2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor Ralliart Concept

Personally, I expected an announcement about putting the two Ralliart concepts into production from Mitsubishi by now,

The Ralliart versions of both the Endeavor and Galant make total sense, and would definitely grab the attention of the North American market. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

as well as specially-tuned versions of the new Eclipse and all-new Raider sport truck - well maybe we'll give the Japanese brand a couple of months for the latter two. To me, the Ralliart versions of both the Endeavor and Galant make total sense, what with the brand needing to get on North American buyers' collective radar more than ever before and all.

But then again, Mitsubishi hasn't brought its Colt to North America either, another no-brainer that would infuse some much-needed entry-level, first-time buyer sales into the brand's dealerships, something that can be accomplished when you offer something few

There are buyers that would jump at the opportunity to own the Endeavor Ralliart. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

others in the market are doing. Instead, the majority of its import rivals are now talking about bringing subcompact hatchbacks into the North American market, so therefore Mitsu may have already missed out on the perfect opportunity.

The same could be said about selling its compact Grandis minivan in North America, now that Mazda has just announced its 3-based 5 minivan and shown it at the Detroit show, and Honda is talking about bringing in one of its Japanese-only offerings to fill the void in the marketplace.