Mitsubishi Prototype S: Lancer Sportback Motoring Channel Staff - 6/March/2008 | 
Mitsubishi Prototype S
Mitsubishi expects the Sportback to sell in much
higher numbers than the Lancer sedan in the EU
Check out the huge roof spoiler and
hood scoops - street cred is something
this high performance wagon won't lack
Front LED lights will probably be altered
for the production version, as will the grille
The interior is very similar to the current Lancer
The Subaru WRX hatch now has a true rival
175kW of power is generated by the 2.0-litre motor
The Mitsubishi Prototype S has an assertive stance
Beige leather Recaro seats look a little out
of place on the Japanese performance wagon
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Geneva, Switzerland — Mitsubishi's WRX killer, the Lancer Sportback Concept, was launched in Geneva amidst far more expensive machinery. But
the importance of Mitsubishi's
much-talked about turbo AWD hot hatch was not lost on show goers who
flocked to see the new performance sport wagon version of the appealing
new Lancer. The new look has made a positive impression
by and large, which bodes well for the future introduction of the
vehicle - expected in early 2009. The Prototype S name is code for prototype sportback, and like the other new
Mitsubishi Ralliart models, this pre-production 'prototype' version of
the new Lancer Sportback is powered by a 180kW (241hp) 2.0-litre,
16-valve, turbocharged and intercooled 4-banger. Peak
torque will be around 340Nm, which should be enough to hoist the
angry-looking Asian hot hatch to 100km/h in around 5.8 seconds. It'll
be quick but stable too thanks to its AWD
underpinnings that put much of the Evolution X's mechanical gadgetry to good
use. The Prototype S even shows off Brembo brakes, which is good news for enthusiasts. Except for the 19-inch wheels,
these new figures look more like the spec sheet from a production car
rather than a concept.  Length 4,585mm
Width 1,760mm
Height 1,480mm
Wheelbase 2,635mm
Track 1,530mm
Passengers 5
Engine 2.0-litre 4-cylinder DOHC with intercooler/turbocharger
Power 177 kW (240hp)
Torque 343 Nm (35kgm)
Driveline Full-time 4WD (with ACD)
Transmission Twin Clutch SST
Tyres 225/40 R19
Mitsubishi's Lancer Sportback will have plenty of rivals in its market segment, such as the Mazda3 MPS and Holden Astra SRi Turbo hatches, but it's main rival will be the WRX hatch, which has lost some of its machismo in recent years. Looking
at the exterior design, most would agree that the new Mitsubishi
is a far more aggressive design than its chief competitor from Subaru,
particularly its angular silhouette, huge rear roof spoiler and twin
exhausts. Other impressive aspects of the design
is the vigilant stance of the Lancer hatch concept and all the vents
and scoops on the hood. The shark-like front end design
has been largely retained, though it may have small changes when it
reaches production to differentiate it from the Lancer Evo and Ralliart
sedan models. As well as a 175 to 180kW turbocharged
2.0-litre petrol engine (a de-tuned version of the Mitsubishi Evolution
X powerplant), the new Lancer Sportback Prototype S is fitted with an
SST, the Japanese company's own twin-clutch transmission. The
sporty new 'hatchback' design will be aimed at cracking open the
European premium performance market, as the new Sportback is
expected to be a slightly more luxurious model than the hard-charging
Lancer Ralliart sedan. At the same time, and if the
pricing and packaging are tight, the new model could also be a big
seller in places like North America and especially in Australia and
Asia where the WRX hatch has been the AWD turbo king for more than a
decade. Based on the same underpinnings as the current Outlander
and Lancer sedan (known as 'Project Global'), the newest addition to
the Mitsubishi Lancer range shows off a promising new design.
Related articles:
- Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (2008)
- Mitsubishi Pajero (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Evolution X (2008)
- Mitsubishi Concept-RA (2008)
- Mitsubishi Lancer (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback (2009)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (2008)
- Mitsubishi Outlander (Road Test)
- Swift Sport vs. Ralliart Colt (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Ralliart Colt (Road Test)
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