Posted on February 26th, 2008 by Auto News
The 2008 Mitsubishi Galant is an attractive, affordably priced front-wheel drive midsize sedan. This year, the trim levels have been reduced to the DE, ES and sport tuned Ralliart, as the SE and GTS models have been discontinued. Though not quite as refined as some other midsize sedans, the lower MSRP makes the Galant a very likeable and solidly engineered performance-oriented sedan for budget conscious consumers who don’t need an abundance of extra features.
All versions of the Galant have a well designed, comfortable and stylish cabin. The trunk capacity is less than average at 13.3 cubic feet, but there is a rear seat ski pass-through that makes it easier to transport longer items. The Galant DE comes well-equipped with 16-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, power windows, mirrors and door locks, air-conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, and a 4-speaker stereo system with CD player. There are no factory options available for the DE trim, but a 6 CD/MP3 changer can be added as a dealer installed accessory. The ES replaces the 4 speaker stereo from the DE with a 6 speaker audio system with MP3 capability. A Sport Options Package is available for the ES that replaces the steel wheels with 16 inch alloy wheels and adds an upscale 8 speaker Rockford Acoustic Design Sound System with satellite radio and CD/MP3 changer. Adding the Sport Options Package prepares the ES for the Premium Package, which adds a sunroof, leather seats, an auto dimming rear view mirror and some nicely positioned faux wood interior trim. The sport tuned Ralliart version includes the majority of the features found in an ES with both options packages, but replaces the 16 inch wheels with 18 inch alloy wheels, and adds athletically designed exterior enhancements, larger brakes, heated side view mirrors, heated front seats, power adjustable driver seat, racy red interior stitching, aluminum pedals and automatic climate control. A navigation system is optional.
The DE and ES sedans are powered by a 160 horsepower 2.4 liter inline 4 cylinder engine. A 4 speed automatic is standard for both models, with the transmission in the ES gaining auto/manual controls. EPA estimates are quite decent at 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The sporty Galant Ralliart comes with a 3.8 liter V6 that delivers 258 horsepower. The standard transmission is a 5 speed automatic with auto/manual controls. The Ralliart requires premium fuel in order to perform optimally, which in part translates into going from 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds and rather disappointing EPA estimates of 16 mpg n the city and 25 on the highway.
Overall, the 2008 Mitsubishi Galant delivers a well balanced blend of ample power, impressive handling and a comfortable ride at a very reasonable price.
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Posted on February 21st, 2008 by Auto News
The 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact crossover vehicle that is presented in 3 trims, all of which are all available with either all-wheel or front-wheel drive. An all new Outlander debuted for the 2007 model year, and for 2008 there have been several updates including a new 168 horsepower engine for the base model ES. The exterior boasts some new features that include 16 or 18-inch alloy wheels, color keyed door handles, privacy glass and roof rails. The interior of the upscale trims feature some new and elegant chrome and leather accents and few technological updates. This new generation of Outlander is longer, taller and wider than previous model years, with an interior that is more similar in appearance and performance to a sport sedan than most other compact SUVs available today.
The Outlander is available in 4 trims-the ES, LS and SE which accommodate 5 passengers and the XLS seats 7. The base model ES features 16-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, reclining rear seats, air conditioning, cruise control, a trip computer and a 6 speaker stereo with CD player. The LS builds upon standard equipment list with alloy wheels, a roof rack, keyless ignition, privacy glass, cargo cover and a leather wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls. The SE adds 18-inch alloy wheels, all-wheel drive, leather and cloth upholstery, power sunroof, and a premium CD/MP3 stereo with in dash CD changer. The XLS offers 18 inch alloy wheels, adjustable 2nd row seats, a 3rd row seat that folds flat into the cargo floor, automatic climate control, a CD changer and Bluetooth. There are option packages available for all trims, but many packages are reserved for the XLS only and include equipment such as a navigation system, rear seat entertainment system, sunroof, heated leather seats and a premium audio system. Bluetooth and the navigation system are the only features available for individual purchase and available for all 4 trim levels.
