Geneva '08 Preview: Mitsubishi Prototype S unmasked!
by Alex Nunez on Feb 23rd 2008 at 12:38PM 
Click image for a gallery of the Prototype S
German pub Autobild has spilled the beans on the Geneva-bound Mitsubishi Prototype S. The "S" is for Sportback, and this show car forecasts a future production vehicle that will probably carry that moniker. The Sportback is crucial for the European market, where hatches account for the majority of car sales. Up front, you essentially have the Lancer Ralliart's nose, which is dressed up with more ornate, concept-style headlamps and foglights. Head around to the car's rump, and you can almost see Mitsu's people drawing a line in the sand, daring the 5-door WRX to come over and "play." The sloping rear hatch is topped by a large, body-colored roof spoiler, and restyled rear lighting wraps from the lid onto the quarter panels. Dual exhaust tips poke through a diffuser insert on the rear bumper, and stylish split-spoke wheels in a gunmetal finish occupy the lightly-flared fender cutouts. Mechanically, it seems that the Prototype S is outfitted with the same running gear as the Lancer Ralliart. The 2.0L turbo four delivers 240 PS (236 hp) and 343 Nm (253 lb-ft) of torque through a dual-clutch setup to a full-time AWD system with an active center differential. It's cool, we want it, and most importantly, it'd fit -- after all, Subaru markets the WRX here as both a sedan and a hatchback. Come on, Mits. Go tit for tat with them and bring this one across the pond after you give it to Europe.
Gallery: Mitsubishi Prototype S
[Source: Autobild]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Jim 12:47PM (2/23/2008)
Ugly!
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94 taurus owner 6:19PM (2/23/2008)
That's uglier than the freshened up Galant. They should have stuck to the sketch they previewed
a few months ago.
TwinTurbo3000GT 3:13PM (2/23/2008)
yea i agree. i'll take the sedan please.
John R 8:11PM (2/23/2008)
all of you are on crack. there is no other explanation.
Matt 2:33AM (2/24/2008)
Well, Mitsubishi *does* have a history for putting out some pretty ugly piles.
Shakatar 12:46PM (2/23/2008)
Me likey. Any chance of us seeing it anywhere near North America, or will we be getting another CUV instead?
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Aetius 1:07PM (2/23/2008)
Pretty stupid attempt to copy the new STi. And it doesn't work at all with that front section.
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B-NOIT 2:07PM (2/23/2008)
...The STi itself being a pretty stupid attempt to copy the Mazdaspeed3. Right?
David W. 2:20PM (2/23/2008)
haha b-noit has a point
Aetius 2:28PM (2/23/2008)
Agreed lol
To the guy who said we are hating on hatches - No. We aren't. But just because it's a hatch doesn't mean it's hot. I love hatches (I own the 3 hatch) but this one looks horrible.
JasonV 3:00PM (2/23/2008)
You know there was a sportback concept back in 2005?
Red 4:28PM (2/24/2008)
Apparently, you've never heard of the Lancer Sportback Concept, which has been out for a few years now. Prior to the hatchback-only STI. Who copied who again?
A47 1:15PM (2/23/2008)
They really, I mean really need to work on the shape of rear end, but the side profile and nose works very well, just work on the ass-end.
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ryan 1:43PM (2/23/2008)
the rear reminds me way too much of a 90's-esque saab hatch
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MemphisNET 1:41PM (2/23/2008)
I like it. And every negative response is why hatchbacks in general don't sell (and thus aren't brought over) to the states.
Bring to Canada please! And while you're at it, bring back the wagon too.
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tankd0g 8:13PM (2/23/2008)
The negative response is due to this being an ugly hatchback based on an even uglier sedan.
iSpec 1:50PM (2/23/2008)
What's not to like?
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Joe 1:52PM (2/23/2008)
Mmmmmm... nice, Mitsu' Canada, please bring this to Canada by October. I want one. Go on be brave!
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Matt 2:00PM (2/23/2008)
yea, that rear end stying is horrific... and i dont even know if it reduces rear overhang like the new impreza tried to do...
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PJ 2:06PM (2/23/2008)
Love it, love it, love it. The forward rake of the grille looks fantastic setting off that sloping rear end. Anyone else see shades of Alfa Brera in the rear 3/4 aspect?
Offer it in Ralliart trim with ~250 horses, AWD, and a manual, and this absolutely will be my next car.
MemphisNET: "And every negative response is why hatchbacks in general don't sell (and thus aren't brought over) to the states."
*Thank you*.
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