Autoblog

REPORT: Mitsubishi Evo XI could get plug-in tech in 2013

Chris Shunk — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mitsubishi PX-MiEV, scheduled for an official debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this week, is jam packed with the best technology Mitsubishi has to offer. It's a series hybrid. It's a parallel hybrid. It has a 30 mile EV range. It will reportedly net 140 MPG. It has the same AWD system as the Lancer EVO X, enabling the crossover concept to switch modes based on how the 'ute is being driven. Why throw the technology sink at the PX-MiEV? Because it's a concept, of course, and concepts are supposed to be fanciful. But why the AWD?

For starters, AWD and hybrid tech don't usually mix, because driving all four wheels at the same time typically decreases fuel economy. So why add AWD to the PX-MiEV concept? The folks over at Autocar feel it could signal Mitsubishi's intent to offer plug-in tech in the Lancer Evolution XI. The Brits reportedly talked to Mitsubishi insiders who say the next-gen Evo could receive the plug-in tech showcased in the PX-MiEV.

While there's an up side to including plug-in tech on the next generation Evo, there are plenty of negatives as well. The high price point could better justify the added cost of hybrid tech, and the powertrain setup in the PX-MiEV, if fitted to the next Evo, would give torquetastic electric twist strictly to the rear wheels. Then there is the emissions issue, which would undoubtedly improve with a few battery packs equipped to Mitsubishi's road-going rally sedan.

Unfortunately, adding lithium battery packs and electric motors would also add significant weight to a vehicle that already tips the scales at over 3,500 pounds. Mitsubishi could shave some tonnage to offset some of the gains, but light weight materials would only add cost to an already pricey proposition. Mitsubishi is already having a bit of trouble trying to find enough customers to justify a $40,000 vehicle based off the spartan Lancer platform, so we're thinking that a plug-in Evo may not be such a great idea after all.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Mitsubishi Evo XI could get plug-in tech in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New-for-2010 Mitsubishi Evo MR Touring pricing announced, starts at $40,990

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Mitsubishi, Off-Road

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi finally posted pricing information on its new top-of-the-Evolution-ary-chart MR Touring model, and it definitely isn't cheap. A bargain to some maybe, but definitely not cheap. We had first seen this uplevel MR at a local car gathering that seems to attract just about every bit of new enthusiast candy, but back then, they were referring to it as the Limited. Now, it's called the MR Touring and with a base MSRP of $40,990, the top dog Lancer finally cracks the 40K barrier, pushing the definition of "bargain." If you go Sharpie-mad and check every box on the order form, the bottom line might make you think you're actually at an Audi dealer. The full boat 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring would retail for - wait for it - $52,728. Yep, a fifty-plus-thousand-dollar-Lancer. (Editor's note: After checking over the list again, we see that some of the options are indeed redundant. Best we can tell, a Touring would run around $47,000, tops. Still quite a hefty sum though.)

For all those greenbacks, however, you'll get a wonderfully chuckable, largely-aluminum-bodied supersedan with a 291-horsepower turbo four-cylinder, a paddle-shifted dual clutch six-speed transmission, Brembo brakes, 18-inch BBS wheels wrapped in sticky Yokohama Advans, all working through Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel-drive system to propel you along in any conditions on virtually any surface at alarming speeds. But all of that could be said for the regular Evo as well. So what makes the Touring so dear?

What the Touring adds are creature comforts that make the 40-grand price tag potentially less alarming, turning the car into something that can genuinely be cross-shopped against BMW, Audi, Mercedes and the like with few excuses. It's an Evo for grown-ups.

Standard on the Touring are things like a new higher-res info display between the gauges, an Evo-first moonroof, and genuine leather-covered heated Recaros. The car gains a few pounds with the extra equipment and additional soundproofing - even though it saves a bit by dropping the rear wing in favor of a small lip spoiler. The full list of standard and optional features can be found after the jump along with full pricing information. We've also added a new gallery of high-res pics so you can see all of the detail changes for yourself. At $40,000-$50,000 Mitsubishi is entering highly competitive waters, but we think they will find plenty of buyers. After all, the Evo has never been afraid of a little competition.

