Review: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC

Mitsubishi has a problem with its current lineup. Unless you’re looking for a Lancer, your options are limited to the Galant mid-size sedan and the Endeavor and Outlander crossovers. Right now, the Galant is contemplating seppuku and the Endeavor hasn’t been fully redesigned since it first went on sale back in 2003. The Outlander, however, has something positive to offer. It seats up to seven passengers (in a pinch), has been named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick, and tops out at 28 miles per gallon on the highway.

Mitsubishi knows having just two competitive vehicles to choose from isn’t enough to compete in an industry eager to fill every niche, and the company appears focused on evolving the two lone bright spots in its lineup. The Lancer has spawned many variants, the latest being the Lancer Sportback, a fun-to-drive wagon that doesn’t step on the toes of the top-trim Lancer Evolution. The Outlander, meanwhile, recently gave its name to the smaller 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, a five-passenger crossover looking to make its mark in a currently crowded segment.

If the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport had a favorite song, it would be Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family.” There’s no mistaking this CUV for anything other than a product from the diamond-star family. The gaping mouth and muscular haunches leave no doubt that the Outlander Sport got the “good genes” after a night of passion between a Lancer Evo and the larger Outlander. And despite sharing the name “Outlander” with its larger three-row brother, the Outlander Sport is its own vehicle, a compact crossover different in size, shape and demeanor.

Up front, for instance, a jet-fighter nose kicks off an aggressive forward-leaning stance. Sharply cut headlights dig into the face of the Outlander Sport while the roof line pulls tightly rearward along the 169.1-inch long body. That length is almost 15 inches shorter than the larger Outlander, despite the two crossovers sharing the exact same wheelbase and almost the same width. Like a Beverly Hills housewife with a face-lift, this look has to be done correctly or things can quickly turn into a cat-faced disaster. Fortunately, Mitsubishi’s corporate face survived the transplant with nary a scar to show for it. A set of 10-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels wearing Goodyear Eagle 225 55R/18 rubber shoes also sit neatly below the ever-so-slightly bulging fenders. These larger wheels come standard on our SE tester, while 16-inchers are standard running gear for the lower-trim ES.

Inside, the Outlander Sport prefers muted tones, with dark plastic and black cloth the only interior color choices available. Fortunately, the controls are laid out in a simple manner, and we appreciate the climate controls relying on three traditional dials instead of being relegated only to touch-screen control. That screen is left to handle audio and navigation, which it does rather well being responsive to the touch with crips graphics. Pop into Reverse and you’ll also get a nice view of what’s going on behind the Outlander Sport thanks to the back-up camera that’s bundled with the $2,000 nav system.

Unfortunately, laying down two grand for navigation also forces you to opt for the $1,800 Premium package that adds a panoramic glass roof, LED interior mood lighting, a Rockford-Fosgate sound system, Sirius satellite radio and an in-dash six-disc CD changer. All told, you’re on the hook for almost $4,000 worth of options if you want the Outlander Sport to tell you where to go.

Sound from the optional Rockford-Fosgate audio system is pushed out to your ears courtesy of nine-speakers, a 10-inch subwoofer in the rear cargo area and 710 watts. Surprisingly balanced, this particular sound system has lost the overbearing bass that used to be a hallmark of Rockford-Fosgate systems.

If you plan on listening to your iPod, Mitsubishi also includes a connector that lets you control the device from the touch-screen or steering wheel-mounted controls. Annoyingly, however, the stereo takes about a minute to recognize the mp3 player each time you turn off the car, and once it does, playback starts from the first song on the unit. It’s like teaching your dog to sit, and every time you turn around the pooch forgets where his butt goes. In a word: frustrating.

What’s not frustrating is the level of supportive comfort provided by the front seats. Headroom is also a non-issue and visibility is great regardless of where you’re looking. The cabin is relatively simple, aside from the touch-screen, but it works in the Outlander Sport’s favor.

If you go for a base two-wheel-drive ES model, the Outlander Sport starts at just $19,275. Our all-wheel-drive SE model starts at $22,995 (plus $780 in destination charges), and thanks to a few of those aforementioned fixings reaches $28,570. The Outlander Sport AWD SE’s base price, however, is below that of the Honda CR-V EX-L ($26,645), Hyundai Tucson Limited ($26,345) and Kia Sportage EX ($24,795). Equipped like this Outlander Sport, the Kia and the Hyundai are just a few dollar bills away from $30,000 and the Honda climbs past by a Benjamin. So paying over $28,000 for this compact crossover becomes a little more palatable when compared to more expensive competition, and it’s made even more so once you raise the hood.

Pull the lever and prop up the sheet metal and you’ll see a familiar 4B11 face smiling back at you. Used throughout the Mitsubishi lineup, this 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine produces 148 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 145 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm. That may not sound like much oomph to propel the all-wheel-drive Outlander Sport, but at just 3,263 pounds, it feels quicker than it should be.

The Outlander Sport isn’t fast by any means, but the four-cylinder engine gets the job done while returning 24 miles per gallon around town and 29 mpg on the highway. Two-wheel-drive models do even better at 25 city/31 highway. By contrast, the 2011 Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are 240, 103 and 92 pounds heavier, respectively. Each vehicle also produces more horsepower (32 hp for the Honda and 28 hp for the Kia/Hyundai) and torque (16 lb-ft for the Honda and 23 lb-ft for the Kia/Hyundai) yet return slightly worse fuel economy (21/27 for the Honda and 21/28 for the Kia/Hyundai).

It’s not just the weight that helps the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport in the fuel-economy equation. Connected to that 2.0-liter engine is a Continuously Variable Transmission, or CVT, which can be manually “shifted” via a pair of steering wheel-mounted paddles. CVTs are notoriously buzzy contraptions, and the one employed in the Outlander Sport is no exception. Truth be told, the engine and transmission combination would be rather dull without those flippers for manually controlling the fun.

The Outlander Sport does have a few tricks up its sleeve besides being able to fake a gear shift. It handles surprisingly well for what’s essentially a high-riding, tall-roof wagon. The brakes are quite responsive once you push past the first inch of light pedal travel, but over bumps, the tight Lancer-like suspension reveals some flaws in the Noise Vibration and Harshness department. There was some chatter inside the cabin of our test vehicle and, when rolled down a bit, the windows produced a slight rattle. We could chalk up the window rattle to press-car jitters, but the cabin chatter is probably there to stay.

