We've already shown you sketches of the Concept-RA, Mitsubishi's show car for the Detroit Auto Show, but now we're able to bring you a selection of live shots from the reveal. Of the multiple press conferences we attended yesterday, the Mitsubishi launch seemed to be the most crowded; after seeing the RA in person, we think we know why.

Like many Mitsubishi concepts before it, the RA supposedly hints at the next generation of the Eclipse sport coupe. We're told we can expect many of the styling cues to work their way into the production car; however, if you're a fan of the butterfly doors, you may have to add that feature yourself come production time.

Designers tell us the shark-nose fascia, looking slightly like a cross between an Audi R8 and a Lancer, is the forthcoming Mitsu "corporate look;" that helps to explain why we see echoes of it in the rear fenders and bumper, as well. Overall, the car is very low-slung and sleek, more so than any actual production Eclipse. We hope these proportions carry over into production relatively intact.

(Click through for a gallery of Concept-RA shots, as well as more on the car and a release from Mitsubishi)

Also of interest is the powertrain; not only does that 201-horsepower 2.2-liter I-4 turbodiesel excite a few of our editors, but the advanced all-wheel drive system - Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC, if you love acronyms) - catches our fancy, too. Obviously, all four wheels are driven, but the system works magic with active steering and suspension technologies that are coupled to stability control, yaw control, and center-differential control systems. Complicated, perhaps, but it sounds like it might offer some fun.

We'll leave you to a Mitsubishi release for your perusal, but we'd like to hear what you think of the RA. Is this a good direction for a new Eclipse, or would you like the brand to move away from the new corporate face? Let us know in the comments section below.

The MITSUBISHI Concept-RA offers a unique interpretation of the sporty coupe. This two-seat pure coupe concept explores the transversely mounted, front engine packaging theme. Generous helpings of technology create a vehicle that combines exotic appeal, outstanding, fun-to-drive dynamics and heightened sensitivity for the environment

Design
Developed as a technological showcase for Mitsubishi Motors, the Concept-RA displays athletic sport coupe proportions wrapped in dynamic flowing lines that provide a powerful and compelling showpiece for the car’s advanced, high technology features. Broad, muscular wheel arches house 21-inch wheels and lend graphic expression to the high degree of road control and tenacious grip afforded by the next generation S-AWC system. Meanwhile, an exposed engine cover highlights the presence of the car’s high output, efficient, clean diesel engine design. The Concept-RA’s inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille fascia reinforce Mitsubishi Motors’ new design identity, albeit suitably revised to reflect the concept’s sporty coupe attributes.

Concept-RA’s deep red exterior hue graphically accentuates the coupe’s fluid, muscular body lines, and offsets a matte black engine hood that helps impart the vehicle’s strong mechanical flavor. The interior has been developed to show a fusion of tradition with leading-edge touches. The cockpit’s wraparound control layout uses minimal visual instrumentation and optimizes the switch and control layout. This reduces the driver’s physical and mental workload, allowing full concentration on driving. The interior also makes extensive use of fine-quality natural materials in a design that delivers the utmost control, confidence, and vehicle involvement to the driver.

Mechanical
The MITSUBISHI Concept-RA’s Super-All Wheel Control driveline is a next generation all-wheel-drive system that adds Active Steering and Active Suspension control to the ACD¹, AYC², ASC³, and Sport ABS components that comprise the highly capable system used on the 2008 Lancer Evolution. Concept RA’s S-AWC system integrally manages these components to realize advanced levels of control over drive torque, steering input, vehicle roll, and braking at each wheel, thereby raising traction, cornering and vehicle stability levels. Such capability affords Concept-RA intuitive, on-demand vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver intent by reacting instantly, under a variety of driving conditions, from everyday use to emergency avoidance situations.

MITSUBISHI Concept-RA is powered by a new, high output, high-efficiency 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel engine with MIVEC4. This clean diesel’s MIVEC system incorporates valve lift control with low and high-speed cam profiles actuating the intake valves. A Piezoelectric injector, common-rail direct fuel injection system allows the engine to use of a lower static compression ratio. The new diesel showcases a VD/VG (Variable Diffuser / Variable Geometry) turbocharger whose internal vanes can control airflow over the turbine and compressor surfaces to produce optimum boost characteristics at all times. The efficient, low emissions diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 201 hp (150 kW) and maximum torque of 310 ft. lbs. (42.8 kg-m). For compliance with Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations in the United States, the clean diesel powerplant relies on a new catalytic converter system that combines a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies.

In an effort to reduce vehicle weight to improve fuel economy, vehicle performance and safety, MITSUBISHI Concept-RA features a new, rigid body structure using an aluminum space frame made from extruded aluminum sections and die-cast aluminum components. In addition, the engine hood, fenders and other outer panels made from lightweight, impact-resistant and easily recyclable plastic resin.

1: Active Center Differential
2: Active Yaw Control
3: Active Stability Control
4: Mitsubishi Innovative Valve lift and timing with Electronic Control

MITSUBISHI Concept-RA specifications
Overall length (mm) 175 inches (4,445 mm)
Overall width (mm) 74.6 inches (1,895 mm)
Overall height (mm) 51.8 inches (1,315 mm)
Wheelbase (mm) 103.7 inches (2,635 mm)
F/R track (mm) 63.2 inches (1,605 mm)
Occupants 2
Engine 2.2-liter in-line four cylinder Clean Diesel
Max. output 201 hp (150 kW)
Max torque. 310 ft. lbs. (42.8 kg-m)
Driveline Full-time 4WD (S-AWC)
Transmission Twin Clutch SST
Tires 285/30R21