New York: Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype gets a EVOplasty snarl

Chris Paukert — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Crossover, Mitsubishi

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

Mitsubishi's Outlander GT Prototype vehicle isn't slated for a reveal until tomorrow morning, but we caught the raced-up crossover lurking uncovered in the darkness as the Japanese automaker was preparing for a run-through of tomorrow's presentation.

As you can plainly see, the concept vehicle is essentially a lowered Outlander that's been given a bit of Evoplasty up front. The new mouth breather look is significantly more aggressive than the current happy-faced model, but changes beyond that are minimal, including OZ split-spoke wheels and a few badges.

While Mitsubishi has yet to announce that this new face will make it to production, the handwriting and spy photos are on the wall for the aggressive new look to become a brand hallmark, what with the recent introduction of the production Lancer Ralliart Sportback sporting a similar front graphic. The fact that this is called a "prototype" and not a concept is a further clue in Mitsu's production intent.

No word yet on what (if any) modifications have been performed under the skin, but a quick peek inside before the press conference rehearsal began seemed to indicate a stock leather-lined interior. We'll keep you in the loop as we learn more, but for now, enjoy the gallery below and the preview press release after the jump.

Gallery: New York: Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype

Gallery: Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype

Continue reading New York: Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype gets a EVOplasty snarl

New York: Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype gets a EVOplasty snarl originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda unveils Prodrive RX-8

Stuart Waterman — Mon, 08 May 2006 21:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Mazda

Mazda Motors UK unveiled Monday a limited edition RX-8 coupe for the U.K. market. Developed jointly with legendary motorsports company Prodrive, the Mazda Rx-8 PZ is an appearance and handling upgrade for the 230 hp RX-8.

According to Mazda, Prodrive was tasked with creating a more involving driving experience, with enhanced ride and handling. Unique PZ features include:

18-inch OZ Racing alloy wheels
Eibach springs, 60 percent stiffer than stock
Bilstein gas shocks
revised suspension geometry, with ride height reduced 15 mm
sport mirrors
grill inserts
rear spoiler
Prodrive and "PZ" badging

While Mazda hasn't released any road test figures for the RX-8 PZ, the cornering shots of the PZ "at speed" (as they say in the motoring press) after the jump show minimal body roll. Only 800 lucky U.K. drivers will get their hands on Prodrive's version of the RX-8, and no exports to other markets are planned. The MSRP for the PZ before taxes is 21,912 (about $40,614). The nicely done, if a little pricey, RX-8 PZ goes on sale July 1.

More pics after the jump...

[Source: Mazda Motors Europe]

Continue reading Mazda unveils Prodrive RX-8

Mazda unveils Prodrive RX-8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 May 2006 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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