Mitsubishi is going to unveil the Lancer Prototype S at the Geneva Auto Show next month. The concept is supposed to hint at the actual production Lancer Sportback that will eventually be released later this year.
Autobild has leaked the first images of the concept, which are shown here. As you can tell from these photos the concept is basically the same as the Lancer Ralliart sedan from the B-pillar forward. After the B-pillar the styling is all new with a more functional hatchback design. The Prototype S is obviously designed more for the European market, since hatchbacks sell a lot better there than here.
The Prototype S is powered by the same running gear as the upcoming Lancer Ralliart, a 2.0L turbocharged MIVEC engine with 236hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. It also features the same all-wheel-drive system as the Ralliart with the dual-clutch transmission.
Full Story: Autoblog
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Comments (18)
It's like they took a Lancer and mated it with one of the new Impreza's. While it's still butt ugly, at least it favored the more attractive Lancer.
Posted by Remy LeBeau | February 23, 2008 7:19 PM
Posted on February 23, 2008 19:19
at least it looks better in the back than the new Subaru hatch.
actually looks more eye catching to me than the Subby. Its rear end was a real turn off!
Posted by Jason | February 23, 2008 10:26 PM
Posted on February 23, 2008 22:26
Please in the name of all that is holy if you are paying any attention at all Mitsubishi, PLEASE bring this car to the US. This is exactly what I want, sporty, SST transmission, utility of a hatchback, good price, will have tons of Evo X mods that fit it. If the Ralliart in non hatchback form had a bigger trunk wanting the hatchback version would be less of a want for me.
Posted by Travis | February 23, 2008 10:30 PM
Posted on February 23, 2008 22:30
Wow, I want this.
Posted by John | February 24, 2008 12:16 AM
Posted on February 24, 2008 00:16
Ford Focus
Posted by Diesel | February 24, 2008 5:48 AM
Posted on February 24, 2008 05:48
This car looks so nice. I'm so happy they are including the dual clutch transmission, and 236 horsepower should be just right for a car this size and price.
Posted by Slyons89 | February 24, 2008 9:21 AM
Posted on February 24, 2008 09:21
BORRRINGGG!!
Picking up on the heels of Subaru. The front looks good and thats about the only thing that does look good.
Even the regular Evo X has a ugly rear. Change the looks and you'll see cars flying off the shelves.
Posted by Kings | February 24, 2008 10:44 AM
Posted on February 24, 2008 10:44
the rear doesnt look bad to me. i'd choose this over the ralliart.
Posted by 09 | February 24, 2008 10:52 AM
Posted on February 24, 2008 10:52
Old news to me.
Posted by Dean | February 24, 2008 3:29 PM
Posted on February 24, 2008 15:29
"Picking up on the heels of Subaru."
I'm sorry but most of the cars Subaru makes are ugly, this car actually looks nice. The rear of this car is decent, but not bad.
Posted by John | February 24, 2008 7:26 PM
Posted on February 24, 2008 19:26
Are those fog lights for real (i.e. help in the fog) or are they just fancy lights for show?
I'm starting to like hatchbacks recently, we don't see much of those in the US, we have the butt ugly focus, the golf, and the saab, I guess. This rear end is really a beauty. Shame about the rice car image, and the agricultural/tractor like oversized grille on the front end (which is supposed to look aggressive, but not to me. If it gulps that much air in the front, it can't be that much aerodynamic, can it? Look at Porsche and tell me how much grille there is in there. Does this car really need that large grille? argh.
Posted by Sphere | February 25, 2008 12:16 AM
Posted on February 25, 2008 00:16
@Sphere
No those lights are just for show...they don't do anything, at all, it is a ricers car after all ;)
FYI Porsches have their engine in the rear Mr Twat face, exactly the same place you take cock.
Posted by RJ | February 25, 2008 1:22 AM
Posted on February 25, 2008 01:22
Do you know where the air intake on the Porsches are, RJ? The radiators, the intercooler, the oil cooler?
I guess you have no idea. Maybe it's because you were born from the wrong hole.
Posted by Sphere | February 25, 2008 2:47 AM
Posted on February 25, 2008 02:47
Ya'll are hateful. Some of the crap in Porsches is in the front and some of the crap is in the rear. Still, it's a silly car to use as a comparison for a Mitsubishi anyways. Can't we all just get along?
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | February 25, 2008 8:29 AM
Posted on February 25, 2008 08:29
Why, why, why??? Sheesh.
Posted by Topper | February 25, 2008 11:04 AM
Posted on February 25, 2008 11:04
I'm not sure if I like this. I think I'd have to see it in person to decide. The look of the sedan version is beautiful, but this does have some added utility, so I'd give it a chance.
Posted by gm0n3y | February 25, 2008 2:10 PM
Posted on February 25, 2008 14:10
Looks like one of those Dirt Devil vacuum cleaners from Wal-Mart.
Sorry, but the STi hatchback still wins.
Posted by john | February 25, 2008 2:33 PM
Posted on February 25, 2008 14:33
It is original... It is a kind of Lancer 5 doors, maybe Mitsubishi wanted to make as Subaru.
Posted by paul | February 29, 2008 7:13 AM
Posted on February 29, 2008 07:13