Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #194 - Bentley Continental, Lamborghini teaser, Mexico's Mastretta and budget Toyota sports cars

Dan Roth — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Paris Motor Show, Bentley, GMC, Lamborghini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Military

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It's Episode #194 of the Autoblog Podcast, and Chris, Sam and Dan talk about the 2011 Bentley Continental, what Lamborghini has in store for the Paris Motor Show, Mexico's Mastretta MXT and budget sports cars from Toyota. Two questions cap it at just over an hour this week. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #194 - Bentley Continental, Lamborghini teaser, Mexico's Mastretta and budget Toyota sports cars

In the Autoblog Garage:

Nissan Pathfinder
GMC Sierra 3500 HD
Mitsubishi Outlander

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Shunk

Runtime: 63:00

Get the podcast:
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Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

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Autoblog Podcast #194 - Bentley Continental, Lamborghini teaser, Mexico's Mastretta and budget Toyota sports cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #187 - Lamborghini rumors, Explorer economy, media plants, a sporty Leaf and premium Germans

Dan Roth — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Ford, GM, GMC, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Toyota, Volkswagen

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Paukert and Dan Roth are the crew for Episode #187 of the Autoblog Podcast. We cover Lamborghini rumors, the new Ford Explorer's fuel economy with its rumored EcoBoost powertrain, the rumors swirling around the possibility that the Wall Street Journal printed an article that was a plant from Toyota, a sports car based on the Nissan Leaf, and the seemingly insatiable appetite for German premium cars. We hit your feedback and questions before throwing in the towel at the hour and a half mark. Thanks for listening, see you next time!

Autoblog Podcast #187 - Lamborghini rumors, Explorer economy, media plants, a sporty Leaf and premium Germans

In the Autoblog Garage:

Mitsubishi Outlander
Jaguar XJL
GMC Sierra 3500HD
Volkswagen Golf TDI

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Paukert, Chris Shunk

Runtime: 86:17

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Joystiq Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #187 - Lamborghini rumors, Explorer economy, media plants, a sporty Leaf and premium Germans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is right-sized at the right time

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mitsubishi, First Drives

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

From all outward appearances, Mitsubishi could be considered the Chrysler of Japan. Its products have grown fragmented. Its focus scattershot. Its past interiors... well, the less said the better. So it was a breath of fresh air to hear that Mitsubishi's attention will be centered on two core marques going forward: the Lancer and Outlander.

With the Galant toiling away in obscurity and the Eclipse a heavyweight shell of its former self, the Japanese automaker's compact sedan and crossover lines are the two remaining bright spots in its portfolio (all-electric iMiEV aside).

And if you're looking for a Lancer, Mitsubishi has you covered. In spades. A basic runabout? Easy. A tech-laden, turbocharged, all-wheel drive sports sedan. Done. Name your price and priorities, and there's a Lancer for you.

But what about the Outlander?

According to Bryan Arnett, Mitsubishi's Manager of Product Strategy, the Outlander brand is set to expand in the coming years. In addition to the four trim levels - topped off by the surprisingly entertaining GT - there's room to fill above and below. While the Endeavor currently sits at the peak of the company's CUV pile (for the time being), Mitsubishi needs something on the small side to compete with the new Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Tiguan and upcoming Nissan Juke. It's a segment that - according to most automakers - is set to explode in the new few years, and Mitsubishi wants to be a player. Enter the Outlander Sport, a right-sized CUV that takes the core components of its bigger brother and distills them into a smaller, lighter package.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is right-sized at the right time

First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is right-sized at the right time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi releases updated JDM Outlander Roadest with unique look

Dan Roth — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Japan, Crossover, Mitsubishi

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander Roadest - click for high-res gallery

Normally when an automaker updates a model, even if it's just a quick cosmetic change, the earlier version is treated like cheek meat - nobody wants it unless it's a real good deal, and the dealers just want them gone. Mitsubishi evidently thinks its home-market will be kinder to the compact crossover-ute-thing we know and love as the Outlander.

While a new Evo-esque beak has been grafted onto our Outlander for 2010, the softer, older version will continue to be offered to JDM buyers alongside a more cosmetically aggressive model. To avoid confusion, a country-specific rhinoplasty-enhanced model will be branded Outlander Roadest (note that the fascia and, grille and foglamps are all distinct from the U.S. model), while the older bodywork model will continue on as just plain "Outlander." Regardless of the looks, both iterations will get a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as standard, good for 148PS (about 146 horsepower). The offal-likeness is in play with pricing as well, with the new-old Outlander selling for just ¥1,995,000 (about $22,000) while the Roadest will command ¥2,475,900 ($27,100).

