Mitsubishi Outlander Prototype GT at 2009 New York Auto Show

• Looks like: Somebody slapped a Lancer grille on the Outlander
• Defining characteristics: That huge Lancer-styled grille
• Ridiculous features: Mitsubishi calling this a prototype when it’s just mild changes to the regular version
• Chance of being mass-produced: It’s very likely this will be a refreshed Outlander next year

We’re a little peeved at Mitsubishi for making a big deal out of the Outlander GT Prototype. You see, this isn’t really a concept car. That’s why they used the word “prototype.” Yet they’re not saying it’ll go on sale for sure, either. They didn’t even add an interesting new power plant like we predicted they would.

Instead, the GT Prototype just gets a revised version of the V-6 featured in the current top trim level, boosting power by 10 hp, to 230 hp, while getting better fuel economy. We were hoping for the turbo four-cylinder featured in the company’s Lancer Ralliart instead.

The new grille looks surprisingly natural affixed to the Outlander SUV. When the company tried the same thing with the Eclipse sports car, it didn’t look quite so seamless. We’d expect to see this look on all the trims of the 2010 Outlander. More photos below.

Mitsubishi Outlander Prototype GT Bound For New York

Next week is the New York auto show, and it’s gearing up to be a busier event than we had imagined. The auto industry is certainly retracting, but this is the last chance of the car-show season to display new wares. That’s why Mitsubishi will show off a version of its Outlander SUV. There are no specifics, but the company says it’ll be more powerful and fuel efficient than the current Outlander’s available 3.0-liter V-6.

We’re going to go out on a limb and guess that besides getting the Lancer’s grille treatment, the SUV will also sport the Ralliart version of that sedan’s 237-horsepower, turbo four-cylinder engine. The 3.0 V-6 in the Outlander puts out 220 hp. Surprisingly, the mileage isn’t that different. The turbo in the Lancer gets 17/25 mpg city/hwy; the V-6 in the Outlander gets 17/23 mpg.

We’ll learn more next week in New York. A few more teaser images are below.

Recall Alert: 39,711 Mitsubishi Lancers and Outlanders

Mitsubishi has issued a recall of 39,711 Lancers and Outlanders from the 2008-09 model years due to a faulty brake-booster check valve, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The brake-booster check valve was built with poor material composition, leaving it vulnerable to sticking when the engine is shut off, NHTSA said. This, in turn, may lead to loss of responsiveness in the brakes and increased stopping distance during slower vehicle maneuvers.

Dealers will replace the valve free of charge. Owners can contact Mitsubishi at 800-222-0037 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.