Report: Future Mitsubishi models may each get their own EV variant

Word on the web is that Mitsubishi is bracing for the electrification of the automobile in a big way. According to Motor Trend, the Japanese automaker is in the midst of developing all of its future products so that they easily support an EV drivetrain or an internal combustion get up. That line of thinking seems to mesh well with the rumors of the upcoming hybrid crossover from Mitsubishi. The lumbering beast will supposedly take plenty of cues from the PX-MiEV that showed up at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show, with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine working in conjunction with a pair of electric motors.

Additionally, Motor Trend seems to think that the current Montero is a likely platform to adopt a battery pack. The SUV may have died off from the American market, but it's still alive and kicking in Asia and Europe, and a little help from an electric motor would go a long way toward inching the vehicle's fuel economy down to more manageable levels.

And what of our beloved Lancer Evolution? From the sounds of things, even it might show up with electron-power in the near future, with the gasoline engine kicking at the rear tires and the front axles spun by a motor or two.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X SE Is A Tyre Shredder

Mitsubishi is hyping its latest entrant into the Lancer Evolution X family with a new video of the SE tackling two of California’s greatest racetracks.

The Special Edition blends the GSR and MR models to create a mid-range Evo that’s slightly easier on the wallet, but it doesn’t skimp on the good stuff. A Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission is mated to the standard turbocharged 2.0L four-banger, while two-piece Brembo front brake rotors, Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs round out the performance mods.
Mix in the same “diamond black” paint job from the SE edition of the Evolution IX, a rear lip spoiler, Xenon XID headlamps, heated Recaro bucket seats and a set of 12-spoke wheels and you’ve got yourself a genuinely special Evo on your hands.

2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse

2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a front-drive sport coupes hailing from Japan. The 2011 model sports car gets a new black painted roof, new design elements, and expanded equipment. Customers will have to choose from three trim levels: GS, GT, and GS Sport.
The new model have primarily stood out because of their outrageous styling, highlighted by a radically raked windshield, forward-sloping beltline and round, curvaceous rear end. The new black painted roof pays tribute to the highly-successful original first-generation Eclipse Coupe that possessed a similarly dark-colored dome. 2011 Eclipse also gets a ride height that has been lowered by over half an inch .
2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is powered by a 2.4-liter SOHC 16-valve normally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine that delivers 162 HP at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at an even 4,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a crisp-shifting 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

EVO X with EVO IX wing

When we are talking about EVO X the only thing that don't like is the rear wing. But here is a solution: EVO IX wing. Love it. Also gold GullFlame Gravity wheels...

The Top Ten Imports of SEMA 2008

The 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas is packed full of the hottest cars from around the world, and while American muscle still leads the pack along the lines of show cars, the import scene combines cutting edge technology with modern styling.  These vehicles, while sometimes overshadowed, are among the fastest and quickest cars in the show.

There are dozens of awesome Asian imports, but we selected the top 10 hottest imports of the 2008 SEMA Show.  This is just based on our opinions, but these high performance, dressed up models show why the import scene has become so popular.

The Top Ten Imports of SEMA 2008

10. While the new Nissan GT-R has taken the tuning world by storm, with dozens of them adorning the show floor, Koyorad was kind enough to bring a Nissan Skyline GT-R34 to remind us what made the Skyline model so popular.

9.  This race-built S14 from Impulse Engineering, equipped with a SR20DET might be built for racing, but it fits perfectly on the show floor.












8.  The Mishimoto S13, also carrying an SR20 under the hood, is stroked and boosted, with work done to virtually every aspect of the car.










7.  Chato Ibarra's FD3S is one of the more unusual imports at the show, as its built purely for drag racing, but this 1200 horsepower Mazda draws a ton of attention.









6.  Sure, it's a factory built car, and not technically "modified", but this off-road STi is one brutal machine.












5. Speaking of high-tech, BrailleBattery.com brought this Hybrid powered Altima to show off in the Nissan display.











4. There were a great many GT-Rs to check out at the SEMA Show, but few were as eye-catching as Bulletproof Automotive's 2009 GT-R.










3.  Parked right along side the #4 car, Vivid Racing's Evo X, packing 650 horsepower, was hard to miss in its bright lime green paint and trim.










2. How about the quickest Evo 8 in the world? AMS has become well known for their high performance Evolutions, and this one can brag of being one of the quickest cars in the show.









