Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant

If you’ve seen that oddly entrancing/annoying commercial that features two young women set to go clubbing in a new Mitsubishi Galant, you’ll be eager to read Mike Hanley’s review of the slightly revised sedan. If you’re a shopper who just wants to make sure you’ve checked out all the competition in the midsize sedan segment, it’s also a must. That said, it doesn’t sound like the 2009 iteration of the Galant will sway any Toyota Camry or Honda Accord loyalists.

2009 Mitsubishi Galant Expert Review

Midsize Cars Improve in Side Crash Tests

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently concluded crash tests on seven midsize sedans and discovered that while they had improved in side crash tests, they still lacked enough head protection to earn top marks in rear crash tests.

Tested were the 2008 model year Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Infiniti G35, Kia Optima, Mitsubishi Galant (which was updated for the 2009 model year on sale now), Nissan Altima and Saturn Aura.

Only the Kia Optima did not earn the top score of “good” for side impact crash tests – it received the second highest nod, “acceptable.” However, the Optima was the only car in the test to receive a “good” score in rear crash tests.

The difficulty in scoring the top rank in rear tests involves head and neck protection for those rear-end collisions that produce whiplash. The IIHS claims that those types of accidents and injuries lead to losses of $8.5 billion annually. Most vehicles need to equip active head restraints to pass this test.

The Audi A3, A4, Honda Accord, Saab 9-3 and Subaru Legacy – with optional stability control – earned good ratings in all tests previously and earned the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick designation for midsize cars. 

A full chart of how the cars scored is below.

2008 New York Auto Show: Mitsubishi i, i MiEV

• Looks like: Something a meter maid would drive
• Defining characteristics: Small size, electric power plant
• Ridiculous features: “Minority Report” looks
• Chance of being mass-produced: These are already on sale in Japan, but the chance they’ll come to the U.S. is less than 50%

Mitsubishi’s tiny i minicar has been on sale in Japan since 2006, but the company will display it at a U.S. auto show for the first time next week at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The gasoline version isn’t a concept but a production model, while an electric-powered version called the i MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) is a concept.

The concept i MiEV will sit next to the i at the show and has a small electric motor that the company says is a better performer than the small, 64-hp gasoline engine already on sale. It has a lithium-ion battery, and Mitsubishi says it can travel 100 miles on a single charge. The kicker is, the i MiEV will go on sale in Japan in 2009.

The i car (133.7 inches) is a couple feet longer than a Smart ForTwo (106.1 inches) and about a foot shorter than a Mini Cooper (146.2 inches). We’d guess it could pass U.S. safety regulations, but Mitsubishi is pretty mum on its intentions when it comes to putting it on sale in the U.S. That makes us wonder why the company would bother showing the cars at the New York show. Perhaps it just wants some green-friendly publicity. What do you think? With the Toyota iQ possibly coming to the states, is there room for another similar model? Or even the electric one? A few more photos below.

Mitsubishi Bringing Sportback to U.S.

Ever since we saw photos of the Mitsubishi Lancer Prototype-S concept the other day — which will debut at the Geneva auto show tomorrow — we’ve been smitten. Now we’re getting even better news: The Lancer Sportback, Mitsubishi’s supposed production adaptation of the Prototype-S, is not only going to be released in Europe, but it’s coming to the U.S., too.

If the Sportback resembles the Prototype-S as much as we think it will, that’s exciting news. The Prototype-S is a racy, exciting hatchback, considerably better-looking than the wagon hatchbacks Mitsubishi has brought to the States in the past. Combine that appearance with a 237-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder teaming up with Mitsubishi's six-speed twin-clutch transmission, and you’ve got a model we’ll warmly welcome to this fine nation.

