ATTENTION: To all the whiners out there complaining that the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has "lost its edge" and/or "needs more power" -- you obviously haven't driven the 2008 version. All the anal, shop-by-spreadsheet, don't-actually-drive-cars-just-memorize-numbers types can read the full test here and see that this Evo basically matches the old one except at higher velocities, where it loses in the quarter-mile by .3 seconds.

Those .3 seconds put this Evo through the quarter-mile in "only" 13.6 seconds, while zero-to-60 takes all of 4.9 seconds (same as the old one). It also stops better, is just as fast through the slalom and pulls nearly 1later G (.99 actually -- better than the .93 of the last version). So even if you're the total numbers geek (that too many of us are) these numbers confirm the new Evo is, overall, better than the last one.

Continue reading...

Just took a gander at Automotive News' future product plan for Japanese carmakers. Not too surprisingly, the coming years hold hybrids and crossovers from the Land of the Rising Sun (actually, many of them will come from right here in North America). Each automaker has a few interesting items in the pipeline.

Acura: No official confirmation of a V8 in Acura's future, which I continue to view as the division's greatest failing. The next RL is due in 2011, so they better make up their mind. But we do know a V10 engine will power the NSX replacement. I like that they have a full-tilt exotic in the works, but one vehicle does not a division make (as was proven with the last NSX).

Honda: Honda will continue to push hybrids, with a smaller-than-Civic model. No more Accord hybrids, but the Odyssey will be Honda's first V6 diesel-powered vehicle in the U.S. in 2010 (also the year CR-V goes diesel with a 4 cyl.).  I'm personally looking forward to the Remix, the spiritual successor to the CRX. And between the Pilot and CR-V? Yup, another crossover is coming.

Continue reading...

"Manual windows and no audio system?! What is Mitsubishi thinking?"

An easy question to ask, and even easier to answer. The Evolution RS is simply the best performance bargain on the planet. For less than $30,000 you get a vehicle that can chase down (and likely beat, considering the typical owner profile) Lamborghini Gallardos and...well, sure I'll say it...Ford GTs (note I said typical owner profile). This car screams, even with "only" 286 horsepower (remember, it weighs just over 3,000 lbs). The last one we tested, which was actually the heavier, more "luxurious" version, ran to 60 in under five seconds and slithered through the slalom at over 70 mph. Those are supercar numbers for $28,000.

Continue reading...

I just drove our newest addition to the long-term fleet, a 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander. The official long-term introduction will be up in a few weeks, but after 100 miles I have a good sense of the car's strengths and weaknesses. In terms of driving dynamics the Outlander scores, with a solid chassis and confident handling. The steering is responsive and well weighted, and body roll is limited (at least by crossover standards). Power from the 3.0-liter V6 is commendable at 220 hp, and the front seats provide both comfort and plenty of lateral support when you start to take advantage of the car's nimble nature.

Continue reading...

   Well, I can't really say anything about the new Mitsubishi Lancer after driving it today, but you already knew that. However, while the "official photo reveal" date is December 11th, and the car will debut at the Detroit Auto Show in early January, you might have noticed that we already have -- supposedly --  final images of the car in another story. I also confirmed the driving impression embargo: January 24th. With all that said, I can tell you this much -- it's a better car than before. Pretty revealing stuff, I know.

On the bright side, I have this great shot of automotive journalists riding ATVs around the sand dunes in Pismo Beach. We were able to do this during our lunch stop on the Lancer driving loop. What does driving an ATV have to do with the new Lancer?

Ummm, it's hard to explain...what with the embrago and all. But trust me, riding those ATVs was crucial to understanding the new Lancer. Really. It's not like Mitsubishi would have us doing that just for the fun of it...

   I'm at an undisclosed location today driving the new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. I don't yet know what the embargo date is on detailed specs or driving impressions, but considering the car's debut at the Detroit Auto Show in early January I'm certain it will be sometime after that.

But even before driving this vehicle I've heard some interesting tidbits from my Mitsubishi contacts. As some of you may know, this car uses the "Project Global" platform that shares underpinnings with the new Outlander. And you also may know that, technically, the Outlander shares structural componentry with the new Dodge Caliber. But where I basically like the new Outlander, I basically dislike the Caliber. So what happened? 

Continue reading...

I just drove home in a 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT Spyder. Like the coupe it offers a torquey engine and willing six-speed transmission. Unlike the coupe there's enough flex in the body to dampen my enthusiasm for flinging it around corners (the coupe handles surprisingly well). But the real problem with this car is cost. As outfitted our test car "eclipses" $30,000. For that kind of money I can get a V8 Mustang ragtop, and I'm within $2,000 of a 350 Z drop-top. It's not that either of those cars has stunning interior materials or a super-refined drivetrain, but they both have better interiors in terms of material and build quality, and they will both dust the Eclipse in terms of driving dynamics and overall fun. For instance, it hasn't rained in L.A. for over 12 hours, but it was still cold so I kept the top up. Unfortunately, whenever I accelerated hard a substantial stream of water came out from around the top of the driver's window and dumped on my left sleeve. The first time it was annoying. The third time it was infuriating -- and my left sleeve was soaked! Again, it was not raining out -- and hadn't been for over 12 hours! I'm not sure how/why this car was storing water above the driver's window, but I haven't experienced such elemental intrusion since riding around in my brother's 1966 Plymouth Sport Fury convertible. And I think that car had less chassis flex over bumps. In spite of these problems I could recommend this vehicle...for $24,000. At $30K there are too many other players that offer superior performance and value.

Mitsubishi CT Kiev Concept: It should be called the Mitsubishi Cooper, but if a stylish and sporty small car worked for Mini why can't it work for Mitsu? I actually really like this car, but I love the Mini so this was an easy win in my eyes. Beyond the exterior design and proportions I really like the minimalist seat design, not that I expect it to be comfortable, or to see it in production. But it looks cool, which on some level is still the point of show cars, right? The advanced drivetrain (making the wheel part of the motor) is pretty slick, too.

This is a recent addition to our long-term fleet, and I spent my first quality time with the car this weekend. Just as when I drove the press vehicle several months ago, I'm very pleased with the torque from the 3.8-liter engine (of course, at 3.8-liters it's probably impossible for it not to have a lot of torque).

The tranny works well, too, but I still pine for the days of all-wheel drive. I once owned a 1991 Stealth R/T Twin Turbo, and I loved the all-wheel drive dynamics, both for handling and acceleration purposes (no traction issues, even after I modified the engine to make over 400 horsepower). The company can obiously do all-wheel drive (Evo, anyone?), so why not put it back on their volume-selling sport coupe -- at least as an option? Our car has the upgraded "Terra Cotta" interior treatment that is available with the Sunset Pearlescent exterior. I like the interior -- except that the orange/creme two-tone color treatment is only in the front part of the cabin. Look in the back seat and it's all black. A bit schizophrenic, really.

But, like the Endeavor and Lancer, this is a compelling vehicle with no outstanding flaws. If Mitsubishi can surive its current financial troubles the company is still clearly capable of producing strong product.