that would be a sexy car.

 

 

Well, since nobody is bring up my possibility, I will just come right out with it. Could this be an upcoming lancer/evo model, even and evo 11? A little while ago, rumors of a possible 2 door evo did surface. Id we look at the features and specs, its starts to make sense. Obviously the entire drivetrain was taken directly from an evo. Then look at the dimensions. They are physically right between and evo IX and X, and not so in line with an eclipse. The styling shares some points with the evo X and concept sportback and almost nothing with any previous eclipse. The technology level is quite high, possibly too high for the mid level eclipse. And then the performance reality. I mean is mitsu really going to make an eclipse that can beat up on evos? They don't want to compete against themselves. Really to make this a slam dunk, the only thing that would need to change would be the 2.0L diesel motor (which i love BTW). But say you dropped in a 4b11T, which looks conveniently like a direct replacement.....

OK...discuss amongst yourselves

 

or...
Lancer, Lancer Ralliart, Lancer Evo

Eclipse, Eclipse Ralliart, Eclipse Evo?!

 

They wouldnt do an eclipse evo...and I wouldnt see this as a lancer as its too high performance. Others are all possibilities, but my bet is on the 2 door evo variant. This of course does not mean that they would ditch the 4 door though

 

This is in NO WAY oriented towards an EVO platform..!! Its obvious that Mitsu has accepted they killed the Evo leagcy with the X that they are going to make up for it with this new direction..

Good job Mitsu.. steer away from the 4 door super sedan and give the ppl that seek a fancy sporty car, a new car to look at instead of the EVO wich BTW you killed.. lol

 

I would buy one get a tune, exhaust and some propane injection... the amount of torque would be insane

 

Well, we are all entitled to opinions on the X, but i dont think this necessarily means ditching the 4 door all together. More than likely it is an option in the lineup.

Now if this is some sort of eclipse replacement, I would expect it to be toned down quite a bit. Maybe on the order of the Lancer Ralliart. IE, no brembos, ayc, less power, etc.

 

I would say this is a design exploration for the next Eclipse. The 4G Eclipse should be due out as a 2011 model. Showing this concept now is perfect timing for a production model in 2010 as a 2011 model.

I think the next step for the Evo will be to finally bring a 5-door hatch or sportwagon version to the US.

 

Refreshing. There is no use speculating on production. Has this diesel powerplant been used or proposed for any other model?

 

I thought the current eclipse was the 4G?

I could see this becoming the 5G eclipse. For some reason I just see mitsu keeping the EVO a 4 door, all previous EVO's and the GVR4 were all sedans, the eclipse is always, and probably will always be a coupe.

 

So if an eclipse replacement, would would everyone put as importance of features, pricing, etc?

I would say bringing back the AWD is key. A variant of the ralliart engine would seem a likely candidate and a good fit if the diesel option won't fly (which I wish it would). I would like to see a price less than the evo as well. I stand by my previous statement that I doubt they would make an eclipse of the same performance of an evo since the evo is their performance flagship. I would also like to see it be more than just a 2 door ralliart. Needs a different character.

 

I am personally in love with this car, and I want one.

Then I saw this:



WHOA! DEJA VU!!!!

Anyway, when it comes down to it, I would put more faith in Audi actually making this car than Mitsubishi. Add to that Audi's awesome DSG transmission, quattro AWD, and possibly a 2.0 TSFI four and all my requirements would be met.

I spoke to Gary Ragle at the NAIAS this year, and he said that "there are no immediate plans for production...." for the RA......meanwhile, Audi's R4 pictured above is set to arrive in 2010.

Even if the RA came to be, it's not going to look anywhere close to this gorgeous prototype, and with Mitsubishi's questionable build quality, the smarter money would be on the Audi.