Autoblog

Mitsubishi denies plans for Toyota/Subaru rival sports coupe

George Kennedy — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mitsubishi

Forgive us for being wistful, but there was a time when Mitsubishi coupes and sports cars were the downright awesome. The 1990s brought us the all-wheel drive, turbocharged Eclipse GSX and the twin-turbocharged 3000GT VR-4 (seen here). The times, they were good.

Fast-forward to today, and the Lancer Evolution exists as Mitsubishi's sole, true performance offering. Mitsubishi killed off the Eclipse last year, by which time it had lost much the luster of its predecessors. With an affordable Japanese sports car fomenting underway thanks to Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, one may think that it's an ideal time for a brand like Mitsubishi to jump back into the performance coupe game. A rear-drive Mitsubishi sports car to take on the Toyobaru twins could be just what the brand needs to gain some mindshare among consumers.

Not so, says Osamu Masuko. The president and executive director of Mitsubishi told reporters at the Sydney Motor Show, "Our engineers are very prominent to investigate new technologies, but to use that technology they are not that good to bring the revenue to make that money." Read: the engineers want to do it, but the company does not find it to be financially responsible.

Masuko says that the only way to justify the cost of such a model would be to implement platform sharing, "We have to identify if it is really feasible economically, we are thinking of just sharing just one platform to achieve various models."

Unlike Toyota and Subaru, which shared the burden of developing an all-new vehicle, any automaker going it alone would shoulder the full weight of development costs. Though Masuko denied any current work on a new sports car, the Mitsubishi boss did not rule out the future possibility, "I won't say no to a small sports car but that the moment we have not decided on a particular model."

We're glad to hear Mitsubishi isn't shutting the door on performance, but they clearly have a pressing need for new product. Tackling development of new models for higher-volume segments than the short shelf-life performance coupe market is probably a wise strategy for the moment. Galant replacement, anyone?

Mitsubishi denies plans for Toyota/Subaru rival sports coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ukrainian man turns Eclipse into quasi-Reventon

Zach Bowman — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Budget, Etc., Lamborghini, Mitsubishi, Russia, Design/Style

The Mitsubishi Eclipse may very well be the Pontiac Fiero of our time. Whereas the old Poncho formerly served as the go-to platform for every Ferrari and Lamborghini replica gone awry, the Eclipse seems to have usurped that crown in the modern age. Need an example? Look no further than this crafty Eclipse owner from Ukraine recently uncovered by our friends at EnglishRussia.com. Using nothing but some very impressive fabrication skills, some sheet metal and his ingenuity, the guy turned his budget Japanese cruiser into an homage to the Lamborghini Reventon.

Sure, the proportions are a little off. And yes, the front end looks a bit wonky, but the finished product is better than we could manage. Besides, this project turned out far cleaner than other Lamborghini tributes we've seen. You can head over to EnglishRussia.com for a closer look at the build process. You'll be amazed.

Ukrainian man turns Eclipse into quasi-Reventon originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Sep 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

These cars are headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Maybach, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Volvo

It happens every year. We bid adieu to some cars and trucks that will be missed, and say good riddance to others wondering how they stayed around so long. Whether they're being killed off for slow sales or due to a new product coming along to replace them, the list of vehicles being discontinued after 2012 is surprisingly long and diverse.

CNN Money has compiled a list of departing vehicles, to which we've added a few more of our own. In the slow sales column, cars like the Lexus HS 250h, Mercedes-Benz R-Class and the full Maybach lineup appear, while the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mazda CX-7 and Hyundai Veracruz are all having their gaps filled with more modern and more fuel-efficient alternatives. Obvious exceptions to the rule include models that still sell in decent numbers like the Jeep Liberty and the Chrysler Town & Country (which will eventually be replaced by a crossover-like vehicle).

Check out our gallery of discontinued cars above, then scroll down for more information.