Gallery: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading New-for-2010 Mitsubishi Evo MR Touring pricing announced, starts at $40,990

New-for-2010 Mitsubishi Evo MR Touring pricing announced, starts at $40,990 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Fifth Gear pits Ford Focus RS vs. Mitsubishi Evo X

Chris Paukert — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Mitsubishi, UK

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Yesterday, we showed you Fifth Gear's take on the new Audi R8 V10 - notable more for their footage of the gorgeous blue test car than for much in the way of actual performance driving and analysis. In an effort to correct that oversight, we've found you another clip of the UK television show that features not just one enthusiast car - but two cars, Ford's stonking new Focus RS and the Mitsubishi Evolution X. Better still, the fearsome twosome tangle on the track in a pair of tests with hot shoes Tiff Needell and BTCC champion Jason Plato at the wheel.

It's a scrap as the touring car scion takes on the rally-bred hero, so check out the front-drive versus all-wheel-drive pocket rocket madness after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)

[Source: Fifth Gear via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Fifth Gear pits Ford Focus RS vs. Mitsubishi Evo X

VIDEO: Fifth Gear pits Ford Focus RS vs. Mitsubishi Evo X originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UPDATE: Production of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X skipped for 2009 in U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:25:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Mitsubishi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mitsubishi Evolution X

Mitsubishi has put production of the Lancer Evolution X on hold, saying there's enough inventory to make it through the end of the year when the 2010 model is released. Mitsubishi spokesperson Christine Jew told KickingTires that no changes were planned for the 2009 model, but the 2010 variant would benefit from a few minor revisions. Inventory tracking through Cars.com confirms that there are plenty of Evos available (887 2008 models, to be specific), but that doesn't mean the new Evo X is a flop; sales of Mitsu's rally rocket were up over 50% in 2008.

UPDATE: We spoke with Christine from Mitsubishi about Evo production, and it's hardly a "halt." The 2009 Evo will continue to be produced for Canada and Puerto Rico, so Mitsubishi is only skipping the U.S. market for the 2009 model year. As some of you pointed out, this is primarily due to the late launch the Evo received last year. The 2010 model will go on sale this summer and will feature some "minor," undisclosed tweaks.

Gallery: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

[Source: KickingTires]

UPDATE: Production of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X skipped for 2009 in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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South Yorkshire police enlist Mitsubishi Evo X in the force

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Mitsubishi, Police/Emergency, UK

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Police Evo X

The South Yorkshire police just added a ten to their squad. No, that's not a sexist statement about some new hire, it's a reference to the new Mitsubishi Evolution X they just added to the fleet. Joining an already-intimidating Evo VIII and IX in the motorpool is a specially equipped X that should help keep the Road Crime Unit (RCU) ahead of the baddies. The Evo X should be more than adequate for tracking down drug dealers and car thieves by itself, but deployed as a pack, the trio of Evos will probably scare scofflaws into simply giving up the chase.

The new Evolution X squad car will also be fitted with an onboard Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, which allows officers to "check who the vehicle is registered to and if there is anything remotely suspicious about the vehicle." So it even does a bit of detective work, too. This sounds like just about the perfect pursuit and apprehend vehicle. While it's no Lamborghini LP560-4, it's no i MIEV either. Looks a bit like that Carbon Motors E7, but it's a proven platform with SUPER ARREST POTENTIAL! There's a full press release after the jump and a small gallery of high-res pics available below.

Gallery: South Yorkshire Police Evolution X

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading South Yorkshire police enlist Mitsubishi Evo X in the force

South Yorkshire police enlist Mitsubishi Evo X in the force originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Mitsubishi Evo X

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Mitsubishi

Click for a hi-res gallery of the Mitsubishi Evo X

Some cars look bad-ass, while others have a bad-ass image. The latest Mitsubishi Evo ticks both boxes, and ticks them off with a big X. Despite being based on the run-of-the-mill, work-a-day Lancer sedan, the Evo X has all the attitude you could ask from a performance icon, with the actual performance to back it up.

With the Evolution X now upon us, Mitsubishi has released no fewer than 35 new jumbo images of the beast, which we've added to our ever-growing high-resolution gallery for a total of 89 images to thrash your desktop into submission. Check out what happens when the Evo comes to town by clicking the thumbnails below.

Gallery: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Pics Aplenty: Mitsubishi Evo X originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Auto Salon: Mitsubishi Evolution X gets tuner love in Japan

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Mitsubishi, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click the image above for more shots of Tokyo Auto Salon's assortment of Evos.

There were three main show pieces gracing the halls of the Makuhari Messe over the last few days: the GT-R, the new Subaru Impreza STI and Mitsubishi's Evolution X. Autoblog Chinese snapped off a random assortment of pictures showing several different interpretations of the Evo X from a variety of tuners.

From what we can see, some of the aftermarket firms weren't able to get parts fabbed up before the show, but several of the companies featured revised suspensions, strut tower braces, new intake and exhaust components and a few other choice bits. We're sure next year's Tokyo Auto Salon will be far more important to the aftermarket and its customers.

In the meantime, we were able to find out that ARC brought a modified Evo X to the show fitted with a new intercooler, a complete coilover suspension and upgrade brakes. The team of HKS and Camp featured an Evo with an exposed carbon fiber splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser, but, more impressively, Camp integrated its new Computerized Automobile Multi Player, which acts similar to the GT-R's dash-mounted screen that displays a variety of engine parameters in lieu of a row of analog gauges.

Finally, Team Orange's D1 Evo X was on the show floor and at a Mitsubishi Ralliart shindig. The team's all-wheel-drive drifter came sporting a full carbon fiber body kit and wing, a new set of Enkeis and Lord knows what else.

Check the gallery below for more live shots from the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Evolution X at the Tokyo Auto Salon

Tokyo Auto Salon: Mitsubishi Evolution X gets tuner love in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007: US-spec 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution lands (VIDEO)

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Mitsubishi

UPDATE: Another high-res gallery of photos from Frank Filipponio added

click above link for high-res gallery of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Mitsubishi pulled the covers off the US-spec 2008 Lancer Evolution X, and the differences between your red, white, and blue steed and the one from its homeland are: the steering wheel is on the left, versions with the 6-speed SST auto 'box are called the MR (the 5-speed manual is the GSR), and the seat cushions are longer in order to fit longer American bodies.

The stripper RS model is not on offer here -- that's the one without a radio and power options. The differences between our GSR and the MR aren't many, but depending on your preferences they might not be minor. The standard GSR has a radio and power accessories, but does not come with a wing -- that would get added in the Sight, Sound, and Spoiler package, which throws in HID headlamps and a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate system. The optional package for the MR is the Technology Package, which adds goodies to the stereo system (like a subwoofer and hard drive), Bluetooth, navigation, and the Fast Key entry system.

When it comes to inner workings, the GS rides on 18-inch Enkeis. The MR gets 18-inch BBS forged alloys, as well as Bilstein shock absorbers, Eibach springs, and 2-piece rotors. Voila. Lancer Evo X pricing according to one source will be around $30,000 for the GSR, and $36,000 for the MR. Follow the jump to read the full press release and options, and check out our live shots of the car's reveal in the gallery below. Video of the live introduction is also available after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Gallery: 2008 Mitsubishi EVO X

Continue reading LA 2007: US-spec 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution lands (VIDEO)

LA 2007: US-spec 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution lands (VIDEO) originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai sports car concept coming to LA Auto Show, along with 14 world debuts

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 09:36:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Coupe, Crossover, Hyundai, Nissan

When the dust settles at the Los Angeles auto show next month, at least 14 world debuts will have taken place, along with 30 North America unveilings. Amidst the premiers, expect to see a concept version of Hyundai's new RWD sports car (also to be shown in London), along with Nissan's restyled Murano CUV.

Those of you that can pry yourselves away from the Turkey table and shrug off your tryptophanic haze will be able to check out the Jaguar XF, BMW 1-series coupe, the new Mitsubishi Evolution X, Subaru WRX STI, Lamborghini Reventon, Porsche GT2 and Ferrari's F430 Scuderia the week after the press festivities end.

[Source: Just-Auto - Sub. Req.]

Hyundai sports car concept coming to LA Auto Show, along with 14 world debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Oct 2007 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official pics of Mitsubishi's Evolution X

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi

Click the image above for more shots of Mitsubishi's Evolution X.

We're counting down the days before our departure to Japan for the Tokyo Motor Show, and as we mark each passing date with a red "X" it takes on a special meaning.

Car and Driver's initial review of the Mitsubishi Evolution X has already given us some of the specs, including the new blown two-liter's rating of 295 HP and 300 lb.-ft. of torque in GSR and MR guise. Now, Mitsubishi has released three images showing the JDM-spec Evo's exterior, and one pic that reveals what U.S. buyers can expect to enjoy while sitting in the new Evo MR's cockpit.

Check the gallery below for more.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Official pics of Mitsubishi's Evolution X originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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C&D first to drive the slower but faster Mitsubishi Evo GSR

Dan Roth — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Performance, Japan, Mitsubishi

Our pulpy friends over at 2002 Hogback Road have gotten their hands on the latest version of Mitsubishi's Evo, the Evo X. Car and Driver's November 2007 issue has a preview of the Evo X, and they found that while the new car gives up speed to the outgoing model in a drag race, it kicks it in the teeth if curves are on the menu. Any car that can run a 13.8-second quarter mile is not slow, anyway. Consider that you get that kind of speed for a base price of $30,000, and 295 horsepower from two-liters is impressive. C&D's numbers are from the Evo GSR, and a JDM one at that, but changes for US-bound Evos are down to details.

Putting the 295 horsepower and 300 lb/feet of torque to the ground in a seamless manner is a bucketful of acronyms. There's a new dual-clutch sequential gearbox called Twin-Clutch SST that is bolted to four coordinated systems that get the overall descriptor of Super All Wheel Control. S-AWC combines a center differential with yaw control, stability control, and a rear differential with separate clutches for the left and right wheels. The structure is stiffer and lighter, and in the boy-racer arena, the Evo's always been a sweet driver, which hasn't changed. In fact, the character of the car has become a little less uncouth, which purists may cry about, but the rest of us will just giggle like schoolgirls as the Evo X replicates the video game experience IRL.

[Source: VWVortex]

Thanks for the tip, Chris!

C&D first to drive the slower but faster Mitsubishi Evo GSR originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mitsubishi EVO X previewed by Road and Track

John Neff — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:10:00 EST

Filed under: Mitsubishi, Subaru

Road & Track has compiled all it knows about the next versions of the Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mitsubishi EVO X into a tidy little article that currently resides on their website. It includes a lot of information from inside sources, as well as pics that we think represent the magazine's best guess as to what these two terrors will look like.

The new Subaru Impreza WRX STi will likely bow later this year and go on sale in early 2008. The design ethos for the STi is one of muscularity, and we have to say that R&T's rendering look sick, in a good way. Whatever qualms we had about the Impreza redesign melt away in the face of the STi's sheer kick-assness. Just like with the new WRX, mechanical changes won't be extreme, but will include a horsepower bump for the 2.5L flat-four up to 320 or so, with torque topping out at 320 ft-lbs. at 4,000 RPM. The only transmission will be a six-speed manual. The slightly lighter new STi should be able to hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds flat. There are a few electronic aids, DCCD (driver's control center differential), but it appears the new STi will be more of a purist's machine than ever.

The new Mitsubishi EVO X, however, will be outfitted with all the latest acronyms, including AYC (active yaw control), S-AWC (super-all-wheel control), ACD (active center differential) and ASC (anti-skid control). All of those electrons will do their best to tame the 300 horsepower produced by the EVO's new 2.0L turbo four codenamed 4B11. Torque is expected to reach 300 ft-lbs. at a very useable 3,000 rpm, as well. Unlike in the STi, you should be able to order your next EVO X with either a five-speed manual or new 6-speed twin-clutch automatic called SST. R&T reports that it will be similar to Volkswagen's DSG, but likely better considering it's been in development more recently. We all know what the EVO X will look like, of course, having seen the Prototype X that Mitsubishi debuted at the Detroit Auto Show this year, but R&T also rounds out some production details in the car's appearance.

Click the Read the link to skip to Road & Track for the complete article with all the details they've managed to gather on these highly anticipated 2008 models.

[Source: Road and Track, illustration used with permission]

Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mitsubishi EVO X previewed by Road and Track originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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