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By
EWAN KENNEDY
29 January 2007
Fresh from yet another win on the 9000 kilometre Dakar Rally, the
world’s toughest motorsport event, Mitsubishi is looking seriously at
introducing a high-performance version of its 380 sedan to Australia.
Only in concept-car format at this stage, the
Mitsubishi 380 TMR (Team Mitsubishi Ralliart), is being displayed
at the Brisbane Motor Show. Aimed at the lucrative market segment
currently occupied by the HSV Commodore and FPV Falcon models, the
380 TMR sports sedan would provide driving excitement for the
family man.
The best news of all is that this car is virtually
100 per cent Australian developed, though it has some modified
Lancer Evo components beneath that big 380 sedan body.
Interestingly, the extra grunt from the 380’s
engine is produced by a supercharger not a turbocharger, as in the
Evo. The supercharger is a Sprintex unit similar to that used on
the Magna AWD models.
Think of a torque peak of 442 Newton metres and
you will get some idea of the capability of this engine. Even
better, the V6 is already making 385 Nm at just 1500 rpm so
there's plenty of safe overtaking on offer virtually all the time.
Power is taken to the front wheels by way of a
five-speed (pity it’s not a six-speed) gearbox. The differential
features a helical-type limited-slip centre to control the
additional torque.
Naturally, there's a special body kit for the
Mitsubishi 380 TMR. It’s quite subtle in some ways, though the
NACA-style ducts on the body certainly grab attention.
Inside there's a stylish pair of Recaro sports
seats, the rear seats have been trimmed to match these. The
interior is done in Ralliart Red to match the body of the TMR.
Though Mitsubishi says the 380 TMR is only a
concept at this stage it has been designed with all Australian
Design Rules on safety and emissions in mind. So, should the go
ahead be given to proceed with the production of the car it could
be on sale relatively quickly. Let's hope it happens! In the
meantime keep an eye out for this special Mitsubishi at an auto
show near you.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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