Mitsubishi’s Concept-RA Champions Clean Diesel Power

Ever wonder what would happen if Mitsubishi took the Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics control system and Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission from its rally-bred Lancer Evolution, mated them both to a clean diesel engine, and wrapped it all up in sexy sheetmetal? Neither did we, but if these early design sketches are any indication the results could be impressive. Actually, we'll find out soon since Mitsubishi's Concept-RA is set to debut at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Fans of the Evo will be familiar with Mitsubishi's S-AWC system, which provides advanced control over drive torque and braking for maximum traction, cornering, and vehicle stability. The Concept-RA adds to this active steering and active damping control to further improve vehicle responses.

The new 2.2-liter, 4-cylinder turbodiesel features MIVEC continuously variable valve lift and timing control, piezoelectric common-rail direct fuel injection, and a variable geometry turbocharger, all working together to deliver 201 horsepower and 310 lbs-ft of torque. The engine aims for Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards by implementing a new catalytic converter system that combines diesel oxidation catalyst, NOx trap catalyst, and diesel particulate filter technologies.

The shape of the Concept-RA may draw your gaze, but keep an eye on this clean diesel engine for real world applications in the near future.