Autoblog

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback starting at $19,190, Ralliart at $27,590

Dan Roth — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Lancer, good. Lancer Sportback, better. Lancer Sportback Ralliart, better still. The hatchified version of Mitsubishi's Lancer was confirmed earlier this year to go on sale as a 2010 model. For the first two-thirds, it's a normal Lancer, but out back there's a smidge of extra length and a newly fattened C-Pillar for the practical hatch profile. Not only is it sporting smart-looking hatchy excellence, the Lancer Sportback glowers at the Subaru Impreza and says "bring it."

Tweaking an Impreza's nose is best done when you're rocking the $27,590 Lancer Sportback Ralliart. The entry GTS serves up the style and utility for a reasonable $19,190, but the 2.4-liter four cylinder's 168 horsepower, while good, doesn't exactly get enthusiast blood boiling. If you want your Sportback GTS to shift itself, it will start at $20,190 and pack a CVT with magnesium shift paddles and six fixed ratios to emulate more conventional transmissions.

Real performance isn't the exclusive domain of the Evo. In fact, the Lancer Sportback Ralliart is something of a 2/3 Evo, running an underachieving version of that car's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine spitting out 237 horsepower through all four wheels either via a twin-clutch paddle-shifted six-speed. More hatches are always good, and more higher-performance hatches are even more welcome. Get all the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Continue reading 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback starting at $19,190, Ralliart at $27,590

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback starting at $19,190, Ralliart at $27,590 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi recalls 2008-2009 Lancers and Outlanders over faulty brakes

Chris Paukert — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Mitsubishi

If you have a 2008-'09 Mitsubishi Lancer or Outlander equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission, listen up - your car may be facing a recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is working with the Japanese automaker to recall some 39,711 vehicles that may have problems with their brake boosters.

According to NHTSA, "Incorrect material composition of the brake booster check valve may cause the check valve to stick closed when the engine is shut off." As a result, when affected vehicles are re-started, there may not be enough power assist to effectively operate the brakes (particularly in slow-speed situations), increasing stopping distances and the risk of an accident.

Affected vehicles will have their brake booster check valves inspected and replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin next month, and owners can contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037 to learn more. Official press release after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Mitsubishi recalls 2008-2009 Lancers and Outlanders over faulty brakes

Mitsubishi recalls 2008-2009 Lancers and Outlanders over faulty brakes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mitsubishi Ralliart Sportback spotted in MI

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Mitsubishi, Rumormill

Click above for another shot of the Lancer Sportback

The crew at NextAutos caught a Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback testing in the great state of Michigan, providing us with further proof that the WRX-fighter is on its way to the States. The Sportback is the hatch/wagon/combi variant of the Lancer that originally debuted in Paris, and while Mitsubishi still hasn't confirmed drivetrain choices for the U.S., we've been assured that a Ralliart version is in the cards.

The Sportback aims to unseat the five-door Subaru Impreza both here and abroad, with gasoline engine choices in Europe spanning the range from 1.5- to 1.8-liters, along with a turbodiesel displacing 2.0 liters. The Sportback Ralliart will be powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-liter MIVEC four equipped on the sedan and putting out 237 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through Mitsubishi's new Twin-Clutch SST transmission and Active Center Differential. Expect the Sportback to arrive on U.S. shores later this year, with the Ralliart variant following shortly thereafter.

[Source: NextAutos]

Spy Shots: Mitsubishi Ralliart Sportback spotted in MI originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Mitsubishi raising output of World Engine by 35%

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Mitsubishi

The so-called 'World Engine' used by ~~Daimler~~Chrysler, Hyundai and Mitsubishi as part of their Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance joint venture has given the world such gems as the powerplants in the current Mitsubishi Evolution and Dodge Caliber SRT-4, and will also power the base version of the upcoming Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Although these turbocharged beasts are what make the heart swoon, the bulk of World Engines engines are much more mundane. With fuel efficiency a top priority these days, the Diamond Star brand will soon be investing some nine-billion yen (US$84.2m) into its engine plant in Japan's Shiga Prefecture, which makes the global four-bangers in 1.8, 2.0 and 2.4 liter capacities. Expect to find these engines underhood in various Lancer and Outlander models.

[Source: Just-Auto - sub. req'd]

Mitsubishi raising output of World Engine by 35% originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: Mitsubishi Prototype S unmasked!

Alex Nunez — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 12:38:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Click image for a gallery of the Prototype S

German pub Autobild has spilled the beans on the Geneva-bound Mitsubishi Prototype S. The "S" is for Sportback, and this show car forecasts a future production vehicle that will probably carry that moniker. The Sportback is crucial for the European market, where hatches account for the majority of car sales. Up front, you essentially have the Lancer Ralliart's nose, which is dressed up with more ornate, concept-style headlamps and foglights. Head around to the car's rump, and you can almost see Mitsu's people drawing a line in the sand, daring the 5-door WRX to come over and "play." The sloping rear hatch is topped by a large, body-colored roof spoiler, and restyled rear lighting wraps from the lid onto the quarter panels. Dual exhaust tips poke through a diffuser insert on the rear bumper, and stylish split-spoke wheels in a gunmetal finish occupy the lightly-flared fender cutouts. Mechanically, it seems that the Prototype S is outfitted with the same running gear as the Lancer Ralliart. The 2.0L turbo four delivers 240 PS (236 hp) and 343 Nm (253 lb-ft) of torque through a dual-clutch setup to a full-time AWD system with an active center differential. It's cool, we want it, and most importantly, it'd fit -- after all, Subaru markets the WRX here as both a sedan and a hatchback. Come on, Mits. Go tit for tat with them and bring this one across the pond after you give it to Europe.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Prototype S

[Source: Autobild]

Geneva '08 Preview: Mitsubishi Prototype S unmasked! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Feb 2008 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer ES

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Mitsubishi

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer - Click above for high-res image gallery

As any kid learns on Christmas morning, expectations are a bitch. And once you've made the transition to adulthood, things don't change. It's widely accepted that most of us who pray at the altar of the car Gods are simply eight-year olds with a bit more expendable income... and for the most part, that's true. There are a few synapses that get fired when we overcook a particular corner in our daily rides, the same ones that were triggered when we yanked up on the makeshift e-brake of our Big Wheels. So when we took delivery of a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer ES, we were expecting handling and motivation to match the new Lancer's aggressive styling, even in this just-better-than-base model. After seven days of merciless flogging, we were left with a sport compact-sized hole in our hearts, just like when Santa didn't leave the Super Nintendo underneath our tree.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer ES

Continue reading Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer ES

Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer ES originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

John Neff — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 01:35:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Japan, Mitsubishi

click either image to view complete high-res gallery

Though print mags bearing the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X as their cover car have already hit newsstands, the car isn't really official until Mitsubishi says it's official. As of early in the AM on Monday, the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is official, complete with a dandy new press release and pics of the JDM version. There's tons more info about the new Evo X in the press release after the jump that the print mags didn't have space to cover, so make sure to read through it.

The trims Mitsubishi specifically announced were the GSR, which is the standard Evo X now, and the RS model. The stripper RS model has always been a favorite of ours, especially with the giant rear wing deleted and all those foo-foo features like a radio and power whatever tossed to save weight.

While the old car's 4G63 engine was legendary, the new car's 4B11 mill is lighter thanks to an aluminum block and more powerful at 295 HP and 300 ft-lbs. of torque. We're also especially excited about the new Twin-Clutch SST 6-speed automated manual (think DSG from Audi), though those that prefer a proper snick can still order a 5-speed manual, which is the only option on the RS.

Pricing has been set at ¥3,495,450 ($30,473 USD) for the GSR 5MT, ¥3,750,600 ($32,697 USD) for the GSR with the Twin-Clutch SST 6-speed and ¥2,997,750 ($26,134 USD) for the RS. Enough talking, read on and view the new pics below.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Officially Official: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Officially Official: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2007 01:35:00 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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Mitsubishi prices 2008 Lancer from $14,615*

John Neff — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 17:55:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Mitsubishi

The rapidly rebounding Mitsubishi has just announced pricing for its new 2008 Lancer that could help solidify the automakers return to solvency in the U.S. market. The next Lancer will carry a base price of $14,615 for the base DE model with a 5-speed manual and the only engine being offered at the moment, a 2.0L MIVEC four-cylinder producing 152 horsepower. Stepping up to the optional CVT tranny will cost an additional $900 on DE and midlevel ES, but on the uplevel GTS it will cost a cool thousand extra thanks to a set of 6-Step Sportronic paddle-shifters.

Three packages will be offered including the A/C and Power Package ($1,100), Sun & Sound Package ($1,500) and the Navigation & Technology Package ($2,000), the last of which includes a 30GB hard drive and nav system with a 7-inch screen.

It should be noted that the new Lancer's base price is a full $589 less than a 2006 Lancer ES, the current base model with a manual transmission. Pricing for each new model appears lower than their 2006 counterparts across the board.

Check out the complete list of prices* below.

Lancer DE (2.0L/5M) $14,615
Lancer DE (2.0L/CVT) $15,515
Lancer ES (2.0L/5M) $16,615
Lancer ES (2.0L/CVT) $17,515
Lancer GTS (2.0L/5M) $18,115
Lancer GTS (2.0L/CVT) $19,115

*All prices include an extra $625 for shipping.

Check out the pricing for every option and feature after the jump.

Continue reading Mitsubishi prices 2008 Lancer from $14,615*

Mitsubishi prices 2008 Lancer from $14,615* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Mar 2007 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Esquire magazine picks its '10 Most Awesome Autos'

Chris Paukert — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Infiniti, Lotus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru

As Esquire magazine appears to have forgotten to post its "10 Most Awesome Autos" feature from its May issue online, Terry Box at the Dallas Morning News has been kind enough to accommodate list fanatics. The men's magazine actually made a pretty good show of picking its 10 favorite cars under $50,000. No defining criteria other than price and editorial opinion appears to have been employed, so take these for whatever they're worth. In no particular order and without further delay, the envelope, please ...

Lotus Elise ($42,990):
Chevrolet Corvette ($44,490)
Mazda 6 ($19,670)
Infiniti G35 coupe ($33,200)
Ford F-150 ($19,640 to $37,005)
Audi A3 3.2 DSG ($34,700)
Subaru Legacy GT ($28,795)
BMW 3-Series ($30,900 to $44,900)
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution ($29,149)
Chrysler 300C SRT8 ($42,695)

So, did Esquire get it right, or is it missing something?

[Sources: Dallas Morning News; Esquire; Lotus]

Esquire magazine picks its '10 Most Awesome Autos' originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Apr 2006 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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