The Mitsubishi cars day

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

The Japanese automaker Mitsubishi has just announced details about the 2010 Lancer Evolution X for its home market and it looks like they are only making it better. Mitsubishi made enough of these turbocharged all wheel drive sports car in 2008 to last through the 2009 model year, so the announcement of a new 2010 model is a good sign and means that things are back on track for the super car fighting sport compact from the diamond star carmaker. Keep in mind that these updates are currently only being confirmed for the Japanese spec model, but it shouldn’t take too long for the U.S. market to feel the benefits of the upgrades.

The JDM 2010 EVO X now comes with a lower hanging set of side skirts and some new lightweight plastic pieces that actually shed about three pounds off the X’s front end. The new appearance package improves the looks of new Evolution model making it ground effects package that looks as nice as any aftermarket kit on the market. On the inside Mitsubishi has upgraded the monochromatic LCD display on the EVO’s gauges with a more colorful unit that also features a few more performance enhancing functions.

Aside from the aesthetics, the single largest change to the Lancer Evolution lineup is that even the entry level GSR, the 4B11 turbocharged four banger will be mated to a six speed twin clutch transmission from the current top of the line MR model. That means that there will be no more heel toe shifting or manually banging of the five forward gears that made driving an EVO have a more visceral feel. That is not to say that there is anything wrong with an extra cog to improve fuel economy on the highway or a gearbox that is more intelligent than the human behind the wheel, at least when it comes to shifting. However this means that tuners looking to upgrade their vehicles will now have to worry about modifying their SST transmissions as well.

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander

After seeing the bold faced Mitsubishi Outlander GT prototype based on the front end of an EVO X, the Japanese automaker has finally revealed the official details about the 2010 Outlander SUV, and it will be offered in both GT and SE variants with an asking price starting at just $20,840.

For the 2010 model year, Mitsubishi has taken the front end from the popular prototype and incorporated it into the entire Outlander lineup. Another new item for the 2010 Outlander is the gearbox. Mitsubishi’s TC-SST (Twin Clutch-Sport Shift Transmission) was previously only available in the Lancer Evolution X MR and has since been expanded to the entire EVO lineup can now be had on the Outlander. Mitsubishi also lays claim that the 2010 Outlander offers the best as far as safety technologies are concerned, coming with features like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), ASC (Active Stability Control) and S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) as well as six airbags all standard.

Under the hood the diamond star brand has incorporated a new fuel efficient MIVEC V6 that cranks out a maximum output of 230 HP along with gas saving Idle Neutral Logic. The system increases the 2010 Outlander’s efficiency by automatically disengaging the transmission and placing it in neutral when the vehicle is at idle, thus saving owners some money at the pump while they wait for the light to turn green. Meanwhile the MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) manipulates both the intake and exhaust valves in order to optimize the engine’s air/fuel mixture in order to produce as much power as possible with the least amount of harmful emissions.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer

Already a name in the automotive industry, the Mitsubishi Lancer will be offered four different trim levels for 2010, with output ranging from 152 HP and going all the way up to 237 HP with prices ranging from $14,790 to $27,190.

The Lancer DE and SE versions are powered by a 2.0 Liter DOHC MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) four cylinder engine pumping out 143 HP at 6,000 RPM and 143 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 RPM. The GTS version will get a 2.4 Liter DOHC MIVEC four cylinder making 168 HP and 167 lb-ft of torque, finally the top of the line Ralliart model gets a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0 Liter four cylinder boosted to 237 HP and 253 lb-ft of torque.

The 2010 Lancer features a a shark nosed front end, distinct wedge like profile and crisp, taut lines. Each model is now equipped with Active Stability Control (ASC) and an anti lock braking system (ABS) as well as electronic brake force distribution (EBD) all standard.

2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Mitsubishi Eclipse receive a minor face lift in 2009, and the diamond star brand from Japan is continuing the trend with with an even more drastic makeover in 2010. The latest version of the fourth generation Eclipse features restyled front and rear fascias. The 2010 Eclipse gets a new monochromatic with a two tone bumper insert while the GT variant features a large rear spoiler and a few new exterior hues, Carbon metallic and Solar vibrant yellow. The GS Sport model combines the aggressive exterior appearance of the GT with the fuel economy of the four cylinder GS model and Eclipses equipped with the standard cloth interior feature upgraded fabrics.

The GS version is powered by a 2.4 Liter four cylinder engine making 162 HP, while the GT variant gets a 3.8 Liter V6 that pumps out a total of 265 HP and can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in about six seconds.

