Say goodbye to the sweet whining of the turbocharger in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. According to sources, the next-generation Lancer Evo XI will be a plug-in hybrid sedan that uses an electric-motor instead of a turbocharger that it uses right now.

The system will use the same platform as the Concept PX-MiEV plug-in hybrid concept from last year’s Tokyo Motor Show – meaning, that the Evo XI’s 2.0L gasoline engine will be naturally aspirated and will get a boost from an electric-motor that runs on lithium-ion batteries. The electric-motor will power the front wheels, while the engine will power the rear wheels.

Sources say that the car will give drivers the option of driving in electric-only mode for short journeys, helping them improve fuel-efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions (because that’s what every Mitsubishi Lancer Evo driver is worried about).

Insiders say that the Evo XI will also get E-AYC, which regulates torque distribution between the rear wheels.

Source: eGMCarTech

Love the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution but looking for a little more refinement and class? Until now, Mitsubishi offered only two variants of the Lancer Evolution sedan including the GSR and MR. Well, meet the new 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring, the range topping Evo with a $40,990 price-tag that moves the hot Mitsubishi sedan into luxury car territory.

The two biggest differences you’ll notice between the GSR, MR and the MR Touring trim-levels are the MR Touring’s standard power glass sunroof and the standard lip spoiler. Power still comes from the 2.0L DOHC MIVEC turbocharged engine making 291-hp with a maximum torque of 300 lb-ft. All that is sent to the wheels through a 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission with magnesium steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring also gets heated leather RECARO front sports seats and heated side mirrors.

Add a $1,999 navigation system package and other accessories (see the list after the jump) and your fully-loaded 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring can hit a whopping price-tag of $52,728.

Soruce: eGMCarTech

The 300-hp 2.5L 5-cylinder Duratec engine under the hood of the 2009 Ford Focus RS definitely gives it an edge over many of its rivals. The folks at Fifth Gear think that the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X can definitely give the Focus RS some strong competition so they decided to put the two cars head-to-head in a series of tests on a track.



Source: eGMCarTech

Mitsubishi is recalling 39,711 of its 2008-'09 Lancer and Outlander vehicles because "insufficient initial braking assist may temporarily increase the stopping distance of the vehicle and therefore increase the risk of a crash," according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The problem involves vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission or continuously variable transmission. Manual-transmission-equipped vehicles are not included in the recall, said NHTSA.

"Incorrect material composition of the brake booster check valve may cause the check valve to stick closed when the engine is shut off," said NHTSA in its recall summary of the problem. "When the vehicle is restarted and put into motion, under certain driving conditions (very slow vehicle maneuvers), there may be insufficient initial braking assist."

Mitsubishi dealers will replace the brake booster check valve for free. The recall is expected to begin in April. Owners can contact Mitsubishi at (800) 222-0037.

Source: Inside Line

You should probably get used to seeing posts like this – we’re sure more are coming. Like the Saturn Astra, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution will take a breather for 2009. According to Mitsubishi spokeswomen Christine Jew, there were no changes planned for a 2009 Evo, and there was enough inventory to last until the 2010 model is released later this year. Cars.com’s listings show 887 Lancer Evolutions from the 2008 model year still available.

While Mitsubishi doesn’t break down sales by model, we concur with the automaker that its supply of Evos should suffice; at $30,000-$40,000 the Evo is Mitsubishi’s most expensive offering. Don’t think this means the Evo is a sales laggard, however; sales were up 50.9% for 2008, Mitsubishi says. When the 2010 Lancer Evolution goes on sale, there will be a few minor changes, Jew said.

Source: Kicking Tires

Feast your eyes on the most powerful Evo yet! These official pictures show the FQ400 – the latest incarnation of Mitsubishi’s four-wheel-drive super-saloon. And it’s clear the new flagship model is nearly ready to roll. It looks even more muscular than its predecessor, and fans can expect the FQ400 to have mind-blowing performance, too. The 2.0-litre engine develops 405bhp, and offers 405Nm of torque at around 3,500rpm.

