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Leaked: Mitsubishi RVR Brochure Gives Detailed Look at Upcoming Compact Crossover |
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Jan 29, 2010 - 7:24 AM - by Administrator
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Thanks to a tip from AutoGuide reader Peter Ms we have plenty more photos and some additional information on Mitsubishi's upcoming compact crossover. The new model will debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March and is expected to arrive shortly thereafter in North America, slotting in underneath the Outlander in the Japanese automaker's lineup. A leaked brochure for the new CUV, called the RVR in Japan and the ASX in Europe, gives a more detailed look at the CUV.
The car's interior is typical Mitsubishi, and we can see from the brochure that it comes with a push-button ignition, a large panorama sunroof and there's even an optional navigation system.
Cargo room doesn't exactly look plentiful, however, with just around 15 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
We like the little Mitsu's EVO-style look, but have to admit we're puzzled about the snorkel on the driver's side front fender.
In Europe the ASX will be sold with a turbocharged 1.8-liter diesel engine. It is expected to be powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder when it debuts in North America.
More: Leaked: Mitsubishi RVR Brochure Gives Detailed Look at Upcoming Compact Crossover on AutoGuide.com
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0 Replies | 90 Views
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Report: Mitsubishi Looks to Double Sales in Three Years |
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Jan 27, 2010 - 8:31 AM - by Administrator
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Mitsubishi aims to double its sales in the U.S. in the next three years, says Mitsubishi North America Executive VP John Koenig. Last year the Japanese automaker sold just 53,986 vehicles in the U.S., down alarmingly by 44.5 percent compared to 2008. While the recession did hurt the automaker considerably, Koenig believes that much of the loss can be attributed to a heavy focus on fleet sales and a perceived brand instability, with reports that the company would pull out of the U.S. market.
Mitsubishi isn't just hoping either, but has put together an extensive plan for the brand, which started by redesigning vehicles to look more like the stylish Lancer and continues with the launch of the new 2010 Outlander.
The next step, while still unconfirmed by Mitsubishi, will include the introduction of two new models to the marketplace, a smaller crossover (aimed at the likes of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4) as well as a new subcompact model to slot in underneath the Lancer. The compact crossover market has grown considerably over the past few years and Mitsubishi's Outlander grew in size during that time, leading compact CUV buyers to look elsewhere. A sporty new crossover like the ASX (also called the RNR), which is headed to its debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March, is just what the automaker needs. Mitsu has also targeted the emerging sub-compact market, with rumors that the Colt will return to take on the likes of the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, as well as newcomers like the Ford Fiesta and Mazda2.
A mini-car called the iMiEV is also set for the U.S. market, with Mitsubishi still deciding on if it will offer both a gasoline and electric version. Sales of this model, however, aren't expected to be significant.
One area where Mitsu also needs to improve is with the Galant mid-size sedan, which is in desperate need of replacement. Koenig admits that one reason for a decline in Galant sales is a reduction in demand by rental car agencies – a strong sign that the car isn't popular with consumers.
Mitsubishi's plan isn't as optimistic as it sounds and might just be an easily achievable goal, as with a lineup similar to the current one, Mitsu sold 128,993 units in 2007. And while the automaker has continued to slide in recent years back in 2002 it managed to move a significant 345,111 models
Along with a new list of products Mitsubishi is also looking to get more heavily involved in advertising and has already purchased numerous spots on network TV. Mitsubishi's public relations head Maurice Durand commented that when it comes to the high-volume models like the Outlander and Lancer, "We have to work hard to enhance their perception and desirability."
More: Report: Mitsubishi Looks to Double Sales in Three Years on AutoGuide.com
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0 Replies | 81 Views
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Report: Mitsubishi EVO XI Will Be a Plug-in Hybrid |
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Jan 21, 2010 - 12:19 PM - by Administrator
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Mitsubishi's next generation EVO will be a plug-in hybrid. Yup, according to a recent report by Motor Trend, a source inside the company has confirmed the rumors that the EVO XI is going green.
This news will most likely have EVO enthusiasts about ready to jump ship to Subaru, but worry not says the report, Mitsubishi isn't building a Prius. The EVO XI will ride on the same AWD platform as the Concept PX-MiEV (above) – itself a plug-in hybrid. A 2.0-liter MIVEC engine from the current Japan-spec Galant will be used, along with lithium-ion batteries and an electric motor donated from the dorky-looking i-MiEV electric city car.
Interestingly, the main power source will be the electric motor, driving the front wheels for optimum fuel economy. When required, the gasoline engine will kick in to power the rear. The electric motor is expected to be a more powerful version of the i-MiEV's, which already makes 63-hp. As for the gasoline engine, it should pump out roughly 320-hp, a 29-hp improvement over the current EVO. In total this could mean as much as 350-hp. Mitsubishi engineers have apparently targeted a time of 4.5 seconds to 60 mph as their goal.
In addition, the Motor Trend reports suggest added handling capabilities will help to win over enthusiasts. Expected to be included on the EVO XI are Active Steering and a Roll Control Suspension, as well as a new electronically controlled active yaw control system (E-AYC).
The biggest problem Mitsubishi engineers face is the added weight of the electrical components, especially after the EVO X already gained 250-lbs on the previous generation model.
More: Report: Mitsubishi EVO XI Will Be a Plug-in Hybrid on AutoGuide.com
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0 Replies | 111 Views
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Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Experience at the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School |
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Jan 18, 2010 - 7:31 AM - by Administrator
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Hard on the brakes I heel-toe and double down in the gears, executing Infineon Raceway's important Turn 11; a tight late-apex right-hander I had practiced repeatedly just an hour before. My EVO X GSR pushes hard toward the outside wall as I grab third and then fourth, changing over to the other wall at Turn 12 and blasting down the front straight, pushing above the 100 mph mark and heading straight into Turn 1. The track rises up before me like more of an asphalt wall than a hill, gravity working with the EVO's impressive AWD setup to keep the car balanced as I spy the apex of turn two and hammer the brakes.
Impressive? Yes! And I've only just described the front straight.
I'm at the Jim Russell Racing Driver's School Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Experience, a program the Japanese automaker hopes will not only allow enthusiasts and average Joes alike to experience just how capable and fun the latest EVO is, but to spread the word that despite its perception as a less hard-core machine than previous iterations, the X is the best EVO yet.
And they couldn't have chosen a better pairing than with Jim Russell, who's chief instructor, Paul Gerrard, is a veteran of racing past EVO models overseas and currently pilots the AMS-tuned EVO X in the Redline Time Attack series, where he took the Unlimited AWD Class Championship last year.
More: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Experience at the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School on AutoGuide.com
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0 Replies | 135 Views
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2010 Tokyo Auto Salon Coverage |
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Jan 15, 2010 - 10:56 AM - by Administrator
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Japan's equivalent to the SEMA Show, each year aftermarket companies show off their latest performance and tuning products at the Tokyo Auto Salon.
From the street to the track, companies like Blitz, HKS, JUN, 5Zigen, Volk and Veilside show off their latest products on some of the most wildly modified cars ever made.
And let's not forget the manufacturers. Most major OEMs set up shop at the Tokyo Auto Salon and display new models, concepts and race cars – including some very impressive Super GT cars. Many manufacturers will also use TAS to show off their latest in-house performance goodies, from brands like TRD, Mugen, NISMO and Ralliart.
More: 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon Coverage on AutoGuide.com
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0 Replies | 148 Views
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