Power is provided to the ES and the SE from a 2.4 liter inline 4 cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission that delivers 168 horsepower. The LS and XLS models both have a 220 horsepower 3.0 liter V6 engine mated to a 6 speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability. The Outlander’s all- wheel drive is controlled via console dials that can be set to 2-wheel drive, providing power to only the front wheels which saves fuel: 4 wheel drive auto, which constantly provides a minimum of 15% of the engine torque to the rear axle and a maximum of 60% torque is delivered to the rear wheels to assist when starting off on slippery surfaces, and when set to 4 wheel drive lock the system will deliver up to 60% power under full throttle acceleration. Gas mileage is average for this category of vehicle with EPA estimates of 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Up to 3500 pounds can be towed with a properly equipped Outlander.
The 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander is well-mannered and comfortable and quite fun to drive, thanks to the responsive steering, ample acceleration and finely tuned suspension. Designed to be especially attractive to young families seeking style and functionality, this very attractively designed compact SUV is entertaining, distinctive and versatile.
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Posted on February 21st, 2008 by Auto News
The ambitiously designed 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor midsize SUV is available in LS and SE trims, both available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations that provide room for up to 5 passengers and an abundance of comfort and convenience features. For the 2008 model year, traction control joins the standard equipment list for all models, the SE comes standard with 2-tone leather seats and the ability to open the rear window separately from the hatch is no longer an option.
The uniquely flared and bulging exterior makes a bold statement and tends to attract either love it or hate for it attitudes. If you are among those in the love the style category, there is no doubt the Endeavor’s extensive standard feature list and available options will satisfy your need for comfort. The LS comes standard with 17-inch wheels, keyless entry, air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, power windows, mirrors and door locks; cruise control and a 6-speaker audio system with CD player. The SE replaces the cloth upholstery with supple heated leather seats and the audio system is upgraded to a 9 speaker Rockford Acoustics sound system with satellite radio and CD changer. The SE also comes standard with a trip computer and power driver seat. Options for the SE include a navigation system and a sunroof.
There is only 1 engine available for both the LS and the SE-a 225 horsepower 3.8 liter V6 that is mated to a 4 speed automatic transmission. Combining an all wheel drive model with the optional Tow Package enables this V6 to tow up to 3500 pounds. EPA fuel estimates are less than average though, at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway for front wheel drive models and 15 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway for models equipped with all wheel drive.
The interior of the 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor is cleverly designed to be configured in a variety of ways to maximize seating and cargo room. With 2nd row seats in the down position, the Outlander offers 76 cubic feet of cargo space. This safe, comfortable and well built mid-size SUV is affordably priced and definitely deserving of consideration if you appreciate its bold athletic appearance and as long as a 3rd row seat and/or more cargo space are not on your list of requirements.
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Posted on February 7th, 2008 by Auto News
Mitsubishi??™s minor makeover of the Galant-based Eclipse pays homage to the Lancer Evolution, the car that keeps the Japanese automaker on enthusiast radar screens.
The 2009 Eclipse coupe and spyder both take their bows at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show alongside the refreshed 2009 Mitsubishi Galant.
The changes are largely limited to tweaks to the front??”essentially the Eclipse dons a bit of an Evo mask??”and rear styling, with the interior largely unchanged.
The GT models gain a new dual-exhaust system that boosts output of the 3.8-liter V-6 to 265-horsepower (up two) and torque to 262 lb-ft, which also is up by two. Also standard is a six-speed manual transmission, stability control, HID headlights, and new rear spoiler. The five-speed automatic remains optional.
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Posted on February 5th, 2008 by Auto News
Mitsubishi appeared to have it all going right: its Outlander is a credible compact ute, the new Lancer is a genuine success, and its seductive Concept RA was a smash at the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit. And for the last two years, Mitsubishi has been rolling out its handsome and versatile form vocabulary, as seen on the Lancer and set to define new Mitsubishis in the future.
So pardon us for being somewhat disappointed with the first glimpse of the 2009 Galant. It is only a refresh, but it??™s relatively thorough, involving not just new taillights and wheels, but new bumpers, a new hood, and even a larger rear window.
