The technology under...

The technology under the bonnet was a talking point, too, as the car has a 2.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid powerplant. Mated to an all-wheel-drive transmission, this promises supercar-humbling performance and class-leading fuel economy.

Also on the stand was the Sport Truck (bottom image on right), Mitsubishi"s first attempt at cornering America"s massive pick-up market. Aimed at the Ford F-150 - the US"s top-selling car - it has a 4.5-litre V8 and rear-wheel drive.

Although officially concepts at this stage, both vehicles are slated to go on sale in the US in about 12 months" time. It"s unclear whether they would ever come to the UK, but company bosses say it would be considered if public demand is strong enough.

Although the Eclipse would sell alongside the high-performance Evo range, the pick-up is much bigger than Mitsubishi"s L200, currently Britain"s best-selling truck, and there may not be a market for it.