Mitsubishi Releases Long Term Business Plan (Autoblog)

2008 Geneva Motor Show: Mitsubishi Prototype-S

Looks like: A four-door hatchback version of the Lancer

Defining characteristics: Massive trapezoidal grille, forward-swept liftgate, turbocharged four-cylinder, twin-clutch transmission

Ridiculous features: Giant rear spoiler

Chance of being mass-produced: Europe will get a production version later this year; we can only hope the U.S. is in line for it, too

Mitsubishi says the Prototype-S concept car you see here foreshadows what the next Lancer Sportback will look like. The design is a far cry from the last Lancer Sportback offered in the U.S. a few years ago, which was decidedly more wagon-like than this racy hatchback.

Like its exterior, the powertrain in the Prototype-S seems like it has a reasonable shot at making it to production. That's because it's very similar to what's under the hood of the new 2009 Lancer Ralliart. Specifically, the concept features a 237-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that teams with Mitsubishi's six-speed twin-clutch transmission. The transmission has both manual and automatic modes, and engine power is routed to all four wheels through an all-wheel-drive system that includes an electronically controlled center differential.

Up Close: 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

The 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse demonstrates how one small change can have a dramatic impact on the appearance of a car. Here, that change is a new front grille, which takes on the trapezoidal design of the grille on the automaker's Lancer Evolution sport sedan. The new grille gives the Eclipse a much more menacing shape, and it's a look that seems likely to appeal to sports car enthusiasts.

Up Close: 2009 Mitsubishi Galant

The 2009 Galant gets front and rear styling tweaks, but the general shape of the sedan remains the same. Inside, the center control panel is busy-looking; the plastic trim pieces on the dash have various types of graining, which brings to mind a Chrysler product. That's not a good thing.

2008 Chicago Auto Show: 2009 Mitsubishi Galant

• Competes with: Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord
• Looks like: The most boring sedan ever
• Drivetrain: 160-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder with four-speed automatic; 230-hp 3.8-liter V-6 with five-speed automatic; 258-hp 3.8-liter V-6 with five-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: On its way now

We don’t get it. Mitsubishi goes through the trouble of revising the Galant for 2009 and doesn’t add its new corporate face to the front end, like it did to the just-unveiled 2009 Eclipse. Instead, a coma-inducing trapezoidal grille adorns the front end and makes the thought of another Galant update with no substantial mechanical upgrades a bit tiresome.

What is new is a Sport model slated between the ES and Ralliart trim levels. There’s a Sport Value Package with the same four-cylinder engine as the ES, but with top-end features like a moonroof, heated cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The Sport V-6 has a 230-hp V-6 engine which offers a slight step-down from the more aggressive Ralliart model with 258 hp.

While the front-end design doesn’t do it for us, the rear looks good. It steals the looks from the popular new Lancer with thin, slanted taillights. The interior remains relatively unchanged with a new type of plastic used to cover the center console. We’re also surprised that the Galant still doesn’t offer stability control, even as an option.

We’re guessing a radically reworked Galant is still two years away at least. Hopefully, it will look like the recent ZT concept instead of going down the middle of the road in terms of looks. More photos below.

2008 Chicago Auto Show: 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

• Competes with: Hyundai Tiburon, Nissan Altima Coupe, Scion tC
• Looks like: This Eclipse can swallow a few metric tons of krill
• Drivetrain: 162 hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, 265 hp 3.8-liter V-6 with six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission
• Hits dealerships: Spring/Summer 2008

The Mitsubishi Eclipse was radically redesigned for the 2006 model year and it’s pretty unusual for such a new model to get such a significant facelift like we see here. However, the front end of the Eclipse — as well as the Eclipse Spyder convertible — was never its best angle. This update gives the car a more menacing and masculine look, something buyers want in a sporty coupe. 

The Eclipse GT gets a few upgrades, including a new dual exhaust system boosting horsepower to 265 from 263. Yep: 2 horsepower. Stability control, larger rear disc brakes and HID headlights also comes standard on the GT model for 2009. 

Otherwise not much changes for the Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder, but the grille is so radically different we think buyers will take notice. More photos below.

