Mitsubishi Concept-RA to debut at Detroit

The Mitsubishi Concept-RA could inspire a replacement for the Mitsubishi Eclipse, but for the moment we will have to wait for the 2008 North American International Auto Show to see the car in actual metal as all we have are these artist sketches of the coupe.
Power from a low-emissions 2.2 litre 4-cylinder MIVEC DOHC Variable Geometry Turbocharger turbodiesel engine putting out 204 PS and 420Nm of torque is put down to the ground to all four wheels via the S-AWC driveline from the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The S-AWC system incorporates Active Center Differential, Active Yaw Control, Sport Antilock Brake System, and Active Stability Control.
The low emissions from this turbodiesel engine that meets the US Tier 2 Bin 5 regulations are achieved without urea, instead it relies on a new converter system that brings together diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies.
The Concept-RA’s chassis is constructed with an aluminum space frame made from extruded aluminum sections and die-cast aluminum members, while the engine hood, fenders and other outer panels are made of high impact-resistance and easily recyclable plastic resin.
One more rear view sketch after the jump.
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Auto transmission driving licence to begin in May 2012

From May next year, there’ll be two types of regular Class D, or car, driving licences – the one in effect right now and a new one, which is the automatic transmission driving licence. As part of the reworked driving curriculum that will be introduced, the new licence will enable learner drivers to learn to drive and take the practical test in an automatic car, reports state.
The new licence – which presumably will only allow a valid auto licence holder to drive only cars with an auto box – will be implemented nationwide once the driving curriculum is revised, according to Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri.
Abdul Rahim added that despite the introduction of the auto transmission driving licence, learner drivers will still be able to choose to learn and take the practical test in either a manual or an automatic transmission vehicle.
“The ministry is not in a hurry to implement the automatic car driving test, to be fair to driving school operators. We need to give them time as they have to replace manual cars with automatic cars, and this is costly,” the minister said, adding that more people, especially older learners and women, will prefer to drive an automatic as it was easier.
Meanwhile, the reports add that Abdul Rahim said the new driving curriculum will focus on producing discerning and disciplined motorists to help reduce fatal accidents, since human factors were the root cause behind 60 to 70% of accidents.
“Previously, our curriculum emphasised driving skills and knowledge of the highway code, but now we want to churn out considerate motorists,” he said. As for the Kejara demerit system, he said there was no proposal to replace the system, stating that it was still relevant and used in many countries.