Mitsubishi Concept-RA for Detroit

The latest concept announced for the 2008 North American International Motor Show (NAIMS) in Detroit hails from Mitsubishi.

On the face of it, the Mitsubishi Concept-RA resembles a high profile sports coupe, but whilst the car is that, it's also powered by a highly efficient DOHC turbodiesel with MIVEC continuously variable valve timing and lift.

The engine displaces 2.2 litres and boasts common-rail direct injection and a variable geometry turbocharger. Delivering 150kW of power and 420Nm of torque, the engine also meets the American 'Tier 2 Bin 5' emissions regulations, through the adoption of a diesel particulate filter, a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and an NOx trap catalyst (NTC).

A twin-clutch 'SST' transmission has been specified for the Concept-RA and works like an automatic transmission, but with the efficiency of a manual.

Much of the technology featured in the car has filtered down from Mitsubishi's higher performance Lancers and include Active Centre Differential and Active Yaw Control. Sounds like a weird combination, light-weight sports coupe, diesel engine, automated twin-clutch transmission, all-wheel drive -- but it's one way forward for the future.

Active Steering and Active Suspension Control are also fitted to the Concept-RA, under the umbrella of 'S-AWC', which integrates and manages all the dynamic driving aids. The system has been developed to adapt to new situations, as in when the driver suddenly takes evasive action.

Mitsubishi has constructed the Concept-RA from recylable plastic resin outer panels over an aluminium space frame comprising extruded aluminium sections and die-cast aluminium members.

The Concept-RA will be on the Mitsubishi stand in Detroit from January 13 to 27.