Gallery: Mitsubishi Roadest

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Mitsubishi releases updated JDM Outlander Roadest with unique look originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Mitsubishi shows off EVOlved 2010 Outlander GT

Drew Phillips — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Mitsubishi

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mitsubishi Outlander GT prototype made its debut in New York earlier this year, a sign that the Lancer Evolution's front end would be spreading to other models in the lineup. Along with the new look, the GT concept also received sportier options like 19-inch OZ Racing wheels, larger Brembo brakes, a lightweight aluminum roof and a slight bump in horsepower.

While we don't yet know exactly what features of the concept car will make it to the production version, we do know what it will look like. In addition to the our live photos we snapped last month at our favorite SoCal car meet, Mitsubishi has just released dozens of new photos of its new sportier-looking SUV. You won't have to wait long for the details, though, as we are scheduled to get behind the wheel of the Outlander GT next week. Until then, browse through the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Pics Aplenty: Mitsubishi shows off EVOlved 2010 Outlander GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV shows its more conventional face

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:11:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Tokyo Motor Show, Crossover, Mitsubishi

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

Mitsubishi has put its plug-in hybrid Concept PX-MiEV crossover concept on a pedestal here at the Tokyo Motor Show, touting the CUV's "environmental and on-road performance," as well as its serial and parallel modes and wireless charging capabilities.

The crossover's design language represents another refinement for Mitsubishi, and although it's markedly less provocative than the newly re-shnozzed 2010 Outlander, it presents a pleasing collection of shapes and could point the way for a future iteration of the softroader. Inside is typical concept car fare for "linking man and car interactively" - which means it's far too cool for us to actually get on the road - but hey, where else are you going to find a cocochi interior with a yoke-style steering wheel?

The real story here is arguably the drivetrain, where Mitsu has combined a 1.6-liter gas engine and a hybrid system with lithium-ion batteries.

In any case, you can check out the PR info after the jump, and visuals in the gallery of high-res images below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV shows its more conventional face

Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV shows its more conventional face originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Evo-lved 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander shows up Down Under

Alex Nunez — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Mitsubishi, Australia

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander - Click above image to view in high-res

When Mitsubishi showed off the Evo-schnozzed Outlander GT Prototype at the New York Auto Show last April, it was pretty obvious that what we were seeing was a lightly-"conceptified" version of the next production car. Well, that's officially been confirmed, as the next-generation Outlander made its debut in Australia last week. Yep, there's the gaping maw up front. Frankly, the Outlander looked fine to us before; this expansion of the Lancer Evo design language to the compact SUV seems forced and unnecessary. Oh well, it'll at least get people talking. Whether they say nice things is another matter. Between this and the arrival (finally) of the Lancer Sportback, perhaps Mitsu stores will see an uptick in much-needed foot traffic. The full rundown of changes to the new Outlander (at least in Aussie-spec) is in the lengthy press release pasted after the jump.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Evo-lved 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander shows up Down Under

Evo-lved 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander shows up Down Under originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fido Approved: America's top ten pet-safe vehicles

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:41:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety

America's Top 10 Pet Safe vehicles - Click above for high-res image gallery

Most people don't pay it any mind, but car accidents and pets don't mix. Just like with humans, wrapping your car around a telephone pole can kill Fido dead. Or really injure the cute little guy. To draw attention to this issue, a website called Bark Buckle Up has teamed up with Edmunds.com to bring us their Top 10 Pet Safe Vehicles.

As Bark Buckle Up points out, "If you have an accident at 35 mph while toting your 60-pound unrestrained dog, your pet is capable of causing an impact of up to 2,700 pounds, slamming into the seat, the windshield, or even a passenger." Ouch. Now of course, if you have an eight pound pooch, that's only a 360 pound impact. We say "only" to illustrate how violent car crashes can be. And just imagine if you had a really big dog, like a Dogo Argentino. Assuming you got a big 160-pound satin-white boar hunter, the impact would be near the four ton range.