1.  Parked along the wall, excluded from any manufacturers booth, was this awesome 1995 Supra Turbo Hardtop.  Fully built, this Supra ripped off a quarter mile pass at 8.47 @ 177 mph, and hit a top speed of 241.8 mph, making it the worlds quickest and fastest 6-speed Supra

Mitsubishi 403HP Lancer Evolution X FQ-400

Mitsubishi has announced the introduction of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 for the uk market.
The new Lancer flagship is now the fastest version with 403 horsepower and 387 lb-ft. of torque pumping out of its 2.0L MIVEC engine. Mitsubishi estimates that the FQ-400 will reach 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds and have a top speed of 155 mph. All that power is put to the ground through Mitsubishi's Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) four-wheel-drive system.
The FQ-400 also features a wider track, lowered suspension and lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels.
The most powerful Evolution X will be released in the UK next month with a starting price of £49,999.

PRESS RELEASE:
FQ-400 – THE FASTEST AND MOST EXTREME LANCER EVOLUTION EVER RELEASED BY MITSUBISHI MOTORS in the UK
* List price from £49,999
* On sale – June 2009
* The most powerful, accelerative Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X to date
* Peak power of 403bhp @ 6,500rpm; peak torque of 525Nm @ 3,500rpm
* 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds (est.); top speed 155mph (electronically limited)

The tenth version of Mitsubishi's iconic Lancer Evolution models has a new performance flagship model to top its range, the FQ-400.
Extreme Evolution
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 is the fastest and most extreme version of Mitsubishi's motorsport derived machine. With 403bhp and 387lb.ft of torque on offer from its advanced, lightweight aluminium 2.0-litre turbocharged MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) petrol engine the FQ-400 is able to reach 62mph from standstill in an estimated 3.8 seconds before reaching an electronically limited 155mph – where permitted.
Traction and handling
Ensuring all the FQ-400's power is put to good use is Mitsubishi's sophisticated Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) four-wheel-drive system which appropriates power to the wheels that can best use it, giving the FQ-400 quite sensational cross-country performance.
The S-AWC system combines a number of electronic systems that both enhance the FQ-400's performance and safety, with Active Stability Control and Active Centre Differential, Active Yaw Control and Sport ABS giving the FQ-400 incredible cornering ability, traction and grip. Depending on the conditions the driver can select the most suitable set-up for the S-AWC system, three choices – Tarmac, Gravel and Snow – being offered via the wheel-mounted button and displayed in the central instrument binnacle.
Cornering stability
Increasing the FQ-400's cornering ability even further over its FQ relatives is a wider track and lowered suspension featuring Eibach springs and Bilstein Shock Absorbers. Lightweight 18-inch, nine spoke alloy wheels fitted with Toyo Proxes R1R tyres enhance the FQ-400's grip, giving it sharper cornering response on the road and more incisive steering. The enhanced agility and performance is backed by a revised braking system which uses aerospace grade aluminium alloys and floating sealed discs grabbed by high performance pads.
Extreme Power
To achieve the incredible 403bhp from just 2.0-litres Mitsubishi has had to significantly revise the FQ-400's advanced powerplant. Motorsport specification high-flow fuel injectors are fitted to the aluminium cylinder head and a new hybrid turbocharger is also fitted. The higher specification turbocharger features low-friction bearings, a high temperature turbine and strengthened thrust bearing to increase response and reduce turbo lag. Feeding the turbocharger cooled air, improving its performance and efficiency, is an enhanced intercooler, while the exhaust's gasses flow from the engine via a 3-inch diameter high flow stainless steel piping and catalytic convertor before exiting through a centrally positioned exhaust.
Mitsubishi has remapped the Engine Control Unit (ECU) extensively with over 500 hours of development time to allow its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine to not just produce its exceptional output but to do so with excellent driveability. The FQ-400's acceleration is sensational, it pulling hard through the gears regardless of engine revs. With peak torque of 387lb.ft on offer from just 3,500rpm, the FQ-400 is just as able to trickle through town traffic as it is taking a rally special stage.
A 'nod' to the Evo VI
The FQ-400 looks every bit the rally refugee too, giving a strong 'nod' to the styling cues of the legendary Evolution VI, and builds on the already aggressive style of its Lancer Evolution X FQ relatives.
A heavily vented bonnet helps heat escape from the FQ-400's turbocharged engine and a new lightweight composite front bumper incorporating Mitsubishi's trademark 'Jet Fighter' grille features carbon-fibre elements on its leading edges. Additional lighting and High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights mark out the FQ-400's nose, its added aggressiveness further enhanced by a 30mm drop in front ride height. Composite side skirts, a re-styled rear bumper with a carbon fibre diffuser, a rear wing incorporating a gurney strip and a roof-mounted 'Vortex Generator' all help manage airflow and cooling.
Behind the 18-inch lightweight, nine spoke alloy wheels it's possible to see the Alcon brakes on the front, while the Toyo Proxes R1R tyres underline the FQ-400's potency with their aggressive 'cut slick' tread pattern. Inside, the driver is held tightly against the FQ-400's sensational accelerative, braking and cornering forces in Recaro bucket sports seats, the range-topping Lancer Evolution X also gaining an FQ-400 liveried handbrake handle and carbon fibre gearknob.
No compromise
Despite its obvious focus the FQ-400's suspension offers compliance thanks to the Eibach Springs and Bilstein Shock Absorbers, the FQ-400's usefulness as a daily driver not compromised overly thanks to Mitsubishi's chassis tuning. The stiff bodywork not only provides an exceptionally rigid platform for the suspension to work, but excellent crash-worthiness, the Lancer Evolution X attaining a five-star score in Euro NCAP's independent crash tests. The FQ-400's S-AWC and its incorporated stability, traction and braking systems helping avoid an accident in the first place. Even so there's reassurance of seven airbags, seat belt pretensioners and ISO Fix child seating all included in its standard specification.
Fully loaded
Standard equipment for the range-topping Lancer Evolution X model is comprehensive, the FQ-400 coming with Bluetooth hands-free telephone connection, a CD-tuner with 30 Gig hard drive, DVD satellite navigation and privacy glass. Convenience features like remote central locking, automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers increase the FQ-400's ease of use, the huge performance it offers not coming at the expense of usefulness. Like its Lancer Evolution X relatives it features comfortable seating for five as well as a usefully sized boot, the FQ-400 bringing all the convenience of the standard saloon car it's based upon – but with explosive performance potential.
Setting the standard
Standard it's not though, instead the FQ-400 is a standard setter, with performance that's the measure of any rival and many exotic sports and supercars costing many multiples of its £49,999 list price. Available from June 2009, the FQ-400 is covered by a three year / 36,000 mile warranty.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Mitsubishi has officially confirmed that the five-door Lancer Sportback will be available in the U.S. this summer as a 2010 model.
The five-door Lancer Sportback shares everything with the sedan variant from the C-pillar forward. Behind the C-pillar the Sportback gets a unique rear end. The overall length is slightly longer than the sedan and offers more cargo carrying capacity.
The version to have is the Sportback Ralliart that is powered by a 237 horsepower 2.0L turbocharged MIVEC engine. All-wheel-drive is standard as well as the six-speed Twin Clutch-Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST).
Pricing will be announced closer to the Sportback's on sale date.

