Auto Extreme

In the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, Mitsubishi will reveal the Prototype-S. This model is a preview version of the Lancer hatchback version that will be created for the European market. Prototype-S uses exterior lines to craft a shape that is powerful and sporty. The use of 215/45R19 tires on 19-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels adds to the tautly muscular and road-hugging image the styling projects.

Prototype-S is powered by a new 2.0-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder DOHC intercooled / turbocharged engine, developing maxima of 240 PS and 35 kg-m that will also power the Lancer Ralliart due to go on sale in North America in the summer of 2008. The power unit is mated to Mitsubishi Motors’s high-efficiency Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission that gives the driver simple control of and feel-good access to the car’s exhilaratingly sporty performance.

Mitsubishi is very upfront about its intentions regarding the Lancer Prototype-S. No PR run-around, no testing-the-waters concept; we’re looking at a preview of the Lancer Sportback.

A five-door hatchback Lancer will be launched later in the year, with the bulk of production making its way to Europe. Mitsubishi continues to fill out the Lancer line to match Subaru’s Impreza and will now be able to go into hatch battle.

The Mitsubishi Prototype-S will get an Evo-esque headlights and hood, a matte black grille treatment, and unique 19-inch five-spoke wheels at the 2008 Geneva show. The rear borrows heavily from the 2005 Concept-Sportback with its color-matched spoiler and wraparound taillamps. Mitsubishi says the shape of the Prototype-S is supposed to mimic that of the Saab 900 Turbo Combi-Coupe.

The concept borrows the orange paint and, more importantly, the powertrain from the Lancer Ralliart. The not-quite-Evo, WRX-fighting sedan was introduced at the Detroit show with a 235 hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. The engine’s 253 lb-ft of torque are routed through Mitsu’s dual-clutch SST gearbox and Active Center Differential feeding all four wheels.

We think the Sportback will be a more handsome alternative to Subaru’s WRX hatch, even if it’s not as practical.

Click the links below for high-resolution Prototype-S images, as well as coverage of the 2009 Lancer Ralliart and the Concept-Sportback.

Prototype-S specification:

- Length (mm) 4,585
- Width (mm) 1,760
- Height (mm) 1,480
- Wheelbase (mm) 2,635
- F/R track (mm) 1,530/1,530
- Occupants 5
- Engine 2L MIVEC 4-cylinder DOHC with intercooler/turbocharger
- Max. output 177 kW (240ps)
- Max. toque 343 Nm (35kgm)
- Driveline Full-time 4WD (with ACD)
- Transmission Twin Clutch SST
- Tires 215/45R19

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