Mitsubishi Concept-RA

America doesn't like diesel, at least not in anything without a pick-up bed or an articulated trailer behind it. Which is why Mitsubishi's Concept-RA is such a bold move. The sleek concept looks every inch a hugely desirable and sporting coupé, but it's powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine producing 201bhp and a thumping 309lb.ft of torque. Keeping all that grunt in check is a transmission borrowed from its Evo X sibling, which means four-wheel drive and more electronic driver aids than there are letters in the alphabet to make acronyms for.

Gears are shifted by a Twin-Clutch SST paddle-shift gearbox, while active steering and suspension control should mean that this concept is as difficult to keep up with on twisty roads as its Evo X relative. This one's close to production, too, the Concept-RA likely to be the next Mitsubishi Eclipse in the USA. It's unlikely that it'll be diesel powered there, but if it makes it to Europe - and we hope it does - diesel power might just be offered.

Tuesday January 8