Alongside the rollout of the Ralliart performance parts and accessories program for the North America, Mitsubishi at SEMA 2005 unveiled six concept cars, including the Ralliart Eclipse, which we first previewed earlier today. “The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and prior-generation Eclipses are well established in the tuner market because they provide great performance and are easily modified,” said Wayne Killen, MMNA vice president of marketing. “These six concepts, based on the all-new 2006 Eclipse sporty coupe and Raider midsize pickup truck, demonstrate several possibilities for an enthusiast who wants to customize these great models.” Three of the concepts were created by Mitsubishi Motors’ design center in Cypress, Calif. — the Eclipse Ralliart, Rally Raider and the Street Raider. The other three were created by partner tuners.
Special attention was paid to increasing horsepower and torque, adding all-wheel drive capability for improved power in a variety of driving conditions while minimizing weight. To boost horsepower to an estimated 400 hp, a turbocharged 4G63 engine was borrowed from the Lancer Evolution and supplemented with a custom air intake and other HKS performance parts. Lightweight carbon fiber was used extensively in the roof, hood, fascias and front fenders.
 |
The custom exterior is enhanced by Hot Red Mica paint, specially formulated by PPG for this concept. The Eclipse Ralliart rides on 20-inch high-performance carbon fiber wheels with AVS Sport Yokohama tires. Interior enhancements include Recaro performance seats trimmed with leather and Alcanterra suede, four-point restraints, racing gauges and a Rockford Fosgate premium sound system.
Rally Raider
Inspired by a grueling intercontinental rally, Mitsubishi created the Rally Raider concept, styled to look like it could compete in the annual Dakar Rally that starts in Europe, spans the deserts of northern Africa and culminates weeks later in Dakar, the Senegal capital. The 40 percent scale-model concept calls for a custom tube chassis, integral racing cage and carbon fiber body work. The fenders are pushed out five inches to accommodate a wider track, double wishbone four-wheel independent suspension and 19-inch forged race wheels shod with 35-inch off-road racing tires. Mitsubishi’s 3.8-liter MIVEC V-6, modified for racing duty, would power the rally truck, and massive 14-inch brakes with four-piston calipers enhance braking capability. Underbody skid plates protect against harsh and unpredictable racing conditions.
Street Raider
Starting with a 2006 Mitsubishi Raider double cab pickup truck, Mitsubishi designers transformed it into “the ultimate, hot rod street truck.” Inspired by classic customizers and hot rodders, Mitsubishi designers “shaved” the door handles, fuel filler door and other body protrusions for the Street Raider’s smooth look. The front and rear bumpers are blended flush with the body, and the custom grille is accented with black chrome. PPG White Tech Pearl paint coats the exterior for a provocative but clean appearance. The interior is customized with brown and pearl white leather trim and a premium Rockford Fosgate sound system for the ultimate in modern comfort and entertainment.
 |
Overall ride height has been lowered two inches. The Street Raider’s custom air suspension provides enhanced handling and an aggressive appearance while preserving the truck’s payload capacity. Designed exclusively for the Street Raider, seven-spoke alloy wheels are matched to 22-inch tires all around.
“Accessorized” Raider
A 2006 Raider also will be outfitted with genuine Mitsubishi parts and accessories, featuring parts designed by the same MMNA design team that designed the Raider. The truck showcases many available accessories, including a bed liner, bed extender, hood protector, fender flares and a four- inch exhaust finisher.
Road Race Engineering Eclipse
Mitsubishi i s displaying creations from two partner tuners within its SEMA booth. Road Race Engineering of Sante Fe Springs, Calif., has stripped down and modified an all-new 2006 Eclipse GT to U.S. Touring Car Championship (USTCC) racing specifications. Mitsubishi’s high-output 3.8-liter SOHC MIVEC V-6 engine (6G75) is supplemented with several Road Race Engineering performance parts such as cold air intake, programmable fuel controller and exhaust system. Exterior graphics were provided by Modern Image.
Rockford Fosgate Eclipse
A player in the aftermarket car audio segment for 25 years, Rockford Fosgate teamed with Mitsubishi to offer their first factory-installed system in the 2006 Eclipse. Now Rockford Fosgate is demonstrating how tuners can further amplify sound with aftermarket options, including four PUNCH 400-watt subwoofers, PUNCH® front and rear speakers, 300- and 400-watt amplifiers and a 3Sixty interactive signal processor. This concept also sports 20-inch Urban Racer Type 10 wheels, enhanced suspension and brakes, tuned intake and exhaust and custom exterior paint.