This amazing powerplant is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and will propel the newcomer from 0-60mph in only 3.5 seconds, leaving the existing range-topper – the FQ360 – in its wake! Uprated brakes bring the Evo to a firm halt. The FQ400 gets a fresh look, and now incorporates lightweight body panels.

Extra engine cooling is provided by vents positioned between the front foglamps, as well as ahead of the bonnet. The side sills are also new, while the standard model’s twin exhaust system has been ditched in favour of a dramatic, wide-mouthed, single pipe.

The FQ400 is scheduled to go on sale in the UK in March – although if you want one, you will need to put your name down now. Top brass at Mitsubishi say the limited run of 100 cars is likely to sell out before it even hits the showroom floor. This is despite the fact that the newcomer carries an eye-watering price. The FQ400 is likely to weigh in at just under $73,000.

Source: Auto Express

Mitsubishi makes five. The Japanese automaker said it's pulling out of the Detroit auto show in January as it looks to save money in light of global economic problems and an industry-wide sales decline. Mitsubishi follows Rolls-Royce, Land Rover, Ferrari and Suzuki in withdrawing from the 2009 Detroit show, which will be held in early January. Porsche left the Detroit show after the 2006 event.

And there still could be more floor space opening up, even though the Detroit show's press days are only eight weeks away. Other automakers say privately that they are reviewing their plans for all auto shows.

Pulling out of the Detroit show doesn't prevent Mitsubishi or the other automakers from returning in future years. Mitsubishi still plans to have displays at the Los Angles, Chicago and New York auto shows. It considered alternatives to pulling out of Detroit, but ultimately decided withdrawing was the most cost-effective move--Detroit is not a huge sales market for the automaker.

The Detroit show is considered one a handful of the most prestigious in the world. But like other recent shows, including the Los Angeles auto show and SEMA, it is being hit as companies restructure their operations and cut back on expenses.

Source: Auto Week

It’s the news that all Evo X fans have been waiting for – Mitsubishi will be turning the wick up on the latest incarnation of its four-wheel drive super saloon with a range topping FQ400 version.

Following on from the FQ300 and FQ360, the flagship is due on sale next year and was given the green light by bosses after Mitsubishi successfully campaigned a 400bhp Evo X in the Britcar 24hr race at Silverstone recently.

The car, which was prepared by ADR Motorsport – the same team that already builds the two works Evo Xs competing in the British Rally Championship – run faultlessly throughout the tough event with BTCC James Kaye at the wheel.

There aren’t any firm details about the road-going version’s engine just yet, but to produce around 400bhp, it’s likely to boast a new turbocharger, new exhaust manifold as well as a heavily revised ECU and fuel system.

Performance will be mind-blowing – expect 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed in excess of 170mph. It is likely to come with a manual gearbox as standard, uprated suspension, mild visual tweaks and bigger brakes too. The price? Expect to pay around $79,000. That is no typo!

Source: Auto Express

Following the release of a teaser sketch in July, Mitsubishi revealed the first official photos of its latest cross-country rally car, the turbo-diesel “Racing Lancer” that has been developed for the 2009 Dakar Rally that will take place in South America after the cancelation of this year's race in North Africa due to Islamic terror threats. The AWD Racing Lancer is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel that develops over than 260Hp and 650Nm or 479-lb/ft of torque.

After the vehicle’s first public appearance at the Paris Motor Show in the beginning of October the Racing Lancer will makes its official racing debut in round six of the 2008 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup that takes place in Portugal from October30 to November 2. The car will be in the hands of Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart driver and 9-times Dakar winner Stéphane Peterhansel.

