Concept-X Offers More than just Hint of the Next Lancer Evolution
If you liked what you saw when Mitsubishi introduced photos of its Concept-X last month (see automotive news section for Sep 29,
2005: New Mitsubishi Concept X to Wow Tokyo Showgoers), you'd better make room for an extra $35,000 or so in your 2008 budget. While model year 2009 might seem like a long time to wait for a new car, the upcoming EVO should be nothing less than outstanding.
According to top-ranking Mitsubishi officials, the prototype shown in Frankfurt is very true to the next Lancer Evolution, which bodes well for the automaker gaining ground as new models get released.
"The overall shape is close to the production model," commented Akinori Nakanishi, chief designer for Mitsubishi Motors Corp. "We want a more mature looking, upscale and sophisticated model."
It
is believed that Mitsubishi will attempt to heighten the EVO's appeal to a broader range of new car buyers when the new model comes along, it currently only sells 5,000 units in the U.S., and none in Canada being that bumper restrictions don't allow its sale north of the 49th.
Currently, the manual-only performance car's "boy-racer" styling is not popular among women, and Mitsubishi hopes its classier design and the addition of an automatic transmission will help lure more female performance buyers to the EVO camp.
The Evolution "is more boy-racer looking," Nakanishi added. "We need a broader audience because of the price."
If you liked what you saw when Mitsubishi introduced photos of its Concept-X last month (see automotive news section for Sep 29,
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| If you liked what you saw when Mitsubishi introduced photos of its Concept-X last month, you'd better make room for an extra $35,000 or so in your 2008 budget. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America) |
According to top-ranking Mitsubishi officials, the prototype shown in Frankfurt is very true to the next Lancer Evolution, which bodes well for the automaker gaining ground as new models get released.
"The overall shape is close to the production model," commented Akinori Nakanishi, chief designer for Mitsubishi Motors Corp. "We want a more mature looking, upscale and sophisticated model."
It
 |
| Mitsubishi will attempt to heighten the EVO's appeal to a broader range of new car buyers when the new model comes along. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America) |
Currently, the manual-only performance car's "boy-racer" styling is not popular among women, and Mitsubishi hopes its classier design and the addition of an automatic transmission will help lure more female performance buyers to the EVO camp.
The Evolution "is more boy-racer looking," Nakanishi added. "We need a broader audience because of the price."