Mitsubishi Motors to Reveal the 2007 Eclipse Spyder and Concept-CT MIEV at the 2006 NAIAS
CYPRESS, Calif., Dec. 5, 2005 -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) will push the limits again with the world reveals of two more vehicles that thrill -- the 2007 Eclipse Spyder and the Concept-CT MIEV -- at the upcoming 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January. The company is building its strongest product portfolio in history, launching six new vehicles in less than three years, including the all-new 2006 Eclipse, Raider mid-size pickup truck, and now the '07 Eclipse Spyder.
"The Eclipse Spyder and the breakthrough Concept-CT continue the excitement of the brand and demonstrate new design directions and potential future technologies," said MMNA President and CEO Rich Gilligan. "We are rebuilding our brand with products that consistently reinforce our commitment to being driven to thrill."
2007 Eclipse Spyder
Based on the widely acclaimed 2006 Eclipse coupe, the '07 Spyder will provide drop-top fun combined with head-turning design. Luxurious enhancements will place the affordable 2 + 2 convertible in an attainable exotic position. Both GS and GT trim lines will be available, each with a powerful MIVEC engine and 650-watt Rockford Fosgate Premium Audio system -- along with a few other surprise features usually reserved for high-priced convertibles and cabriolets.
Concept-CT
The world reveal of the innovative Concept-CT MIEV will showcase a forward-thinking design study in B-segment packaging. The concept's inspiration was to create a "city-technology" model -- a desirable small car optimized for today's needs. Designed at the Mitsubishi Motors design center in Cypress, Calif., the Concept-CT will feature a hybrid powertrain -- incorporating a representative gasoline engine with Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electronic Vehicle (MIEV) technology, a function recently shown at the Tokyo Motor Show, whereby the wheels are driven by four outer-rotor, in-wheel electric motors. Combining environmental technology and exciting design characteristics along with the all-wheel-drive MIEV system, the concept provides a glimpse into the future of next-generation hybrid powertrain vehicles. The "in-wheel motor" component systems, with accompanying graphics and video, will be displayed at the Mitsubishi NAIAS exhibit.
2006 Model Lineup
The full lineup of 2006 Mitsubishi Motors North American models also will be on display as well as a few unique models:
Street Raider Concept -- Recently unveiled at the 2005 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, the Street Raider Concept is the ultimate, hot rod street truck inspired by classic customizers and hot rodders. The concept sports a smooth, clean appearance with "shaved" body protrusions, a custom grille accented with black chrome, and PPG White Tech Pearl exterior paint. A custom leather interior, lowered ride height, and specially designed 22-inch alloy wheels give the truck credence as a stylish street ride.
Lancer Evolution -- Built on Mitsubishi's historic rally championship legacy, the 2006 Lancer Evolution represents the ninth generation of this high performance four-door sedan that continues to evolve with significant performance, rally styling and useful driver enhancements -- raising the adrenaline of driving enthusiasts at every turn. The new Lancer World Rally Car, WRC05, will be shown before it begins racing for the FIA World Rally Championship. The WRC05 has significant performance improvements over the previous rally car including an increased body width and re-designed front and rear wings, rear quarters and bumpers to aid in stability and aerodynamics.
Eclipse -- The 2006 Eclipse sports coupe is a serious thrill ride featuring exotic styling and great performance. Completely redesigned from the ground up for 2006, practically the only item this fourth-generation Eclipse has in common with the car it replaces is its name.
Raider -- New for 2006, the Raider mid-size pickup truck embodies aggressive design cues and useful functionality to appeal to a new generation of truck buyers with upscale tastes and urban style. Raider blazes the trail as the only import nameplate truck in the mid-size class to offer a 4.7-liter, V8 engine which helps provide a class-leading 6,500-lb towing capacity.
Lancer -- The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer compact sedan hits the mark by featuring a redesigned front fascia, advanced safety upgrades and subtle interior enhancements to complement a spirited, solid and nimble ride -- at a very competitive price.
Galant -- Car buyers in the popular mid-size sedan market can have distinctive design, safety and performance, as well as functionality and practicality with the 2006 Mitsubishi Galant.
Outlander -- The 2006 Outlander features more standard safety equipment, new visually exciting styling enhancements, and greater value. Its crossover SUV design turns utility and functionality into fun.
Endeavor -- Defining the mid-size SUV segment by balancing the design, commanding driving position and utility of an SUV with the driving performance and handling of a car, the 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor tackles daily driving, extended road trips or off-roading with ease. The new front grille gives it a fresh new appearance.
Montero -- Comfortable on city streets or rugged terrain, the 2006 Mitsubishi Montero SUV features a powerful 3.8-liter, V6 engine. A sophisticated all-wheel drive system with locking differentials and seven-passenger seating give Montero unprecedented on or off-road versatility.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States. Mitsubishi Motors currently sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, trucks and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 570 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit http://media.mitsubishicars.com/.