Watch: 750-Hp Mitsubishi Mirage Climbs Hill Like There’s no Tomorrow
Many people keep wondering why Mitsubishi chose to abandon cars in North America except for the Mirage. As one of the cheapest vehicles on the market (MSRP of $10,998), it does attract more people into showrooms, but this sub-compact car lacks refinement, styling is questionable and the tiny 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine under the hood produces just 78 horsepower.
What if we told you there is a Mirage somewhere on this planet that’s nearly 10 times more powerful? No, it’s not an illusion!
As you can see in the video below from the YouTube channel HillClimb Monsters, a Mitsubishi Mirage R5 originally built by Polish tuner Dytko Sport was transformed into a hillclimb champion. Not only does it incorporate the trick all-wheel drive system from the Lancer Evolution, but the turbocharged engine was stroked to 2.2 litres and output increased to 750 horsepower.
Of course, other upgrades were made to the car, most notably an extremely aggressive aerodynamics package and a tuned exhaust system that delivers a hell of a sound.
Weighing just 1,050 kilograms, it’s no wonder this miniature rocket is winning podiums.