Mitsubishi Concept-RA on show

Mitsubishi has premiered its Mitsubishi Concept-RA at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The vehicle is the company's attempt to fuse the demands of high octane driving with environmental concerns - two considerations, Mitsubishi claims, are not mutually exclusive.

A coupe concept, the car features an S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system driveline and the twin clutch, with sports-shift-transmission, from the new Lancer Evolution.

Also included are active steering and active suspension control as well as ACD, AYC, Sport ABS and ASC - all of which are controlled by the S-AWC system to advance levels of control over drive torque and braking, thereby upgrading traction, cornering and vehicle stability.

The vehicle is powered by a low-emissions 2.2-litre four-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel engine.

As for the exterior, the body structure is made using an aluminium space frame made from extruded aluminium sections and die-cast aluminium members - as well as an engine bonnet, bumpers and other outer panels made from high-impact resistance and easily recyclable plastic resin.

Finally the red exterior colouring "graphically accentuates the beauty of its fluid body lines", according to Mitsubishi, while a matte black engine hood imparts a strongly mechanical flavour.