New York: Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype gets a EVOplasty snarl

Mitsubishi's Outlander GT Prototype vehicle isn't slated for a reveal until tomorrow morning, but we caught the raced-up crossover lurking uncovered in the darkness as the Japanese automaker was preparing for a run-through of tomorrow's presentation.

As you can plainly see, the concept vehicle is essentially a lowered Outlander that's been given a bit of Evoplasty up front. The new mouth breather look is significantly more aggressive than the current happy-faced model, but changes beyond that are minimal, including OZ split-spoke wheels and a few badges.

While Mitsubishi has yet to announce that this new face will make it to production, the handwriting and spy photos are on the wall for the aggressive new look to become a brand hallmark, what with the recent introduction of the production Lancer Ralliart Sportback sporting a similar front graphic. The fact that this is called a "prototype" and not a concept is a further clue in Mitsu's production intent.

No word yet on what (if any) modifications have been performed under the skin, but a quick peek inside before the press conference rehearsal began seemed to indicate a stock leather-lined interior.

PRESS RELEASE:

Mitsubishi Motors Provides a Sneak Peek of Outlander GT Prototype

April 2, 2009 -- Cypress, CA --

The centerpiece of Mitsubishi Motors' stand at next week's New York Auto Show will be the Outlander GT Prototype. Building on the success of the current Outlander, this sporty compact CUV will make its World debut on April 9.

Dressed in a premium Diamond white hue, the Outlander GT Prototype showcases a host of new technologies, such as Idle Neutral Logic that automatically shifts the transmission into neutral during vehicle standstill, improved performance and fuel economy from its more powerful 3.0-liter SOHC MIVEC V6 engine, and a Super-All-Wheel-Control System offering superior handling and control. Additionally, there is a number of exciting design elements that help distinguish the Outlander GT Prototype, including Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution's signature "Jet Fighter" grille.

Full details on the Outlander GT Prototype will be announced at 9:40 a.m. on April 9 at the Mitsubishi Motors press conference and online immediately afterward at www.media.mitsubishicars.com. Teaser images will be available immediately on the same website.

About Mitsubishi Motors North America:
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 430 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

Mitsubishi planning hot trio of cars including Evo X FQ400

Factory-upgraded versions of typically sedate sedans and hatchbacks have become de rigeur for most major carmakers. Mitsubishi's have been largely hit-or-miss, but the company's next trio of factory specials promise to be on target.

The much-lauded Lancer Evolution X gets FQ400 treatment, pushing output to 400hp (298kW) and taking its demeanor further into the hardcore. Unfortunately, like other FQ variants, the model isn't slated for U.S. sale. Pricing is expected to nose up against the £50,000 mark when it hits UK streets around April.

The Lancer Sportback is also due for a Ralliart variant, already confirmed for the U.S., as is the GTS version, which shares specs with the GTS sedan. The new Ralliart is expected to get Evo IX running gear, reports evo, making the car a notable upgrade over the bland last-generation Ralliart.

The foreign-market Colt small hatch has already been upgraded with a Ralliart variant, but a new TWR Walkinshaw edition is set to raise the bar even further, its 1.5L four-cylinder remaining at the same 147hp (110kW) of the Ralliart model, but an upgraded suspension and lower ride height are expected. Other details will have to wait until the official release.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart 2009

Gallery: Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X GSR and RS

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Colt officially revealed

EPA docs confirm 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback coming in GTS and Ralliart trims

Any chance we get to grill a Mitsubishi PR person about the 2009 Lancer Sportback, our questioning inevitably centers on whether the five-door will be packing the Lancer Ralliart's turbocharged, all-wheel-drivetrain. At the New York Auto Show, we were told that the Sportback would "probably" carry the Ralliart's 237-hp, turbocharged inline-four and Evo IX-derived AWD system, but nobody from Mitsubishi would confirmed it.

Some snooping at the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) website reveals that Mitsubishi has already filed with the Feds for three different drivetrains for the 2009 hatch, including the GTS' 2.4-liter four-pot attached to either a CVT or five-speed manual, and a 2.0-liter DOHC turbo equipped with an "Automatic (S6)." The automatic in question is almost assuredly the six-speed twin-clutch (TC-SST) gearbox available on the Ralliart. For those of you unable to get around the recently redesigned 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX hatch's shape, a credible contender has arrived, and it should be hitting dealers this spring.