Thus, we wonder if something could have been done to make it look more like the Lancer we love and less like a previous-generation Nissan Altima in front, or a Chrysler Sebring from behind. From a design standpoint, it appears half-baked??”changed for the sake of change, but hardly improved.
Mitsubishi worked harder, it seems, revising the equipment packages, adding two new Sport models between the base ES and sport-tuned Galant Ralliart.
Four-cylinder Sport models come with the same 160-hp, 2.4-liter engine as the ES, whereas the Sport V-6 is powered by a variation of Mitsubishi??™s ubiquitous 3.8-liter V-6, tuned to produce 230 horsepower as opposed to the Galant Ralliart??™s 258 horsepower.
As before, all Galants shift themselves (four speeds for the four-cylinder, five for the sixes), and all feature manumatic operation.
Other than what??™s under the hood, both Sport models are clones, with plenty of goodies like power seats, Homelink, climate control, and a 360-watt Rockford/Fosgate sound system on the inside, and a sunroof, 17-inch wheels, fog lights, and a razor-thin spoiler outside.
In Mitsu??™s defense, the current Galant has lived its whole life under the shadow of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and the likelihood of knocking them off their perches after a midcycle enhancement is highly unlikely.
Only a complete redesign will make that kind of splash. But when that happens, which we expect sometime in 2010 or 2011, we can only hope it looks like the Concept ZT from the 2007 Tokyo auto show. That??™s the Mitsubishi we want to see more of.
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Posted on January 31st, 2008 by Auto News
The ongoing feud between Subaru and Mitsubishi over whose rally-bred econo rocket is more cult-worthy is about to get even hotter. Of course, we??™re talking about the Mitsubishi Evo versus the Subaru WRX.
Well, say hello to the latest warrior to enter the battle: the Mitsubishi Prototype S, making its debut at the 2008 Geneva auto show in March.
Most significant about the Prototype S is its hatchback bodystyle, which previews not only the first five-door to be based on the solid new MMC (Lancer) architecture??”a vehicle expected to go on sale in Europe and Japan soon, with U.S. sales to follow??”but also what the Ralliart version will be like.
Under the skin is basically the same powertrain found in the recently revealed Lancer Ralliart sedan: a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 240 horsepower (in the Ralliart, it makes 235) and 253 lb-ft of torque, mated to Mitsubishi??™s new six-speed ???SST??? dual-clutch manual transmission.
The Prototype S??™s full-time all-wheel-drive system has an electronically controlled active center differential, just like the Ralliart, but no rear-axle active torque split ? la the Evo.
As such, the production model that will stem from the Prototype S??”we expect it will be called the Lancer Ralliart Sportback??”will be directly competitive with the 224-hp Subaru WRX, which, incidentally, is also available in both sedan and hatchback configurations.
No word on whether Mitsubishi is considering a fat-fendered five-door version of the Evo to compete with Subaru??™s hatch-only, 305-hp STI.
This isn??™t the first time we??™ve seen a hatchback version of the new Lancer. Indeed, the beautifully styled, fastback ???Concept Sportback??? debuted at the 2005 Frankfurt auto show and gave the world its first look at the Lancer, long before any production model was revealed. Ever since the sedan was launched more than a year ago, we??™ve been waiting for a production-ready hatch to surface.
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Posted on January 31st, 2008 by Auto News
With its distinctive and expressive styling, the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder convertible is not without flaw, yet it does offer a sexy design, comfortable interior and sporty performance for under $30,000. In fact, the low price alone makes it one of the 10 lowest priced convertibles on the market today which is very attractive to youthful drivers as well as the young at heart.
Looking at the Spyder you see nothing but an exciting, sexy little sports car. It’s quick and has a relatively large and comfortable cabin that accommodates both driver and front seat passenger very comfortably. Although the 2 possible passengers in the rear don’t have enough room to enjoy the same amount of comfort as those upfront, they are still treated to the same premium audio system and, when the weather is fine and the top is down, a tremendous view of the open skies. The automatic cloth convertible top, complete with glass rear window and rear window defroster, operates seamlessly.