Continue reading These cars are headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky

These cars are headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Say 'goodbye' to these cars and trucks for the new year

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Crossover, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Volvo, Tesla

As we prepare to flip our calendars from 2011 to 2012, it's time to say goodbye to a handful of vehicles that are being sent to the Great Parking Lot In The Sky before the 2012 model year completely takes hold. And while we're not exactly upset about having to bid farewell to things like the Mitsubishi Endeavor, Mazda Tribute or Chevrolet HHR, there are a few vehicles that we're truly going to miss.

The Mazda RX-8, for example, has grown to be one of our favorite sports cars since its introduction in 2003. We love its lightweight construction, high-revving rotary engine and surprisingly functional suicide door design. It's kind of like a Miata with a roof and rear seats. Speaking of the Miata, Tesla's two-seat Roadster - the automaker's first production vehicle - proved to us that open-top motoring can be thrilling even with a stack of batteries driving the wheels.

We'll miss the Honda Element and its rugged, utilitarian nature. We'll miss the Volvo V50 and its capacious cargo area made for Ikea runs. And we'll really miss those large lords of luxury, the Cadillac DTS and Ford Crown Victoria. We've already said goodbye to the faithful but overripe Ford Ranger, and as ridiculous as the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid was, it was a shockingly good-to-drive electrified crossover.

There are plenty more models that won't be making the journey to the 2012 model year, so have a look at the full list in our attached image gallery, then let us know which ones you'll miss (if any) in the Comments.

Say 'goodbye' to these cars and trucks for the new year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsubishi to build another Eclipse?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Mitsubishi

Among Japanese automakers in the United States, Mitsubishi is largely relegated to "also ran status" alongside the likes of Subaru and Suzuki, and behind heavy-hitting rivals like Toyota, Honda and Nissan. The Diamond Star automaker will soon have a lineup consisting of only three model lines. But that wasn't always the case, and may not be again if the latest reports come to fruition.

Although both the Eclipse and Galant are both being discontinued, sources aren't ruling out their potential return. With nearly one million units sold since its introduction way back in 1989, Mitsubishi claims the Eclipse to be the most successful Japanese sportscar in the U.S. market. And though that segment may have peaked, with rivals (like Subaru and Toyota) planning new entries, Mitsubishi could potentially re-enter the two-door market in the near future if the business case can be made.

The Galant - while a more practical, staple model - may prove a harder sell, as midsize sedans remain popular for the most part only in North America. Until then - with the Eclipse, Galant and Endeavor on their way out - Mitsubishi dealers will have to get by on the Lancer and Outlander (and incoming i-MiEV) alone.

Mitsubishi to build another Eclipse? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mecum to auction final Mitsubishi Eclipse for charity

Zach Bowman — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Auctions, Mitsubishi

Mecum is set to auction off the very last Mitsubishi Eclipse ever produced at its Normal, Illinois plant.

The 2012 Eclipse Coupe packs the company's 3.8-liter V6 engine and is equipped with the SE package - the only car in the model's history to receive that combination. The Eclipse marks the end of 22 years of continuous production with Kalapana Black paint, 18-inch wheels and SE side graphics. The interior, meanwhile, is laden with leather seats, a 650-watt Rockford Fostgate sound system, rearview camera and HID headlights.

The very first Eclipse rolled off of the line in 1989, and 980,000 vehicles have carried the nameplate since then. That figure makes the Mitsubishi the best-selling Japanese sportscar of the past 20 years, according to Mecum.

The last Eclipse will be featured in the annual St. Charles Auction at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois. The auction is set to kick off on September 17 at 1:55 pm with no reserve, and Mitsubishi has promised to donate the proceeds of the sale to Japan's Red Cross.The event is open to the general public with a $15 entry fee. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Mecum to auction final Mitsubishi Eclipse for charity

Mecum to auction final Mitsubishi Eclipse for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsubishi to kill off Eclipse, Endeavor in August, Galant to live on

Chris Shunk — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Eclipse - Click above for high-res image gallery

We first heard back in January that Mitsubishi was planning to kill off the Eclipse, Endeavor and Galant by 2013. Now, however, AutoWeek is reporting that the euthanization timeline is a lot closer to summer, with only the Galant receiving a reprieve.