Those problems aren’t enough, however, to make us forget the sporty handling, accommodating interior and competitive pricing of the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC. Will it become Mitsubishi’s third bright spot behind the Lancer and Outlander? The company is crowing that 1,290 units of the Outlander Sport were sold last month. That’s peanuts compared to the Honda CR-V, which sold over 19,000 units, but does represent nearly a fifth of the entire brand’s sales. That’s remarkable for a model only a few months old, and tells us that Mitsubishi is giving buyers exactly what they want.

[Source: autoblog]

Mitsubishi plug-in hybrid coming in 2013Mitsubishi plug-in hybrid coming in 2013

Autoweek reports that Mitsubishi will wade into plug-in electric waters in 2013. The automaker's head of electric vehicles, Yoshikazu Nakamura, said the vehicle will be an SUV similar to the 2009 Px-MiEV Concept and that the production version is already nearing the final stages of development. The concept got its pep from a tiny 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine working in coordination with two electric motors and a battery pack. Mitsubishi pegged the Px-MiEV as being able to travel for up to 30 miles one pure electric go-go, so there must be some pretty hefty battery technology onboard as well.

Whether or not the production SUV will use a similar drivetrain remains to be seen. We can say with some certainty that Mitsubishi is likely to simplify the vehicle's name considerably. The automarker has already scrapped the i-MiEV moniker for the somewhat more palatable name of "i powered by MiEV" in the States. We can't wait to explain that one to the fine people of the DMV.

[Source: Autoweek]

Review: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

There has always been a glaringly obvious gap in Mitsubishi's current Lancer lineup. On the bottom is the... Lancer, a biggish-for-its-class economy car that no one particularly likes – at least that's what the sales charts would indicate. It's slow, filled with cheap plastics and dull. It hasn't even proven to be all that reliable by Japanese small-car standards, but at least it looks good. At the top of the heap and on a wholly different plane sits the Lancer Evolution. It's the giant-slayer, David, the little car that humbles supercars. It's also the hottest of the rally-inspired all-wheel-drive turbocharged pocket rockets. The Evo's only real competition is the Subaru WRX STI and, let's be honest, the Evo has been the better car for years now (Subaru has just updated its warrior for 2011, so a new comparison is in order). Its handling is more precise, yet at the same time more insane. The Mitsu is rawer, rougher, tougher and most importantly faster, even though it's down half a liter on the WRX STI in terms of displacement. Don't read this wrong, the STI is a fine backroad killer. But the EVO is more homicidal.

It looks like a toned down Evo, which is exactly what Mitsubishi wants you to think.
Back to that gap. In the middle of its arch rival's portfolio has long lived the WRX, Subaru's Goldie Loxian sportster, which is very fast, very nimble, but very well priced (it still starts at under $25,000). The WRX has long threaded the needle between excellent all-around performance and the customer not being able to afford a higher monthly payment. Subaru, therefore, has sold a ton of them, for not only does the WRX offer all that power and rally-bred oomph at a low price, it can be had as a wagon. Mitsubishi had nothing until this year, when the Japanese industrial powerhouse brought over two new flavors of its hopped-up Lancer, the Ralliart and the Ralliart Sportback.

Today we're taking a look at the supposedly more practical of those two additions, the five-door Sportback. When the pictures of the Lancer Sportback Ralliart started spilling onto this here internet, Yours Truly was especially excited. The main reason being that for the past eight years, I've owned a WRX wagon in one form or another. Biased? You could say that, but at that same time, I've been driving Evos against STIs and have remained aware (perhaps painfully aware) that the Evo is the sharper blade. Perhaps, then, the Sportback Ralliart could be my next fast and furious wagon, or at least go wheel-to-wheel with its competition from Fuji Heavy Industries?

The Sportback is most certainly that: Practicality has been traded away in favor of a devilishly raked rear liftgate that's almost comical. One could argue that the point of a five-door (you can argue amongst yourselves where a hatchback ends and a wagon picks up) is its versatility and cargo-swallowing capacity. Of course, we should point out that despite appearances, the Sportback Ralliart offers nearly 47 cubic feet of stowage, whereas the WRX gives you just 44. Specs not withstanding, our empirical observations suggest that it's easier to pack junk into the Subaru than it is the awkwardly proportioned Mitsubishi. That sharply sloping piece of glass will get your bigger bags almost every time.

As far as the rest of the car is concerned, it looks like a toned-down Evo, which is exactly what Mitsubishi wants you to think. Which is fine, as in many ways, the Sportback Ralliart is exactly that. Viewed from the front, you can plainly see that the tires are thinner, the intercooler is smaller and schnoz less aggressive. Viewed from the side, you can see the sills look a little tacked-on. Speaking of tacked-on, just imagine how strange the Sportback would look if you were to unbolt its rear wing – somewhere between the old Mazda 626 Touring and the Sterling 827? Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.



What's not in anyone's eye is the drab interior that Mitsubishi stuffed into the Sportback Ralliart. Filled with greasy plastics and almost no design of interest whatsoever (just look at the radio), the interior is where the Sportback Ralliart's econobox roots are most painfully apparent. The bargain-basement Lancer starts at $14,790 and features the exact same dash. Don't feel too bad, however, because unless you opt for the navigation system, the $33,590 EVO also comes with that same radio. You could make the argument that cheapo interiors are endemic to go-fast economy cars stuffed to the gills with fancy performance parts – the WRX's cabin is hardly a gift, after all. But then how to explain the Volkswagen GTI? Point is, overly and overtly lousy materials are no longer defensible in a car that starts at $27,590 plus delivery.

At least Mitsubishi gets the important bits right, and we mean really right. The paddle-shifters, for instance, are excellent, being big, metallic (magnesium, actually) and column mounted. There are lots of supposed luxury sports car out there that could only wish for such fine paddles. Then there's the meaty leather steering wheel and equally stout gear shifter. These are the sorts of materials required in a proper performance car. The metal-capped pedals are also quite nice. Again, the parts that matter for driving are, in fact, excellent.

There are a few buttons we have to mention before moving on. The first is the lonely looking AWC button. AWC stands for All-Wheel Control and pushing it changes the way the active central differential routes torque to the four wheels. Your choices are Tarmac, Gravel and Snow. We tried the different AWC settings in Gravel (we tested the car in Palm Springs and Los Angeles, so, sorry, no snow) and the grip does seem better on those types of roads with the setting engaged. That said, it was worlds more fun running Tarmac on a bunch of loose rocks, as the Sportback Ralliart slid around nicely under hard acceleration.

