The Concept RA has appeared in Detroit looking like a cross between the new Lancer EVO and (perhaps) the latest generation USDM Mitsubishi Eclipse, or even an Audi TT.

The strictly concept only (Sorry, guys and girls) Concept RA sports a 2.2 litre, DOHC 16-valve 150kw/201HP/420nm high output, clean burn diesel engine, as part of Mitsubishi’s new drive towards eco-friendly performance sports cars.

In order to achieve low consumption while not sacrificing performance means the Concept RA features Mitsubishi’s proprietary MIVEC variable valve control technology, an all aluminum space frame, variable diffuser/variable geometry turbocharger, peizoelectric injector system and also sports some impact resistant, recyclable plastic resin panels as part of it’s construction.

Environmental features include a new catalytic converter system that combines a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) in addition to the highly efficient 2.2 litre clean burning diesel.

Of course, the Concept RA sports Fulltime 4WD, Twin Clutch SST Transmission, and the new S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control) most notably seen on the new EVO. As mentioned before on IJ, S-AWC is a combination of existing technologies, Active Center Differential, Active Yaw Control, ABS and Active Stability Control.

Unfortunately though, all this is to be shelved as the car is designed purely as a concept, and won’t challenge either Honda’s offering in the new CRZ (CRX) or Toyota’s rumored new ‘AE86’.

Popularity: 57% [?]

It looks like we can expect a new CR-X coupe at the Tokyo Motor Show. In fact, Winding Road says we can go the unusual step of saying this car will see production! Featuring a svelte, almost Volvo-esque front, curves that seem to evolve from the old CR-X, neat dual exhausts and 19’s, the possibly hybrid CR-Z would make a welcome addition to Honda’s line up.

What do we want to see in this?

• 1.8L VTEC, or just the MUGEN RR’s powerplant
• RWD or if we’re really talking fantasy, AWD
• 6 speed manual
• 1100kg’s or less

Popularity: 39% [?]