2008 Detroit Auto Show: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

• Competes with: Subaru WRX, Mazdaspeed3, Dodge Caliber SRT4
• Looks like: A Lancer GTS with an Evo’s hood
• Drivetrain: 235-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with twin-clutch transmission; four-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Summer 2008

Mitsubishi is filling the gap in its lineup between the 2009 Lancer GTS — which gets an improved 168-hp engine itself — and the top-of-the-line Lancer Evolution with the 2009 Ralliart that debuted here in Detroit. The Ralliart has a detuned version of the same turbocharged engine in the Evo, which puts out 235 hp. Amateur mechanics might have some fun trying to bump that number up.

It’s kind of hard to figure out which Lancer is the Ralliart in the Mitsubishi booth. It has the spoiler from the GTS trim and the hood from the Evo. If you’re really stuck, there’s a small Ralliart badge on the grille.

We’d guess prices will be very close to the Subaru WRX, which rings up at $24,850. Mitsubishi will offer Recaro front seats as an option, along with comfort features like a moonroof, 650-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo and 30GB hard-drive navigation system. More photos below.

2008 Detroit Auto Show: Mitsubishi Concept-RA

• Looks like: It doesn’t know which way it's going
• Defining characteristics: Porsche buttocks
• Ridiculous features: Another concept with scissor doors — what year is it, 1989?
• Chance of being mass-produced: 50/50; this could be a hint at the next Eclipse

Mitsubishi is using the Concept-RA to show off an intriguing engine. Yes, we also find it odd that it would go so over-the-top on the RA’s design if it just wanted to show off a potential new engine. It could’ve just thrown it under the hood of a regular Eclipse and been done, but no. The Concept-RA’s engine — under Plexiglas, no less — is a four-cylinder turbo-diesel with a ludicrous amount of torque — 301 pounds-feet, to be exact, to match 201 hp. There’s also all-wheel drive to add even more of a performance benefit. Fans have long begged for an all-wheel-drive Eclipse. Perhaps that will happen … eventually.

The turbo-diesel would get better mileage than a gasoline equivalent tuned for so much performance, and Mitsubishi uses a new catalytic converter system to make the engine 50-state compatible.

Forget scissor doors — just drop that baby into a Lancer and give us a call. More photos below.

Lancer Evolution Priced Under Subaru STI

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR will go on sale at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $32,990. This brings it in under the Subaru WRX STI’s price tag of $35,000 even, but there are plenty of available options that come with varying price tags attached (read about them after the jump). The Lancer Evolution MR, equipped with a six-speed twin clutch transmission, will be priced later this spring. Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder recently drove both versions of the new Lancer Evo. You can read his impressions here.

First Drive: 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X

At 9:30 a.m., the sun began to punch holes through the rain clouds that have hung for days over the Sonoran Desert, thrilling the locals and filling my head with dread visions of standing water, driving rain and people in yellow rain slickers telling me to slow down. Instead, rolling up to Firebird International Raceway outside Phoenix, I was met with a glistening 1.6-mile track and a row of glistening 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions. It promised to be a very good day.

Last sold as a 2006, the Lancer Evolution has been completely reengineered and is now the Evolution X (that's 10, as in 10th generation, not X as in Racer). The new one won't hit dealers until February with the MR coming later this spring. As before, it's equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo four, but it's a new one that mates to a new five-speed manual or twin-clutch six-speed automatic with sequential paddle shifting capability. An automated manual rather than a conventional automatic transmission, the Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission weighs less, is more efficient and is designed to shift faster than any driver could.

Foregoing the autocross course, I first took to the streets for the important livability test, where the Evo X proved itself to be a different animal than the IX. Specifically, it's less of an animal in normal driving, and there's nothing wrong with that. Though it has improved over the years, the previous generations never let you forget that you were in a scrappy, rally-bred beast. This one is quieter and more refined, and the ride is reasonable over decent pavement.

Mitsubishi Concept-RA Coming to Detroit

Forty-seven days and counting, and we can’t get enough news about the upcoming Detroit auto show. Today, Mitsubishi revealed two sketches — the second is below — of the Concept-RA it will debut at Cobo Hall in Detroit.