Then there's the SST selector, which will seem quite familiar to those of you who enjoy Guitar Hero, as it's the same as the little thingy you strum. This paddle switch changes the TC-SST dual-clutch six-speed transmission from Normal to Sport. As you might imagine, Normal is a laggard mode tailored for smoothness and fuel economy, where the transmission will happily shift itself up to sixth gear by the time you crest 40 mph. Sport is a pretty good middle ground, as the engine revs higher before the transmission changes gears. Unlike big-brother Evo, Sportback Ralliarts don't feature S-Sport mode, which would provide still higher revs before shifting. However, even in Sport, the TC-SST doesn't seem to shift at high rpm. Instead, you just buzz around near redline. Our preferred choice was to select Sport, but then do all the shifting ourselves via the sweet paddles. Either way, mileage is pretty bad – despite the EPA suggesting that you'll hit 17 miles per gallon in the city and 25 out on the highway, expect high teens combined if you're having any fun at all.



Speaking of redline, this is a buzz-box of an engine. Fitted with a turbocharger, the 4B11T 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder is capable of producing 237 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 253 pound-feet or torque at 3,000 rpm. The torque is most noticeable, as the Sportback Ralliart simply surges when you whack the go pedal. Not only does it feel like it's surging, it sounds like it, too. If shrieking four-bangers are your thing, you're going to love it. If not, you will notice that Mitsubishi sure didn't waste any money on soundproofing. Obviously, compared to the 265-hp WRX, the Ralliart is down in the horsepower department.

Worst of all, it feels it. While the initial take off is potent – brutal even – things seem to slow down a bit once you get above 45 mph. Now, while it still sounds like you're going faster as the engine keeps screaming and screaming, brazen, tire-shredding acceleration is not the Sportback Ralliart's forte. Case in point, the weirdly quick WRX can hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds (with an outlet or two clocking it at a silly 4.5), whereas the Sportback Ralliart takes a relatively leisurely 5.5 seconds to do the deed. Quick, sure, but not crazy quick.

If speed isn't the Sportback Ralliart's biggest virtue and selling point, surely handling is. And it is, to a point. Turn the wheel, and you're instantly filled with the sense that there's a whole lot of rally-heritage packed into the chassis. And there is. The chassis and most of the suspension pieces are from an Evo, though not the current one. The all-wheel-drive system in fact comes from the last generation Evo IX. Less pricey tires, too. The result is that while the car feels like a rally monster and consequently you feel like a rally hero, the limits are in fact pretty low. We imagine the sheer volume of noise in the cabin has something to do with this seeming conundrum.

Here's an example: You're hooning along your favorite road and here comes that one decreasing radius, rising elevation turn you know like the back of your Pilotis. You downshift, you turn in, you modulate the throttle, and man, listen to them tires squeal! Thing is, if you weren't so preoccupied with the task at hand, a quick glance down at the speedometer would reveal that you're not moving nearly as quickly as you thought you were. Lack of grip and a preference for understeer are the Sportback Ralliart's biggest handling shortcomings. Put another way, if numbers matter to you (skidpad, lap times), look elsewhere. However, if you just want a little wagon that feels great when the going gets twisty, this one isn't so bad.



While certainly not a bad car, the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart is a compromised vehicle. In strict terms of the competition, I like it more than the twitchy MazdaSpeed3 but less than a Subaru WRX. While the Mazda has more power, the Mitsubishi's smart AWD system (last generation or not) lays the power down in a much more competent and satisfying way than the Speed3. The WRX, however, smokes the tires off of both. While the WRX is not the shockingly capable canyon carver it once was (blame the long travel suspension and re-packaged rear introduced in 2008), the Sportback Ralliart comes up short. Initial turn-in feels better, but that's about it. And the not-so-great WRX interior is actually a nicer place to sit. Then comes the real head scratcher: the price. More than $31,000 as tested for Sportback Ralliart is starting to creep dangerously close to Evo/STI territory. And the STI comes as a five-door...

New York 2010: Mitsubishi hopes 2011 Outlander Sport

Let's just go on ahead and make that much needed volume leader. The great economic collapse of 2009 smashed Mitsubishi in the teeth with a much larger brick than most other manufacturers. Thinks have slightly improved, but their February sales were still down 10 percent, and from an already frighteningly low level. Obviously, something must be done.

Meet the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, or as they're calling it in alphanumeric-loving Europe, the ASX. We've covered this particular small crossover pretty extensively already, so here's the U.S. spec deal. It's 15 inches shorter than the Outlander GT. Like its big brother, it gets magnesium paddle shifters. However, they are connected to a CVT instead of Mitsu's sweet dual-clutch gearbox. Now, no one has driven the Outlander Sport yet, and CVTs have gotten massively better in the last few years, so don't bunch your panties up quite yet.

The real upshot of that CVT is the Outlander Sport's 31 mpg highway figure, a right respectable number for a small crossover. In fact, that means the Outlander Sport is competitive with a small CUV we like a whole bunch, the new Hyundai Tucson. Besides the CVT, Mitsu has installed weight-saving plastic front fenders, electric power steering and has sculpted the Outlander Sport down to a admirably slippery 0.33 Cd. The Outlander Sport can also be shifted from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive and yes, you will be able to order yours in this particularly vibrant shade of show car blue.

Mitsubishi releases updated JDM Outlander Roadest with unique look

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).

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Mitsubishi sketches out Concept-cX-influenced compact crossover for 2010

It's been two years since Mitsubishi took the wraps off its Concept-cX crossover at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, but before we see the production version at next year's Geneva Motor Show, Mitsubishi has released a teaser sketch of its all-new compact CUV.

Aimed at competing with segment stalwarts like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Compact Crossover will be built atop Mitsubishi's new mid-size global architecture with power likely provided by a 1.8-liter turbodiesel channeling around 140 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque through Mitsubishi's Twin-Clutch SST gearbox and all-wheel drive system.

Sales will begin in Japan this February, and we'd expect a petrol-powered version to be released in the States later in 2010

PRESS RELEASE

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces all-new Compact Crossover - Game Changer

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announces today the forthcoming introduction of its all-new on-road Compact Crossover, to be retailed first in Japan from February 2010 onwards.

