The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a rally-bred sportscar that can outrun much more expensive iron thanks to its oversized turbocharger and four-wheel drive. But the Evo’s mighty soul remains concealed in a conservative Lancer body, something the three-diamonds brand plans to address with the next generation of its global compact.

Set to be unveiled at next month’s Frankfurt auto show, Mitsu’s Sportback concept previews the looks of the next-gen Lancer, which will appear in 2007 as a five-door hatchback - the current car comes in four-door sedan and five-door wagon flavors.

The Sportback’s visual strength is highlighted by a huge front grille (that should need very little expanding to become WRC-worthy) and an all-glass roof, a trend of sorts for the mainstream, VW Golf-sized “C-segment” in Europe, where cars like the Peugeot 307 and Fiat Stilo have long been offering the option.

Besides giving away most of the new Evo’s looks, the Sportback concept is also crucial for ailing Mitsubishi as it introduces an all-new platform that will underpin the company’s compact cars, including the future replacement for the Outlander small SUV.

(this article was taken from speedtv.com)

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