Mitsubishi Motors to unveil MITSUBISHI Concept-Sportback at 61st Frankfurt Motor Show

Tokyo, July 8, 2005 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and its European unit Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. will be exhibiting a number of exciting concept and production models at the 61st Internationale Automobil Ausstellung (IAA; commonly known as the Frankfurt Motor Show) in Frankfurt in September. Exhibit highlights will include the world premiere of the MITSUBISHI Concept-Sportback, a next-generation sports hatchback concept. Also on display on the Mitsubishi Motors stand will be the European version of the Lancer Evolution IX high-performance 4WD sports sedan that has its European launch in the fourth quarter of this year, and the Pajero Evolution model that took part in the 2005 Dakar Rally. Held at the Frankfurt Messe Complex, the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show will be open to the public from September 15 through 25, with press and media pre-viewing on September 12 to 14. Mitsubishi Motors will hold its press briefing at its stand at 3:30pm on Monday September 12.
MITSUBISHI Concept-Sportback is a concept for the 5-door sports hatchback class that is getting highly popular in Europe. This concept previews a brand new Mitsubishi Motors C-segment platform. The direction Mitsubishi Motors' design is set to take for the near future is readily apparent in the concept's exterior. Distinguishing features include sporty lines that embody Mitsubishi Motors' sporty DNA, a front visage that gives prominence to the 3-diamond logo, and body proportions that give full expression to the vehicle concept.

Also taking a prominent place on the display stand will be the Lancer Evolution IX that is due to appear in European showrooms during the fourth quarter of this year. The European version of the model that went on sale in Japan in March this year, Lancer Evolution IX is a high-performance 4WD sports sedan that features the critically acclaimed 2-liter MIVEC*1 engine with turbocharger/intercooler and Mitsubishi's ACD*2+Super AYC*3+Sports ABS*4 electronically controlled all-wheel control system.

Sales of Mitsubishi brand cars on the European market for the January-June period showed a robust year-on-year increase of 22%, standing at 137,088 units. Notable performers include Russia (+103% at 24,726 units), supported by the success of the 4-door Lancer that took segment honors in the Russian Car of the Year. Second was Germany (23,363 sales, or 43% increase compared to the previous year), boosted by the launch of the Colt CZ3 and Colt CZT 3-door compact models during the period. Third largest European market for Mitsubishi Motors was the United Kingdom (21,618 units or + 18%), with L200 remaining market leader.

Mitsubishi Motors will be continuing its fiscal 2005 model drive with the introduction of a diesel-powered Grandis and a new Colt coupe-cabriolet.

*1: Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system
*2: ACD (Active Center Differential)
The ACD incorporates an electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch. An ECU optimizes clutch cover clamp load for different driving conditions, regulating the differential limiting action between free and locked states. The result is improved steering response together with better traction. ACD provides three modes - Tarmac / Gravel / Snow - to enable quicker control response for changes in road surface. A single ECU provides integrated management of both ACD and Super AYC components.
*3: Super AYC (Active Yaw Control)
Mitsubishi's Active Yaw Control system uses a torque-transfer mechanism in the rear differential. Under ECU control, the system operates to raise cornering performance by transferring torque between the rear wheels as dictated by driving conditions and so control the yaw moment acting on the car body. In an evolutionary step, switching from the use of a bevel to a planetary gear differential gave Super AYC the ability to transfer almost twice the torque between the rear wheels. As well as reducing understeer further, it delivers LSD-level traction. The use of a single ECU to integrally manage Super AYC with the ACD results in a synergism that makes both components operate more effectively than if they were under independent control.
*4: Sports ABS braking
The system ECU uses information from a steering angle sensor that detects steering inputs as well as from lateral G and vehicle speed sensors to apportion pressure to each of the four wheels independently. The result is improved steering response under braking. Mitsubishi's Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system, integral with Sports ABS, optimizes allocation of braking force between the front and rear wheels. Increasing the pressure applied to the rear wheels when braking close to the limit, EBD reduces the load on the front wheels to realize better anti-fade performance. The system also compensates for changes in surface and vehicle load conditions to ensure predictable and consistent stopping performance at all times.

Mitsubishi previews small family hatch

Mitsubishi has released pictures of its next show car, the Concept-Sportback, which will be formally unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. This gives "the first indications of the company's vision for its next generation of C-segment cars and debuts its design inspiration for a new European five-door sports hatchback", apparently: in other words, this is what the new Lancer range will look like.

The new-generation Lancer (which may not necessarily take that name again) is due to debut next year, and a full line-up will be offered in the UK. This time around, Mitsubishi will be positioning the range firmly as an alternative to the Focus/Astra/Golf and so on, and we can expect three- and five-door models, an estate, a 4x4 and perhaps a compact MPV and coupe-cabriolet as well to follow. The new Lancer was co-developed with Chrysler, and closely-related Dodge-branded models will also be launched next year in Europe, as previewed by the Dodge Avenger concept car. Mitsubishi will also use an extended version of this new platform to underpin its next-generation D-sector family car range, giving models to replace the Carisma and Galant.

Also this week, Mitsubishi has launched long-awaited diesel versions of its Grandis MPV. These feature a Volkswagen-sourced 2.0-litre, 134bhp engine - which is Euro IV-compliant - and cost from Ł19,699-Ł23,699. The Grandis D-ID returns 43mpg, and can do 121mph and 0-60mph in 10.8 seconds. All Grandis models have received minor modifications for the 2006 model-year, with tweaks to the front suspension and steering. Four specification levels are now on offer: Classic, Equippe, Elegance and Warrior. Classic models have twin front and side airbags with curtain airbags for the front two rows of seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, an MP3/CD player, keyless entry and alarm, automatic air conditioning, front fog lamps, a rear spoiler, electric mirrors, a leather steering wheel and a height-adjustable driver's seat with armrest; Equippe models now gain stability and traction control, twin sunroofs, cruise control and a 10-disc CD player, and Elegance versions add leather upholstery. Warrior models (Ł23,699) have a DVD system, 18-inch alloy wheels, an aluminium front grille, and chrome trim, including mirrors and door handles.

Mitsubishi may be struggling following its split from former ally DaimlerChrysler, but it hasn’t stopped forging ahead with new model plans. These official sketches offer a preview of its ‘Concept Sportback’, which is due to appear at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

The concept offers a glimpse of the next-generation Lancer, due to be launched in the UK as a Focus rivaling five-door hatch in 2007 based on an all-new platform. Like Nissan’s Quashquai, the Sportback uses Murano-style crossover styling cues to add a distinctive edge to Mitsubishi’s C-segment offering.

Performance fans needn’t fret, because a storming Evolution version will follow, to be previewed in concept form at the Tokyo motor show later in the year.