Derived from the much-acclaimed 2007 Concept-cX show car, it is the latest development of MMC's mid-size global platform ("Project Global").

This most important product will further support Mitsubishi Motors' strategic shift from being an SUV-focused nameplate to a manufacturer of environment-friendly passenger cars & crossovers*, with a presence in the "authentic off-roader" segment** – itself pre-empting structural changes in market demand.

As such – and after i-MiEV – this on-road Compact Crossover will be the Corporation's next game changer towards lower impact vehicles, in their format and/or in the innovative MMC proprietary technologies they will feature.

The European premiere is scheduled for the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo

You can make anything bigger and better if you just add a hump, and that's what Mitsubishi has done to its i-MiEV to create the i-MiEV Cargo.

For those who find Ford's Transit Connect simply too monstrous and don't want to pay for gas – like, oh, a commercial concern in Tokyo – Mitsu's battery-powered i-MiEV could be the perfect solution. Growing only in height compared to its hatchback sibling, the thing is tiny but still packs 62 cubic feet of cargo space in its Quasimodo back end – that's a little less than half the Transit Connect's space. That said, we have to wonder how much a full cargo load will negatively effect the i-MiEV's range and overall performance.

PRESS RELEASE:

Generous expansion of i-MiEV 's interior space
Concept: Greater utility for an extended range of uses

The i-MiEV CARGO is a concept car that maximizes the outstanding environmental performance and economic efficiency characteristics that define the i-MiEV production model and at the same time adds a generous amount of customizable free space at the rear to extend the range of uses to which it can be put by corporate users and self-employed operators in particular. The result is a concept for an EV that meets user space needs and demands for a variety of situations: from business use, where maximum payload space is required, to leisure and other individual owner uses. Being a zero-emission vehicle that produces no drive-time CO2* the i-MiEV CARGO offers the ideal solution to users in the welfare and medical fields where clean low emission vehicles are becoming a requirement.

*: Excluding CO2 emitted during the generation-to-charging process.

Design
Innovative and unique styling gives appealing road presence

The i-MiEV CARGO ' s distinctive styling was developed around a "joint" design concept as it links the i-MiEV ' s curvaceous front section with a square rear end that offers extra space. The S-shape body line running from the front to the rear gives the vehicle a light and nimble appearance when viewed from the side. The unique styling which effectively joins the radically different front and rear sections creates a road presence that will attract attention not just around town but on any number of situations. Inside, the simple and user-friendly styling eliminates extraneous elements and details to improve usability and create an interior space characterized by its free-thinking design and originality.

Free Space
Generous and versatile free space invites creative use of imagination

The square-design compartment at the rear of the vehicle allows every inch of available space to be utilized. Also, with its flat floor design and high capacity, the space not only accommodates more luggage or cargo but also lends itself to being customized in practically any manner the owner's imagination may run to and thus extend the range of uses to which it can be put. The height of the floor has been designed to facilitate loading and unloading of luggage or cargo.

Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV

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.

PRESS RELEASE:

Concept: The new Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System brings a major increase in range and environmental performance

The MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV is a concept for a new-generation plug-in hybrid crossover that delivers both
outstanding environmental and road performance. Extending the active range of the i-MiEV city car, this concept also satisfies the need for mobility that combines occupant comfort with powerful performance.

The MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV is powered by the all-new Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System which is designed primarily to drive the vehicle in all-electric mode while using a gasoline engine to generate electricity and to assist the electric motors as and when required.

Depending on the energy remaining in the drive battery and on driving conditions, the system automatically switches between three drive modes: all-electric EV, on-the-move generating EV, and Motor + Engine. The system allows the MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV to return super-low fuel consumption figures. The concept is fitted with Mitsubishi's new S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) advanced vehicle handling control system that is built around torque and braking control at each wheel and incorporates electronically-controlled E-AYC (Electric-powered Active Yaw Control) which uses a differential motor to control rear wheel torque split.

Among the many features that makes this concept car the crystallization of Mitsubishi Motors' wealth of automotive environmental technology is the cocochi-interior which embraces occupants in a very comfortable and healthy cabin environment. Providing very high levels of both environmental performance and economy, the MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV stands apart from conventional hybrids that rely mainly on engine power as it significantly extends the possibilities offered by the EV.

Exterior Design

Pared-down looks give the new plug-in hybrid a simple and clean shape, producing refined looks expressing Mitsubishi Motors' new crossover design Solid, Safety, and Simple were the keywords that drove the development of the MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV 's exterior design. The design team has created a clean and simple appearance for a new-generation crossover that visually sets it apart from conventional SUVs. The use of flush surfaces for the whole body eliminates virtually all projections to create a neatly-integrated one-piece design and at the same time lowers the impact to pedestrians in
the event of a collision.

The front end locates the headlamps, air intakes and other functional parts within the graphics that center on the 3-diamond Mitsubishi logo in the middle of the grille to produce a simple but distinctive appearance. Styled to harmonize with the emblem, the front grille displays the advanced and high-tech qualities of the vehicle as well as presenting Mitsubishi Motors new crossover design identity.

The rear end styling is also designed around the 3-diamond emblem and distinguished by graphics that encompass
the full perimeter of the tailgate, giving the car a distinct personality while also projecting high-tech looks.

The LED headlamp and rear combination lamp units not only accent the advanced looks of the car but also improve its environmental performance through lower power consumption, longer service life and the elimination of the use of any mercury. Technical development of the headlamp LED emitters means they now project a highly visible beam that is very close to neutral white in color. The fast-illuminating brake light LED units contribute to enhanced safety performance.

The body uses new high-tech coloring that brings out a distinctive metal-like look. Combining elements of both spoke and dish styling, the geometric road wheel design highlights the sense of newness and at the same time optimizes air flow over the brakes to improve heat dissipation as well as improving aerodynamic characteristics at higher vehicle speeds.

Interior Design
Ergonomic, simple, classy design gives cabin soft wraparound appearance

The interior uses high-grade nubuck leather lining throughout and a high-contrast rich purple/off-white two-tone color scheme to create a comfortable space that melds choice quality with sophisticated and advanced design. The wraparound design of the cockpit and the excellent location and hold provided by the seats help the driver to concentrate on operating his vehicle. The use of a number of comfort items in this classy and functional space allows occupants to enjoy a sense of well-being similar to that found in the first-class cabin of an aircraft.

