Detroit 2008: Ra-Roh! Mitsubishi unveils Concept-RA
by Damon Lavrinc on Jan 13th 2008 at 11:30PM 
click above for more high-res images of the Mitsubishi Concept-RA
It's a rare day when a concept makes us visibly wretch, but Mitsubishi did just that when it ripped the sheets off its Concept-RA. Maybe it was the ill-proportioned front fascia that took all the wrong cues from a Vector, or the generic styling of the rear three-quarter view, but overall, it left us cold, despite Mitsu's infinitely looped Daft Punk/Kanye West mashup.
Regardless, the Concept-RA uses some innovative materials (aluminum space frame and recycled plastic body panels) and we like the idea of an all-wheel-drive, diesel-powered sports coupe that sends 201 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of twist through Mitsubishi's S-AWC system. But beyond the powertrain underneath, we weren't impressed -- and the engine poking through the hood didn't help either.
Mitsubishi's press release plus video is posted in full after the jump and we've got our live gallery of images below.
Gallery: Mitsubishi Concept-RA
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 ACD_, AYC_, ASC_, 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 United States, the clean diesel powerplant relies on a new catalytic converter system that combines a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies.
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: Active Center Differential
2: Active Yaw Control
3: Active Stability Control
4: Mitsubishi Innovative Valve lift and timing with Electronic Control
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
zamafir 11:38PM (1/13/2008)
I thought the Audi TT cues in the interior of the EVO X were where it was going to stop, but no. Audi called, they want the R8 interior back. Ghastly, Unoriginal, color me unimpressed. The RallyArt is quite a bit more relevant/exciting.
Reply
TwinTurbo3000GT 12:04AM (1/14/2008)
Tisk Tisk Mitsu...you were supposed to make it look like this...http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/30/sema-2007-hot-wheels-tries-something-new-to-celebrate-its-40th/
Montana 11:39PM (1/13/2008)
The front end looks very similar to the New Lancer - but that's not a good thing. The lancer has a modern look which isn't in any way bad - but it fits the lancer, being a sedan - not a sports coupe.
They were playing a mash-up of Kanye and Daft Punk while they revealed their mash-up of the current eclipse and the New Lancer - I find that funny.
Reply
Dan 1:23AM (1/14/2008)
I was thinking the same thing but I like the result. It's long past time they took all the Evo goodies and put them in a nice low coupe.
TwinTurbo3000GT 11:52PM (1/13/2008)
close...but...needs some tweaks. Remember that How Wheels concept? make it more like that...but with only 1 evo motor lol.
And give it some side skirts or something. it looks like a starving animal.
Reply
TwinTurbo3000GT 11:56PM (1/13/2008)
OK i figured out what it needs. Some nice xenon headlights above the current ones. Not replacing them, just additionally.
Reply
zamafir 11:58PM (1/13/2008)
yup, i think you've hit the nail on the head for the design of the next eclipse.
adam 12:05AM (1/14/2008)
Well, it's not hideous, but it isn't great yet...
However, when the bean counters get a crack at it, I think they'll dial back the aggressiveness to a more conservative look and Mitsubishi may just have a hansom new Eclipse on their hands.
Reply
KanosWRX 12:06AM (1/14/2008)
I like it, I think it looks great and an improvement on their current Evo X design. Its a faster/sleeker looking Evo Coupe. Well done.
Reply
the law 12:07AM (1/14/2008)
the back needs some work!
front is ok, but could improve.
Reply
David 12:09AM (1/14/2008)
I completely disagree with the poster. I think this car has a very original design, reminiscent of the European short racers (Porsche 914, for instance) of the early 80s. Wheels pushed out far to the corners, and a car that gives the impression of being smaller than it likely is. Aggressive stance visually attacking the road, and a rear that actually uses 3-box, rather than the rather 2-box look of previous Eclipse designs that have begun to look very long in the tooth.
Now, if only Mitsubishi could build this with something resembling a degree of quality....
Reply
matt 12:17AM (1/14/2008)
the headlights look... less than desirable... for driving any distance at night considering their angle and the length of the bonnet.
give it a normal hood, widen it up a bit with some better lines down the sides, make the rear as aggressive as the front, and I'd be all over it.
I love the wheesl, door hinges (almost as nice as a Koenigsegg), and drivetrain, though.
Reply
matt 12:17AM (1/14/2008)
wheels, rather...
Craig 1:19AM (1/14/2008)
I thought you guys wet yourselves over the new Corvette ZR1's engine poking through the bonnet, with a cheap looking plastic window. Now you don't like this engine poking through the bonnet...
Reply
mk 2:18AM (1/14/2008)
Not bad, not bad.
Like the aggression. LOVE the wheels, but the Mazda race car has similar, with a twist, which is even better.
The back end is ok, and certainly better than the current Eclipse. But the spoiler looks tacked on, and the rear window looks too bunched up close to the seats. Pulling that window base line back further a bit would be nice.
LOVE the doors. More cars should have those doors. McLaren F1 had those doors, but even better. Not as wide as traditional doors, not as awkward as the low corner on "lambo" doors when they are open.
Not 1000% drop dead gorgeous, but there are a lot worse looking cars out there. Starting with the existing Eclipse.
Reply
ZOG 1:45AM (1/14/2008)
SURELY you guys mean retch, not wretch! Your wretched writing skills could cause even wretches to retch!
Reply
Droo 3:17AM (1/14/2008)
I love it, 'nuff said...
Reply
AnthWax84 3:45AM (1/14/2008)
I Think mitsu purposely designed this car to be anorexic so that a production model could gain the weight and be more appealing. because there is a seriously handsome coupe to be had out of this concept. from the side view the rear end is way to high, the lack of ground dragging side skirts removes any hint of a masculine aggressive appearance.
really the car just needs tweaks
i gave it a REALLY bad 3am 2 minute chop and simply removing the rear end gave it a more 350/911 feeling.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/jmarnold84/concept-ra---072.jpg
there is a nice car to be had from this design i just hope mitsu can save it.
Reply
TheRaven 4:33AM (1/14/2008)
Interesting. My reaction to the styling was far less negative than many here have been. I like it in fact, and all that really needs reworking to me is a more conventional front headlight setup.
I think it would make an excellent new eclipse design, and make us forget the current one that is truly fugly and deserving of its derision. I also like the fact that they mated a 2.2l TurboDiesel to it, I hope more and more turbodiesels become options on sports cars.
Reply
John R 8:18AM (1/14/2008)
Is the poster on crack? As a concept I think it looks good, I'd drive it right now.
Its obvious that if this is the new styling direction for the eclipse (much better lookinf IMO) there some stuff that is going to be dailed back. The hood being #1.
Reply