Mitsubishi will exhibit 15 vehicles at the 2004 North American International Auto Show (the Detroit Motor Show), which will be held January 4-19, 2004, at the Cobo Center in Detroit. The show opens to the general public on January 10. At the show, the Eclipse Concept-E high-performance hybrid will make its world premiere. The concept car is powered by the "E-Boost" high-performance hybrid propulsion system that delivers exhilarating acceleration as well as low fuel consumption and low emissions performance. Another concept vehicle making its global debut is the Sport Truck Concept, a new mid-size truck developed in collaboration with the Chrysler Group in a project that stems from MMC's alliance with DaimlerChrysler.

Eclipse Concept-E: Main features
1. The Concept-E illustrates ideas from MMC for a near-future high-performance sport model.
2. The innovative E-Boost high-performance hybrid power system balances sports car acceleration with environmental performance.

Sport Truck Concept: Main features
1. Offers active, sporty performance in keeping with the new Mitsubishi.
2. Multiple-pattern rear seating caters to active lifestyles.

Eclipse Concept-E: Profile
Eclipse was originally introduced on the North American market in 1989. The same year it received the "Industrial Design Excellence Award" from the Industrial Design Society of America. Since then, the three successive generations of Eclipse have won popular acclaim for their contemporary styling and inspiring dynamics. With its fluid, yet muscular volumes, the 2004 Eclipse Concept-E takes this spirit a step further. Clearly linked to the Eclipse heritage, it adds now a design vocabulary rooted in Mitsubishi Motors racing heritage.

The E-Boost high-performance hybrid propulsion system combines exhilarating acceleration with low-consumption, low-emissions performance. Inside, Concept-E uses a Deep Video Imaging and Multi-Layer Display(tm) instrumentation display system that imparts a futuristic look to the interior design.

Exterior design
Concept-E presents a distinctive front visage featuring the new MMC design identity that is crafted around the three-diamond corporate logo carried on a dihedral base in the centre of the grille.

The long wheelbase, short overhangs and cab forward layout create a highly integrated monolithic form, which, with the water drop-design side window graphics, gives Concept-E an aggressive, ready-to-pounce profile. Xenon HID headlamps and rear combination lamps, throwing out powerful plasma beams of light, accentuate Concept-E's futuristic appearance and identify its high-power hybrid pedigree.

Interior design
Concept-E generates a vibrant atmosphere inside through the "wave line" dashboard that identifies the new MMC design identity and the use of water drop door trim similar in design to that on the current Eclipse. New Deep Video Imaging and Multi-Layer Display(tm) instrumentation uses two overlapping LCD monitors to create a 3-D viewing angle.

Mechanical features
Concept-E is powered by E-Boost hybrid system that combines a 3.8-liter MIVEC V6 engine generating 200kW of power and an electric motor to drive the front wheels and a 150kW electric motor to drive the rear wheels. This advanced and clean-emissions system delivers class-topping acceleration for a hybrid vehicle while cutting fuel consumption when compared to other high performance coupes.

The electric motor is powered by high-efficiency lithium-ion battery packs. Concept-E uses a 6-speed automatic manual transmission that allows the driver to choose between the superior transmission efficiency of a manual gearbox or the easy-drive convenience of an automatic transmission.

Sport Truck Concept: Profile
Leveraging its alliance with DaimlerChrysler, MMC is planning to launch a pickup truck in the North American market. This will mark the entry into a very important segment for MMC and will make a significant addition to the company's line-up in that market. Sport Truck Concept has been developed with this market in mind.

Exterior design
Low-slung lines, a wide cabin and 22-inch wheels placed at the four corners give Sport Truck Concept a sporty, powerful, macho image. Black/chrome accents on the front grille, glass mouldings and rear highlight the concept vehicle's bold, road-hugging appearance.

Interior design
The no-frill, linear design of the dashboard and seats gives the interior a modern architectural look. The instrument displays and primary controls are all grouped towards the driver for optimum legibility and operability.

Mechanical features
The powertrain mates a 4.7-liter V8 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission to deliver more than generous motive power for a mid-size truck.

The rear seats have large forward/back tilt angles and can also be slid sideways, allowing either separate seat or bench seat arrangements, as the occasion requires. The seats can also be slid back into the cargo bed, enabling rear passengers to enjoy the exhilaration of open top driving. As well as operating in the conventional manner, the tailgate also slides up or down to facilitate carriage of bicycles, surfboards or other long items.

Mitsubishi news release - 15 Jan 2004