Mitsubishi Lifts the Wraps on New Global Small Concept before Geneva Salon Debut

It all started with a teaser sketch in early December '10, but today, Mitsubishi released the first real life photo of its Concept Global Small vehicle. The design study previews an upcoming subcompact model that is planned for production in March of 2012 at the Japanese firm's new third factory in Thailand, which will have an initial capacity for around 150,000 units per year.

Mitsubishi has not yet confirmed the markets for launch or detailed specifications on the production version of the new entry-level model. However, the company did note that the Global Small concept car will feature a fuel efficient 1.0-liter / 1.2-liter engine equipped with a regenerative braking system and start-stop technology, as well as a new-generation CVT and low rolling resistance tires.

We'll have more details on Mitsubishi's new sub-compact model after its debut at the Geneva motorshow, which opens in the beginning of March.

Mitsubishi CS Design Concept for a Sporty-Looking Colt Replacement by Gábor Farkas

What you see here is a very well executed and almost production ready-looking concept study penned as a replacement for the Mitsubishi Colt supermini, which was sent to Carscoop by independent designer Gábor Farkas. Called the Mitsubishi CS, the Ford Fiesta-sized concept model blends select styling cues from the Japanese brand's most recent models such as the Lancer's so-called shark nose with an aggressive body shape boasting curvalicious details.

Gábor's more production, less concept approach is continued in the interior which is partially inspired by the Outlander Sport (called ASX in Europe and RVR in Japan).

Here's what Gábor Farkas had to say about his creation:

"During the winter holiday I had some time to speculate and this is how I imagine a Colt successor that Mitsubishi fans could like. When designing the conceptCS, the main goal was to summon the spirit of its ancestors. The design concept revives the Colt CA (92-96) with a touch of the C50 (88-92) model at the front, wrapped in Mitsubishi's new jet-fighter design language. The interior is similar to that of the Outlander Sport/ASX/RVR."

Designer: Gábor Farkas

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Xenatec Shows Off its "Dream Cars": Bentley SUV, BMW 6-Series Sedan and More

Now that their limited production Maybach 57S Coupe (see here) has made the rounds, here are some of the other proposals from Xenatec. Since the company's specialty is chassis modification (and the necessary body work thereafter), they've got some ideas for a lengthened (and shortened) "dream cars".

Have a look at the gallery below and see what tickles your fancy. The SUV limos are a bit much, but the rag-top conversions don't look too bad (especially the CLS and 300).

Other winners include the standard limo conversions (like the Flying Spur and 300C), while big-time no-no's include that ridiculous 7-Series with the bubble top and the extended R8 and Carrera.

For those of you who thought the Porsche TranSport pickup was interesting, have a look at what Xenatec would do with the Cayenne to create a sport truck. Still want a Porsche truck?

By Phil Alex

Photos: Xenatecgroup

VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 and Honda CR-Z Coupes and other 2009 Tokyo Show Cars Filmed in the Flesh

This year's Tokyo Motor Show that runs for the public from October 24 to November 4, 2009 may be a shadow of its former self as aside from the domestic automakers, Lotus and Alpina are the only foreign brands that will be present at the event, but still, the show will play host to some very significant debuts including the hotly-anticipated Toyota FT-86 rear-wheel drive 2+2 and Honda CR-Z Hybrid near-production coupe concepts.

The video below includes live footage of both coupes as well as from the Mitsubishi PX-MiEV SUV Concept, Mazda Kiyora Concept (Japanese Premiere) and the production Nissan Leaf, that were filmed by the folks over at Japan's Motor Magazine during what appears to be a special pre-show event.

Tokyo '09: Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo, an All-Electric Breadvan for the not so Needy

Now that the i-MiEV hybrid has become a production reality, Mitsubishi is exploring other possibilities to expand the city car's range with the world premiere of the i-MiEV Cargo concept at next month's Tokyo motorshow. The pint-size breadvan with the does away with the hatchback model's rear doors while gaining additional cargo space at the back thanks to a newly designed and taller rear end.

The cube-shaped rear compartment measures 1,350 mm wide by 1,180 mm deep and 1,100 mm high and features a flat floor. According to Mitsubishi, it allows every inch of available space to be utilized - not that there's much to go around...

There are no changes to the drivetrain that consists of a 330-volt lithium-ion battery system located under the floor deck and an electric motor that drives the rear wheels and develops an output of 47kW or 64HP and 180Nm or 132.8-lbs/ft of torque.