We’re not exactly sure why Mitsubishi is revealing a new coupe concept, but perhaps it is a precursor to the next Eclipse. The Concept-RA will feature a clean-diesel engine along with the all-wheel-drive drivetrain and dual clutch transmission from the new Mitsubishi Evo. A few years after its release, we’re still not sold on the Eclipse’s looks. What do you think? Already time for a change?

Lancer Gets More Power; Outlander Gets Less

Mitsubishi made a small announcement today: Both the regular Lancer sedan and the Outlander SUV will get Mitsubishi's latest 2.4-liter engine. Mitsubishi calls the engine its next-generation four-cylinder; power is up to 168 hp, nominally more than last year's 2.4-liter.

In the Lancer, the engine will go in the GTS trim, while other versions retain a smaller, 152-hp engine. A manual or CVT automatic is available. The Outlander gets the 2.4-liter engine with a CVT in ES and SE trims, while LS and GTS trims have a V-6.

The extra power should help the Lancer, which is engaging to drive but could use a little more oomph. The Outlander, meanwhile, gets 3 mpg better in the city (20/25 mpg city/highway with either FWD or AWD) with the four-cylinder versus the V-6, but highway mileage stays about the same.

The figures stack up about even with the four-cylinder Saturn Vue (19/26 with FWD) but fall slightly short of the Honda CR-V (20/27 and 20/26 with FWD and AWD, respectively) and four-cylinder Toyota RAV4 (21/27 or 20/25).

A Mitsubishi product manager told us the four-cylinder Outlander is a 2008 model and will go on sale early next year, while the upgraded Lancer GTS is a 2009 model and will go on sale in the spring.

Related
More on the LA Auto Show
More Mitsubishi News

Mitsubishi Double Shotz Concept

Hot Wheels had a design challenge to get automakers to sign off on future toys. A number of companies stood up to the task, and Mitsubishi delivered a radical-looking concept that we hope ends up on toy store shelves soon. The Double Shotz features two engines — hence the name — each borrowed from the new Lancer Evo. Unfortunately, this concept is just a large model and not a full-fledged show car. Still, it looks like something that would even impress Speed Racer. More photos below. 

Video: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX

While we get hard at work on the full review of the new Subaru Impreza WRX, we figured there was enough interest out there to warrant a video. After you watch the staffers hit the highlights, don’t forget to read our first impressions of the redesigned sedan. If you’re a member of the Mitsubishi Lancer camp — it’s like a Hatfield vs. McCoy thing — you can check out our expert review of the new GTS, along with a video of its own, here.

2008 Mitsubishi Evolution: Official Details

• Competes with: Upcoming Subaru WRX STi, Nissan 350Z
• Looks like: A beefier version of the compact Lancer
• Drivetrain: 295-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with five-speed manual or six-speed automated-manual transmission
• Hits dealerships: Early 2008

We’ve gotten official word from Mitsubishi on the next-generation Lancer Evolution that adds to what we found out last week. The turbocharged sedan will indeed have a new engine producing 295 hp and 300 pounds-feet of torque when it arrives at dealerships next year in GSR and MR trims. Mitsubishi has also upgraded its all-wheel-drive system, calling it Super All Wheel Control, which utilizes everything from four-wheel drive to stability control to ABS to torque that’s split 50/50 between the front and rear wheels.

There’s also a new six-speed twin-clutch automated-manual for the MR that uses both a shifter and/or shift paddles to change gears, but there will be no clutch pedal on the floor. Overall, Mitsubishi says the new Evo will be a much better daily driver than the last generation. We just hope that breakneck speed and joy isn’t completely sacrificed. Still, most people can never fully utilize what these types of machines can do unless they go to the track, so maybe taking a bumpy road is a good tradeoff.

The new Evo is a lot stiffer though, and the roof, hood, front fenders, and front and rear bumpers are all lightweight aluminum.

