NO ECLIPSE OF THE FUN.(News)(Mitsubishi)

Byline: Mac Morrison

Mitsubishi presented some tricked-out treats at SEMA, but more relevant to performance junkies was the rollout of the Diamond Star's in-house Ralliart parts and accessories program (ralliartusa.com).

Ralliart, well known among tuners for its motorsports activities, will offer powertrain, suspension and appearance upgrades across Mitsubishi's model range. Initial offerings come in early 2006 for the Lancer Evolution and new Eclipse. Additional parts will arrive in the spring as Mitsu continues to phase in the line.

Expect a strategy similar to that offered by Nissan's Nismo division: Basic parts will carry a full warranty, while high-performance stuff gets limited or no coverage.

Ralliart will scavenge some products from its existing global catalog, but Mitsubishi is looking for North American partner companies to produce new products for our market.

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1. Eclipse Ralliart. Mitsubishi's Cypress, California, design center conceived the Eclipse Ralliart to showcase the new coupe's performance potential. Horsepower is up to an estimated 400, thanks to a modified 4G63 turbocharged four-cylinder transplanted from the Evo VIII. In a nod to past Eclipses, the car gets the Lancer's all-wheel-drive system. Other changes include carbon fiber exterior panels and clutch, 20-inch wheels, custom exhaust, coilover suspension, Brembo brakes and a racing-inspired interior. * 2. Street Raider. The Street Raider, another in-house concept, is "the ideal truck for towing your Evo to the track in style," Mitsubishi says. The Street Raider appears smoother than the production truck, due to "shaved" door handles and ...