Looks like Mitsubishi is playing with bringing back the Ferrari Fighter, or at least their concept
designers are. Not wanting to be out done by a rebranding of their own '93 - '99 GTO built by
Russian coach builder E-Go, Mitsubishi concept designers have been quietly at work on their first
exciting concept since the Mitsubishi Concept-RA debuted in 2008.
While the concept GTO is drawing cues from the Concept-RA the obvious design is looking again
at Ferrari. As for what is under the hood, what little we know seems to be taking aim at the
Nissan GTR and going for a head shot.
The next GTO is boasting a twin turbo charged version of the 4th generation Eclipse 3.8 L 24-valve
DOHC 6G75 with MIVEC, Mitsubishi's variable valve timing technology. Built on an extended wheel base
version of the Mitsubishi Evo X. The concept GTO is paired with such features as Mitsubishi's Super
All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), for improved traction, cornering, and vehicle stability, and the automaker's
twin-clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission), a 6-speed manual will also be available.
Power is expected to be around 560 bhp with 480 ft lb of torque just edging out the GTR. So the only
real question, when can I buy one?
Sadly it is not a when, it probably isn’t even an if. Beginning with Mitsubishi pulling out of the WRC in
2009, then reducing Ralliart, the company’s motorsports-development arm, down to almost nothing in
2010, then killing off the Eclipse (granted not a huge loss since the 2nd generation) and now the Evo is
on the chopping block despite continued demand. Mitsubishi has made it clear that they are shifting
its focus away from cars with good dynamics, cheap prices and fervent motorsports-bred street cred
toward an electric vehicle future.
The company's plans are as aggressive as its talk. Mitsubishi has said it will launch six new electric or
plug-in hybrid vehicles and enough conventional hybrids to put Berkeley, California into a figure-four
leglock by 2015. How's that for aggressive?
So that is it? The GTO legacy died in 1999? It looks that way.
Ultimately, the concept is an impressive retelling of the story of a platform that survived the
onslaught of the SUV in the late 90's longer than its rival Supras, RX7s and 300ZXs. But that is not enough,
this could be the car that pulls Mitsubishi back into the spot light and would help to save the Evo. Or it
could be the car that never gets further than this concept rendering.[/i][/b]
Full credits to The Next 3000GT, Sasha Selipanov, John Hervert.