Armed with a torque-rich turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, all-wheel-drive capability, and dynamic steering, this Japanese contender challenged the Audi TT’s supremacy and warranted production consideration.
Over the past two decades, global automakers have unveiled an array of captivating concepts, intended to showcase design languages and emerging technologies, though many remained confined to the realm of prototypes.
Among these stood the Mitsubishi Concept-RA, a technologically advanced sports car poised to reinvigorate interest in the Eclipse lineage. Rooted in a legacy of Japanese manufacturers’ contributions to affordable sports cars, the Eclipse series has resonated with enthusiasts since its inception in the 1980s.
While Mitsubishi’s initial Eclipse offerings garnered success, subsequent generations faced varied fortunes. However, the Concept-RA, unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, captivated audiences with its striking aesthetics and technological prowess.
Sporting an aluminum space frame chassis and incorporating performance-enhancing features such as Brembo brakes and Evolution X-derived systems, the Concept-RA signaled Mitsubishi’s commitment to innovation.
Notably, its Super-All Wheel Control system promised superior handling, coupled with a pioneering 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine, hinting at Mitsubishi’s forward-thinking approach.
Despite fervent anticipation, the Concept-RA remained a showpiece, never realizing its potential as the next Eclipse iteration. Nevertheless, its legacy endures, symbolizing what could have been for Mitsubishi’s sports car lineup.
