Mitsubishi
RA Concept
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.
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.
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 MIVEC. 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 and
maximum torque of 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.