Source: CarScoop

If you find the base Mitsubishi Lancer ($13,990) a little too poky and the Lancer Evolution ($32,990) too pricey, your ship has come in. Actually, two ships have come in: a Lancer GTS ($17,990) with a larger engine for 2009, and a turbocharged 2009 Lancer Ralliart (under $27,000, estimated ) to bridge the gap between the more pedestrian Lancer and the fire-breathing Evo. Mitsubishi characterizes the Ralliart as more of a tuned-up Lancer than a detuned Evolution.

That's a sensible description, because the Evolution has a wider track and different suspension components than the Ralliart — but then again, the drivetrain is very much a detuned version of the Evo's — basically the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a smaller, single-scroll turbocharger, smaller intercooler and smaller-diameter plumbing. The standard all-wheel drive, which isn't offered on lesser Lancers, is likewise nearly identical to the Evo's. I spent about an hour driving this Frankenstein's monster and found it to be a compelling compromise that should make any Subaru WRX shopper think twice.

More after the jump!

The Ralliart also becomes the new price of entry for Mitsubishi's impressive dual-clutch automated-manual transmission that made its first appearance in the Evolution MR, which just hit dealerships. Comparable to VW's better-known Direct Shift Gearbox, the Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission uses a separate clutch for even and odd gears, enabling lightning-fast shifts. I'll give more details in my upcoming Evolution review, but suffice it to say this is probably my favorite of the new breed of dual-clutch auto-manuals. Some drivers would rather have a stick, which isn't available in the Ralliart, and I might be one of them. But if I were forced to take an automatic, the TC-SST would be on my short list. It's a far better option than the CVT offered on the regular Lancers, including the GTS.

Apart from its higher overall power, what I like most about the Ralliart's engine is its torque delivery, starting with a healthy amount of grunt at low rpm. The peak 253 pounds-feet of torque comes at 3,000 rpm, but my experience reflects Mitsubishi's power curves, which show a solid 250 pounds-feet from 2,500 to 4,700 rpm. Even though the power is modest up to 2,500 rpm, the transmission's lower-gear ratios keep the Ralliart from being too sluggish from a standing start. It might even be better than the Evolution GSR and its five-speed manual; at least it feels that way. Above 4,750 rpm, the torque tapers down more gradually as horsepower continues to rise to its 237 hp peak at 6,000 rpm. The redline is at 6,500 rpm.

Overall, the lineup offers a nice spread of output: The base Lancer has 152 hp/146 pounds-feet, the Lancer GTS is 168/167, the Ralliart is 237/253 and the Evolution rates 291/300.

The all-wheel drive uses mechanical front, rear and computer-controlled center differentials from the ninth-generation Evolution to route power to the appropriate wheel. It has Tarmac, Gravel and Snow settings and a standard electronic stability system, so all it really lacks is the 10th-generation Evo's ability to sense yaw motions and direct rear torque accordingly. The Ralliart would be a good choice for harsh winters, but the standard summer performance tires would have to be replaced with optional all-seasons.

The quick-reacting transmission seems to find the right gear most of the time, and you can always select the Sport mode to raise the upshift points by about 1,000 rpm. Unlike the Evolution, the Ralliart doesn't include the super-aggressive Super Sport mode intended for track use. If you prefer to shift for yourself, you can use the gear selector lever or magnesium shift paddles, which are mounted on the steering column where they belong. To improve fuel economy, the Ralliart's 5th and 6th gears are higher than those in the Evolution, for an EPA rating of 17/25 mpg city/highway.

The chassis is a similar story: different tunings for the entire lineup. The GTS has a firmer suspension than the base Lancer, and the Ralliart goes firmer still with a larger front stabilizer bar. The Ralliart's ride quality is more than livable, even compared to the Evolution, which itself has been tamed for better day-to-day comfort. My Ralliart had the optional low-riding Recaro front seats from the Evolution, which aren't my favorite. Buyers will find greater comfort and much-appreciated height adjustment in the standard driver's seat.

