Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX
The Evo IX, recently unveiled in Japan, came to NY and brought some welcome publicity for the beleaguered company. It has Mitsubishi's latest-generation variable valve timing, a modified turbocharger to give more torque - just over 400lb ft at 3000rpm - and improved performance across the entire rev range, as well as quicker throttle response. It has also received new front and rear bumpers. Three versions are offered: the GSR, with active centre differential, active yaw control and a six-speed manual gearbox, the stripped-out RS with five-speed 'box, a lighter-weight body, a different turbocharger and mechanical limited-slip differential, and a new GT variant, with the RS turbocharger and drivetrain but the GSR's more comfort-biased bodyshell and specification. European-market versions are expected to go on sale in June.
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| Nissan Sport Concept |
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Nissan Sport Concept
This three-door follows the Actic and AZEAL concepts (Detroit Show, January 2004 and 2005 respectively) in proposing sporty compact cars for the American market, and is, says the company, "conceived as an affordable, attainable vehicle for buyers entering the new car market for the first time."
Designed to look aggressive, the Sport Concept is kitted out with deep bumpers, a large rear roof-mounted spoiler, side sills, 20-inch alloy wheels and multi-unit reflector headlamps; it features some carbonfibre composite body panels. Its leather/suede-upholstered cabin seats four, with front bucket seats and four-point harness seatbelts, and has a powerful audio system with larger speakers mounted in the rear parcel shelf.
Jack Collins, a product planner for Nissan North America, says that "we're focusing on how we can bring Nissan's heritage of innovation, sportiness and driving pleasure to a category of vehicles that traditionally lack design excitement and strong visual appeal", and added that "it is also a car that would be right at home in Nissan showrooms in the not-too-distant future." Nissan has confirmed that it intends to launch a new compact car in the US in 2006, and as this car is based on the same 'long B' platform as the existing Tiida - and therefore closely-related to the Micra and Tone as well - it's safe to assume that there are up-and-running prototypes and it's pretty near to becoming a production reality.
Given the commonality of its platform with the Micra and Tone, enabling this car to meet both US and European crash test regulations would not be difficult. A spokesman for Nissan UK said that although at the moment there were no plans to introduce such a vehicle in Europe, the company was increasingly looking at producing global models, and that bringing it over here couldn't be ruled out.
