Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross undergoes RalliArt transformation but…

It’s iconic RalliArt division now very much back in operation after being revived two years ago, Mitsubishi has showcased a new concept based on the Eclipse Cross that could well become a production reality soon.

Evo tribute

Meant to pay tribute to RalliArt’s glory years with the Lancer Evolution driven by Tommi Mäkinen at the height of the Group A/WRC era of the World Rally Championship in the late-1990s, the concept Eclipse Cross RalliArt hasn’t received any powertrain alterations and mainly benefits from a series of exterior enhancements.

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Using the top-spec GLS Exceed model as a base, the external adaptions comprise a RalliArt body kit with extended door sills, unique bumpers and gloss black bootlid spoiler, red RalliArt mudflaps, chrome exhaust outlets, 18-inch gloss black diamond-cut alloy wheels, red accents below the wing and RalliArt decals at the base of the doors.

Inside, the changes are more limited and inclusive only of RalliArt embroidered floor mats.

No extra grunt

As mentioned, Mitsubishi has opted to keep power unchanged, meaning outputs of 110kW/250Nm from the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, and drive going to the front wheels through a CVT with paddle shifters.

Spec

Being based on the Exceed means the same array of specification items, namely a Head-Up Display, eight-speaker sound system, panoramic sunroof, an electric tailgate, automatic air-conditioning with rear vents, keyless entry and push button start, as well as:

• auto-levelling projector LED headlights
• rain sense wipers
• folding electric mirrors
• multi-function leather wrapped steering wheel
• LED daytime running lights
• eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• front and rear parking sensors with a reverse camera
• all around electric windows
• cruise control
• seven airbags
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Misacceleration Mitigation
• Hill Start Assist
• Active Yaw Control
• Active Stability and Traction Control

Product roll-out

“Mitsubishi Motors South Africa are on the brink of an aggressive product rollout and over the next 12 months we anticipate to launch 10 new additions to our range,” General Manager for Marketing, Jeffrey Allison, said.

As mentioned, the Eclipse Cross RalliArt, for now, remains a one-off, but as evident by Allison’s remarks, could well enter production in most likely a limited capacity with only a specified number of examples set to made.

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