2007 Tokyo Auto Show Preview: Mitsubishi Concept-ZT

TOKYO — One look at Mitsubishi's unimaginative Concept-ZT should convince any doubters that this Japanese automaker just doesn't design great sedans. Under the skin, it's a different story.

The Concept-ZT is slightly larger than the Galant, but its bland styling hardly justifies its positioning by Mitsubishi as a "premier sedan." Of considerable interest to techies, however, is the car's aluminum space-frame construction and use of high-strength recyclable plastic for the hood, fenders, doors and deck lid. The Concept-ZT also employs "green" plastic throughout the cabin, which — fortunately — is also trimmed in wood, metal and leather.

Powering the car is a new DOHC 2.2-liter four-cylinder "clean diesel" mated to the new twin-clutch SST gearbox that is also featured in the redesigned Evo. The engine makes 188 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and drives all four wheels through Mitsubishi's sophisticated S-AWC system. The Concept-ZT rides on alloy wheels shod with 255/35R20 tires.


What this means to you: It's not much to look at, but the tech features in the Concept-ZT could make your future car cleaner, safer and more environmentally friendly.