The first of two Spyder trims is the GS. Standard features for the GS include 17 inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, power windows and door locks, air conditioning, cruise control and a Rockford Fosgate 9 speaker audio system with in dash 6 CD changer with MP3 capability. The GT is the upscale trim version of the Spyder and is equipped with much of the same standard equipment as the GS and then adds 18 inch alloy wheels, a sport tuned suspension and the outdoor temperature can be viewed on the in dash display screen. There are a few exterior trim option packages from which to choose should you desire a sportier or more customized look, and a leather option package is also available for those who will appreciate heated leather trim front seats and heated mirrors.
The above average performance of this front wheel drive convertible coupe stems from one of two available engines-the 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder 162 horsepower engine found in the GS or the 3.8 liter V6 that delivers 162 horsepower to the GT model. The GS is available with either a 5 speed manual transmission or a 4 speed automatic with manual shift capability. The upscale GT is available with either 6 speed manual or 5 speed automatic with manual shift controls. Those looking for a fuel efficient convertible might be disappointed to find that the 4 cylinder models have an EPA estimate of 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway, with 6 cylinder models coming in at 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
With its extroverted visually appealing design, the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is fun to drive, handles well and offers its passengers an extremely comfortable ride.
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Posted on January 17th, 2008 by Auto News
Mitsubishi is not giving in to the idea that clean, green cars have to have the driving excitement of a sailboat on a windless day. Rather, the Japanese automaker wants to fuse two areas once considered polar opposites: environmental sensitivity and high performance.
Making its global premiere at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, the Mitsubishi Concept-RA coupe has under its hood a 2.2-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder turbo-diesel with MIVEC, Mitsubishi??™s variable valve timing technology.
A similar unit was shown in the Mitsubishi Concept-ZT that debuted in October at the Tokyo auto show. The result is a clean diesel that delivers 201 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, figures that equate to high performance when complemented with a lightweight frame, if the rest of the package is up to the task.
Don??™t let the concept car??™s drivetrain fool you, though. The Concept-RA is a strong hint at the 2010 Eclipse, which will be based on the Lancer platform. This next Eclipse will be offered with the same turbo four and all-wheel drive as the Lancer Evolution X. This represents a move back to the small, light, tuner-friendly character that made the Eclipse cool in the first place. We can??™t wait.
The concept??™s design, which draws visual cues from the 2008 Eclipse, utilizes the sinuous curves one would expect from a performance vehicle. To accompany Mitsubishi??™s ???green-focused??? future, the Concept-RA has outer panels made of ???high impact-resistance and easily recyclable plastic resin?????”reminiscent of what is often returned at the supermarket for pennies.
In addition, the concept has a new spaceframe made from extruded aluminum sections and die-cast aluminum members.
The high-output diesel in this concept is paired with such features as Mitsubishi??™s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), for improved traction, cornering, and vehicle stability, and the automaker??™s twin-clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission), both of which will be available on the Evolution X when it goes on sale early next year.
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Posted on January 15th, 2008 by Auto News
In a nutshell, the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is to the Lancer Evolution as the Subaru Impreza WRX is to the Impreza WRX STI. If, however, that last sentence isn??™t totally clear to you, allow us to explain.
The new Ralliart is an intermediate step between the 168-horsepower Lancer GTS and the 295-horsepower Lancer Evolution. The aluminum hood, with its two vents and hood scoop, is taken straight from the Evolution, and the engine underneath is the same 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. A single-scroll turbocharger, new camshaft, and different engine programming result in 235 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, numbers that place it right in the middle of the Lancer lineup as well as in direct competition with the Subaru Impreza WRX.
Besides the engine, the Ralliart has two other hand-me-downs from the Evolution: a six-speed, twin-clutch automated manual transmission and all-wheel drive with Mitsubishi??™s Active Center Differential, which allows the driver to choose between tarmac, gravel, and snow settings for the front-to-rear power management. At the rear axle, however, the Ralliart makes do with a mechanical limited-slip differential instead of the Evolution??™s amazing Super All-Wheel Control, which actively splits torque between the left and right rear wheels. That system compromises the trunk space in the Evo, though, so at least the Ralliart comes with more cargo space.
