New York: Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype gets a EVOplasty snarl
by Chris Paukert on Apr 8th 2009 at 5:58PM 
Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype – Click above for high-res image gallery
Mitsubishi's Outlander GT Prototype vehicle isn't slated for a reveal until tomorrow morning, but we caught the raced-up crossover lurking uncovered in the darkness as the Japanese automaker was preparing for a run-through of tomorrow's presentation.
As you can plainly see, the concept vehicle is essentially a lowered Outlander that's been given a bit of Evoplasty up front. The new mouth breather look is significantly more aggressive than the current happy-faced model, but changes beyond that are minimal, including OZ split-spoke wheels and a few badges.
While Mitsubishi has yet to announce that this new face will make it to production, the handwriting and spy photos are on the wall for the aggressive new look to become a brand hallmark, what with the recent introduction of the production Lancer Ralliart Sportback sporting a similar front graphic. The fact that this is called a "prototype" and not a concept is a further clue in Mitsu's production intent.
No word yet on what (if any) modifications have been performed under the skin, but a quick peek inside before the press conference rehearsal began seemed to indicate a stock leather-lined interior. We'll keep you in the loop as we learn more, but for now, enjoy the gallery below and the preview press release after the jump.
Gallery: Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype
Photos copyright ©2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc
PRESS RELEASE:
Mitsubishi Motors Provides a Sneak Peek of Outlander GT Prototype
April 2, 2009 -- Cypress, CA --
The centerpiece of Mitsubishi Motors' stand at next week's New York Auto Show will be the Outlander GT Prototype. Building on the success of the current Outlander, this sporty compact CUV will make its World debut on April 9.
Dressed in a premium Diamond white hue, the Outlander GT Prototype showcases a host of new technologies, such as Idle Neutral Logic that automatically shifts the transmission into neutral during vehicle standstill, improved performance and fuel economy from its more powerful 3.0-liter SOHC MIVEC V6 engine, and a Super-All-Wheel-Control System offering superior handling and control. Additionally, there is a number of exciting design elements that help distinguish the Outlander GT Prototype, including Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution's signature "Jet Fighter" grille.
Full details on the Outlander GT Prototype will be announced at 9:40 a.m. on April 9 at the Mitsubishi Motors press conference and online immediately afterward at www.media.mitsubishicars.com. Teaser images will be available immediately on the same website.
About Mitsubishi Motors North America:
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 430 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
warren 6:09PM (4/08/2009)
Looks like an upside-down Audi grille!
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Kitko 8:09PM (4/08/2009)
You mean a victorian hot-water radiator?
Andre 6:10PM (4/08/2009)
Now I know where Aston Martin got the Lagonda design from lol..
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alexander 6:12PM (4/08/2009)
what an ugly son of a bitch
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F-22 6:14PM (4/08/2009)
It's not looking bad but...did we really needed this "EVO front"?
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Erik 6:47PM (4/08/2009)
Yea, we did. Without it, this thing would be about as bland and plain looking as the current Outlander. With it, the car stands out and looks badass.
john 6:19PM (4/08/2009)
Some One Cover That Thing Up.
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John P. 6:19PM (4/08/2009)
Quick, somebody Lance her! Oh wait, they already did and it grew into this.
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Taglane 6:20PM (4/08/2009)
It looks tacky.
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Enok 6:20PM (4/08/2009)
Snausages
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fixitfixitstop 6:34PM (4/08/2009)
You also think it resembles a dog head?
john 6:38PM (4/08/2009)
Mitsu screw this up badly. Just because the new evo look nice doesn't mean it fit into an SUV.
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chicagovet 6:43PM (4/08/2009)
The front looks like a hair dryer nozzle. The exaggerated front wheel wells (anyone else had enough of that trend?) look like a tacked-on afterthought.
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Jimbo 6:47PM (4/08/2009)
On another note, I see from the photos that it apparently has the S-AWC system from the Evo.
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Jimbo 6:48PM (4/08/2009)
doh, that'll teach me to not read the press release...
Rob 6:52PM (4/08/2009)
Loving the Evo steering wheel.
Looks good Mitsu! Projectors with HID should make for a nice look on the road.
Not sure why people think it looks ugly. Looks pretty damn good to me!
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Jason 7:30PM (4/08/2009)
I agree. Looks pretty sick. I'd rock one.
eb110americana 10:21PM (4/08/2009)
I also approve. Now if only they can make the back look as aggressive as the new shnoz.
It's polarizing, so some people aren't going to like it. There are more than enough vanilla automobiles to choose from already, an injection of character is a welcome change.
mr.ed 7:28PM (4/08/2009)
Turns Outlander to Outlandish.
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Klimoff 7:11PM (4/08/2009)
It's exactly the same like the Peugeot 4007, and the Citroen C-Crosser.
Can't they come up with something new?
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