The 2001 Mitsubishi RPM 7000 Concept, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, stood as a radical expression of Mitsubishi's commitment to merging sports car performance with practical everyday use. Designed by the California-based Mitsubishi Motors Design Studio, this concept car aimed to break conventions and create a segment of its own by combining rally car performance, versatile packaging, and off-road capabilities.
Inspired by the Paris-Dakar Rally and World Rally Championships, the RPM 7000 drew influence from the winning Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Pajero, incorporating their engines and drivetrain. The concept featured a twin-turbo inline-4 engine, producing 315 horsepower and utilizing rally-proven technologies. The 5-speed manual transmission, competition clutch, and variable-torque all-wheel-drive system contributed to its rally-inspired performance.
In terms of design, the RPM 7000 showcased a geo-mechanical aesthetic with Formula-1 race car-inspired elements, such as the nose-cone front grille and large air ducts for engine cooling. The exterior boasted a distinctive dayglow metallic, anodized orange paint scheme, high ground clearance, and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels with Goodyear tires patterned after Formula-1 rain treads.
The interior of the concept reflected its racing pedigree, featuring a cockpit with a built-in roll cage, extensive use of carbon fiber, and purposeful rally car-inspired elements. The center console integrated a touch-screen monitor for climate control, navigation, music, and rally racing functions, demonstrating the concept's commitment to an active lifestyle.
Despite its aggressive styling and performance-oriented engineering, the RPM 7000 did not transition to production, remaining a concept that challenged conventions in the sports car and SUV segments. The concept's designer, Michael Desmond, emphasized its unique positioning, stating, "Call it a hybrid, call it an SUV, call it whatever you want. In my opinion, this is the sports car of the future."
While the RPM 7000 did not become a production reality, it remains an intriguing chapter in Mitsubishi's design and engineering history, showcasing its dedication to innovation and performance-driven concepts.
Source & Images: Mitsubishi
