Mitsubishi to Hold Global Debut of Two Concept Vehicles At 2001 NAIAS
20 December 2000
Mitsubishi Motors to Hold Global Debut of Two Concept Vehicles At 2001 North American International Auto ShowTwo Unique Multi-Activity Concept Vehicles Demonstrate Forward Thinking Functionality and Fun CYPRESS, Calif., Dec. 19 Mitsubishi Motors will showcase two interpretations of its vision for sporty, stylish multi-activity vehicles at the 2001 North American International Auto Show. Unparalleled versatility, fun-to-drive performance and stand-out styling were the key objectives for these two concept vehicles, engineered to address the distinctly unique needs of tomorrow's consumers. RPM 7000 The fourth in a series of concept cars unveiled in Detroit and designed at Mitsubishi Motors' Cypress, CA, Design Studio, RPM 7000 is a bold and aggressive answer to the age old question: "Why can't a high performance sports car be made practical enough for everyday use?" RPM 7000 offers unparalleled on-road performance combined with uncompromising passenger and cargo versatility as well as unyielding off-road prowess packaged in Mitsubishi's "geo mechanical" design. With day glow metallic anodized orange paint inspired by the red-hot exhaust manifolds of race cars, RPM 7000 boasts World Rally Championship-inspired performance and technology. A large diameter, twin-intercooled, twin-scroll turbocharged 315-horsepower engine puts power to either pavement or dirt through an Active Control Transfer variable torque all-wheel drive system and 19-inch wheels and V-rated tires. When RPM 7000 is unveiled to the international media in Detroit, one of its most interesting features is packaging flexibility that can accommodate four adults in a teardrop-shaped coupe, or two-passengers and a full load of sports gear with an open rear cargo area. Whoever said you can't have it all hasn't seen Mitsubishi's RPM 7000 concept car. ASX Mitsubishi Motors will hold a second world premier in Detroit when the company unveils the ASX, a concept vehicle that previews the next generation of multi-activity vehicles that have captured consumer attention in major markets all around the world. ASX, or Active Sports Crossover, combines sports sedan handling, international style, full-time four-wheel drive capability and stretch-out room for five adults in a vehicle that can tackle all kinds of weather and road conditions while returning excellent fuel economy. A stylish and user-friendly interior further demonstrates the flexibility of the ASX by providing a comforting dose of luxury and space for passengers and cargo as well as the functionality of a "walk-through" semi-flat floor. Technical features include an advanced cruise control system and the Mitsubishi Multi-Communications System (MMCS), which includes on-board navigation capabilities. Both cars will be unveiled to the media at the Mitsubishi Motors press conference in Cobo Hall in Detroit at noon on Wednesday, January 10, 2001. Principal speakers will be Hiroshi Yajima, president and chief financial officer, and Pierre Gagnon, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc.