The Mitsubishi Concept-cX is equipped with a unit from the all-new Euro 5 Clean Diesel family of engines, which will be launched in 2009.
The Concept-cX has compact dimensions: it is 4,100 mm long, 1,550mm tall and 1,750 mm wide. The wheelbase is 2,525 mm and the wide tracks (1,510/1,510 cm) and planted on 225/45R19 tyres.
The front end is characterized by the over-sized “Jet Fighter” grille introduced with the all-new Lancer family, thus creating a link between Mitsubishi’s passenger cars and SUVs.
The sporty appearance is stressed by the tight and powerful wedge, slotted within four bulging wheel-arches, fronted by the vast expanse of a clam-shell hood.
The deep-set headlamps either sides of the reverse slant of an over-sized version of Mitsubishi’s trademark “Jet Fighter” grille.
The flanks themselves are all motion, with beltline, Lancer-like character line and even the position of the door handles following airflows.
At the back, all lines converge and merge into the wrap-around “fast hatch” tucked in between the powerful rear fenders, with the eyebrows of the (front) headlamps echoed by the (rear) roof spoiler and the lower vent / central exhaust resembling jets’ thrust nozzles.
Concept-cX also ticks the convenience box with its deep panoramic backlight, twin-stage split tailgate and high mounted rear combination lamps.
As a finishing touch, Concept-cX sports a sharp & pure metallic medium blue hue that evokes the image of a crystal-clear lake, while the use of fine aluminium flecks throughout creates a nearly transparent metallic finish.
The interior makes use of Mitsubishi's Green Plastic for the floor mats, door trim, tail gate trim and seat back panels. It is upholstered in earthy tones of brown (leather) and off-white.
The main design elements include the organically-shaped front backrests, the bench seat which integrates the transmission lever (Twin Clutch SST and 2WD/4WD functions) and other controls, and the driver-oriented round meters.
The dashboard is dominated by a mega-sized information centre touch screen.
The 1.8-litre 4 cylinder engine develops 100 kW (136 hp) at 4,000 rpm and a max torque of 280 Nm @ 2,000 rpm. It features a variable geometry (VG) turbocharger, DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) and DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst).
The unit is mated to the Twin Clutch SST, a manual transmission system with no clutch pedal, the AWC (All-Wheel Control) technology, an electronically controlled 4WD system that offers three operating modes (2WD, 4WD Auto, 4WD Lock) and uses a centre differential with an electronically controlled coupling that determines the optimum front/rear torque split from sensor data on throttle opening, vehicle speed, road conditions and driver inputs.
Among the other technical highlight is the use of “Green Plastics” materials , MMC’s proprietary plant-based resin technology - made from bamboo and other plant-based resins - effectively used for interior trim materials, such as floor mats, door trim, tail gate trim and seat back panels.
(Source: Mitsubishi)
