Mitsubishi Concept-Sportback World Debut

Press Release

Mitsubishi at 2005 Frankfurt IAA

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and its European unit Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. (MME) announced the world debut of MITSUBISHI Concept-Sportback next-generation sportback concept car at the 61th International Automobil Ausstellung (IAA; commonly known as the Frankfurt International Motor Show). Held at the Frankfurt Messe Complex, the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show will be open to the public from September 15 through 25, with a press and media preview September 12 to 14.

At a press conference held today at the Mitsubishi Motors stand, Mitsubishi Motors President Osamu Masuko made the following remarks: "Our efforts to achieve the 2005 business plan are definitely paying off, and particularly in Europe. The high critical acclaim Mitsubishi brand products have received has led to expanded sales. Mitsubishi brand cars are selling well in Europe, with sales for the first eight months of the year up 20% over the corresponding period last year. We see the European market in particular as being a prime mover in our drive to future growth and we are looking to increase sales further still. Therefore, we will be introducing seven new competitive models in Europe over the next three years, including a new pickup truck and Colt coupe-cabriolet. Over the next three years we will also be introducing five new models in North America and nine new models in Japan."

Mitsubishi Motors will be showing 16 vehicles at the Frankfurt Motor Show (20 during the public days). Joining MITSUBISHI Concept Sportback on the company stand will be Colt coupe-cabriolet concept, a concept for a new Colt model due to be introduced on the European market in 2006 and which was shown at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. Also on display will be the Lancer Evolution IX high-performance 4WD sedan to be released in Europe in September 2005, the Grandis DI-D (direct-injection diesel), the Pajero Evolution cross country rally car that won the 2005 Dakar Rally to take the company's fifth consecutive and 10th victory in the history of the event, and the Lancer WRC05 machine that is currently competing in the 2005 FIA World Rally Championship series.

MITSUBISHI Concept-Sportback walkaround

The styling was developed by Mitsubishi Motors' design studio (Mitsubishi Motor R&D of Europe GmbH) in the outskirts of Frankfurt. Calling on Mitsubishi Motors traditionally sporty image, the design team has crafted lines that are much more powerful than seen in European 5-door hatchbacks to date. The styling forcefully projects the brand in the front visage and gives lucid expression to the design concept in the vehicle's proportions as it points to the direction Mitsubishi Design may be expected to take in the near future.

MITSUBISHI Concept-Sportback sits on the company's new C-segment global vehicle platform. In an overall length of 4500 mm, the high-efficiency design realizes a roomy and comfortable living space protected front and rear by crushable zones.

The new platform has been developed to support Mitsubishi Motors' new 4-cylinder MIVEC* engines mated to either 2WD or 4WD drivelines.

Colt coupe-cabriolet concept walkaround

Following 5 and 3-door body models, the third variation in the European Colt range uses the Colt's platform to carry a retractable hard top for open motoring pleasure.

Within its compact 3885 mm overall length, 15 mm longer than Colt CZ3, Colt coupe-cabriolet concept uses a high-efficiency design to create a 2+2 layout with a trunk into which the hardtop stows neatly.

Colt coupe-cabriolet concept uses the same 150 PS 1.5-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC turbocharged engine that powers Colt CZT. The body has been strategically reinforced to safely and comfortably underpin the exhilaration of open-top motoring.

While taking its design references from Colt's defining one-motion form, Colt coupe-cabriolet concept weaves together straight lines and curves to create taut styling that projects an appetizing taste of its potent road performance. Serving to counterpoint the sensuous curves of the one-motion form are the sharply raked windscreen, the V-cut rear combination lamps and the linear-design high-mounted auxiliary brake light tastefully integrated into the trunk lid.

The interior uses high-quality orange suede upholstery and trim in creating a sporty and classy look that matches Colt coupe-cabriolet concept's athletic and open car personality.

Lancer Evolution IX walkaround (European market model)

The European market Lancer Evolution IX shares many of the features of Lancer Evolution IX launched in Japan in March 2005: the power unit uses MIVEC variable valve timing technology in the inlet valvetrain; improvements to the turbocharger generate gutsier torque and deliver improved response across the full RPM range; and maximum power has been boosted 15 PS to 280 PS. The European Lancer Evolution IX brings a 3% improvement in fuel economy over its predecessor and earns the Euro-4 emissions rating. Redesigned front and rear bumpers improve cooling without impacting the aerodynamics.

For the first time on a European market model, Lancer Evolution IX uses a 6-speed manual transmission.

As on the Japanese market model, the European Lancer Evolution IX uses an aluminum roof panel and door side impact bars, reducing weight by 7.5 kg. Chassis performance is substantially improved by the use of high-response Bilstein monotube shock absorbers and 17-inch Enkei 5-double-spoke design lightweight alloy road wheels that are 150 grams lighter per wheel.

Grandis DI-D walkaround

Launched on the European market in April 2004, the 3-row seating Grandis has received high critical acclaim for its sporty lines, stable handling characteristics, comfortable ride and outstanding interior utility. To closer meet the needs of the European market, in September 2005 the company released a new model powered by a Volkswagen 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged diesel engine.