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Mitsu's A Monster

Nessie really does exist - and these are the pictures to prove it. Here's a first look at a monster new SUV that will debut at next week's Geneva Motor Show. And despite the name, it has no Scottish roots!

By Ross Pinnock

22nd February 2005

Look carefully and you'll see the Mitsubishi three-pointed star on the bonnet and hatchback. But this isn't a Japanese 4x4, either - the model actually hails from Italy, where stylists at Italdesign Giugiaro in Turin worked on the project.

The striking vehicle - described by its creators as an SUV coupĪƒ© - has an eco-friendly hygrogen-powered V8 engine mated to an automatic gearbox. A spokesman for the design studio said: "We took our inspiration from the Loch Ness monster - something never seen that could exist, a sensation of power."

The flared wheelarches are a trademark Mitsubishi styling cue, and there are also sporty twin exhausts, which exit from the rear bumper. Another neat touch is the see-through panel in each of the doors, providing a glimpse of the racing seats inside. A glass roof also helps to ensure a light and airy cabin.

Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the mud-plugger's short overhangs and sophisticated, electronically controlled four-wheel-drive set-up. An integrated sump guard and side steps further boost the machine's rugged appeal.

Despite similarities with the maker's Rally Raid competition cars - seen in the recent Dakar event - a road-going version is unlikely. A spokeswoman told Auto Express: "In no way is this a commission from Mitsubishi.

"We were asked to provide a platform to be used for a design study. Italdesign Giugiaro used Mitsubishi as a reference point for a market-leading off-roader." It's not the first concept to wear the firm's badge and draw on its desert racing heritage. At 2002's Paris Motor Show, company bosses unveiled the Pajero Evo prototype. The stubby four-wheel drive went on to inspire Mitsubishi's racing entry in the cross-country season the following year.

The news that this is only a styling model will disappoint SUV owners, who are currently coming under fire in the UK and America for their choice of vehicle. An eco-friendly machine such as the H-powered Nessie would certainly boost the image of the cars with campaigners.

The trio of companies involved in the project is completed by Linde; the German firm helped develop the hydrogen engine and storage system. However, the car will take pride of place on the Italdesign Giugiaro stand at Geneva.

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