Soft illumination for the center console monitor and door trim creates a serene ambience while generating a high-tech look. The illumination flashes on/off when the drive battery is being charged to create an atmosphere that aesthetically befits a plug-in hybrid. The grouping of the power window, interior door handle and other switches in a single touch panel has reduced the number of individual parts in the interior and contributes to its clean and uncluttered layout.

In terms of environmental performance, an Eco-Drive selector switch on the center console that conserves engine output, transmission and air conditioning power consumption together with an indicator in the instrument monitor that displays Eco-Drive status and effectiveness help the driver to minimize energy consumption. Other environmentally-friendly features include the use of Mitsubishi Motors' own "Green Plastic" plant-derived resin technology in various items of interior trim throughout the cabin.

Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System
Selection of drive modes delivers smooth and comfortable performance over all kinds of roads
The new Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System that powers the MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV maximizes the strengths of the EV: zero drive-time CO2 emissions*, powerful road performance with the gutsy torque inherent to an electric motor, and very quiet operation. The new system also incorporates a high combustion efficiency 1.6-liter MIVEC gasoline engine that is used either to turn a generator and supply the motors directly with current or charge the car's lithium-ion drive battery or, at higher vehicle speeds, to augment the motive power supplied by the motors.

The result is a major increase in cruising range. The Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System features Mitsubishi Motors' new MiEV OS (MiEV Operating System) that constantly monitors the charge and discharge of electrical power depending on driving conditions and the remaining energy in drive battery and selects the optimum drive mode through integrated control of the EV components and the gasoline engine. Minimizing power consumption, the system delivers road performance that is comfortable, safe and reassuring at the same time.

At low to middle vehicle speeds the MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV runs in all-electric mode with the drive battery supplying current to its motor(s). When the remaining energy in the drive battery falls the system switches to series hybrid mode, automatically starting the gasoline engine to turn a generator that supplies the motor(s) with electrical power. At higher vehicle speeds the system switches over to parallel hybrid mode adding the gasoline engine with its higher combustion efficiency at high revolutions to provide more motive power to the wheels. This means that depending on circumstances, at higher vehicle speeds the system can add motive power to the motors, increasing road performance. When decelerating, the system switches over to regenerative mode, using the motors as generators to charge to drive battery. In these ways, the Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System switches between three drive modes depending on driving conditions and remaining energy in the drive battery: all-electric EV mode; on-the-move generating EV mode; and Motor + Engine mode.

The system also incorporates the ECO mode found in the i-MiEV production model that reduces motor output and increases the amount of kinetic energy reclaimed when decelerating to provide low-consumption and environment-friendly performance. In ECO mode the system also controls the operation of the air conditioner compressor to minimize the vehicle's overall power consumption.

*: CO2 emitted during the generation-to-charging process is excluded.

EV mode
At low to middle vehicle speeds the vehicle operates in all-electric mode with current from the drive battery turning the front motor which rotates the front wheels. When driving on snow, in the rain or in other low surface friction situations where maximum vehicle stability is required, the system automatically switches to 4WD by feeding power to the rear wheel motor as well when sensors detect any wheel slip.

Series hybrid mode
When the remaining energy in the drive battery falls the system automatically switches to series hybrid mode and starts the gasoline engine to power the generator and use the electricity generated to turn the motor. As in EV mode, the system switches to 4WD when circumstances so require.

Parallel hybrid mode
At higher vehicle speeds the gasoline engine, with its high efficiency at high revolutions, supplies additional motive power to assist the front motor. When the driver makes sudden lane changes or other maneuvers requiring maximum vehicle stability the system switches to 4WD by bringing in the rear motor to drive the rear wheels. When overtaking at higher speeds or in other situations requiring faster acceleration the system uses both the front and rear motors and the gasoline engine to supply motive power.

Regenerative mode on deceleration
When the vehicle is slowing or descending a long slope and the driver has his/her foot off the accelerator the system switches to the regenerative mode in which the front and rear motors serve as generators driven by the kinetic energy reclaimed from the drive train, converting it to electricity which is then stored in the drive battery.

Charging mode
As with the i-MiEV production model, the MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV features a 3-way battery charging system that uses either a 100-volt or 200-volt domestic supply or a high power quick-charging station. The system also incorporates a Wireless Charging Program feature that allows the owner to start charging the battery or start the air conditioner at a preset time even when away from the vehicle.

Normal charging:
In normal charging, the driver simply connects the charger cable to a standard domestic outlet and then to the
socket on the vehicle. The charging process starts and stops automatically. An on-board charger converts the
domestic supply voltage to the voltage required to charge the battery.

Quick charging:
For quick-charging when away from home, the driver plugs the vehicle into a quick-charging station provided at shopping centers and other facilities into the quick-charge connector on the vehicle. Charging takes about 30 minutes and stops automatically when the battery reaches 80% of full charge.

Wireless Charging Program Feature:
The system incorporates a Wireless Charging Program feature that allows the owner to start charging the drive battery or start the air conditioner at a preset time even when away from the vehicle using a two-way remote controller.

Charging timer:
The owner can preset the time for charging to start, allowing him/her to make use of times when electricity rates are cheaper (i.e. night time, depending on power company rates).

Preset air conditioning:
The driver can preset the time the air conditioning is activated so that the car interior is at a comfortable temperature before entering the car.

Power supply mode
The MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV also subscribes to the "Smart Grid" concept that calls for maximizing the effective use of electrical power and which is currently attracting attention in the fight to combat global warming. When the vehicle is stationary, the electrical energy stored overnight in the MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV 's drive battery can be used to power electric home appliances during the day when domestic electricity consumption is highest by connecting them to the charging socket on the car. The battery power can also be used as an emergency power source in the event of a natural disaster and the system will start the engine to generate electricity when the energy remaining in the battery drops. The 100-volt AC auxiliary socket in the rear luggage compartment also allows the drive battery to be used for a variety of non-vehicle uses including powering cooking or lighting equipment and other appliances when camping or engaged in other leisure activities.

S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control)
The MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV uses Mitsubishi Motors' proprietary S-AWC advanced vehicle handling control system that regulates torque and braking at each wheel individually to deliver on-demand handling and outstanding vehicle stability. S-AWC exercises integrated control over the following system components: ASC (Active Stability Control) and ABS (Anti-lock Brake System); E-4WD (Electric-powered 4WD) which electronically controls front and rear motor output; and E-AYC (Electric-powered Active Yaw Control) which electronically controls rear wheel torque split at the rear wheels.

