Mitsubishi Concept-RA

The design sketches previewing concepts set to be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January keep coming, as Mitsubishi reveals the Concept-RA it will premier in the Motor City.

Claimed to fuse the passion for dynamic, exciting driving with a heightened sensitivity for the environment, the rakish concept harks back to the sporting lines of the 3000GT and the Eclipse production cars, while being noticeably influenced by Audi's TT in both the C-pillar and rear end treatment. The body structure has been constructed using an aluminum space frame made from extruded aluminum sections and die-cast aluminum members for improved crashworthiness and reduced weight. The hood, fenders and outer panels are also made from high impact-resistance and easily recyclable plastic resin, boosting its environmental credentials.

Powered by a new 2.2-liter high-output turbodiesel engine, the Concept-RA is meant to demonstrate that thrilling performance and environmental responsibility need not be mutually exclusive concepts. In keeping with the performance theme, the coupe concept features Mitsubishi's Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics control system which adds Active Steering and Active Damping control along with the Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission found in the current iteration of the Lancer Evolution.

Source: cardesignnews

Mitsubishi Concept ZT

Mitsubishi's Concept ZT is a premium sedan that possesses dramatically improved driving, environmental and safety performance. It is also a showcase for the company's latest technology, including a new 2.2 diesel engine, S-AWC electronic 4WD vehicle dynamics control and other advanced safety features.

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Mitsubishi i MiEV Sport

Mitsubishi's green i MiEV city car has spawned a Sport derivative, scheduled to be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in October. The concept, which features a "fastback" exterior design and aerodynamically fluid styling, is meant to enhance the "driving" image of Mitsubishi's electric vehicles.

The body of the i MiEV Sport is constructed of lightweight aluminum and painted light green to show off its environmentally-friendly credentials, while the window glass is designed to absorb heat. The interior is a simplified space that uses geometry, metallic materials and Mitsubishi's own 'Green Plastic' made from plant-based resin technology. Lighting consists of energy-saving LEDs in the rear combination lamps and multiple blue LEDs inside the cabin.

Measuring 3,450mm overall, the i MiEV Sport has a relatively long wheelbase of 2,550mm and employs a rear midship layout like its production sibling the i Kei car. Unlike the i, however, the i MiEV does not utilize a conventional petrol engine but an electric motor beneath the luggage compartment driving the rear wheels. Mitsubishi's unique in-wheel motors power the front wheels and a high-capacity lithium-ion battery is installed in the lowest area under the floor to improve stability and enhance interior space.

Source: cardesignnews

Mitsubishi Galant Fortis

A new Japanese market car that is likely to be subsequently announced in other territories, the Galant Fortis is, according to Mitsubishi: "the first model to adopt the new Mitsubishi Motors sedan design identity in its front visage, distinguishing it immediately as a Mitsubishi sedan. The inverted-slant nose, traditional to Mitsubishi Motors sedans and incorporating a leisurely flowing engine hood line with good pedestrian protection, is combined with a trapezoidal grille to give the front end a dynamic and forcefully progressive appearance."

Previewed by the Concept X from Tokyo 2005 and then the Prototype X in Detroit earlier this year, the exterior design is relatively conservative and is based closely in theme on its predecessor, whilst the interior is more distinctive.

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Mitsubishi Concept-cX

Mitsubishi will unveil the Concept-cX 'compact crossover' at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The new concept aims to illustrate the ideal balance between environmental and everyday practical performance.

The compact crossover concept offers a number of proposals for better utility and road performance. Its high, SUV-like seating position benefits visability, while the compact (4100mm) body facilitates maneuvering around town. There is also a familiar split tailgate to make loading and unloading items easier.

Inside, the Concept-cX is brimming with environmental technologies, featuring extensive use of interior trim materials made from Mitsubishi's own Green Plastic (a combination of bamboo and other plant-based resins).

The Concept-cX employs Mitsubishi's new 1.8-liter clean diesel turbocharged engine, claimed to offer high power and efficiency. A new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) feeds power to an electronically controlled 4WD system.

