RA's body panels are made of recyclable plastic resin.
More interesting to old-school Eclipse fans, though, will be the return to turbocharged motivation, even if this coupe is just a concept for now.
This time the turbocharger is bolted onto a 2.2-liter inline-4 with four valves per cylinder. The engine incorporates variable intake valve lift, while the variable-geometry turbo can alter exhaust gas flow to improve boost response. The result is 201 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque — healthy numbers for a diesel of this displacement. Mitsubishi says the engine would meet U.S. emissions standards with the help of a NOx catalyst and a particulate filter.
Since the Concept-RA has more torque than the current Eclipse GT or even an Evolution X, Mitsubishi's six-speed, dual-clutch sequential gearbox drives all four wheels through a next-generation version of the company's all-wheel-drive system.
In addition to the adjustable center differential (ACD) and active yaw control (AYC) rear differential previously seen on the Evo, the Concept-RA's setup adds active steering and suspension control to the mix. We have yet to experience an active steering system we actually like, but given how natural and intuitive the Evo X feels with active yaw control, maybe Mitsubishi can change our minds.
What's Edmunds' take?
We really do hope Mitsubishi can find a less costly way to save weight than an aluminum space frame. That said, the thought of a Mitsu coupe with a turbocharged engine — even a diesel — and all-wheel drive makes us happy. — Erin Riches, Senior Editor
 
 
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| AudiInProgress |
| Remind me of the TT. |
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| oldraven |
quote:
Originally posted by AudiInProgress
Remind me of the TT.
Porsche, Audi. They could do worse for inspiration. |
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| oldraven |
quote:
Originally posted by Mobius
FAIL
Care to explain? A critic who yells out one word is just a heckler. |
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| crzyone |
quote:
Originally posted by Mobius
FAIL
X2
Why not go back to basics. The Eclipse was fair priced, lots of aftermarket potential and not too fancy.
Who exactly is this concept aimed at? It seems like it would cost even more than the Evo X. The eclipse has always been a car a young person could afford.
Just make a small 2 door coupe with a turbo 4 and AWD. Simple. Even the latest Eclipse with an Evo drivetrain would be better than this concept.
Needs an aluminum frame to offset the weight of those frigin wheels and Diesel engine.... |
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| NightmareMX6 |
The front looks like a kid with down syndrome and an overbite.
Good to see a new coupe though :rolleyes: Not another family car with hp |
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| friedn00dles |
| interior needs a different color. the tan doesnt match the red very well |
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| lilredEG |
| 21 inch wheels... They must have picked that size of wheel since there will be sooo many tires to choose from... :rolleyes: |
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| c.f.169 |
quote:
Originally posted by crzyone
X2
Why not go back to basics. The Eclipse was fair priced, lots of aftermarket potential and not too fancy.
Who exactly is this concept aimed at? It seems like it would cost even more than the Evo X. The eclipse has always been a car a young person could afford.
Just make a small 2 door coupe with a turbo 4 and AWD. Simple. Even the latest Eclipse with an Evo drivetrain would be better than this concept.
Needs an aluminum frame to offset the weight of those frigin wheels and Diesel engine....
i also thought if they made this past gen awd and a lighter that it would be more buyer appealing. but this concept car doesnt do much for me.
Mitsubishi Should have just done this
Mitsubishi ralliart Eclipse |
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| oldraven |
I was positive they were going to when the car first came out. I saw the Speed channel test drive, and when they had it up in the air talking about modification, you could see the centre tunnel was huge! Much bigger than they needed for the exhaust, which was completely swallowed by it. My first thought was EVO Eclipse?
Anyone have a picture of the underside of the new Eclipse? I can't for the life of me. |
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| Graphicdude |
| That is FUGLY. They could have done way better. The lines are horrible and it doesn't have a look that gives it presence or makes you want to do a double take because its so sexy ..........I puke, it make me sick. |
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