There are more photos below, but what do you think? Is this new Evo too much of a compromise for everyday drivers?

First Look: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

The next big global auto show will take place in Japan, and one of the biggest introductions there will be the next Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, known as the Evo. The last-generation Evo was made famous in video games and movies like “The Fast and the Furious,” but for those who drove it, the race-ready speed and handling — and a roughly $30,000 price tag, like that of the Subaru WRX STi — was hard to put down. Now Mitsubishi is showing off the next generation: the Lancer Evolution X based on the all-new Lancer platform that debuted last year.

Mitsubishi has released images of the Japanese market’s GSR and one shot of the interior of the U.S.-bound Lancer MR. Unfortunately, Mitsubishi hasn’t released any information officially. Luckily, Car and Driver’s November issue has hit some newsstands with a complete test drive, which of course has been scanned and distributed all over the internet.

The article states that both the Japanese base-level GSR and upper-level MR are rated at 295 hp with 300 pounds-feet of torque. More interesting to us is an all-new dual-clutch sequential gearbox for the MR. That’ll cost a bit more than the five-speed manual in the GSR, which should have a starting price around $30,000. There will be a new all-wheel-drive system with a perfect power split of 50/50 to the front and rear wheels, but up to 80% can be sent to either the front or rear wheels, which is impressive. The new Evolution was a tick slower to 60 mph — it makes it in 5.0 seconds — than the last generation, but the new car should have better grip and handling. We’ll keep an eye out for more information on the U.S.-bound model as we approach the auto show season. For now, check out the few more images we have below.

Related
First Look: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (KickingTires)
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Expert Review (Cars.com)

Weekend Athlete: 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander

Several years ago, I took the previous-generation Outlander on a racing and riding vacation and found it OK, but not outstanding. Well, the more things change, the more they stay the same; the new generation didn't blow me away, but it also didn't greatly disappoint me.

Loading things was a little tricky because the opening didn't seem that wide. I felt like I was reaching around a corner to load things, and I really had to angle my bike to fit it in. However, it was nice to have a hatch as I had to park in a parallel-parking space. The barn door on the Toyota RAV4 would have been a real pain. In fact, the hatch was easy enough to live with that I never bothered to open the bottom part of the clamshell section.

This is the first three-row SUV I've had where someone had used the third row. There were instructions on the seatbacks describing how to fold those seats, so I didn't have to track down the owner's manual. Nice touch.

Mitsubishi Concepts Signal Future Sedan, CUV, Electric Car

Mitsubishi is gearing up for October’s Tokyo Motor Show with some advanced looks at three new concepts. One, the I MiEV Sport, is an all-electric concept that is beyond funky looking. The body is made of aluminum to reduce weight, while four electric motors power the wheels. There’s a solar panel on the roof as well, because you can never be too environmentally friendly. We don’t expect this to see the light of day for some time, if ever.

The Concept-ZT, on the other hand, could offer a glimpse of the next Galant full-size sedan here in the states. Its looks are borrowed from the new Lancer, which has seen brisk sales in the U.S. and overseas. The concept version, however, again uses aluminum for the body – too costly to ever make production — and a diesel four-cylinder engine. We’d expect the looks to be saved and everything else to be shelved if this ever goes on sale to the public. 

Finally, Mitsubishi has developed a compact SUV smaller than its current Outlander, dubbed the Concept-cX. Like the ZT, we expect to see something at least this size go on sale in the global market, but probably not in the U.S. Still, Mitsubishi delivers some wild concepts that get people talking. There are more photos below. 

Ch-Ch-Changes: 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Gets SE Trim

The reception for the redesigned Eclipse coupe was somewhat underwhelming when it hit the streets in 2006, but that isn’t stopping Mitsubishi from releasing a special edition package for 2008 that adds a lot of options standard, as well as some flashy badging and a rather large spoiler.

