German pub Autobild has spilled the beans on the Geneva-bound Mitsubishi Prototype S. The “S” is for Sportback, and this show car forecasts a future production vehicle that will probably carry that moniker. The Sportback is crucial for the European market, where hatches account for the majority of car sales. Up front, you essentially have the Lancer Ralliart’s nose, which is dressed up with more ornate, concept-style headlamps and foglights. Head around to the car’s rump, and you can almost see Mitsu’s people drawing a line in the sand, daring the 5-door WRX to come over and “play.” The sloping rear hatch is topped by a large, body-colored roof spoiler, and restyled rear lighting wraps from the lid onto the quarter panels. Dual exhaust tips poke through a diffuser insert on the rear bumper, and stylish split-spoke wheels in a gunmetal finish occupy the lightly-flared fender cutouts. Mechanically, it seems that the Prototype S is outfitted with the same running gear as the Lancer Ralliart. The 2.0L turbo four delivers 240 PS (236 hp) and 343 Nm (253 lb-ft) of torque through a dual-clutch setup to a full-time AWD system with an active center differential. It’s cool, we want it, and most importantly, it’d fit — after all, Subaru markets the WRX here as both a sedan and a hatchback. Come on, Mits. Go tit for tat with them and bring this one across the pond after you give it to Europe.

Mitsubishi Prototype-S to debut at Geneva Motor Show

Mitsubishi will be using March’s Geneva Motor Show to showcase its hatchback concept, the Prototype-S.

Based upon the new Lancer sedan, the concept could best be described as a hatchback version of Mitsubishi’s entry level sedan, albeit a very shapely, coupe-like hatch. With its sloping roofline, broad shouldered stance, and overall sporting demeanor, the car is for more attractive than the prototypical boxy station wagon. Still though, the concept proves to be more versatile than its sedan counterpart with its larger trunk space and sliding, folding rear seats.

Backing up the looks, the concept shares the motor and drivetrain with the Lancer Ralliart, namely a 240bhp turbo I-4, AWD with ACD, and Mitsubishi’s new twin clutch gearbox.

Though a only a concept, look for the production to remain true to the design much in the way the EVO did. The car itself is expected to account for 70% of the brand’s sakes in Europe, and 80% of their UK sales.

Our take? Though destined to be EU only at this point, expect Mitsubishi to follow the success of rival Subaru’s Impreza closely. Success may bring it to our shores, otherwise add it to the long list of cool cars we’ll never see.

Mitsubishi rolled out its updated 2009 Eclipse Coupe and Spyder today in Chicago, with revised fascias that complement and simultaneously update the swoopy flanks. The nose in particular brings the Eclipse in line with the design theme spreading across the rest of Mitsubishi’s model line. If you happen to have a slight sense of deja vu while looking at it, more than one of us has also noticed that the new schnoz bears more than a passing resemblance to the Nissan GT-R, as well. And lest you think the changes are all skin deep, there are several non-cosmetic updates to augment the rhinoplasty. The GT models sport a newly tuned dual exhaust that promises to not only sound better, but boost horsepower by a deuce as well, bringing the total from 263 to 265. On the inside, power comes via a new 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system as part of the optional Sun & Sound Package on GS and GT models, as well. You can read more details in Mitsubishi’s press release after the jump or check our lives pics in the galleries below.