Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Mitsubishi
Geneva Preview: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback sketches surface
Click the image above for a high-res gallery.
Our new friend Dan sent us a few sketches of what's supposedly the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, a near production-ready version of the Sportback Concept that debut back in 2005. Although we're not sure if these are official images out of Mitsu-HQ, they're very similar to some of the concept sketches we've seen in the past.
This new shot stays true to the original Sportback concept's profile and lines, but comes complete with a front clip that's more reminiscent of the rest of the Lancer line and a rear end that looks far more feasible for production. When the hatch finally makes it to dealers, likely sometime later this year, expect power to come from a 2.4-liter four, with an Evo version getting the same turbocharged 2.0-liter and all-wheel-drive system from its four-door sibling. And if Mitsubishi is smart, and decides to bring the hatch to the States, a Ralliart version to compete with the Subaru Impreza WRX five-door should be in the cards.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Dave 8:16AM (1/25/2008)
It looks like they took styling cues from Saturn/Opel.
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Frank 8:56AM (1/25/2008)
They also got the grill opening from Audi but I like their execution of it much better. Nice aggressive stance.
Reality_Check 12:42PM (1/25/2008)
IN UNRELATED NEWS:
Subaru Impresa's Sales are down 75%, (headline a month after the production Lancer Hatchback is on sale)
Matt 2:57PM (1/25/2008)
my thoughts exactly Reality Check.
I'm loving the look of this. it seems VERY production-ish too.
UH2L 8:19AM (1/25/2008)
Sweet. It's the bodystyle Saab should have offered with the 9-3, (and without AWD and the usually unnecessary off-road capability).
UH2L
http://www.thingsivenoticed.com
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TBlueMax 8:19AM (1/25/2008)
Sign me up for a Ralliart Sportback please. The rear has a vague RX350 feel with a much faster rake to the rear glass - nice.
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Devon 8:21AM (1/25/2008)
To Mitsubishi:
This will sell if brought to the states. This will probably sell BETTER than the sedan-variant Ralliart.
The lines are powerful, aggressive and the roofline complements the hood far better than in the sedan.
One thing- ditch the top-glass spoiler. Doesn't look right. Duck-tail the spoiler a-la the camaros of yesteryear. Doesn't need to be huge, just functional.
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TBlueMax 9:28AM (1/25/2008)
The spoiler over the top of the rear hatch reminds me of the circa-1982/86 Toyota Celica Supra. One of my favorites of that era.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:82ltype.jpg
http://www.internetmediastudio.com/supra/83_Supra/supra_header_3.jpg
speedball3 12:17PM (1/25/2008)
I agree, lose the flat spoiler. I think it'd look better if it followed the traditional Evo boy-racer thing and went w/a big wrc-type hatch spoiler back there. Otherwise, the back seems too pedestrian on an otherwise good looking car.
Frylock350 8:21AM (1/25/2008)
Somebody should tell Subaru that rally cars don't need to beat beaten with an ugly stick. Game over for the WRX with this thing.
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Ligor 10:51AM (1/25/2008)
lol
i 2nd that
Andrew 8:22AM (1/25/2008)
i typically don't like hatches, as good as the GTI and MS3 are... but WOW! that is hot!
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John R 8:28AM (1/25/2008)
Mitsu, this is a complete no brainer. Get a ralliart version into production now and Subby is done.
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mr.ed 8:30AM (1/25/2008)
This will NOT sell in the US. People are too paranoid about breakins. They want a lockable trunk. Example: Jetta vs. Golf. Lots more if you look. It doesn't bother us. We have a Mazda6 wagon and a 3 Speed hatch. The rest of the country isn't interested. Afraid, in fact. Numbers don't lie.
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Doogs 8:44AM (1/25/2008)
WTF are you talking about? Break-ins, seriously? I guess that's why the Ford F-Series is the best-selling vehicle in the country, right? If someone's going to break into a hatch, they're one lever pull away from breaking into a sedan and popping the trunk. Besides, most break-ins I know of are to steal stereo equipment (usually not in the trunk).
I'll give you Jetta v. Golf, but I'd bet the GTI outsells the GLI. And the 3 hatch, MS3, and Mini have obviously done pretty well for themselves.
After 20-some-odd years of SUVs, I don't think Americans have the aversion to hatchbacks they once did. I know I, for one, will never buy another car with a trunk. I like my cars small and nimble, but I want that cargo capacity.
Calebe 8:55AM (1/25/2008)
Americans buy millions of hatchbacks. They are just jacked up in the air to give the owners ego a boost....SUV/CUV
TwinTurbo3000GT 5:00PM (1/25/2008)
@Calebe
Yea, soccer moms really need an ego boost...
mr.ed 8:06AM (1/26/2008)
The sales figures don't lie. While you and I may have hatches/wagons, the rest of the country doesn't. Example: In four years of excellent sales, Mazda sold only 16k 6 wagons, and even fewer 6- 5 doors. Ask your dealer why. And Jettas outsell Golf/Rabbits by many times over.
The perception is also one of cheapness, as most hatches are cheap fastbacks, such as the late, unlamented Pinto and Vega.
Koko 8:51AM (1/25/2008)
the car looks good. I like the styling. In regular trim it will be a good little run about if it's priced right. I couldn't ever put my money into an evo version for nearly $30k. 4cyl of fury just don't make my loins burn.
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meshies 8:54AM (1/25/2008)
That. Looks. Incredible... I have nothing else to say.
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