Mitsubishi North America CEO Yoichi Yokozawa has reportedly confirmed that the automaker will stop production on the Eclipse and Endeavor in August, but added that a determination on the Galant won't happen until later. The vehicles are currently being built in Mitsubishi's Illinois assembly plant, but the automaker is looking to make room for the Outlander Sport. Mitsubishi plans to make 50,000 copies per year of the crossover utility vehicle, with half the vehicles tabbed for export.

If you're looking to get your hands on one of the last Endeavor models, you'd better hurry, since Mitsubishi only has a 23-day supply of the outdated model. The Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder will probably take a while to peter out, though, as the automaker currently has a 180-day supply of the coupe and convertible. Either way, for tens of thousands of devotees, it's an ignominious end for a once-proud performance model.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Gallery: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor

[Source: AutoWeek]

Mitsubishi to kill off Eclipse, Endeavor in August, Galant to live on originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Mitsubishi to kill Eclipse, Endeavor and Galant

Zach Bowman — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Mitsubishi

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse - Click above for high-res image gallery

It turns out the rumors we heard about the languishing Mitsubishi lineup are true. According to Automotive News, Mitsubishi is planning to drop the axe on the entirety of its American-made portfolio of vehicles in order to begin building new global platforms here in the States. That means that the Eclipse, Endeavor and Galant will all be sent to pasture gradually between now and 2014. In their place, Mitsubishi is likely to begin building cars and crossovers off of the Lancer and Outlander bones at the company's Normal, Illinois manufacturing facility. At least some of those vehicles will be hybrid or battery powered.

Mitsubishi has made it clear that the company will offer eight hybrid and battery-powered vehicles by 2015 in a move to be better prepared for rising fuel prices. The company saw a sales increase of around three percent last year, and by 2013 or 2014, the automaker says that it plans to see that figure at 37 percent. That would mean Mitsubishi would need to move a total of 1.37 million vehicles by that date.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

[Sources: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Mitsubishi to kill Eclipse, Endeavor and Galant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsubishi, UAW reach Illinois plant pact - but what will they build there?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Mitsubishi, UAW/Unions

The good ol' Diamond Star Motors plant in Normal, Illinois - where such well-regarded vehicles as the original Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser were built, among others - is apparently getting a new lease on life now that Mitsubishi, the United Auto Workers and laborers at the plant have all approved of a new contract.

At this point, it's unclear what Mitsubishi plans to build in its only North American plant, and the present output of Eclipse, Endeavor and Galant are likely not long for this world. Would it be too much to ask for an Eclipse that hearkens back to the good old days of turbocharged engines and all-wheel drive? Probably, but we'll settle for a new nameplate or two that escapes the automaker's current mire of drab, dated and slow-selling sedans and coupes.

In any case, we're told to expect a detailed product plan from Mitsubishi that will lay out the steps it will take to become relevant in the United States once again. And, incidentally, the Japanese automaker apparently has no intentions whatsoever of leaving the U.S. market... which means whatever it's cooking up at the moment had better be rather impressive.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Mitsubishi, UAW reach Illinois plant pact - but what will they build there? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Mitsubishi could kill off Galant, Eclipse by 2013

Zach Bowman — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Japan, Crossover

Mitsubishi Eclipse - Click above for high-res image gallery

Things aren't looking good for the Mitsubishi lineup of American-built vehicles. According to AutoWeek, the Japanese automaker is channeling all of its resources into building a new global small car. That means that between now and 2012, we won't be seeing too many updates to the likes of the Galant, Endeavor, Eclipse or Eclipse Spyder. All of those past-their-prime vehicles ride on the same platform and are built in the company's Normal, Illinois manufacturing facility. As of right now, AutoWeek says that the Japanese automaker hasn't decided what to build at that plant once cars like the current Eclipse go the way of the dinosaur.

