New Mitsubishi Concepts in Momentum 2030 Poster Spark Speculation About New U.S. Models

There have been a lot of concepts popping up lately for Mitsubishi Motors, but it’s been the same story for the last couple of years. Ever since Mitsubishi was supposed to release a C-D segment vehicle to the auto market, all eyes have been on this automaker. Was it a sports car? Was it going to be a new crossover? Did it already happen and we just didn’t notice? After Mitsubishi Motors registered two old nameplates for trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), it’s lit the match for speculation on what vehicle we’re going see from the Momentum 2030 business plan.

The Momentum 2030 business plan is Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) plan to expand the North American lineup, especially in the U.S. With it came the mention of several concepts, the Mitsubishi e-Evolution concept, the Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer, and the latest Mitsubishi D:X concept. A new BEV is in development between Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan for the U.S., as well as a new pickup truck. Whether this is a whole new vehicle or a rebadge is what’s up for discussion.

Take a look at the Mitsubishi Colt. Available with a hybrid option overseas, the Mitsubishi Colt returned as a crossover. Much like the Mitsubishi Eclipse returning as the Eclipse Cross, the Mitsubishi Colt was getting a larger platform for the nameplate. In reality, the new Mitsubishi Colt is a rebadged Renault Clio in disguise. This might be having an effect on other partnerships in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance with the new BEV coming from Nissan and Mitsubishi.

Is it a rebadge? Nissan is releasing a newly upgraded electric vehicle, the Nissan Leaf. Based on the design of the Nissan Ariya crossover, the new Nissan Leaf gets an upgraded front fascia. If we look closely at the Momentum 2030 image, one of these concepts shares some similarities with the new Nissan Leaf. Could the MMNA finally release a new BEV for the U.S.? Or will it be something more high performance?

The two nameplates registered with the USPTO were the “Montero” and “Lancer Sportback”? Each model was geared towards a certain specialization. The Mitsubishi Montero was known for its off-road capability, a nameplate that would be perfect for an off-road pickup truck or a small plug-in hybrid crossover. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have served Mitsubishi Motors well with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and this could be one of the first new vehicles introduced into the North American market.

If the “Lancer Sportback” is a callback to the Mitsubishi Lancer, then maybe the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution will also make a comeback. The Ralliart performance group was revived by Mitsubishi Motors a few years ago, and although the plan is to turn it into an aftermarket parts brand, there was a Mitsubishi Vision Ralliart concept that got the green light for the 2024 model year in early 2023. Ralliart was the group responsible for the Lancer Evolution. If any indication of a sports car coming to Mitsubishi, a model with “Ralliart” in the name has to be good.

Of course, this is all speculation based on the information provided. We have a lot of factual evidence to deal with, but how to connect the dots is yet to be seen. Hopefully, we don’t end up with a classic crime web made of red string and photos of renders. When we learn more, we’ll be sure to post it on University Mitsubishi social media.

Photo Source/Copyright: Mitsubishi Media