Like the AYC system on the Lancer Evolution X, when required by driving conditions E-AYC controls traction and vehicle stability by generating a torque difference between the left and right wheels. However, while AYC employs a wet multi-plate clutch arrangement to transfer drive torque between the wheels and generate a torque differential, E-AYC uses a differential motor located between the rear wheel drive axles. The use of a differential motor provides a high-efficiency, high-response system that reduces torque transfer losses and that can reclaim energy.

E-AYC control modes
Controlling understeer:
When the S-AWC system detects that the car is understeering, the E-AYC differential motor increases the speed difference (revolutions) between the inner and outer wheels and transfers torque from the inner wheel to the outer wheel. The resulting change in torque difference generates a split-second reverse wheel rotation, controlling understeer.

Controlling oversteer:
When the S-AWC system detects that the car is oversteering, the E-AYC differential motor reduces the speed difference (revolutions) between the inner and outer wheels and transfers torque from the outer to the inner wheel. The resulting change in torque difference generates a split-second reverse wheel rotation, controlling oversteer. When it operates in this way the rotational speed of the differential motor slows, allowing torque energy to be converted to electrical energy and reclaimed by the battery.

Electronically-controlled air suspension
3 ride heights maximize vehicle stability over poor surfaces and at higher speeds and improve access to the vehicle
At the turn of a switch the driver can select from three ride height modes, allowing him/her to choose the optimumheight for road surface and other driving conditions and thereby maximize vehicle stability and facilitate access to and from the vehicle.

Auto (normal ride height)
Auto height adjustment maintains the ride height at a fixed level regardless of the number of occupants or amount of luggage carried to deliver a comfortable ride and optimum vehicle stability on the road. At higher vehicle speeds the system automatically lowers the ride height to improve aerodynamic performance and vehicle stability.

High
Selecting the High setting raises the ride height of the car and provides additional vehicle clearance over poor road surfaces. As vehicle speed increases ride height is lowered automatically to the Auto height.

Low
When the vehicle is stationary the driver can select the Low setting to lower the ride height and facilitate passenger access to and from the car and also loading and unloading of luggage. If the driver starts off with Low selected, the ride height will automatically be raised to the Auto height as vehicle speed increases.

Comfort / Interior Environment
Proposal for fun and pleasantly comfortable interior space
The MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV provides an interior space that is friendly to both occupants and the environment and that, with special attention to operability and visibility, can satisfy anyone with its comfort and driving pleasure.

cocochi-interior : new technologies package
Clean, Stress-free, Safe & Reassuring
Mitsubishi Motors has been introducing in its production cars the cocochi-interior which embraces occupants in a pleasantly comfortable cabin environment developed to a "Clean, Stress-free and Safe & Reassuring" theme. The MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV adds to the cocochi-interior technologies already found in some of its production models a number of new technologies still under development to provide a cabin environment that is as healthy as it is comfortable.

Clean
Upholstery deactivates allergens, breaks down VOCs and offensive odor molecules, sterilizes bacteria
The MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV uses seat upholstery that incorporates an antiallergen agent and a visible-light photocatalyst. The application of an antiallergen coating to the upholstery deactivates the allergenic activity of ticks, pollen and other allergens and prevents allergic reactions caused when these agents come into contact with the skin or enter the body. The visible-light photocatalyst is activated simply by visible light even while the vehicle is fitted with UV blocking window glass and is therefore able to promote the action of visible light in actively breaking down and decomposing harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and offensive odor molecules and in sterilizing bacteria.

Cabin heat load reduction
Total vehicle heat management improves AC energy efficiency
To reduce the heat load entering the car from outside, the MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV uses a heat reflecting windshield and infrared blocking glass in the door windows. The body coloring also uses paint with high heat reflective properties. Inside the vehicle, heat insulation of the head lining has been upgraded, the four seats are individually air conditioned and cabin humidity is regulated. The adoption of these heat load reducing technologies allows efficient climate control while reducing power consumption to the absolute minimum in realizing a very comfortable occupant space.

Heat reflecting glass reduces build up of cabin temperature
The windshield uses glass with an external coating of metal oxides and with an organic laminate interlayer. This provides a significant reduction in the amount of heat energy transmitted into the cabin because the radiant heat caused by the rise in the temperature of the glass is lower than for conventional heat absorbing glass. Restricting the rise in cabin temperature reduces power consumption because less use of the air conditioning is required. The heat reflecting glass meets the CARB (California Air Resources Board) Cool Car standards due to be enforced in 2012.

Individually air-conditioned seats
Under each seat is a fan that directs a flow of air to the neck, back and rear of the thighs to effectively enhance occupant comfort. Sending dehumidified air over the human skin directly affects the person's sense of temperature and allows the air conditioner level to be lowered, thus saving power while achieving optimal occupant comfort. Each seat fan can be individually controlled to suit occupant preference.

Advanced Technologies
Switch and control operability/viewability enhancing technologies
Ergonomic design for maximum safety, peace of mind and smooth operation
Mitsubishi Motors continues its research into switch and control operability and viewability along ergonomic lines. The MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV uses a new-generation steering wheel-mounted switch and control layout that offers outstanding usability and viewability. Some audio, navigation, and climate control switches are grouped together on the steering wheel while switch status indicators are located in the instrument cluster where they require very little eye movement to be seen by the driver. With the switches and controls positioned so that the driver can operate them without having to take a hand off the wheel, the new layout provides outstanding operability and viewability for greater safety, peace of mind and comfort.

Driver Monitoring System
Linking man and car interactively for better safety, greater peace of mind
Mitsubishi Motors is actively seeking to make its cars safer and less stressful to drive by linking driver and car in an interactive manner. One example of this research is the Driver Monitoring System in which a camera mounted in front of and facing the driver monitors his/her eye movements to determine his/her level of concentration while driving. If the system detects a decrease in their concentration it issues not only audible but visual and vibrational warnings and also emits a distinctive fragrance to alert him/her to the situation.

New Multi-around Monitor
Camera images of vehicle perimeter give driver all-round vision
The Multi-around Monitor superimposes images taken by cameras located at both front end corners, on both sides and at the rear of the vehicle to produce a bird's eye view of the area surrounding the car. This is displayed on the monitor and allows the driver to check the full vehicle perimeter. In a world-first, the nose-view camera, which covers a field of 190 degrees with a single lens, now uses image processing to provide the ability to detect approaching objects. At intersections and other points where visibility is restricted, the system operates to detect approaching cars and bicycles from either side and warns the driver of their presence by highlighting them on the monitor screen and sounding an audible alert.