Mitsubishi has been planning a new global car for a good while now, and while details are still murky at the moment, we're told to expect a fuel-thrifty 1.0 or 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood. The car is expected to show up in either late 2012 or early 2013, which leaves Mitsubishi to soldier on with only two other planned additions to its lineup between now and then - the i-MiEV electric vehicle and the Outlander Sport.

Us? We're a bit more pessimistic. If cash-strapped Mitsu offs a significant portion of its lineup amidst slumping sales, will a new inexpensive small car and the Outlander and Lancer lineups make U.S. dealers enough money for them to stay in business?

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: Mitsubishi could kill off Galant, Eclipse by 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsubishi set to idle Illinois plant for seven weeks

Michael Harley — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Mitsubishi

Slumping sales have pushed Mitsubishi to schedule a production stoppage at their Normal, Illinois plant early next year for a period lasting more than 40 days. The facility, employing 1,568 workers, manufacturers both the Galant and Eclipse. When the assembly line lights go dark between February 16 and April 3, it will signify the longest halt of production since the facility began operation in 1988. The news obviously isn't good, but it thankfully doesn't carry any immediate word about layoffs. According to Mitsubishi, all employees will remain on payroll during the shutdown and be shifted to other non-production jobs, including maintenance and training.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Mitsubishi set to idle Illinois plant for seven weeks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsubishi wants to halt U.S. Galant production, switch to small cars for export

Dan Roth — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Mitsubishi, UAW/Unions

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant

Mitsubishi has a plant in Normal, Illinois that's capable of churning out 240,000 vehicles per year, if the demand is there. Currently, the plant produces the Galant, Eclipse and Endeavor CUV, a model mix that doesn't even spur enough excitement to drive the plant to its 100,000 vehicle per year break even point. Mitsubishi CEO Osamu Masuko would like to shuffle the models produced in Normal, focusing less on the Galant and producing more cars for global sale. For instance, vehicles like the Lancer or Outlander could be built in the Illinois plant instead of the Galant. Since those vehicles are offered worldwide, the hope is that building them in the U.S. for export to other markets would bump the plant's volume past 100,000 vehicles per year on the strength of demand elsewhere. Mitsubishi has only been able to sell 80,000 vehicles in the U.S. this year, and Masuko wants more small cars to meet growing consumer desire for fuel sippers. One thing seems certain is that the Normal plant won't be idled, having just been given a four-year extension with a UAW labor deal.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Galant

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Mitsubishi wants to halt U.S. Galant production, switch to small cars for export originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chicago 2008: Mitsubishi shows off 2009 Eclipses

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Mitsubishi

click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder

Mitsubishi rolled out its updated 2009 Eclipse Coupe and Spyder today in Chicago, with revised fascias that complement and simultaneously update the swoopy flanks. The nose in particular brings the Eclipse in line with the design theme spreading across the rest of Mitsubishi's model line. If you happen to have a slight sense of deja vu while looking at it, more than one of us has also noticed that the new schnoz bears more than a passing resemblance to the Nissan GT-R, as well. And lest you think the changes are all skin deep, there are several non-cosmetic updates to augment the rhinoplasty. The GT models sport a newly tuned dual exhaust that promises to not only sound better, but boost horsepower by a deuce as well, bringing the total from 263 to 265. On the inside, power comes via a new 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system as part of the optional Sun & Sound Package on GS and GT models, as well. You can read more details in Mitsubishi's press release after the jump or check our lives pics in the galleries below.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

Continue reading Chicago 2008: Mitsubishi shows off 2009 Eclipses

Chicago 2008: Mitsubishi shows off 2009 Eclipses originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pics Aplenty: 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT and Eclipse Spyder