As you can tell by the photo above and in the gallery below, the most noticeable change for the Eclipse SE — it comes in both four-cylinder and six-cylinder versions — is the large rear wing. There are also a number of options standard, including the 650-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system, leather seats and a power moonroof, which cost an additional $3,540 as an option package in the regular GS and GT models. The SE treatment isn’t free, though, at a $3,800 premium over the GS and a $5,100 premium over the GT. The V-6 SE is also the only Eclipse available with an electronic stability system. The 2008s are on sale now. Full pricing and a photo gallery are below.

Friday Fleet Notes: 8.17.07

A few of us got in the last of our summer vacation this week, so the notes aren't as extensive as usual. Luckily, we got quite a few impressions on one, joyous driving in another and some awkward moments in a new convertible.

Mitsubishi Outlander XLS 4WD

The Outlander turned out to be an awfully fun SUV to drive, but if Mitsubishi wants to move a ton of them, it’s going to have to improve the look and feel of the interior. For as strong as the engine was (and as good as the gas mileage was, for this class), the cheap plastic feel of the dash and doors was off-putting. There's a cubbyhole on the top of the dash, which is a great place to stash stuff, but the plastic top was curling down a bit at the corners, cheapening the feel of the car.

Friday Fleet Notes: 8.10.07

This week we had a trio of $100,000 cars in the office. That’s a rarity, let me assure you. Still, we don’t turn our noses up at cars like these when they do arrive.

Cadillac XLR-V

My time with the XLR-V was tragically brief, but it didn’t take long for me to appreciate its exceptional powertrain. The gutsy supercharged V-8 alone will get your attention, but its harmonious integration with the six-speed automatic is inspiring. The gearing is very well matched, and the revs stay at remarkably low rpm in normal driving, much like the Chevy Corvette on which this Caddy is based. Stand on it, though, and the XLR-V takes off like a shot. Chirping the tires when already in motion is one thing; doing so when moving at highway speed is an accomplishment — one I accomplished enough to ensure I wasn’t imagining it. Though it’s not marked, if you move the gear selector into the manual-shift gate, it seems to activate an eager automatic sport-shift mode. Only when you push up or back does it start locking in gears. There are no shift paddles, and I certainly didn’t miss them.

2007 Frankfurt Motor Show: Mitsubishi Concept-cX

It’s never too early to start talking about auto show season. First up on the 2007-08 calendar is the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September. Mitsubishi will be there with a new compact SUV concept called the Concept-cX, shown in the sketch above. It’s supposed to be a fuel-efficient small SUV with a split tailgate, twin clutch, diesel engine and low emissions.

Environmental/green technologies may be a huge trend at auto shows this year. The Concept-cX features what Mitsubishi calls “Green Plastic,” made from bamboo and other plant resins. The Concept-cX is just 164 inches long, 18 inches shorter than the new Mitsubishi Outlander.

We’d guess this concept would be for global use, or the company may increase the size of the Outlander to position the Concept-cX below it in the lineup. Or it could just be a wild concept that never sees the light of day. We’ll look for more information in September. A sketch of the rear of the Concept-cX is below.

When an Auto Writer Buys a Car: Part III

After my wife delivered the crushing reality that a black Mazda CX-7 would not be our next car, it was back to full car-shopping mode. Like most people, we’re a busy couple and don’t have time to talk to dealers on the phone or go to a dealership on a weekday. We had to plan our shopping trips for the weekend, and in Illinois that means Saturday, since there are laws that don’t allow dealers to operate on Sunday.

Using online quotes and test-drive appointments was extremely helpful. I’m not just saying that because Cars.com offers the service — as do most automakers — it really does change the way you schedule your shopping and is extremely efficient.

With the Mazda CX-7 now out of the running, I knew we had to test drive the Honda CR-V. My wife owned a CR-V about seven years ago, and I reviewed the new 2007 model myself for Cars.com. It actually garnered a pretty glowing review, plus it’s safe and will have excellent resale value.

