Filed under: Concept Cars, Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi releases more Concept-ZT pics
Click image for high-res gallery
Mitsubishi has released a few more shots of its Concept-ZT, which will be shown at the Tokyo Auto Show in October. We've already applauded its exterior, hoping it is a close indication of the Galant. According to the Mitsu press release, the interior is supposed to evoke "a level of hospitality that would resonate with all the senses of the occupants." Materials-wise, the interior is a dimensional leap above anything Mitsubishi currently offers, and looks like a nice place to spend some time.
The Boeing airliner-inspired steering wheel is neat. However, the neary monochromatic, full-length dashboard readout seems like something off a nuclear sub (No, the new SSNs are actually way cooler than this - Ed.). The raised armrest console is a neat touch as well, but it has even more knobs and liquid crystal-looking displays. And it hovers above some sort of dilithium crystal accordion that would serve who knows what purpose, perhaps launching torpedoes. At the end of the day, it is still a concept, and the final product will undoubtedly look different, but it's a sign of a good direction for Mitsubishi design.
[Source: Mitsubishi]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
F451 2:31AM (9/11/2007)
It looks to be larger than the current Galant...more towards the defunct Diamante.
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naggs 2:33AM (9/11/2007)
hey, its like a big boring evo...
not bad, not great but not bad
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Don 3:23AM (9/11/2007)
Ooh me likes. Reminds me of the Star Trek consoles, I would love to sit in that every morning
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Graham Lunn 3:36AM (9/11/2007)
If the 5 series hadnt been designed by Stevie Wonder it cold have looked like this
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KC 3:52AM (9/11/2007)
I hope the exterior represents about 95% of the finished product because it certainly looks like all it needs is a couple production mirrors, redone rear bumper (there's no way those exhaust tips incorporated into the bumper are production ready), and maybe a redone roof as the open skylight seems a little to show room floor. Other then that if Mitsu is smart they'll leave the exterior alone as it is much better looking then the current Camry and new Accord.
The interior I would expect to change much more dramatically as that one looks nice, but not particularly functional - I mean with that center console the space in front of it would be hard to get to and doesn't even look big enough for a single cup holder to go where that odd glowing tube is. It may represent the general shape of the interior but all the non-tactile light up buttons would not be easy to use without looking which diverts driver attention from the road, so as cool as they are on some cell phones and microwave ovens I doubt they'll ever be practical in a car.
I hope Mitsu gets this out soon as the current Galant is getting really long in the tooth and just does not cut it against the competition in it's class.
This one looks like it could be a class leader to me though.
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Jason 3:52AM (9/11/2007)
Retro dash is dated and old-fashioned. PASS
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Mike 4:41PM (9/11/2007)
The retro dashes are much more functional than the centralized POD crap they are building today in just about every car and truck. Form has far overtaken function. It causes you to take your eyes off the road to figure out where things are and what settings they are at. Bringing back MORE retro and INTUITIVE controls is SMART.
This multi-level menu driven computer style menu garbage MUST GO.
geo.stewart 12:01PM (9/11/2007)
the steering wheel will never support anything more than a lackadaisacal approach to a turn.
I too would like to see a return of the diamante and this looks like it could be. this is definitely too upmarket of a concept for Galant though it needs a return to the face it had previously.
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iamhoff 1:12PM (9/11/2007)
I like it...the only problem I have is that the EVO/Lancer nose seems a bit "blocky" for the smooth, blobby, Sonata-esque body.
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iPhoneResidentObssesive 3:02PM (9/11/2007)
looks like a 7 series with the bs tuned down
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