Source: cardesignnews

Mitsubishi Evo

After numerous Evo concepts, Mitsubishi has finally released more details on the tenth-iteration of its Lancer Evolution sporting saloon.

Photos released by Mitsubishi show the new Evo clearly differs from the Prototype X. Subtle changes have been made to the grille treatment, front fog lamps and a licence plate mounting bracket have been added, the wing mirrors and side sills are more subdued, and the wing mounted side repeaters all indicate a production-ready model. At the rear, the LED tail lamps of the show car have been revised, incorporating chrome rings around the individual brake lights and an orange indicator lens. The chrome wheels have also been replaced by less attention-grabbing silver alloys and the large red-painted Brembo callipers squeeze solid discs, not cross-drilled rotors as they were on the Prototype X.

Production versions of the Lancer Evolution will make their European debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this autumn and become available to buyers at the end of the year.
Source: cardesignnews

50 white cars - examples the most popular colour choice for cars

The TechArt Porsche Cayenne Magnum. Ugly or full of character? I have to be honest I’m not normally a fan of the Cayenne but I love what TechArt have done with the beast. Just look at those white wheels!

The 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Utterly gorgeous.

The Landrover LRX Concept.

Nissan GT-R. This piece of Japanese metal really suits white doesn’t it?

2008 BMW M3 Convertible. I’m reliably informed that BMW are releasing this car to the press etc. in white later this year.

2008 Mercedes Benz CLC Class.

Audi TTS Coupe.

Audi TTS Roadster.

BMW 7 Series.

BMW M5.

Porsche GT3 Cup S racing car.

Toyota 4Runner. Bit of an acquired taste maybe.

Cadillac Escalade Platinum Edition. Those were the days when I used to own one of these babies.

But now I’ve converted back to right hand drive and possibly the best car in the world. The Range Rover Supercharged. My car, awesomely awesome.

The Artega GT.

The Bentley Brooklands.

Bentley Continental GTC. How lush?

Hummer H3.

Vauxhall Astra VXR Nurburgring Edition.

Toyota FT-HS Concept.

The RENNTech AMG CL65. 695HP? Yes please!

Rahal Letterman (David) Racing BMW M3.

Mayback 57-S.

Chevrolet Camaro.

BMW 1-Series tii Concept.

Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Edo Shark Porsche 911 Turbo.

Audi A5. Why do Audi cars in particular look so well in white?

Heavily customised Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Otherwise known as the Popemobile!

This is the gorgeous Audi R8. Simply stunning in white.

This is the new Audi A4. After the R8 it’s understated, but also looks well in white.

This is the Audi TT Roadster with modifications by Abt Sportsline.

This is the Audi Q7 V12 TDI concept. Are you bored of black 4×4’s? I know I am so its refreshing to see one in white.

Last of the Audi’s is the small but perfectly formed S3.

It’s very hard to find an Aston Martin of any kind, never mind a V8 Vantage in white. Had to look to Dubai (where else) for this one.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.

Bentley Continental GT.

BMW M3 in Alpine White. Gorgeous.

OK so not quite white but doesn’t this Ferrari F430 Spider look good in ivory?

The Ford Kuga is due to be launched in the UK later this year. Not bad for a Ford is it? Bit better looking than the bland new Mondeo anyway.

The Mercedes ML Edition 10, due out early 2008.

I struggled to get a picture of the new Mercedes C Class in Sport trim in white but hopefully you can see from the image below how good it looks.

Even the humble Volkswagen Polo GTI suits a white coat of paint.

And the Polo’s big brother, the Golf GTI.

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. I saw one of these in Vegas earlier this year (in a shopping mall) and it just looked fantastic in white.

Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Versace Edition. Wow!

BMW 1 series. I didn’t like these at first but they’ve really grown on me now.

Fiat Grande Punto Abarth.

Honda Civic Type R. The pic below is the official concept, bizarrely you can’t buy it in white in UK showrooms.

Porsche 911 Turbo by Techart

What I’m listening to right now: Rockcity - “See You Around”