John Neff — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:22:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Mitsubishi

click either image for more shots of the updated 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Mitsubishi has seen fit to bestow upon us a whole slew of new high-res images showing the updated 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT and Eclipse Spyder doing their groove thing on the road. As we mentioned last week when we previewed the vehicle, the styling changes are evolutionary and include a new front end housing a blacked-out trapezoidal grille that mimics the maw of the Lancer Evolution, as well as a blacked out rear apron where a new dual exhaust system peeks out that provides the car's V6 with another 2 horsepower and 2 ft-lbs. of torque for a grand total of 265 and 262, respectively. We actually dig the new grille and think it works well with the already established body style of the Eclipse, and more power is more power (i.e. a good thing). But it's tough to overlook the fundamental flaws of the Eclipse, which include being a heavy front-wheel-drive coupe that shares a lineage with a certain much-missed all-wheel-drive, turbo-four pocket rocket.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

Pics Aplenty: 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT and Eclipse Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Mitsubishi Concept-RA may hint at Eclipse for Europe

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 16:13:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Mitsubishi

This is not just rumormill, this is rumors of hints and suggestions made by anonymous people. Just last week we wondered whether Mitsubishi's Concept-RA would lead to a new -- and proper -- Eclipse. What Car? went further, and although citing nothing more than "insiders," said that the red zinger "could be a forerunner for a new Eclipse coupe, which could go on sale in Europe."

True, that's a lot of coulds. But it wasn't so long ago that the Eclipse was an object of desire, and there can't be any doubt that Mitsubishi would love to see those days return -- especially after watching rival Nissan revive brand lust by slowly reinjecting its products with feeling.

Mitsubishi's attempt to mainstream the Eclipse robbed it of the fan base it had and yet didn't grow a new one. We suppose the questions, as always, would be money and the business case, but we for one would love to see Mitsu do that car, right there, in the picture above, as the new Eclipse. If they could get enough other people behind it, we wouldn't be surprised if they did. (Hint: that means it's time to tell them what you think. The comments box is waiting. Europeans are welcome.)

[Source: What Car?]

Rumormill: Mitsubishi Concept-RA may hint at Eclipse for Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 16:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT in the Autoblog Garage

Erin Mays — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Convertible, Performance, Mitsubishi

The small Mexican village of Cancun is a well-known party destination for young adults on spring break, offering a multitude of things most excellent. Eye candy in bikinis and surfer shorts (take your pick) sip on margaritas made with hand-squeezed lime juice and 100 percent agave tequila at a fraction of the price of the libations they choke down up North. In Cancun, sunny, 85-degree days on the beach end -- or start, depending on your perspective -- with never-ending dance parties so crowded you're not sure who you're dancing with. Sprawling hotels offer deals on everything from deep sea fishing to golf, and ancient ruins are just a day trip away for the brainiacs and history buffs in the group. Paradise on Earth.

After a week of excessive partying and far too little rehydration, however, realization dawns for all but a select few who were truly meant to reside in the beautiful but energy-sapping locale: Cancun is a fabulous place to visit, but most people wouldn't want to live there.

So goes our story of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT. For those who were truly meant for this car and vice-versa, it is a dream come true. "Attainable exotic" is more than a buzz phrase pushed by Mitsubishi's marketing guys. For the rest of us, however, we're thrilled to have had the opportunity to visit and would certainly like to go back one day, but it's just too much of a good thing for our modest lives.

Continue reading 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT in the Autoblog Garage

2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT in the Autoblog Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Nov 2006 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Carbon fiber wheels coming to a tuner near you

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 19:35:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Supercars

The next logical progression in removing unsprung weight will finally be made available to U.S. enthusiasts. Rennworx Ltd., a company that imports a variety of top dollar rims and parts, has agreed to bring Dymag's full lineup of custom carbon fiber rollers. Their products have found their way into the wheel arches of some top dollar machines, including Ascari, Mosler and Koenigsegg.

Beyond the subdued bling factor, the new wheels provide a number of dynamic benefits, including improved acceleration, braking and steering feel, the ability to allow softer dampening settings and the capability of dissipating heat more efficiently than conventional forged or cast rims.

Cost? This is one of those instances that if you have to ask, well, you know the rest.

