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Mitsubishi's stand in Detroit featured two important new models - the Eclipse Spyder and Concept-CT.
The popular Eclipse, a quick but affordable compact coupe, is the current follow-up to the FTO. The 2+2-seat Spyder convertible equivalent will join Mitsubishi's US line-up for the 2007 model-year and will come with a high standard equipment level. Engines on offer are 3.8 V6 (260bhp) and 2.4-litre, four-cylinder (162bhp) units.
The Concept-CT, meanwhile, shows that Mitsubishi is considering entering the growing market for subcompacts in the US. Honda is to offer the Fit, a version of the Jazz, Toyota its Echo (Yaris) and even the domestic carmakers are lining up supermini-size vehicles to cater for the increasing number of fuel- and cost-conscious Americans.
The success of the Mini, especially among city-dwellers, has also demonstrated that there is an interest in small cars, as long as they are stylish and fun to drive.
The Concept-CT isn't a near-production prototype, however. Developed at Mitsubishi's design centre in Cypress, California, it showcases the company's hybrid petrol-electric technology, which incorporates four individual in-wheel motors (20kW each), rather than a single electricity-driven unit, in combination with the tiny petrol engine, a new-generation 1.0-litre, three-cylinder unit (68bhp). This allows for individual control of each wheel in a four-wheel drive system, as well as strong performance. It "provides a glimpse into the future of next-generation hybrid powertrain vehicles", says Mitsubishi, as well as being "a forward-thinking design study in B-segment packaging".
With its engine mounted in a rear-mid position, the Concept-CT has a similar layout to the i city car now on sale in Japan. The i, in turn, was developed from the Smart Fortwo, as part of the now-defunct alliance between Mitsubishi and Smart, which also led to the co-production of the ongoing Colt/Forfour superminis. Like the i, the CT is essentially a stretched, four-seater Fortwo, smaller than the Colt. It has four doors in a clamshell-style design, the rear pair rear-hinged, and no central pillars, allowing for excellent access to both front and rear seats.
The Concept-CT also previews a new-style dash design for Mitsubishi, with a wide-format screen for driver information stretching almost the width of the cabin, showing details such as images from the rear-view mirrors. It has a touch-screen unit to control functions such as air con and stereo in a central console. It's also kitted out with futuristic slim-framed seats, the rear and front passenger seats folding flat to provide excellent load space for such a tiny vehicle.
Mitsubishi has struggled for a number of years after repeated quality problems and financial difficulties, and has taken a beating in the US. However, it appears to have pulled through the worst. Hiroshi Harunari, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, outlined in a speech measures to rebuild the brand though improved sales operations, a rethink of fleet sales strategy, better finance deals and general improved efficiency.
"The relationship between MMC (Japan) and MMNA (North America) has been strengthened to allow for more flexibility in responding to market changes", he said. "The company will continue to take steps to normalise sales operations, raise operating efficiencies and increase profit opportunities by actively promoting exports from MMNA's Illinois factory to other markets".
These exports could include a new-generation Galant midsize saloon/estate.