Mitsubishi RPM 7000

The Mitsubishi RPM 7000 is a concept car designed by the Cypress, California design studio of Mitsubishi Motors and shown at the 2001 North American International Auto Show. Displayed beside the Mitsubishi ASX, the two cars set out the company's vision for sporty, stylish crossover SUVs, but while the ASX defined Mitsubishi's production plans, the RPM 7000 was a more radical styling exercise and an open celebration of its motorsport heritage. The World Rally Championship-winning Lancer Evolution and the Dakar-winning Pajero provided the engine and drivetrain, while chief stylist Mike Desmond acknowledged the influence of Formula One in the nosecone grille and hood, and elements of rallying and GT racing appear too. Other unusual features were the teardrop silhouette, a side-exit exhaust and suicide doors on the passenger side only. It was speculated that it could reach production within two years, but the rumours proved unfounded.