Misubishi Releases More Images of its Lancer Prototype-S

Though we’ve already seen a fair bit of the upcoming Mitsubishi Prototype-S in front of its official unveiling on March 4 at the Geneva Motor Show, it seems that today the automaker felt the need to let loose with all the official images, and some specifications.

Mitsubishi has confirmed that the Prototype, which is allegedly very close to the upcoming Lancer Sportback Ralliart, will use a turbocharged version of the company’s new 2.0-liter four, capable of 240 horsepower. The car will also employ Mitsu’s twin-clutch SST automated manual transmission, full-time four-wheel-drive, and an active center differential that can modulate front and rear torque as the situation demands.

Browse our expanded Prototype-S gallery with high resolution images below, or click through the jump to read Mitsubishi’s short press release about its stand at the 2008 Geneva show.

Mitsubishi Motors lineup at 2008 Geneva International Motor Show
Prototype-S

Tokyo, February 26, 2008- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is to give the Prototype-S sport hatchback concept its global debut at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 4 through March 16 at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex (opening to the general public on March 6). Also included in Mitsubishi Motors’ 16-model stand (13 on Press Days) are: the i MiEV (dubbed the i-EV in Europe) and the Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evolution X on the Japanese market). The i MiEV is a new-generation electric vehicle under evaluation for export to international markets and currently undergoing fleet monitoring in Japan; Lancer Evolution is a new-generation high-performance 4WD sedan that allows all drivers to experience enjoy the highest levels of fun-to-drive performance safely and with confidence.

Making its global debut at the Geneva Show, the Prototype-S is derived from the Lancer sports sedan (Galant Fortis on the Japanese market) currently on sale in most Mitsubishi Motors markets worldwide.

Distinguished by the inverted-slant nose with trapezoidal grille front fascia that comprise the Mitsubishi Motors new design identity, and with purposeful, wide-and-low proportions; Prototype-S uses exterior lines to craft a shape that is powerful and sporty. The use of 215/45R19 tires on 19-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels adds to the tautly muscular and road-hugging image the styling projects.

Prototype-S uses a new 2.0-liter MIVEC*1 4-cylinder DOHC intercooled / turbocharged engine, developing maxima of 240 PS and 35 kg-m that will also power the Lancer Ralliart due to go on sale in North America in the summer of 2008. The power unit is mated to Mitsubishi Motors’s high-efficiency Twin Clutch SST*2 automated manual transmission that gives the driver simple control of and feel-good access to the car’s exhilaratingly sporty performance. The full-time 4WD driveline features Mitsubishi Motors’ Active Center Differential (ACD) that uses an electronically controlled multi-plate hydraulic clutch to optimally tailor front / rear drive torque vectoring to different driving conditions and deliver the best balance between steering response and traction.

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