PRESS RELEASE:
Mitsubishi Motors Brings Versatile New Five-Door Sportback To Award-Winning U.S. Lancer Lineup
Mitsubishi Motors North America today confirmed that the versatile all-new five-door Lancer Sportback will arrive in U.S. dealerships this summer for the 2010 model year. The Sportback will meld high performance and progressive design with an extra dose of utility to feed the most active lifestyles. The newest member of the multiple award-winning Lancer family is part of Mitsubishi's refocused efforts to introduce new models designed to meet evolving consumer demands. MSRP will be announced nearer to its summer on-sale date.
"American consumers are increasingly asking for fun, attractive, yet practical cars that complement their active and individual lifestyles," said Dan Kuhnert, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Mitsubishi Motors North America. "The Lancer Sportback answers those calls with a heady mix of performance, aggressive styling and the bonus of greatly increased utility, and will be available in two versions - the economical GTS and high-performance Ralliart. The five-door platform has considerable upside potential in the domestic market."
Mitsubishi designers created a dynamic new 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 key element is a sleekly sloping rear door with integrated "roof wing" that 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 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. One-touch auto-folding rear seats make the newfound space almost effortless to configure. To add still more volume, the rear cargo-area floor of the GTS version 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.
The Sportback's basic architecture, technical features and most optional equipment is shared with the Lancer sedan, a winner of several awards, including:
J.D. Power and Associates' 2008 Navigation Usage and Satisfaction Study, naming the touch-screen interface system an industry-leader and the first non-premium brand to ever capture the award
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
IIHS Top Safety Pick
CNET Editors' Choice (Lancer Evolution)
MSN Top-10 New Cars
Sportback GTS models feature Mitsubishi's efficient 2.4-liter engine with 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque, mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed CVT automatic transmission.
The Sportback Ralliart is powered by a 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) that it shares with the Lancer Evolution. Both the CVT and Twin-Clutch transmissions include magnesium-alloy paddle shifters.
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.
The Lancer Sportback also formed the basis for Mitsubishi's 2009 Dakar Rally effort earlier this year. The Dakar is the most grueling rally race in the world and Mitsubishi vehicles have won the event 12 times since their first attempt in 1983.
As an important test bed for future technology, the Racing Lancers used at the Dakar reflected Mitsubishi's ongoing efforts to minimize the automobile's environmental footprint with such features as clean diesel power, bio-fuel capability and plant-based "green plastic" body components.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Piping Accesories