Lancer Prototype S... a 5-door hatch
Mitsubishi Lancer Prototype-S
Just as Concept-X (2005 Tokyo) and then Prototype-X (2007 Detroit) announced the new Lancer and Lancer Evolution X (ten), Prototype-S will follow in the footsteps of the much-acclaimed Concept-Sportback show car (2005 Frankfurt) to preview the shape of the forthcoming Lancer Sportback.
When launched later in the year, this 5-door hatchback variant of the new Lancer family will be the most important of all in Europe, representing 70% of the forecasted Lancer volume in the overall region and 80% in the UK. Sporting a powerful metallic orange - similar to the one selected for Lancer Ralliart at the Detroit Auto Show a few weeks ago - Prototype-S will add the convenience of a lift-gate and flexible rear seating to the driving dynamics of the new Lancer range. It will hit the same unconventional buttons as Lancer Sports Sedan, albeit in a hatchback format, benchmarking the likes of Alfa Romeo with the 156 / 159 Sportwagons (dynamic benchmark) and of Saab with the legendary Saab 900 Turbo Combi-Coupé (aspirational benchmark).
Mirroring this aspiration: a sporty wedge-like profile, sharply chiselled lines, assertive stance born from a long wheelbase and wide track proportions, a high-shouldered rear end and the very expressive rear roof spoiler will embody Mitsubishi’s vision for a flexible sports sedan in the C/D sector, away from the traditional hatchbacks.
Fittingly, Prototype-S will blend elements from Concept-Sportback (the overall concept), Lancer Evolution X (the execution) and Lancer Ralliart (240ps / 343 Nm 2.0 litre turbo engine, Twin Clutch SST gearbox, full-time 4WD drivetrain featuring Mitsubishi Motors’ Active Center Differential), as well as proposing a further evolution of Mitsubishi Motors’ Jet Fighter grille.
General specifications
Record last updated 02 / 04 / 2008
Country of origin Japan
Numbers built N/A (Prototype)
Produced in 2008
Introduced at 2008 Geneva Motor Show
Engine
Engine MIVEC Straight 4
Engine Location Front , transversely mounted
Configuration aluminum block and head
Displacement 1.998 liter / 121.9 cu in
Bore / Stroke 86.0 mm (3.4 in) / 86.0 mm (3.4 in)
Valvetrain 4 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Fuel feed Fuel injection
Aspiration Turbo
Drivetrain
Gearbox 6 speed Manual
Drive All wheel drive
Performance figures
Power 235 bhp / 175 KW
Torque 343 Nm / 253 ft lbs
BHP/Liter 118 bhp / liter
Evolving Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Evolving Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Washington State
I own a sportback, and for one I love it. Its rare because not many were brought to America. Sure some people hear the word "wagon" and think ether of a pioneer days horse drawn cart or one of those 1960's stationwagons that were green with the wooden patterns on the doors and interior. There is nothing more sexier then laying down the back seat and setting up your inflatable matress in the back.
I'm also a family guy, so I can haul like a suv without burning the gas of a big **** van or suv. I just wish it came in stick. So I'd probably get this, by the twin exhaust on the concept. I'm guessing turbo or V-6, thus would be an excuse to my wife "Hey hunny, its a family car."
I'm also a family guy, so I can haul like a suv without burning the gas of a big **** van or suv. I just wish it came in stick. So I'd probably get this, by the twin exhaust on the concept. I'm guessing turbo or V-6, thus would be an excuse to my wife "Hey hunny, its a family car."
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Since my daughter is now clamoring for my 08 GTS when she turns 16 in three years, maybe I'll give her mine and buy one of these. This looks mighty sweet to me.
When I bought the 08, it came down to that Lancer, the Mazda 3 5-door (not the MS) and the Mazda 6 hatchback. The 6 lost out because the 4 cylinder was too weak and the V6 came with sports car insurance. The 3 lost out because it was just too small and I preferred the look of the Lancer (full marks on the acceleration and handling though, that almost tipped it). It also helped that Mitsu dealers were willing to make a deal while the Mazda guys wouldn't budge; I'd have paid easily $5k more for an equivalent Mazda 3 (with the Sirius radio, moon roof, etc.) that I got on my Lancer.
When I bought the 08, it came down to that Lancer, the Mazda 3 5-door (not the MS) and the Mazda 6 hatchback. The 6 lost out because the 4 cylinder was too weak and the V6 came with sports car insurance. The 3 lost out because it was just too small and I preferred the look of the Lancer (full marks on the acceleration and handling though, that almost tipped it). It also helped that Mitsu dealers were willing to make a deal while the Mazda guys wouldn't budge; I'd have paid easily $5k more for an equivalent Mazda 3 (with the Sirius radio, moon roof, etc.) that I got on my Lancer.
I definitely like the looks of it. I'll like it even more if the actual production model comes with that stance, and not the "lifted" look that the current Lancer line has in stock form...