The Ralliart even boasts a brake upgrade, from single-piston to dual-piston front calipers, and larger-diameter single pistons in the rear. They might not look as good as the Evolution's Brembo hardware, but they are a performance upgrade. This is a Ralliart that never leaves you wondering what you get for the extra money and name. This wasn't the case in the past, where the difference was mostly cosmetic.

The look hasn't been forsaken in the process. The Ralliart has a larger mouth than the Lancer but a less radical style than the Evo, though it shares the Evo's vented aluminum hood with functional air vents. The rear treatment, including the taillights and bumper, is also unique among Lancer models. The dual exhaust also is borrowed, effectively unchanged, from the Evolution. Standard is a rear spoiler that is the smaller of two sizes — by no means subtle, but not as large as the one on the Evolution MR.

The opposite can be said of its trunk. The Lancer offers 12.3 cubic feet of cargo volume, and the Evolution has a paltry 6.9 cubic feet and loses the folding backseat to structural reinforcements. The Ralliart keeps the folding seats and grants 10.0 cubic feet. Pretty much across the board, the Ralliart is a smart compromise between the regular Lancer and the Evolution. Looks like Mitsubishi did this one right.

Source: KickingTires

Even though I'm a bigger fan of the prior generation Evo, these shots are definitely flattering to the new body style. Definitely makes me want to practice on taking photos after seeing shots like these - they look frickin' amazing.

Mitsubishi aims to attract a wider group of customers for its redesigned Lancer Evolution by offering the high-performance sedan with an automated manual transmission.

The MR trim level of the redesigned 2008 Lancer Evolution arrives in showrooms this month with a price of $38,940, including shipping. The base GSR version of the sedan went on sale in February.

The GSR and MR both have a new 2.0-liter engine that makes 291 hp, compared with 286 for the predecessor. The transmission is the big difference between the two.

The MR is equipped with Mitsubishi's first automated manual transmission. It has six speeds, steering wheel shifter paddles and a console shifter. The MR transmission can be used in normal, sport or supersport mode. The GSR has a five-speed manual.

With the MR, Mitsubishi hopes to broaden the car's appeal beyond mostly male rally fans.

Source: Automotive News

Following the introduction of the $32,990 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR, Mitsubishi will be bringing the more advanced 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X MR to the U.S. next month.

The Evo X MR is powered by the same 2.0 liter 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC MIVEC engine that produces 295 horsepower and 300 ft-lbs. of torque. However the MR gets the new Twin Clutch-Sequential Sportshift Transmission as standard.

Pricing for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X MR starts at $38,290 and is available with the optional Technology Package for $40,840. The Technology Package includes a 30GB hard drive navigation system with music server, 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate Premium Sound System, pre-paid Sirius Satellite Radio capability and FAST Key entry.

Source: EGM Car Tech

An odd comparison when you first considerate but it really makes sense. Both cars are aimed at a similar demographic, produce around that 300 horsepower mark, and are closely priced. See which car Motor Trend prefers in this video.

Source: MotorTrend

Mitsubishi has finally announced pricing details for its 2009 Eclipse and Spyder after first unveiling the new model back in February. Set to go on sale in the U.S. from next month onwards, the new Eclipse coupe will start at $20,099 for the GS four-cylinder. Upgrading to the more powerful V6 with a five-speed Sportronic automatic transmission will set you back $24,999. Pricing for the Spyder convertible starts at $25,799 for the four-cylinder and $29,999 for the V6. Sum up on models after the jump!

Power from the 3.8L petrol V6 with MIVEC tops out at 265hp and torque stands at 262lb-ft. V6 models come standard with a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional Sportronic five-speed self-shifter with pseudo manual control.

The 2.4L four-cylinder unit comes standard with a five-speed manual or optional four-speed auto and develops a peak output of 162hp and 162lb-ft of torque.

Standard features include 17in alloys wheels, cruise control and a tire pressure monitoring system. Upgrading to GT trim gets you 18in alloys, active stability control, a dual exhaust system, a rear spoiler, uprated brakes and fog lights.

Source: Motor Authority