What do the following ten vehicles do to address pets flying through the windshield in a crash? Very little, and we don't want to get into the delusion that CUVs are somehow safer than cars. But they all offer nice amenities for pets -- stuff like room to stretch out, tri-zone climate control, fold flat rear seats, side impact airbags and rear back up cameras. As for an accident, you might want to invest in a doggy seat belt. Says Bark Buckle Up founder Christina Selter, "In the event of a sudden stop or accident, the animal can injure other passengers or be thrown through the windshield, then hinder the efforts of rescue workers or even cause another accident by escaping into the street." All ten vehicles are listed out in alphabetical order, so check 'em out in our gallery below.

Gallery: Top 10 Pet Safe Vehicles

[Source: Bark Buckle Up]

Fido Approved: America's top ten pet-safe vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: Mitsubishi Outlander GT heading for production

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:12:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Crossover, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype - Click above for a high-res gallery

Mitsubishi made it official, the Outlander GT Protoype revealed at the New York Auto Show will go into production with these changes: a higher ride height to match the typical Outlander, more power for the V6, but you'll lose the vented discs and Brembos. The polished aluminum roof on this GT is a beautiful addition, but only for the show, and that's a shame. You will be rewarded with the upgraded interior, which also stays for production. Price for the more powerful V6 model with S-AWC is expected to be about $30,000, nicely equipped. And yes, you can expect the new Lancer nose to make its way throughout the rest of the Outlander line. Check out the press release after the jump and our updated gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: New York: Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype

Gallery: Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype

Continue reading New York: Mitsubishi Outlander GT heading for production

New York: Mitsubishi Outlander GT heading for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:12:00 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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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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Spy Shots: Mitsubish Outlander getting Lancer face

Dan Roth — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi's new trapezoidal grille design is spreading throughout the lineup, and the Outlander looks to be the next vehicle that gets struck with the corporate underbite. At least now the Lancer won't be the only Mitsu wearing a grille cribbed from the '57 Chrysler 300. The new front fascia will include angry-eye headlamps and appears to be the only external change to the Outlander during its mid-cycle freshening. A gaggle of engineers were rumored to be fussing over the cars that spy photogs snagged in the Western US desert, which may mean powertrain changes. Can we cast our vote for an Evo powertrain under the new sheetmetal?

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Mitsubish Outlander getting Lancer face originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the Autoblog garage: 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS

Chris Tutor — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 12:04:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Mitsubishi

Larger and more powerful than the model it replaces, Mitsubishi has aimed its Outlander at bigger game. Where last year's model had Subaru dead in its sights, the 2007 model is taking on Toyota's RAV-4 and Honda's CR-V.

So what makes the Outlander shoppable against those two best-sellers? They're about equal on options and pricing, but the Toyota is less fun even with its V6 option, and the four-cylinder Honda doesn't even offer a third row seat, no matter how useless those extra seats are in these smallish CUVs.

The Outlander's looks have moved away from the "toughwagon" genre dominated by the aforementioned Subies towards the sporty mini-ute segment. Its side windows are tall, but the rear-leaning back window adds a look of speed. The standard roof rack, while practical, also improves the Outlander's looks with a bit of shine on top. A roof spoiler and 18" wheels help accentuate the car's sporty intentions.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2007 Outlander XLS AWD

Continue reading In the Autoblog garage: 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS

In the Autoblog garage: 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jun 2007 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Attack of the Clones II: Peugeot 4007 info, photos

Alex Nunez — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 17:55:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, PSA

Click for hires photo gallery

We brought you the Citroën version earlier, and aside from the new face, this ride's essentially identical. Say hello to the Peugeot 4007, which will make its debut in Geneva with its sibling, the Citroën C-Crosser. Like we said, the two are interchangeable, so that means each gets everything their source vehicle, the Mitsubishi Outlander, offers. Like the Citroën, the new Pug is powered by a 2.2L HDi diesel putting forth 160 hp (156 hp EEC).

Unlike the Citroen, the Peugeot is saddled with a face only a mother could love. The giant mouthlike grille with its pronounced vertical elements looks like it'd be more appropriate on a plankton-slurping baleen whale than an SUV. Also, note the added grillework behind the little hood-mounted lion badge. Suffice to say that we're generally unmoved by the styling up front. You can check it (and the rest of the car) out in detail via the attached gallery.

An interesting aside on the name: The "00" names are reserved for Peugeot vehicles that are different and/or original, and outside the standard model range. The only other Peugeot that falls into this category is the nifty, sliding-doored 1007 city car.

[Source: Peugeot]

Gallery: Peugeot 4007

Related items:

Attack of the Clones: New Citroën C-Crosser photos, info

Attack of the Clones II: Peugeot 4007 info, photos originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Feb 2007 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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