"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. A fully accessorized Raider illustrates how factory-designed accessories can optimize the Raider truck. Mitsubishi also is highlighting the creativity of partner tuners by showcasing the Road Race Engineering Eclipse and the Rockford Fosgate Eclipse at the Mitsubishi booth.

Eclipse Ralliart Concept

Ralliart is the motorsports arm of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. Worldwide, Ralliart vehicles feature enhanced performance, specialty equipment and sporty styling elements that include more powerful engines, sport-tuned suspensions as well as special fascia and styling cues. The best-selling import coupe for the past 15 years, Eclipse was redesigned for 2006 -and Mitsubishi design engineers wasted no time giving Eclipse the Ralliart treatment.

"To be considered Ralliart, a vehicle must offer improved engine performance and handling, sportier styling, interior enhancements and bold paint," explained Dan Sims, general manager of MMNA's design center. "The Eclipse Ralliart concept passes that test with flying colors."

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. The concept Eclipse's rally prowess is enhanced with the all-wheel drive system currently available on the Endeavor and Lancer Evolution as well as a six-speed manual transmission. 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.

ECLIPSE RALLIART

Exterior:

• Hot Red Mica paint (by PPG)
• Carbon fiber roof panel
• Carbon fiber hood
• Carbon fiber front fenders
• Carbon fiber front and rear fascias
• Carbon fiber rear wing
• Carbon fiber mirrors
• 20 x 9 carbon fiber wheels
• AVS Sport 255/35R20 Yokohama tires

Interior:

• Recaro leather and Alcanterra trimmed seats
• Custom harness bar
• Four-point harnesses
• Rear seat delete
• Rear seat filler panel with integrated storage
• Lancer Evolution steering wheel
• Racing gauges
• Rockford Fosgate sound system

Performance:

• Turbocharged 4G63 engine (inline 4-cyl.)
• Estimated 400 hp
• All-wheel drive
• HKS turbocharger kit
• HKS 264 cams
• Custom 2.75-inch turbo-back exhaust
• Custom air intake
• ARP head studs
• HKS air-fuel controller
• High-flow fuel pump
• High-flow injectors
• HKS dyno tuned
• Endeavor rear suspension
• Lancer Evolution VIII rear differential
• Evo VIII MR 6-speed manual transmission
• RPS triple plate carbon-fiber clutch
• Road Race Engineering/Muellerized coil-over kit
• Brembo brakes: front: 8-piston calipers, 15-inch slotted rotors
  rear: 4-piston calipers, 13.5-inch slotted rotors