Mitsubishi Fifth Automaker to Say No to 2009 Detroit Auto Show

If you were planning to stopover Mitsubishi's 2009 Detroit Auto Show booth in January then you'll be disappointed to learn that Japanese automaker has announced that it won't be making it to the Cobo Hall. The company cited financial reasons as well as poor sales in the Detroit area for pulling out of the largest auto show in North America. Unfortunately for the organizers and the public, Mitsubishi isn't alone in this decision as Ferrari, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce and Suzuki have also announced that they will be passing on the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

Via: Detnews

Mitsubishi Colt (2009)

Following 267,000 units of the first generation Colt Mitsubishi Motors has wished to capitalize on this success and follow up with a grown-up (only ± 35% carry-over parts) but still distinctive product:

• more in line with the brand's identity (sharper new design & signature "Jet Fighter" grille)
• more in line with its positioning (new 3- and 5-door Ralliart sporty models)
• more in line with the latest market trends (forthcoming 1.1 and 1.3 Clear Tec variants)
• more consistent (less distinction between 3- and 5-door variants than before)
• more mature (perceived quality, cargo flexibility, comfort features, NVH, driving dynamics)

Junior Lancer

In that sense, the next generation Mitsubishi Colt gets closer to its sharp Mitsubishi Lancer siblings introducing an exterior design thoroughly refreshed by Mitsubishi Design Europe.

Trading the MPV-like high stance of its predecessor for a lower and wider attitude, it first strikes with the adoption of a rather in-your-face full "Jet Fighter" grille together with all-new body panels fore the A-pillar, all contributing to a stronger on-road presence, but also to an improved level of pedestrian safety.

The side view offers a more elongated window line thanks to black sash foils applied on the C- and D-pillars (D-pillar only for 5-door body) and blacked-out sills.

At the back, a wrap-around and slimmer backlight, lower rear combination lamps, a new liftgate stamping and more elaborated bumper design add character whilst visually lowering and widening the car considerably (5-door only).

Signature

In line with Mitsubishi's brand heritage & positioning, a new Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart (150 PS 1.5 turbo) is introduced, available for the first time in 5-door form as well.

Compared to the previous Mitsubishi Colt CZT and in addition to a stronger structure, the Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart suspension has been amended in eight different points for sharper driving dynamics, including reduced body roll thanks to a thicker front stabilizer bar.

Clear Tec

In parallel to the existing petrol engines (1.1 / 75ps, 1.3 / 95ps, 1.5 / 109ps), Mitsubishi will introduce new "low CO2" variants of the next generation Mitsubishi Colt, under the umbrella name of "Clear Tec".

They will feature - amongst others - "Automatic Stop & Go" (AS&G) and regenerative braking technologies, leading to an improvement of over 10% in terms of CO2 emissions (according to variant/engine - figure subject to final homologation).

A dedicated "Flex Fuel" (FFV) variant will also be part of the Clear Tec program for Mitsubishi Colt.

Considering the rather low volume of Diesel Colts sold since 2004 (only 13% of the mix) and the ever increasing retail price of Diesel fuel eating away most of the cost benefits to the customer, Clear Tec packages will replace the previous Diesel powertrain in the Mitsubishi Colt range.

Grown Up

The next generation Mitsubishi Colt is also a better / nicer place to spend long hours of driving with changes driven by customer feedback over the past 4 years, including lower level of NVH (Noise - Vibration - Harshness), redesigned dashboard, new higher quality trim, enhanced equipment and revised rear seating flexibility leading to an increased cargo volume (from 854 l for the previous Mitsubishi Colt to 1,032 l now).

Detroit Show: Mitsubishi Concept RA Picture Leak

Here’s the first official image of Mitsubishi’s Concept-RA sport coupe that will make its premier at the Detroit Show tomorrow. The all-wheel-drive Concept-RA is powered by a 204 HP 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine matted to Mitsubishi’s Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission used in the all-new Lancer Evolution X. Though Mitsubishi avoids making any connections to the Eclipse, we wouldn’t mind if the Japanese carmaker based its successor on the Concept-RA.