Vehicle-infrastructure driving safety support systems DSSS (Level II) and ASV4 information exchange support systems
The MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV is equipped for the Driving Safety Support System (DSSS) currently being promoted by the Japanese National Police Agency. In this advanced vehicle-infrastructure communications system an on-board receiver picks up signals transmitted by roadside optical beacons and the system urges the driver to take extra care when other vehicles or pedestrians have been detected by roadside sensors and cameras at intersections and pedestrian crossings.

Employing a system that uses vehicle-to-vehicle wireless technology to ascertain the position of other vehicles and warn the driver when their proximity so requires, the MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV also supports the Advanced Safety Vehicle 4 (ASV4) project being promoted by the Road Transport Bureau of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The system boosts the driver's awareness of an approaching object by displaying images from the nose-view camera as well as a simplified image of the object.

DSRC capability
New intelligent transportation system employs ETC wireless channel
The MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV is fitted with a Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC*) system and employs the road-to-vehicle communications capabilities used in Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) to determine the position of the vehicle and whether it is parked or not. This system can be configured to sound an alarm if the vehicle is being or has been stolen. Research is currently ongoing to equip the system for automatic payment of charges for using quick-charging facilities.
*: 5.8 GHz band two-way wireless communication channels specifically designed for automotive use.

Reinforced Crash Safety Body
Steadfast safety technology that provides peace of mind
The MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV uses the same structural modifications for protecting the drive battery system as the i-MiEV production model. Using Mitsubishi Motors' own RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) crash safety body, the drive battery pack and the rest of the high-voltage components are mounted under the floor and inside the body frame. The specially strengthened battery pack is further protected by a special cross member that also improves multidirectional impact protection for reassuring crashworthiness. Safety is also enhanced by a high-voltage circuit breaker which immediately interrupts the drive battery and other high-voltage circuits when a deceleration sensor detects an impact.

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

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.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Base Price
$40,990 + $720 destination

Standard Features

• 291-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC engine
• 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic® Shift Transmission (TC-SST)
• Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)
• BREMBO® Braking System
• 2-piece front brake rotors with alloy hats
• Aluminum roof, hood and front fenders
• Enhanced interior noise reduction
• 18" x 8.5" BBS® Forged Alloy Wheels with 245/40R18 Yokohama ADVAN® tires
• Power glass sunroof
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Rear diffuser with dual exhaust outlets
• Color keyed rear lip spoiler (Replaces large rear spoiler)
• Sports ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• RECARO® semi-bucket racing seats with fixed head rests
• Heated front seats and side mirrors
• Full leather seating surfaces
• Magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters
• FAST-Key electronic keyless entry and starting system
• 710-watt (max.), Rockford Fosgate® performance audio system with nine speakers, including a 10-inch trunk-mounted subwoofer
• 40GB HDD Navigation with Music Server
• Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with voice command recognition
• Seven-airbag safety system including a driver's knee airbag*

Options

Packages
$1999 Navigation System

Accessories
$84 All Weather Floor Mats
$297 Aluminum/Leather Parking Brake Grip
$281 Aluminum / Leather Shift Knob (TC-SST)
$425 Back Up Sensors
$60 Cargo Organizer
$96 Carpet Floor Mats
$456 CD Changer - 6 Disc and Tuner
$107 Chrome Side Mirror Covers
$34 Cigar Lighter
$625 Front Air Dams
$125 Front Brake Air Guides
$515 Front Strut Brace
$319 Intercooler Pipes
$37 "Lancer Evolution" License Plate Frame
$244 Mud Flaps
$2499 Navigation System and Install Kit
$142 RALLIART Spline-Type Wheel Locks
$440 Rear Corner Air Dams
$110 Rear Spoiler Extension
$515 Rear Strut Brace
$506 Rear View Backup Camera
$900 Side Skirts
$85 Side Wind Deflectors
$85 Sunroof Deflector
$32 Wheel Locks

Genuine Mitsubishi accessories are all covered by the limited warranty. Installation labor is not included. See your Retailer for details.

Vehicle Warranty

Bumper to Bumper
3-year/36,000-mile, Bumper-to-Bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty

Powertrain
5-year/60,000-mile, Powertrain New Vehicle Limited Warranty

Anti-Corrosion
7-year/100,000-mile Anti-Corrosion Perforation Limited Warranty

Roadside Assistance
5-year/Unlimited miles Roadside Assistance

*Airbags can cause serious injury or death to anyone too close to an airbag when it deploys. To decrease the risk of injury from a deploying airbag, all occupants must be properly restrained and seated well back, upright and in the middle of the seat. Do not lean against the door. Always place children 12 and under in the rear seat and use appropriate child restraints. Never place a rear-facing infant restraint in the front seat. See your Owner's Manual and instructions provided with your child restraint for more information.

†See retailer for limited warranty and roadside assistance terms and conditions.

*iPod is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.

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

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.

PRESS RELEASE

Mitsubishi Motors Announces Pricing for Versatile Five-Door Lancer Sportback; Newest Model Begins Arriving in Dealerships Aug. 17

Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today announced pricing for its newest addition to the multiple award-winning Lancer lineup - the versatile five-door 2010 Lancer Sportback GTS and Ralliart. The Lancer Sportback carries with it similar distinctive and aggressive styling as the rally-inspired Lancer Evolution, yet with greater flexibility to accommodate active lifestyles.

The economical Lancer Sportback GTS features Mitsubishi's efficient 2.4-liter engine with 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque. MSRP for the GTS with a five-speed manual transmission is $19,190, while the six-speed CVT automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifters starts at an MSRP of $20,190.

The Lancer Sportback Ralliart is powered by Mitsubishi's 2.0-liter MIVEC turbocharged engine that pumps out 237 horsepower and 253 lb.-ft. of torque. All-Wheel Control (AWC) with Active Center Differential (ACD) is standard, as is the quick-shifting six-speed Twin Clutch-Sportronic® Shift Transmission (TC-SST) and magnesium paddle shifters that it shares with the high performance Lancer Evolution. The Lancer Sportback Ralliart starts at an MSRP of $27,590.

