The new Sportback and Sportback Ralliart have debuted online prior to the Paris Motorshow in a series of stunning images.

Aimed squarely at the popular hatchback and sedan Imprezas, the base Sportback will come in four cylinder 1.5L, 1.8L or 2.0L turbodiesel models, with the Sportback Ralliart recieving a 2.0L, 177kw/321nM turbocharged MIVEC four.

The Evolution X’s AWD system, Twin Clutch SST and Active Centre Differential round out the Sportback’s impressive list of features.

[Source: NetCarShow ]

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart:

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Popularity: 6% [?]

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% [?]

The new Evolution X has been made official in a new press release from Mitsubishi, with cars hitting dealers in Japan today, October 1st, 2007.

Here’s a quick rundown of the juiciest features on the new Evolution X

• Engine
  • New, completely redesigned aluminium block ‘4B11’ 16-valve, 2.0L DOHC MIVEC intercooled turbocharged engine - 12kg lighter than the outgoing 4G63.
  • Power: 295HP, Torque: 422 Nm @ 3500rpm (300 lb-ft)
• Two trim levels: RS, GSR.

• Transmissions:
  • Twin Clutch SST 6-speed automated manual on the GSR or
  • 5 speed manual also available on the GSR
  • 5 speed manual on the RS only (No SST)

• 4WD S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) on the GSR
  • ACD (Active Center Differential)
  • AYC (Active Yaw Control)
  • Sport ABS (Sport Anti-lock Brake System)
  • Active Stability Control (ASC)
• Suspension/ Tyre / Brakes
  • MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension
  • (GSR) 18-inch Enkei 12-spoke high-rigidity cast alloy wheels. 18-inch BBS lightweight alloy wheels are also available as a factory-fitted option
  • GSR comes standard with Brembo 18-inch front and 17-inch rear ventilated disc brakes. (Unsure if this is a mistake. Though that’s what’s stated on the PR! - ED )
  • Bilstein single tube shock absorbers and Eibach coil springs

• Interior
  • Premium Rockford Fosgate audio, factory-fitted MMCS option with 30Gb hard disk drive audio/navigation system and 7-inch LCD screen on the GSR.
  • Recaro seats
  • Various interior upgrade option packages, including leather
  • High contrast instrument cluster
  • Leather wrapped steering with audio controls
• Pricing:
  • GSR: 3,750,600 yen with 6speed Twin Clutch SST
  • GSR: 3,495,450 yen 5 speed M/T
  • RS: 2,997,750 yen with 5 speed

And of course, required reading - the Press Release itself . This car has tonnes more features, admittedly more than we expected. The Impreza WRX STi has a battle ahead of it with the new Evo.

Popularity: 35% [?]