2010 Mitsubishi Galant

Even if it hasn’t received a face lift since 2004, the Mitsubishi Galant has undergone a few changes for the 2010 model year. The new car will only be offered in ES and SE trim levels, each powered by a 2.4 Liter four cylinder engine that delivers a maximum output of 160 HP mated to a 4 speed automatic transmission. Mitsubishi has discontinued the Sport Edition, Sport V6, and Ralliart versions for 2010, but prices for the remaining models start at $21,599 for the ES and goes up to $23,999 for the SE version.

The 2010 Galant features a silver painted mesh front grill, color matched door handles and power side mirrors, rear window defroster and an antenna integrated into the rear glass. The SE model is distinguished by a set of 18 inch alloy wheels, body colored rear spoiler and chrome exhaust tips. Standard equipment includes: anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), traction control (TCL), Active Stability Control (ASC), dual stage front airbags, front seat mounted side impact airbags and side front and rear curtain airbags.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sport back Edition

Since the debut of the Lancer Evolution back in 2006, we have seen the popularity of Mitsubishi’s all wheel drive sports sedan increase, however, it has always maintained the original 4 door sedan platform. This has allowed other automakers, like Subaru and Mazda, the opportunity to introduce a sport back version of their popular sport sedans with very good results. Last year, we saw the introduction of the Evolution MR and were intrigued when a rumor about a sport back version of the Lancer was in the works. With the success of the Lancer RALLIART edition last year, it was only logical for Mitsubishi to develop a Sport back version of the affordable sport sedan to compete in a market that is currently dominated by other Japanese automakers. The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer RALLIART Sport back edition features a combination of the ever popular Lancer sedan and the Lancer Evolution, bridging the gap between the track and the daily driven roads.

2011 Mitsubishi ASX Compact Crossover

Mitsubishi will unveil the ASX Compact Crossover at the Geneva Motor Show and will go on sale across European dealers in the spring of 2010. The ASX CUV is the European-spec version of the diamond star’s RVR from Japan and will be powered by an all new 1.8 Liter turbocharged direct injection diesel ready to meet Europe’s stringent Bin 5 emissions standard and in order to further decrease pollutants and increase efficiency the ASX will also feature "Automatic Stop & Go" technology along with a fuel sipping 6 speed manual transmission.

Update 05/04/2010: Mitsubishi has release pricing for ther ASX Compact Crossover. The ASX will run between £14,999 to £22,049 and UK sales will begin July 2010.

Mitsubishi’s Managing Director, Lance Bradley, commented that,

“This is the right car, at the right time, at the right price and specification. The CO2 reducing technologies will appeal to fleets, user-choosers and retail customers alike – indeed, early customer reaction has been very positive with advance orders already taken.

“We’re targeting customers who would traditionally buy a C-segment car, such as the VW Golf and Ford Focus, but also people looking to down-size from their SUV or family estate car. With the ASX you really do get the best of every world.

“It’s a game-changer for us, which could easily become a new ‘hero’ vehicle for the brand and heralds the advent of our new ‘Intelligent Motion’ philosophy.”

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution SE

Mitsubishi has added a new special edition to their Lancer Evolution X line-up. Called the SE, the new model will go on sale in the fall of 2010 and will be placed between the MR and GSR models.

The new Lancer Evolution SE gets an ultra-high performance suspension package, two-piece Brembo front brake rotors with remarkable stopping power, and Mitsubishi’s lightning-fast Twin Clutch-Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST). It was also receive a small, less conspicuous lip spoiler. The exterior will be distinguished by brightly illuminating HID headlights and a choice of four colors - Graphite Gray, Wicked White, Phantom Black, and Octane Blue. On the interior it gets heated cloth RECARO seats and exclusive "SE" badging to round out the Lancer Evolution SE’s unique packaging.

Under the hood there will be an all-aluminum 291-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled engine mated to a six speed dual clutch TC-SST gearbox, which allows the driver to choose between three modes: Normal, Sport, and Super-Sport.

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Mitsubishi has announced the addition of a new model to their Outlander line-up: the new 2011 Outlander Sport. On the US market the new model will be offered in two trim levels: ES and SE, and both in 2WD and 4WD versions.

The 2011 Outlander Sport is powered by a 2.0-Liter inline-4 engine that delivers a total of 148 hp @ 6000 rpm and 143 lb.-ft. of torque at a lower 4200 rpm. The SE model comes with a Sportronic ® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and the ES version gets a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The list of standard equipment includes air conditioning with pollen filter, cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls, tilt & telescopic steering wheel, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, and a 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with steering wheel controls and 4 speakers. Adding to the stereo components are the digital signal processor, equalization control, and speed compensated volume.

Updated 09/15/2010: The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport will go on sale at a price starting from $18,495 for the base version and going up to $26,795 for the top model. The 2011 Outlander Sport is available in four simple and well-equipped drive train combinations and can be optioned with both the premium package and a 40GB HDD navigation system with real-time traffic, music server and backup camera.