The designer sketches of Mitsubishi's Concept Sportback released to the media this week show a new design direction for the Japanese company. The concept apparently previews a new five-door sports hatch, though in our eyes has more than a hint of the Italdesign Nessie show car displayed at the
Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.
Mitsubishi cite the long wheelbase and wide track as giving the Sportback an assertive stance, backed up by the distinctive wedge profile. It is unlikely that a production version would have the extrovert body kit and full-length glass roof, but the basic shape has some promise. Given that the
Lancer Evo IX is the last of the breed, it is conceivable that this new car could form the basis for a future world rally car and its road-going Evo offspring. We can only hope! The Concept Sportback will be revealed at the
2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. We'll be there to witness it.
Shane O' Donoghue - 11 Jul 2005