Tags: Mitsubishi Mitsubishi Concept Mitsubishi Concept-Sportback concept cars
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and its European unit Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. (MME) announced the world debut of Mitsubishi Concept-Sportback next-generation sportback concept car at the 61th International Automobil Ausstellung (IAA; commonly known as the Frankfurt International Motor Show). Held at the Frankfurt Messe Complex, the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show will be open to the public from September 15 through 25, with a press and media preview September 12 to 14.
At a press conference at the Mitsubishi Motors stand, Mitsubishi Motors President Osamu Masuko made the following remarks: "Our efforts to achieve the 2005 business plan are definitely paying off, and particularly in Europe. The high critical acclaim Mitsubishi brand products have received has led to expanded sales. Mitsubishi brand cars are selling well in Europe, with sales for the first eight months of the year up 20% over the corresponding period last year. We see the European market in particular as being a prime mover in our drive to future growth and we are looking to increase sales further still. Therefore, we will be introducing seven new competitive models in Europe over the next three years, including a new pickup truck and Colt coupe-cabriolet. Over the next three years we will also be introducing five new models in North America and nine new models in Japan."
Mitsubishi Motors will be showing 16 vehicles at the Frankfurt Motor Show (20 during the public days). Joining Mitsubishi Concept Sportback on the company stand will be Colt coupe-cabriolet concept, a concept for a new Colt model due to be introduced on the European market in 2006 and which was shown at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. Also on display will be the Lancer Evolution IX high-performance 4WD sedan to be released in Europe in September 2005, the Grandis DI-D (direct-injection diesel), the Pajero Evolution cross country rally car that won the 2005 Dakar Rally to take the company's fifth consecutive and 10th victory in the history of the event, and the Lancer WRC05 machine that is currently competing in the 2005 FIA World Rally Championship series.
• Following 5 and 3-door body models, the third variation in the European Colt range uses the Colt's platform to carry a retractable hard top for open motoring pleasure.
• Within its compact 3885 mm overall length, 15 mm longer than Colt CZ3, Colt coupe- cabriolet concept uses a high-efficiency design to create a 2+2 layout with a trunk into which the hardtop stows neatly.
• Colt coupe-cabriolet concept uses the same 150 PS 1.5-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC turbocharged engine that powers Colt CZT. The body has been strategically reinforced to safely and comfortably underpin the exhilaration of open-top motoring.
• While taking its design references from Colt's defining one-motion form, Colt coupe- cabriolet concept weaves together straight lines and curves to create taut styling that projects an appetizing taste of its potent road performance. Serving to counterpoint the sensuous curves of the one-motion form are the sharply raked windscreen, the V-cut rear combination lamps and the linear-design high-mounted auxiliary brake light tastefully integrated into the trunk lid.
• The interior uses high-quality orange suede upholstery and trim in creating a sporty and classy look that matches Colt coupe-cabriolet concept's athletic and open car personality.
