01-03-2005
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today unveiled the new Colt coupe-cabriolet concept, developed with the cooperation of Pininfarina S.p.A of Italy as a cabriolet version of the Colt, at the 75th Geneva International Motor Show that runs from March 1 through March 13 at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex. Public days start on March 3.
The Colt coupe-cabriolet concept derives from the 3-door Colt CZ3 assembled at Mitsubishi Motors' NedCar facility in the Netherlands. The compact cabriolet model takes its concept and design cues from the CZ2 Cabriolet displayed by the company at the 2003 Geneva International Motor Show. It is due to go into production at Pininfarina early in 2006.
The Colt coupe-cabriolet concept is one of 15 models (16 on public days) on the Mitsubishi Motors stands. Other exhibits include: a diesel-powered Grandis; a replica of the Colt 600 Convertible first shown at the 9th Tokyo Motor Show in 1962; the Pajero Evolution that chalked up an unprecedented fifth successive and 10th aggregate victory in the Dakar Rally in January; and the Lancer WRC05 that roared straight to a third place podium finish in the 2005 WRC season-opening Rallye Monte Carlo.
Mitsubishi Motors brought several new models to market in Europe in 2004. Colt was joined by the Grandis MPV and the Lancer Evolution high-performance 4WD sports sedan. The European Colt has won several critical accolades including "Das Goldene Lenkrad" (the Golden Steering Wheel) presented by the German Sunday newspaper "Bild am Sonntag" published by Axel Springer AG.
Lancer Evolution, Grandis and the Outlander crossover models have also received awards for their vehicle concept, high performance and build and presentation quality. Mitsubishi vehicle sales in Europe grew healthily in 2004 to 225,826 vehicles, an 8.6% increase over the previous year.
Joining 3- and 5-door models, the third body type in the European Colt lineup adds a retractable hardtop to the 3-door Colt CZ3 platform.
Efficient packaging wraps 2+2 seating and trunk space for the hardtop within a compact size which, at 3,885 mm overall, is just 75 mm longer than the Colt CZ3 from which it derives.
Powered by the same 150PS 1.5-liter MIVEC engine with turbocharger as the Colt CZT. The body has been strategically strengthened to allow occupants to enjoy the full exhilaration of open motoring with the hardtop stowed in the trunk.
The exterior design, crafted around Colt's hallmark One Motion Form, effectively melds straight lines and soft shapes with styling that gives eloquent notice of the car's potent performance. Distinguishing elements include a deeply raked front windshield, unique V-shape rear combination lamps and a linear-design high mount auxiliary stop lamp in the trunk lid.
The interior adopts an orange suede keynote in using sporty and fine quality colors and materials ideally suited to a cabriolet model.
Text and photos courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors
