Autoblog

The so-called 'World Engine' used by DaimlerChrysler, 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]

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.


[Source: Autobild]

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]

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!

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.

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]