The rest of the Ralliart is closer to the Lancer GTS, so the roof and suspension components are steel instead of aluminum, and the fender blisters on the Evolution are noticeably absent. Still, those sacrifices come with a cut in price from the Evolution. When it goes on sale this summer, the Lancer Ralliart will cost about $25,000, and if Mitsubishi decides to offer a conventional manual transmission the price could drop even lower. That makes the Ralliart a certified performance bargain, and it places it right in the market with other affordable sports cars like the Madzaspeed 3, Volkswagen GTI, and Dodge Caliber SRT4.
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Posted on January 15th, 2008 by Auto News
The Mitsubishi Concept-RA offers a unique interpretation of the sporty coupe. This two-seat pure coupe concept explores the transversely mounted, front engine packaging theme. Generous helpings of technology create a vehicle that combines exotic appeal, outstanding, fun-to-drive dynamics and heightened sensitivity for the environment.
Design
Developed as a technological showcase for Mitsubishi Motors, the Concept-RA displays athletic sport coupe proportions wrapped in dynamic flowing lines that provide a powerful and compelling showpiece for the car’s advanced, high technology features. Broad, muscular wheel arches house 21-inch wheels and lend graphic expression to the high degree of road control and tenacious grip afforded by the next generation S-AWC system. Meanwhile, an exposed engine cover highlights the presence of the car’s high output, efficient, clean diesel engine design. The Concept-RA’s inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille fascia reinforce Mitsubishi Motors’ new design identity, albeit suitably revised to reflect the concept’s sporty coupe attributes.
Concept-RA’s deep red exterior hue graphically accentuates the coupe’s fluid, muscular body lines, and offsets a matte black engine hood that helps impart the vehicle’s strong mechanical flavor. The interior has been developed to show a fusion of tradition with leading-edge touches. The cockpit’s wraparound control layout uses minimal visual instrumentation and optimizes the switch and control layout. This reduces the driver’s physical and mental workload, allowing full concentration on driving. The interior also makes extensive use of fine-quality natural materials in a design that delivers the utmost control, confidence, and vehicle involvement to the driver.
Mechanical
The Mitsubishi Concept-RA’s Super-All Wheel Control driveline is a next generation all-wheel-drive system that adds Active Steering and Active Suspension control to the ACD1, AYC2, ASC3, and Sport ABS components that comprise the highly capable system used on the 2008 Lancer Evolution. Concept RA’s S-AWC system integrally manages these components to realize advanced levels of control over drive torque, steering input, vehicle roll, and braking at each wheel, thereby raising traction, cornering and vehicle stability levels. Such capability affords Concept-RA intuitive, on-demand vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver intent by reacting instantly, under a variety of driving conditions, from everyday use to emergency avoidance situations.
Mitsubishi Concept-RA is powered by a new, high output, high-efficiency 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel engine with MIVEC4. This clean diesel’s MIVEC system incorporates valve lift control with low and high-speed cam profiles actuating the intake valves. A Piezoelectric injector, common-rail direct fuel injection system allows the engine to use of a lower static compression ratio. The new diesel showcases a VD/VG (Variable Diffuser / Variable Geometry) turbocharger whose internal vanes can control airflow over the turbine and compressor surfaces to produce optimum boost characteristics at all times. The efficient, low emissions diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 201 bhp and maximum torque of 310 lb-ft. For compliance with Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations in the United States, the clean diesel powerplant relies on a new catalytic converter system that combines a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies.
In an effort to reduce vehicle weight to improve fuel economy, vehicle performance and safety, Mitsubishi Concept-RA features a new, rigid body structure using an aluminum space frame made from extruded aluminum sections and die-cast aluminum components. In addition, the engine hood, fenders and other outer panels made from lightweight, impact-resistant and easily recyclable plastic resin.
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