Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

2 hot Mitsubishi custom concepts at SEMA

|
Get the best interest rate
Mathieu St-Pierre
The 2005 SEMA show is already at an end. Of the many concepts and tuner cars displayed at the show, some were pure head-turners. Mitsubishi was probably the top carmaker when it came to toning and tweaking some of their production models.


Eclipse Ralliart Concept

Eclipse Ralliart Concept (Photo: Mitsubishi)
The most interesting was an Eclipse Ralliart Concept. If you ask me, this is the way the Eclipse should have been. The first step in tuning a car is increase engine output. Mitsubishi delved into their vat of Ralliart performance parts and came up with the Evolution's 4G63 2.0L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder. To it, they added a custom air intake, an HKS turbocharger and cams and a custom turbo-back exhaust system. The result is an estimated 400 hp that are channelled through an EVO VIII 6-speed manual transmission. To get the power to all FOUR wheels, Mitsubishi once again looked around and picked up the Endeavor's and Lancer Evolution's AWD system.

Eclipse Ralliart Concept (Photo: Mitsubishi)
The next step to make a car go faster is to reduce the weight. Mitsubishi judiciously decided to replace nearly every steel body panel by lightweight carbon fiber. Basically, only the original quarter panels remain untouched. Another important step in the equation is to get the beast to stop. How about front Brembo 8-pot callipers clamping down on huge 15" discs and rear Brembo 4-piston callipers crunching into 13.5" discs. The big brakes are visible behind 20" carbon fiber wheels shod with P255/35R20 Yokohama AVS Sport tires.

The body is painted Hot Red Mica, a special paint prepared by PPG. The cabin has a set of Recaro part leather and part Alcantara sport seats, a 4-point harness and a Rockford Fosgate audio system.


Street Raider

Street Raider (Photo: Mitsubishi)
The all-new Mitsubishi Raider has just arrived in the US and already it has been transformed into the Street Raider. The idea behind this truck was for those that need a tow vehicle to get their EVOs to the track on the weekend. The body of the already handsome Raider has been cleanly shaven meaning that the handles and fuel filler door have been filled in. As well, the bumpers have been blended flush and lowered side sills and front air dam have been added. To complete the outrageous exterior, ultra-massive 22" 7-spoke wheels fill in the flared wheel wells. Tires measure P265/40R22 up front and P305/40R22 in the rear.

Under the hood is Chrysler's 4.7L V8 accompanied by a tuned dual exhaust system. The lowered ride height is controlled by a custom air suspension.
Mathieu St-Pierre
Mathieu St-Pierre
Automotive expert
None