Mitsubishi's SSS concept, born from the innovative minds at the Cypress, California design studio, epitomized the company's "Geo-Mechanical" styling philosophy. Positioned as an "enhanced utility sedan," this concept car, designed by 26-year-old lead designer John Hull, seamlessly blended the driving pleasure of a sport sedan with the practicality of an SUV.
The SSS marked the third iteration in a series of bold designs, aiming to carve a niche in the automotive landscape by introducing the novel concept of an "enhanced utility sedan." Powered by Mitsubishi's 3.5-liter SOHC V-6 engine, positioned transversely, the SSS boasted a front-wheel-drive platform coupled with a 4-wheel independent suspension, ensuring a sophisticated balance of ride comfort and handling prowess.
One of the standout features of the SSS was its distinctive parallelogram-hinged doors. These doors added a touch of flair and minimized the space required to open them. The functional design extended to the exterior lighting system, featuring high-intensity discharge (HID) front lights and an LED system at the rear.
Safety considerations were paramount in the dual front bumper system – one positioned lower and a second higher. This configuration aimed to reduce the risk of nosediving beneath a larger SUV in the event of a rear-end collision, showcasing Mitsubishi's commitment to passenger safety.
The SSS wasn't merely about aesthetics; it was a marvel of practicality. The eight-step paint process gave the car a distinctive milled metal appearance, while inside, a center-console computer and mouse interface presented driver data through a heads-up display (HUD). Furthermore, the rear seats could be folded to unveil ample cargo space, accommodating two full-size mountain bikes in a standing configuration.
Images: Mitsubishi
