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Mitsubishi Sportback Concept 2005
Mitsubishi Sportback Concept#1
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will demonstrate the depth and breadth of its sporty DNA at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show through a number of exciting concept and production models.
Highlights will include:
- Concept-Sportback (world premiere)
- Lancer Evolution IX (European premiere)
- 2006 Lancer Sedan and Lancer Station Wagon
Concept-Sportback
Mitsubishi Concept-Sportback is a concept for the 5-door sports hatchback class that is getting highly popular in Europe.
Consistent with Mitsubishi Motors´ sporting heritage, Concept-Sportback will also preview a brand new Mitsubishi Motors-developed platform. Of strategic importance, it is flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of derivatives, from a crossover SUV - the new Outlander - to C-segment variants, according to market requirements.
The direction Mitsubishi Motors’ design is set to take for the near future is readily apparent in the concept’s exterior. Sporty wedge-like profile, sharply chiselled lines, assertive stance born from long wheelbase / wide track proportions, a grille staging the Mitsubishi Motors´ 3-Diamond logo and very expressive high-shouldered rear end: Concept-Sportback embodies MMC´s vision for a sports sedan.
Lancer
Also prominent on the Mitsubishi Motors stand will be the Lancer Evolution IX, due to appear in Europe during the fourth quarter of this year. The European version of the model that went on sale in Japan in March, Lancer Evolution IX will add a more powerful engine (280 ps) featuring MMC´s MIVEC* technology, 6 speed manual gearbox, Bilstein shock absorbers, BBS 17” forged alloy wheels, aluminium roof panel, optimized handling, better aerodynamics, etc,...
In parallel, the successful Lancer family - Number Two in Mitsubishi Motors´ European sales, thanks to its remarkable success in Russia - will also benefit from a substantial face-lift including a more square-jawed front face, new upholstery & trim, upgraded equipment*** (automatic air conditioning,…), new Sport Package**, etc,…
Momentum in Europe
European sales of Mitsubishi cars for the January-June period show that the momentum started two years ago has been maintained, with a robust year-on-year increase of 22% (137,088 sales vs. 112,579 in the same period of 2004). For this first half-year, Russia (24,726 sales), Germany (23,363 sales) and United Kingdom (21,618 sales) were the Top Three leaders.
In terms of product, notable performers include Colt (37,615 sales), and Lancer (28,395 sales). A cornerstone in MMC´s success in Russia where it ranks as Number One import, Lancer took segment honors this year in the Russian Car of the Year.
Mitsubishi Motors will be continuing its fiscal year 2005 product drive with the introduction - amongst others - of Grandis DI-D with its 136ps pump-jet engine, 280 ps Lancer Evolution IX or Colt coupé-cabriolet. This should allow Mitsubishi Motors Europe to reach its target of 254,000 units (FY 2005) / 260,000 units (CY 2005).
