HIROSHIMA, Japan — The images of Mitsubishi's "Racing Lancer," the automaker's latest cross-country rally car, look like something out of Mad Max. The apocalyptic Racing Lancer chews up scenery in the desert, spews sand and looks like a thuggish older brother to its production counterpart.
Mitsubishi released some musings about the Racing Lancer on Friday, saying the experimental car has logged more than 8,000 kilometers or nearly 5,000 miles in testing and competition. The automaker said this has allowed engineers to develop new suspension geometry "designed to cope with the different weight distribution and torque characteristics" of the car's new turbocharged diesel engine.
The Racing Lancer also has a new engine compartment layout that has been developed to ensure better cooling for the engine. "Technical improvements to the turbocharger have produced improved response at low revs, as well as more power at high engine speeds," Mitsubishi said in a statement. It did not disclose engine specifications.
The automaker said the Racing Lancer will make its official debut in round six of the 2008 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup in Portugal October 30-November 2. It also noted that the Racing Lancer and crew have the 2009 Dakar Rally in the crosshairs.
What this means to you: A Mitsubishi you can only dream about or use as a screensaver. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Mitsubishi released some musings about the Racing Lancer on Friday, saying the experimental car has logged more than 8,000 kilometers or nearly 5,000 miles in testing and competition. The automaker said this has allowed engineers to develop new suspension geometry "designed to cope with the different weight distribution and torque characteristics" of the car's new turbocharged diesel engine.
The Racing Lancer also has a new engine compartment layout that has been developed to ensure better cooling for the engine. "Technical improvements to the turbocharger have produced improved response at low revs, as well as more power at high engine speeds," Mitsubishi said in a statement. It did not disclose engine specifications.
The automaker said the Racing Lancer will make its official debut in round six of the 2008 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup in Portugal October 30-November 2. It also noted that the Racing Lancer and crew have the 2009 Dakar Rally in the crosshairs.
What this means to you: A Mitsubishi you can only dream about or use as a screensaver. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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