Toyota Tundra Gets Top Frontal Crash Test Rating

Last month, we were a bit stunned when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the all-new Toyota Tundra a four-star crash test rating, instead of the highest 5-star rating. The testing procedures by the NHTSA are almost always more forgiving than the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which uses more extreme crash tests in their evaluations.

Today, we learn that the IIHS rated the new Tundra good, the group’s highest score, in frontal crash tests. Both a two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive Double Cab Tundra were tested.

Also receiving a good frontal crash test rating was the newly redesigned 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer.

Related
Tundra Four-Star Safety Rating Not a Good Thing (KickingTires)
2007 Toyota Tundra Expert Review (Cars.com)
Cars.comparison: Full-Size Trucks (Cars.com)
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Expert Review (Cars.com)

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Video

Now that commercials are starting to hit TV, perhaps more people will start to take note of the redesigned 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. We recently reviewed it and some of the staff got to weigh in on the new model in a recent Friday Fleet Notes. Now, we have a short video with yours truly walking you through some of the exterior styling and interior layout. Enjoy.

First Look: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Mitsubishi has released the first official shots of the production Lancer Evolution that will debut later this year at the Tokyo Motor Show. The high-performance version of the new Lancer compact sedan will be a step up from the last generation. We don’t know much about what’s under the skin, other than it will feature “Super All Wheel Control,” or all-wheel drive, a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automated manual transmission and, of course, that crazy front grille. We can’t guess on horsepower, but the previous generation had 286 hp. Can they top that? Do they need to?

More pictures below; tell us what you think.

Cars.com Review and Photo Gallery: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

Yesterday I posted my full review of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. I thought the redesign was a complete success from both a design standpoint as well as how the car drives. Check out the full review here.

Since this is such a highly anticipated model, though, I know you'll appreciate having even more up-close shots of the car here on the blog. Keep reading below for a large photo gallery of exterior and interior shots, including real-world grocery and airport runs. 

Rental Car Review: 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS

Before heading to New York for the upcoming auto show, I squeezed in a short trip to see some family in Florida. I had reserved an economy rental car at the airport, and they told me I would be driving a Chevy Cobalt — not the most exciting vehicle for a guy used to driving the latest and greatest every week. Then the kind woman behind the counter said, “Or you could rent a Mitsubishi Eclipse for $6 more a day.”

Since I was already spending spring break rates on the Cobalt, $6 was nothing. I was off in a basically brand new — 1,400 miles — Eclipse in sunny Florida, never thinking it would deserve any blog space, but glad I’d spent that extra $6.

Pricing Announced for New 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

Compact-car fans everywhere have been waiting on word of exactly how much the new — and much-improved — Lancer will cost them. Today, we found out: The base DE starts at $13,990 with a CD sound system and 16-inch steel wheels, but if you want air conditioning you have to also add antilock brakes, power door locks and a continuously variable automatic transmission for $1,100. We don’t get that, but OK.

The next level up is the ES with alloy wheels, and it does include air conditioning, power locks and other features in its $15,990 base price. The top-tier Lancer right now is the GTS. It comes with larger 18-inch alloy wheels, a spoiler, a sport-tuned suspension and larger brakes, and it starts at $17,490. Keep reading for full pricing and select option information. None of the prices include destination charges.

Related:
2007 Detroit Auto Show: More on the '08 Mitsubishi Lancer
Mitsubishi Unveils All-New 2008 Lancer

2007 Detroit Auto Show: More on the Mitsubishi Prototype X

OK, here’s a case of us just having tons of new photos to show you and not much new information over what we said earlier in the afternoon. We apologize for the lack of new information, but think you’ll find these photos of interest. 

2007 Detroit Auto Show: More on the '08 Mitsubishi Lancer

We saw the first photos of the new Mitsubishi Lancer sedan a few weeks back, when we learned all about its 152-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, standard five-speed manual and optional CVT.

Now — besides the bounty of photos below — we learn that all trims come with side-impact and side curtain airbags. A tire pressure monitoring system is standard, but antilock brakes are standard only on ES and GTS trims; they’re available as an option on the base, DE trim level.

It also seems that an electronic stability system and traction control aren’t offered, even as options. Another negative is the mileage with 2007 ratings (the company provides 2008 ratings as well) of 25/31 mpg city/highway for both the manual and the CVT. The Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic rate 41 and 40 mpg highway respectively.

Mitsubishi also announced plans to bring a diesel Lancer to the U.S. by 2010.

2007 Detroit Auto Show: Lancer Prototype X

We’re just going to cut to the chase: Mitsubishi’s Prototype X is the next Lancer Evolution. No, we don’t understand why Mitsubishi didn’t call it the “Evo Concept” either, but the company is all hung up on this being the 10th generation of the popular street racer.

The Prototype X is based on the new Lancer compact sedan. The engine will be a turbocharged version of the base car’s new four-cylinder. There is NO official word on the final horsepower rating of the 2.0-liter. We’d guess it will be more than 300 hp. Mitsubishi did reveal the next Evo will have a new version of the company’s all-wheel-drive system, called Super All-Wheel Control. We’ve heard a name like that before…hmmm…where have we heard that?

What else might interest you besides the gigantic gaping mouth on the front? The car will feature a new automated manual transmission with shift paddles instead of a standard manual stick shift.

Related:
Mitsubishi Unveils All-New 2008 Lancer

Mitsubishi Readies Lancer Evolution Concept for Detroit Auto Show

We were pretty excited about the new Lancer when we caught a glimpse of it earlier this week. The economy sedan should be a big seller for the company, but the enthusiast draw to the Lancer line is the high-performance Lancer Evolution, or Evo. Today Mitsubishi revealed that along with displaying the new Lancer at the Detroit auto show next month, it will also show a “Prototype X” concept that will serve as the basis for the next Evo.

These sketches show an extremely lowered stance and an odd trio of hood scoops. We always liked the large singular scoop hood duct of the current Evo, but these are just sketches of a concept that could change before it ever reaches production. Hopefully we’ll hear all about the engine and other performance goodies of the next Evo at the Mitsubishi press conference Jan. 8.

Reader Review of the Week

This week we picked a recent review of the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander. The compact SUV faced off with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V in a recent Cars.comparison and held its own against the two major players in the segment. It looks like consumers agree, seeing as we’ve received a few emails from fans of the new model. One more fan is Margrudis of Houston. He delivers a to-the-point review below that is mostly glowing, though he also points out a few minor drawbacks.

Mitsubishi Unveils All-New 2008 Lancer

Early this morning, Mitsubishi took the wraps off of its much-anticipated next generation Lancer sedan. The debut came via their online press website in advance of the Detroit auto show, where the Lancer will be shown for the first time next to the higher-performance Evo model. Perhaps this early look is because the car will be arriving at dealers early next year.

The new car is a radical departure from the econobox styling of the last generation and features an all new architecture shared with the Outlander SUV and a new 152 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. 

There are three trim levels for the new Lancer: a base DE, ES and sportier GTS. A five-speed manual is standard with a CVT transmission optional. Prices have not been announced, but we expect to hear more in Detroit in early January and the pricing should be in line with the current model’s range.

Mitsubishi has slowly been reinvigorating its aging lineup, starting with the Eclipse last year and the new Outlander SUV this year. Both have had positive receptions in the media and sales are up, but Mitsubishi still needs a hit with a volume vehicle. The Lancer is the company’s economy car, one that could radically change the fortunes of the brand in the U.S. where it has been struggling for the past few years. With this new style and, we’re assuming, an improved driving experience as well, the new Lancer could be a big seller.

Compact SUV Faceoff Tests CR-V, RAV4, Outlander

Mike Hanley and I pitted three of the most popular new or redesigned compact SUVs on the market against each other to see which rules this competitive segment. We were both a bit surprised at the results and how one vehicle could be so good in one department but fail in the others. Check out the full faceoff, complete with video and the eventual winner. 

Cars.comparison: Compact SUVs