"Today's new car buyers are moving toward smaller, fuel efficient cars, and yet, there is still a need for cargo capacity. The Lancer Sportback's carrying capacity, coupled with a more aggressive design than contemporary hatchbacks, perfectly fills the void," explains Bryan Arnett, manager of product strategy of MMNA.

Mitsubishi designers created a dynamic and fluid shape for the Sportback that is instantly recognizable as a Lancer from the front, with its signature "jet fighter" grille, while being completely fresh from the C-pillar rearward. The sleek sloping rear door with integrated roof wing creates a visually distinctive shape while making the Lancer significantly more versatile. The door extends down to the rear bumper to make loading cumbersome objects like surfboards, camping gear and bicycles as easy as possible.

The Lancer Sportback's overall length is just slightly longer than the Lancer four-door sedan, yet it gains substantial cargo-carrying flexibility--especially when the 60:40-split rear seats are folded flat by its one-touch auto-folding feature. To add still more volume, the rear cargo floor of the GTS can be cleverly lowered three inches, yielding 52.7 cubic ft. maximum cargo space. The roof will also conveniently accommodate a plug-in Thule® Sport Rack for additional flexibility.

Premium interior features like those found on the Lancer sedans are also part of the Sportback's resume. Key components in the Ralliart version include a standard 140-watt CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers or an available 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate Premium Sound System, in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, plus Sirius Satellite Radio. A hard disc-drive navigation system with Mitsubishi's exclusive Diamond Lane Guidance to provide route guidance is optional, as are Recaro sport seats that provide optimal support for the driver and front passenger.

Safety Features
Standard safety features in all Lancer models include an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags, plus a driver's knee air bag. Active Stability Control (ASC) also comes on every Lancer Sportback, and the GTS is equipped with Reinforced Impact Safety Engineering (RISE), a unibody construction designed to help absorb energy in a collision. Every Lancer Sportback has a built-in Anti-Theft system with immobilizer key, and the Touring Package adds HID (high intensity discharge) headlamps.

Premium Warranty
The 2010 Lancer Sportback GTS and Ralliart have comprehensive bumper-to-bumper warranties. The GTS comes with a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty with a fully transferable 5-year/60,000 mile warranty for subsequent owners, and a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. The Ralliart offers a fully transferable 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain package and a 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Both the GTS and Ralliart come with a 7-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty and 5-year unlimited miles Roadside Assistance benefits.

Mitsubishi Evo X FQ400 in action

Proving the popularity of Mitsubishi’s rally bred Lancer Evolution X FQ-400, despite the fact that the car was officially launched only a day ago, and it is already being seen in action. Check out the 403 HP turbocharged all wheel drive rocket as it receives its first impression.

Officially Official: Mitsubishi Evolution X FQ400

The Mitsubishi Evolution X FQ400 has been rumored for months and its finally ready for its close-up before sales begin in the UK this June.

In keeping with its NSFW nomenclature, the FQ400 is putting out 403 hp at 6,500 rpm, with peak torque – 387 lb-ft of the stuff – arriving at an oh-so-usable 3,500 rpm. The extra grunt is thanks to a set of high-flow fuel injectors and a new turbo with low friction bearings, an uprated thrust bearing and high temperature turbine that Mitsubishi insists will keep turbo lag at bay. A new intercooler helps bring down the charge, a new ECU works its binary magic and a three-inch stainless steel exhaust exits at the center of the restyled bumper, complete with carbon fiber diffuser.

The exterior benefits from a carbon fiber front fascia, side skirts and rear wing, along with the Sonic the Hedgehog "Vortex Generator" mounted on the roof. The ride height has been dropped by 30 mm with a revised set of Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs, each hidden from view by front Alcon brakes and 18-inch, nine-spoke wheels shod in super sticky Toyo Proxes R1R rubber.

In addition to all go-fast bits, the FQ400 is fully loaded with Bluetooth connectivity, 30-gig hard drive, sat-nav and privacy glass, along with a carbon fiber gear knob and matching handbrake handle.

Mitsubishi claims the FQ400 will hit 62 mph in 3.8 seconds, impressive considering the cost of entry across the pond is a cool £49,999.

Euro-only: Mitsubishi Evolution FQ-330 SST

In keeping with Mitsubishi's FQ tradition abroad, the automaker has developed a new model to fit in between the standard FQ-300 and the insanity known as the FQ-400. The Mitsubishi Evolution FQ-330 (almost) lives up to its namesake by delivering an additional 29 hp (up from the standard Evo's 300 hp) and an additional 22 lb-ft. of torque for a total of 322. The sprint to 60 mph drops accordingly, with 0.3 seconds shaved from the standard cars 4.7-second time. The minimal powertrain changes consist of a reworked intake, high-flow down-pipe, exhaust and catalytic converter and a re-mapped ECU to make use of the breathing mods. As it's name would suggest, the FQ-330 is equipped with Mitsubishi's new six-speed Twin-Clutch Sports Shift Transmission (TC-SST), and the whole packages only commands a £3,000 premium over the standard Evo, at £35,999.

Mitsubishi Outlander GT heading for production

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.

Mitsubishi confirms i-MiEV will come to U.S.

At a press conference in a few minutes here at the New York Auto Show, Mitsubishi representatives will officially announce that the i-MiEV electric vehicle - already a hit in test drives and displays the world over - will be coming to the U.S. This move has been hinted at for a long while, but now we know for certain that the electric jellybean, based on the "i" minicar, is coming. Official details are scarce, but company representatives told us ahead of schedule that the car would be available here sometime "before 2012." The problem isn't the technology (a left-hand drive model should go on sale in Europe in 2011 after the right-hand model hits Japan this summer and the UK, maybe in 2010), but rather guaranteeing a supply of lithium for the car's batteries. If GS Yuasa can't produce the batteries, then Mitsubishi can't make the cars. Mitsubishi recently upped production plans in order to make 20,000 units a year. But don't get too attached to the i-MiEV name (which stands for "Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle"); when this car comes to the U.S., it'll get a fresh moniker.

Speaking of the iMiEV; it looks like AutoblogGreen readers know a good thing when they see one. The iMiEV dominated our recent poll of which car should win the World Green Car of the Year over the Honda FCX Clarity and the Toyota iQ. The judges of the event, though, disagreed and picked the hydrogen fuel cell Clarity as the 2009 winner this morning.

Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype

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,