Mitsubishi Prototype-S
by: William Ford
Posted on: Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 at 9:42 pm by: William Ford
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Mitsubishi’s new Sportback is headed directly for European markets where hatchback popularity has always been high. The front end is straightforward, reminiscent of the Lancer Ralliart’s grille and bumper, but to spice things up they threw on a couple of concept-style headlights and fancy new fog lamps. The sportiness of the Sportback is further accentuated by a roof spoiler that matches the body color, intakes on the aluminum hood, and chrome trim.
In general, the rear styling seems like an attempt to entice the Subaru’s WRX into a wrestling match, one that the Prototype-S may not be able to win (the Ralliart hasn’t quite been able to make the WRX scream uncle). Even so, the aesthetic ribbon may still go to the Sportback with its gunmetal split-spoke wheels tucked under the flared fenders and stylish rear lights that wrap from the lid to the quarter panels out back. Mitsubishi is equipping their new exhaust diffuser, a duel exhaust system inserted into the rear bumper on many new models, and the Prototype-S is no exception
The Prototype-S use’s a 2.0 Liter, 4 cylinder, turbo charged engine generating 236 bhp and 253 lb.-ft of torque synched to a AWD system that utilizes an active center differential and patented dual-clutch system. This allows for a fully automatic or manual mode using the steering-column-mounted paddles.
Between the Evo, Ralliart and the new Sportback, the WRX, at least in the styling sense, has been sent away with its tail between its legs.
