The first official images of the Mitsubishi Lancer Prototype-S have been leaked into the internet ahead of the car’s debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. More of a pre-production version than a concept, the Lancer Prototype-S previews the shape of the forthcoming Lancer Sportback (5door hatch) that’s expected to be introduced in the European market this summer.

In particular, the Prototype-S previews the Lancer Sportback Ralliart that will compoete head on with the Subaru Impreza WRX. Like the Lancer Sedan Ralliart that we saw in the Detroit Show, the Prototype-S is equipped with a detuned version of the EVO X’s 2.0-liter Turbo engine (delivering 240 PS and 343 Nm of torque) combined with a Twin Clutch SST gearbox and a full-time 4WD drivetrain featuring Mitsubishi Motors’ Active Center Differential.

If anything else, the Prototype-S’ mechanical specs sound very promising. Too bad we can’t say the same about the concept’s looks… -Image gallery after the jump