Click through for more pictures, including a nicely modded 4th generation Eclipse equipped with said wheels, and the full press release.

[Source: PR Newswire]

Continue reading Carbon fiber wheels coming to a tuner near you

Carbon fiber wheels coming to a tuner near you originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Jul 2006 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Prodrive P2 handles so well, even Clarkson loses his lunch

Chris Paukert — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Etc., Europe, Videos, Subaru

Alright... so you've openly lusted after the performance envelopes of road-bound rally cars like the Subaru WRX STi and Mitsubishi EVO IX MR, but you can't get around their frump four-door roots, or their look-at-me aerodynamic addenda. So what's keeping the two firms from building a lighter, more lithesome coupe? Mitsubishi has little excuse, as it already has the rumptastic (if overweight) Eclipse in its fold, a car that was once upon a time known for its turbocharged hooliganism.

Subaru, however, doesn't have the same luck-- the last time it did a two-door coupe, the interestingly-styled SVX, it was an overweight, slow-selling cruiser, not a true performance car. So while enthusiasts have waited around for some time for the boys and gals at Fuji Heavy to pack their winning mechanicals in something smaller and sexier, it's taken the WRC wizards at Prodrive to deliver.

Seen here is the P2, a car that's been hinted about for some time, and Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear is the first scribe we know of to drive it... as well as suffer its ill-effects.

Based on Subaru's diminutive R1 supermini, but packing the drivetrain from the WRX STi with a bigger turbo, and the attractively 'New Edge with chunk' styled P2 puts 345 brake horsepower worth of smack down. The net-net? 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, and a top speed of 174 mph.

Better still, Clarkson figures, is the handling. The engineers at Prodrive have not only figured out some sort of indescribably complex anti-lag system for the turbocharger, they've gone and developed a driver-adjustable active center differential. While the latter trinket doesn't sound terribly different from a bog-standard STi's piece, the Subaru's is essentially a mechanical system, while the P2's is supervised and informed by all manner of sensors, including yaw, throttle position, and so on. The end result is a coupe that can be neatly tailored for the demands of the road and the driver-- safe as houses understeer, or tail-out antics. It all works so well that it makes Clarkson sick-- literally.

Sadly, according to JC, ProDrive has no plans to put the P2 into production.

[Source: TopGear via YouTube]

Video: Prodrive P2 handles so well, even Clarkson loses his lunch originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jun 2006 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsubishi to bail on U.S.?

Erin Mays — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 23:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi has thrown down the gauntlet. If dealers can't sell its new products like the Outlander and Lancer, the company may pull out of the United States completely. Mitsubishi's product boss, Shinichi Kurihara said as much at a press event, indicating that the company's recovery rides on the success of the vehicles. The company is down 16.5 percent to 36,536 units so far this year, and its Normal, Ill. plant employs just one shift. Predictably, dealers have responded by urging Mitsubishi brass to open up their wallets and spend more money on advertising here in the States.

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi's May sales figures just arrived and the company posted a 3.9-percent rise in sales over May of 2005, which follows an even stronger 17.5-percent improvement last month over April of 2005.

[Source: Automotive News via AutoWeek]

(Thanks to Emulous1974 for the tip)

Mitsubishi to bail on U.S.? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 23:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsubishi announces pricing for 2007 Eclipse Spyder

Joel Arellano — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Performance

Mitsubishi Motors has announced pricing for its 2007 Eclipse Spyder convertible. The Spyder, based on the coupe released last year, will be offered in two trims: GS and the GT. Pricing for the GS, which employs a 162 horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, starts at a steep-sounding $25,389. The GT, powered by 260-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine, bases at $28,269. The GS comes with a standard 5-speed manual transmission, with the GT gaining an extra cog. Optional four and five speed automatic transmissions are available for an additional $900.

The Eclipse Spyder is arriving on dealer lots now.

[Source: Mitsubishi Motors via PRNewswire.com]

Mitsubishi announces pricing for 2007 Eclipse Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Mar 2006 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments