Straightline
Mitsubishi
August 25, 2008

Looking like a mutant Ralliart Sportback, this Mitsubishi rally racer, simply called the "Racing Lancer," has enough torque to rotate this planet a few degrees, as in 640 lb.-ft. Horsepower? How's 260 grab you?
The Racing Lancer will make its official debut in round six of the 2008 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup in Portugal October 30-November 2. It likely will also see action in the 2009 Dakar Rally.
Full story here.
Here's
Inside Line's take:
Apocalyptic Mitsubishi "Racing Lancer" Preps for Official Debut
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 25, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Mitsubishi, Motorsports
August 1, 2008
Anybody notice that on the same day that Subaru announced their updated '09 WRX, that Mitsubishi announced prices on their WRX-fighter, the '09 Ralliart? Think maybe that the Mitsu-Gang was trying to let a little air out of the WRX balloon?
Now it should come as no surprise to long-time readers here that I favor the WRX over the Ralliart, but I have to admit that the Mitsubishi has several items on their standard and/or option list that I really wish Subaru offered as well. They are:
• The Mitsubishi comes standard with a very trick Twin Clutch-Sportronic¨ Shift Transmission (TC-SST). Frankly, my preference is that this were optional and not standard, as I'm a dedicated 3-pedal devotee. Still, it's great to have this on the check list.
• The Ralliart offers an optional ($2,750) Recaro seat package which bundles a high-intensity-discharge headlights, a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate Punch premium sound system with nine speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer, Sirius Satellite Radio with six months of service and a six-CD/MP3 in-dash head unit.
• It also has a 40 GB hard drive too for storing music. This may be packaged with the above item, or is part of the navigation package? Regardless, I like the idea of having a multi-gigabyte hard drive.
So Subaru, as great as the new WRX upgrade is, here are a few holes that still need to be filled.
Here's Inside Line's take: Mitsubishi Announces Pricing on 2009 Lancer Ralliart
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 1, 2008, 7:18 AM
- Categories: Mitsubishi, Subaru
July 30, 2008

I guess better late than never, as it looks like Mitsubishi will be offering a "lifted" Lancer Sportback X that would compete with both the Subaru Outback and Outback Sport.
The image above is pure speculation, but probably gives a pretty good indication as to what this vehicle could look like. No word on mechanical changes other than the rumored lifted suspension. It would be pretty cool if they offered it with the turbo from the Ralliart (or EVO).
Carscoop is reporting the car will be released internationally sometime in 2010.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 30, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Hatchbacks, Mitsubishi, Subaru
July 22, 2008


The UK is getting two--possibly three--special edition WRXs, which no doubt are meant to counter any upcoming Mitsubishi EVO challenges. They are a 252 ps WRX-S, a 325ps WRX STI 330S, and finally a 375ps WRX STI 380S concept.
Of most interest to American Subie fans is the UK-spec WRX-S (pictured above), as that could well hint at what we might see in the US-spec 2009 WRX. The car mirrors most if not all the items mentioned in recent rumors such as in a more powerful 2.5 engine and a tweaked suspension and aero kit. It also has some STI visual styling cues, such as the STI grille and painted out (former chrome) panel on the rear hatch. One thing I don't expect to see is the 18" wheels and tires seen here. The U.S. model will be getting upgraded rubber and grayed out wheels, but will remain 17" units.
Subaru of America is supposed to announce the 2009 Imprezas in about a week, so it won't be long before we know the whole deal.
Full story here.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2008 British Auto Show: Subaru Impreza WRX STI 380S
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 22, 2008, 7:36 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Mitsubishi, Sports Cars, Subaru
July 18, 2008

New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, which will debut at the Moscow Motor Show late this August, is not coming to the USA. That's a shame. Yeah, I know, there's a limited market here for any "true" SUV these days. Nevertheless, I still think this would be a good addition to the Mitsubishi U.S. product portfolio.
So this 5- or 7-passenger SUV will be sold where these types of vehicles are appreciated and will be used as intended. For those lucky markets who will get this vehicle (Russia, the Middle East, Latin America and Oceania), one can expect two diesel engine choices, 2.5L and 3.2L, as well as a 3.5L V6 gas engine choice. It also comes with Mitsubishi's excellent Super Select 4WD which can be used on any surface.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 18, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Mitsubishi, SUVs
June 12, 2008


The production version of the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback will debut at the Paris auto show this September. The pixs above show both the base Lancer and the Ralliart version. The Ralliart will go head-to-head with the WRX, as it will be turbocharged and have AWD.
No word as to whether the EVO will get the Sportback model...
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May 2, 2008

Early in March Straightline reported that Toyota and Mitsubishi would team up on a new jet airplane (Toyota considering Mitsubishi jet invitation).
Now the latest word is that this is not going to be a small jet, like the HondaJet, but rather a large passenger jet capable of transporting 70 to 90 people. To help this project along, Toyota has announced that it would invest up to ¥10 billion ($96 million) to get this project off the ground (pun intended). It's hoped that this new jet will go on sale by 2013...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 2, 2008, 11:19 AM
- Categories: Mitsubishi, Toyota
April 1, 2008

Edmunds.com is conducting another consumer comparison test.
We want you to test-drive these 2008 economy sedans:
Honda Civic, Mazda MAZDA3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Toyota Corolla
Just like our last consumer test, we will send you to Willow Springs Raceway in California where you'll get to test the cars in a number of situations.
All you have to do is write an essay telling us why we should choose you. Make it good because competition will be stiff...
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- Posted by: Donna Derosa April 1, 2008, 4:07 PM
- Categories: Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Sedans, Toyota
March 28, 2008

Now before any of you off-roaders get all giddy about this new Mitsubishi—take a deep breath. This is for Brazil, not the USA. Which is really a shame, as this is far more interesting than the current Dodge Dakota-based Raider. Speaking of which, when was the last time you saw a Mitsubishi Raider on the road?..
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- Posted by: Bob Holland March 28, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Mitsubishi, Trucks
March 13, 2008
Fresh off several successful new model announcements, Mitsubishi has announced their midterm "Step Up 2010" business plan. In it is what we can expect over the next few years in terms of new product. In short, they are:
• A global sport coupe based off the Concept-RA
• More vehicles based off the Outlander/Lancer platform, one being a new medium-size premium sedan, to slot in between the Lancer and Galant
Two small SUVs, presumably for Asia
Their small 660cc cars will modified to be sold globally
Their i-MiEV electric car will also be sold globally
US-built Eclipse coupes will be exported to China, beginning later this year.
Not bad considering they were on the verge of bankruptcy just a few short years ago...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland March 13, 2008, 5:00 AM
- Categories: Mitsubishi
March 7, 2008

"Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly away..."
Interesting. Mitsubishi has invited Toyota to invest in a passenger jet plane project.
Toyota spokeswoman Kayo Doi said: "Mitsubishi Heavy has invited us to invest (in the venture) and we are considering it." To date no decision has been made by Toyota.
If Toyota decides to go forth with this, I wonder if FHI (Subaru) might also be involved, as they have a ton of aircraft experience, and are partially owned by Toyota?..
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- Posted by: Bob Holland March 7, 2008, 5:00 AM
- Categories: Honda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Toyota
March 4, 2008

After last week’s announcement that the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback will make it to the U.S., the debut of the Prototype S at this year’s Geneva auto show was a little more interesting. Normally we don’t get the hatchback version of anything, but this five-door Lancer should be in dealers by the end of the year.
This may be labeled a prototype, but it’s about 95 percent of what you’ll see in the production version. The Evolution hood won’t stay, and neither will those headlights or the 19-inch wheels and tires. And don’t expect to see Orange Metallic Flake on the color sheet either. What you can expect is the same lineup of engines currently offered on the standard Lancer sedan along with a little extra cargo room in back.
Will there be an Evolution version to take on the Subaru WRX STI hatch? Don’t count on it. –- Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor, Inside Line

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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig March 4, 2008, 8:51 AM
- Categories: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Mitsubishi
March 3, 2008

First reports of about the Lancer Sportback indicated that this might be a Europe-only model. Now it's been confirmed that it will be coming to the United States as well. Pictured above is the Mitsubishi Prototype-S concept, which will debut at Geneva, and is very close to what we can expect to see in showrooms.
So this is good news for Mitsubishi fans...
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February 25, 2008




What you see here is the Mitsubishi Prototype S, with the "S" standing for "Sportback." If you remember, Mitsubishi showed a Sportback concept (middle picture) before.
Remember? How could you forget, as that concept was drop-dead gorgeous!
Unfortunately, as concepts move from "concept" to "production," often something gets lost in the translation, as is the case here...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland February 25, 2008, 5:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Mitsubishi
February 7, 2008
As a nice break from all the new cars and concepts, here's a few semi-oldies that have been aged to perfection:

BMW 2002 Tii

Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3

Mitsubishi Galant GTO-R73X
New models and new concepts are fine but these three automakers obviously think there's something to be said for heritage. We agree. -- Brian Moody, Road Test Editor
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- Posted by: Brian Moody February 7, 2008, 2:33 PM
- Categories: BMW, Chicago Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi


Two years. That's about as long as we'll have to wait for an entirely new Mitsubishi Galant, which should look a fair amount like the handsome Concept-ZT from the Tokyo auto show. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi offers this 2009 version with new front and rear styling. And we can honestly say the new rear with quasi-Lancer taillight is a genuine improvement...
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund February 7, 2008, 9:10 AM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Mitsubishi
February 4, 2008

Mitsubishi will use the Chicago Auto Show to introduce their "freshened" 2009 Eclipse. The 3.8 V6 engine gets bumped up to 265 horsepower / 262 pound-feet of torque, as well as getting a few other tweaks. It can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic with manual shift control.
I'm sure it's all well and good, but I find it a bit ironic that Mitsubishi's "sport coupe" to be less exciting than their EVO "sedan." Anyone else agree?
Here's Inside Line's take: 2008 Chicago Auto Show Preview: 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
January 25, 2008

There have been rumors of an upcoming Lancer hatch for sometime. In fact Straightline did a blog not long ago that pictured just such a car (Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart a-comin'). Now there's more news/rumors about this vehicle up on the Net. According to Carscoop, the car will appear at the upcoming Geneva auto show...
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January 15, 2008

The all-new Mitsubishi Evos and Subaru STI have gone through a civilized redesign. But can they still perform?
Inside Line takes an Evo GSR, an Evo MR and a WRX STI to the track...
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- Posted by: Donna Derosa January 15, 2008, 12:26 PM
- Categories: Mitsubishi, Subaru
January 13, 2008

After hearing "go time" in one promo video after another, we were mildly pumped to see Mitsubishi's two world debuts. Then its CEO came out and started to go over sales numbers. Apparently, in Japan "go time" translates into something like 9 percent annual growth on an adjusted sales weighted basis
It didn't matter, though. We were waiting to see the introduction of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and it wasn't a disappointment...
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig January 13, 2008, 4:42 PM
- Categories: Detroit Auto Show, Mitsubishi, Sedans

Supposedly the all-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Concept-RA has a turbocharged 2.2-liter inline-four cylinder diesel that cranks 201 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, but to tell you the truth, we don't really care.

With its aerodynamic lines and motorized butterfly doors, the Concept-RA is just so darn nice to look at, the high-output clean diesel partnered with Mitsubishi's twin-clutch SST transmission is just a bonus.
Mitsubishi says the Concept-RA diesel coupe is a car you'd "need not imagine, just reach out and touch it."
How about build it? -- Kelly Toepke, News Editor
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- Posted by: Kelly Toepke January 13, 2008, 3:58 PM
- Categories: Detroit Auto Show, Mitsubishi
January 11, 2008

From the press release:
Lancer Evolution GSR - DOHC I4 MIVEC Turbo
(2.0L/5MT)
$32,990.00
5-Speed Manual
Options and Accessories pricing after the jump.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland January 11, 2008, 1:46 PM
- Categories: Mitsubishi, Sports Cars
January 9, 2008

Can't afford the new Nissan GT-R? Well, you might want to check out the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR that goes on sale this February.
It's equipped with a 291-hp turbocharged engine, a 5-speed manual and all-wheel drive. It's not the fastest Evo ever, but it may be the best...
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- Posted by: Donna Derosa January 9, 2008, 12:51 PM
- Categories: Mitsubishi
December 31, 2007

More rumors about the future AWD Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart are circulating. The Ralliart will be a direct competitor to the Subaru WRX in that it will be essentially a detuned EVO, much like the WRX is a (much!) de-tuned STI. Also rumored is a possible 5-door version, similar to the 5-door concept pictured above, that would compliment the 4-door sedan.
This is great news for Mitsubishi fans who love the EVO, but who want something a bit less hard-core...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 31, 2007, 5:00 AM
- Categories: Mitsubishi, Subaru
December 13, 2007

The new 2008 Evo 5-speed, the GSR model, will begin at $34K. The top-of-the-line MR model, with the 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (Twin Clutch-Sequential Sportshift (TC-SST)) will start at $39K. This is a rather healthy jump over the outgoing model's MSRP, which ranged from $28,679 to $35,189.
Expensive, yes; but right in line with what Subaru is asking fro their new STI...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 13, 2007, 2:02 PM
- Categories: Mitsubishi, Sports Cars
December 11, 2007

Two turbocharged, all-wheel-drive supercars do battle in the shadow of Mt. Fuji in Japan.
It's the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X versus the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI...
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- Posted by: Donna Derosa December 11, 2007, 1:59 PM
- Categories: Mitsubishi, Subaru
December 7, 2007

No, the picture above is not it, but rather a Suzuki Grand Vitara-based concept that Suzuki showed in Tokyo a few years ago.
Anyway, Suzuki is going to show a new pickup at the Chicago Auto Show, and it's expected to wear the Equator name tag.
It had been long rumored that Suzuki partnered with Nissan to do a pickup, and it was to be spun off the Frontier. Now as many folks here know I'm no fan of badge-engineered vehicles; never have been, never will be...
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November 15, 2007

We've seen the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution before. You've seen the Evo before. Your Grandma Jean and her friend Esther have probably seen it, too. On Day 1 of the show, Mitsubishi didn't even bother covering it up with black sheets...
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- Posted by: JRiz November 15, 2007, 11:43 AM
- Categories: LA Auto Show, Mitsubishi
November 12, 2007

Thanks to our very own Edmunds in-house Subie guru, Loren, we have some images of the all-new US-spec Subaru STI taken at Laguna Seca Raceway. The new STl will be introduced at the LA auto show in a few days.
And in somewhat related news, the STI's arch rival, the all-new Mitsubishi Evo has hit a snag with its Dual Clutch transmission. It turns out that some last-minute glitches have turned up, and Mitsubishi wisely decided to postpone that option for a few months until the gremlins have been worked out...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 12, 2007, 5:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, LA Auto Show, Mitsubishi, Sports Cars, Subaru
October 24, 2007

Or maybe it's the Mitsubishi Evolution X. Or it could be the Mitsubishi Evo. Or it could be the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. But it's not the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis, even though that is actually a Lancer...
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund October 24, 2007, 7:28 PM
- Categories: Mitsubishi, Sedans, Tokyo Motor Show

While it's several months out, and we still have Tokyo, SEMA and the LA shows to do, the folks running the Detroit show have let loose with some teaser info regarding this January event.
From the NAIAS October newsletter:
Ford will unveil a new small concept vehicle for the U.S. market that will share the underbody with a concept that Ford unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The Ford Verve (rendering pictured above), revealed in Frankfurt, is a crossover vehicle carried on a small B-segment platform...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 24, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Detroit Auto Show, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Suzuki
October 23, 2007

As at any auto show, there are concept cars and there are "concept cars." Some concepts are there just as eye candy and a workout for designers' oddest fantasies. (Many of this variety of concept are actually edible.) Other concepts exist to prepare the press and public for a production vehicle. The Mitsubishi concept with the really unfortunate name, the ZT, is of the latter variety. It is a styling concept for the next-generation Mitsubishi large sedan...
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund October 23, 2007, 10:29 PM
- Categories: Mitsubishi, Sedans, Tokyo Motor Show
September 12, 2007


Look familiar? Both the Peugeot 4007 and Citroen C Crosser are essentially the Mitsubishi Outlander. Each version has a slightly different nose but inside it looks just like the Mitsu, chevron or lion logo on the steering wheel notwithstanding.
My favorite part is how garish and un-European the large subwoofer and Rockford Fosgate logo look when you open the rear tailgate...
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- Posted by: Brian Moody September 12, 2007, 11:10 PM
- Categories: Citroen, Frankfurt Auto Show, Mitsubishi, Peugeot
September 11, 2007

Although the second-generation Outlander has gone over rather well in the U.S., it's too big and thirsty to appeal to most European buyers. Much like the VW Tiguan and Ford Kuga, Mitsubishi's Concept-cX is an attempt to sate Europeans' SUV desires without losing the battle for fuel economy and CO2 reduction.
Mitsubishi officials wouldn't disclose the Concept-cX's platform origins, but considering its 99-inch wheelbase is within five inches of the 2008 Lancer and its 59.4-inch track is less than an inch narrower, it's a pretty safe bet these two are at least distantly related.

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- Posted by: Erin Riches September 11, 2007, 7:11 AM
- Categories: Diesels, Frankfurt Auto Show, Mitsubishi, SUVs
September 10, 2007

There's a new player in the compact crossover arena: the Nissan Rogue. How will it fare against the leaders in this market segment?
We rounded up the Rogue, a Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Mitsubishi Outlander and put them to the test.
Read the Crossover Comparison Test on Inside Line...
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- Posted by: Donna Derosa September 10, 2007, 11:20 AM
- Categories: Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, SUVs,