Mitsubishi Motors to Premiere Tier 2 Bin 5 Diesel Concept at NAIAS

From: Green Car Congress

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. (MMNA) will premiere the Mitsubishi Concept-RA Tier 2 Bin 5-compliant diesel at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January.

Mitsubishi says that the vehicle is being shown in Detroit due to its close links with the Mitsubishi Eclipse, which has successfully sold in North America for many years. If the vehicle receives a positive response from Europe, it is likely to be launched into these markets “in due course”.

The concept features the S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system driveline and the Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission used in Lancer Evolution X in Japan, and is powered by a new high-output, high-efficiency diesel engine.

The Concept-RA is powered by a new high-efficiency, low-emissions 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbodiesel engine with MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve lift & timing Electronic Control system). With piezoelectric injector common-rail direct fuel injection that allows a lower compression ratio and with a VD (Variable Diffuser)/VG (Variable Geometry) turbocharger, the clean diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 150 kW (201 hp) and maximum torque of 420 Nm (310 lb-ft).

For compliance with US emissions standards (EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and CA LEV II), the engine relies on a new catalytic converter system that brings together diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NO_x trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies.

For improved crashworthiness and to reduce vehicle weight, the Concept-RA features a new body structure using an aluminum space frame made from extruded aluminum sections and die-cast aluminum members, as well as engine hood, fenders and other outer panels made from high impact-resistance and easily recyclable plastic resin.

The S-AWC driveline adds Active Steering and Active Suspension control to the ACD (Active Center Differential), AYC (Active Yaw Control), Sport ABS (Antilock Brake System) and ASC (Active Stability Control) component systems that constitute the system used on Lancer Evolution. S-AWC integrally manages all of these systems to realize advanced levels of control over drive torque and braking, thereby upgrading traction, cornering and vehicle stability.