autos sport

Following the limited release of the special edition Outlander Juro in July, Mitsubishi UK has announced details and pricing on the series production version of the facelifted SUV. On sale now, the 2011 Outlander with the Evo-like snout is offered with two turbo diesel engines, a new Mitsubishi-developed 175HP 2.2 Di-D matched to a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 154HP 2.2 Di-D turbo diesel SST PSA unit combined with a twin clutch automated manual transmission.

For the first time in Britain, Mitsubishi is also presenting a two-wheel drive diesel variant of the Outlander which is available only with the 175HP unit that returns a combined fuel economy of 46.3mpg UK compared to 43.5 mpg UK of the equivalent 4WD model.

Prices, including 17.5% VAT and the delivery costs but not Government Road Fund Licence and First Registration Fee, start from £21,549 for the base model with the 154HP diesel and 4WD.

Clearly taking its inspiration from those throwaway iPhone / iPod games loved so much by Volkswagen and its subsidiaries, the North American arm of Mitsubishi Motors will let a select few test drive the new Outlander Sport compact [called ASX in Europe] remotely through "Mitsubishi Live Drive".

In a world first, customers will be able to take the compact crossover around a closed circuit course, controlling the actually vehicle through an "interactive remote control" from the comfort of their own internet-connected PCs. I wonder what a "non-interactive remote control" would be...

When developing the Live Drive experience, Mitsubishi consulted robotics expert, Dr. James Brighton who was instrumental in constructing the online test drive program

The 5-seat CUV was rigged with multiple video cameras, servo motors that move the pedals and steering wheel and electronic receivers that pick up on the driver's control inputs.

Mitsubishi boasts that, "participants will enjoy the feeling of literally being in the driver's seat." You know, without G-force or inertia or any other feeling you might get from actually driving a car.

Those who use the Live Drive program will also have the opportunity to collect "feature pods"; you know, like the coins Mario picks up. Only these ones tell you about the features on the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Riveting!

Oh well, it sounds more interesting than listening to a dealer drone on and on about this and that at the dealership for hours on end, though I'd still rather take a shot at controlling one of the vehicles in the DARPA Urban Challenge though.

If you are 18 years old, live in the United States and have a valid driver's license you can sign up on the car's microsite from the 15th of October. The Live Drive days will be held between the 1st and 10th of November, coinciding with campaigns in other media including television and print.

By Tristan Hankins

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While Mitsubishi works on making a new global small car, any development on the future of its "larger" cars has been put on hold. What does that mean for Mitsubishi Stateside? Well, it doesn't look good.

The small car would possibly be offered here in 2012 (it's said to have sub-1.5 liter 3-cylinder engine), but it's hard to believe a small efficient car (and the Lancer family) could be enough to justify keeping the brand here. There's light on the horizon, but more on that in a bit.

First, about the larger "names" at Mitsubishi: Eclipse and Galant. According to a report from Autoweek, until a decision regarding their futures is made later this year, the PS platform-based Eclipse / Eclipse Spyder, mid-size Galant sedan, and mid-size Endeavor crossover are going to keep being built as they are in Normal, Illinois.

Now, if someone were to come in and provide Mitsubishi with an investment (PSA Peugeot Citroën, I'm looking your way), the plant could be retooled and updated to build some really neat cars. If not, then Mitsubishi may be stuck with less than a decent lineup.

Thankfully, there's that upside: a few new and interesting models will be showing up in the next two years in order to impress upon consumer's Mitsubishi's new brand image. What kind of image? That of a manufacturer of compact, efficient, and electric cars. People will like that, right?

First, there's the Outlander Sport / RVR / ASX that will take on Kia's Soul and Nissan's Juke this fall with the Lancer's 2.0-liter engine, and the i-Miev electric buggy kei car should appear later next year as a 2012 model. If Mitsubishi really expects people to seriously consider a sub-$30,000 i-Miev (good luck with that), consumers would need to be offered more than "a basic stereo system, air-conditioning and heating units and power windows and locks."

Meanwhile, the Lancer lineup and the Outlander should both expect a mild (aka cheap) refresh in the next few years.

What could Mitsubishi do to survive in the States? Any ideas? By now, I'm certain Mitsubishi is listening.

By Phil Alex

Via: Autoweek

Marketers; gotta love these guys. You read Mitsubishi’s releasing the Outlander Sport Style Edition in Japan today, so logically you think that you’re going to see something special. Better think again. Even though the translation we made from the Japanese only press release can make a grown man cry, we managed to make ends meet. Wanna know the basic differences? Standard fog lights, 18-inch rims, a roof spoiler and oh, yeah, its available in three exterior colours: cool silver metallic, black mica and the pictured pearl white. Check out the non- Sport Style Edition Outlander after the jump and you’ll see what we mean.

Technorati: Mitsubishi+Outlander, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

A few weeks after the presentation of the Outlander concept in Paris that previewed the European version of Mitsubishi's mid-size SUV we have the first official production pics. In terms of differences between the US and the Euro model, apart from the better-looking mask, there are none. Same goes for the interior which was left unchanged. As for the engine range, the European edition will receive a 140Hp VW 2.0 turbo-diesel and two petrol motors, a 4cylinder and a V6. Sales will start in Europe in the spring of 2007. We'll have more info on the Euro-Outlander later on.

So your not confused, the grey colored Outlander is the European version, the silver one is the US version and the red of course, is the Concept.

As its name implies, the Evolander concept infuses the Outlander with performance elements and design cues from the Lancer Evolution. Don't let yourself down cause it's a concept though, as in Mitsubishi's own words , "the Evolander represents the design and engineering possibilities of what could be an Outlander Ralliart production model in the future"

Specs: The output of the Outlander's 3.0 V6 (220 hp) swells to 300 hp with the help of an ATI/Roadrace Engineering Procharger system. The increased power is fed through a 6speed automatic transmission actuated by the same paddle shifters that'll equip the next generation performance model. The list of Evolander's dynamic enhancements includes a Roadrace Engineering/Muellerized coilover suspension system and lightweight 20" OZ wheels.

Exterior: The Evolander's exterior design shares several characteristics with the Lancer Evolution like the fascia design with its cooling and brake duct intakes and the aggressively vented hood. The Lancer Evolution also lends rally-inspired, box flares to the Evolander, increasing the width of the vehicle at the fenders by 28 mm. The Evolander also features a more aggressive aerodynamic treatment, with lowered side sills, fender vents, a rear diffuser and a Ralliart rear spoiler.

Interior: The Evolander's interior also fuses sporting elements from Evolution as the Recaro reclining racing seats that cradle and support driver and passenger helping improve a driver's seating position and vehicle control during aggressive driving.

Technorati: Mitsubishi+Evolander, Mitsubishi+Outlander, Mitsubishi+Lancer+EVO, 2007, SEMA+Show, SEMA, 2006, Specialty+Equipment+Market+Association, Las+Vegas, tune, tuning+news, 2007, scoop, photos, images, pictures, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop

Mitsubishi will use the 2006 Paris Motor Show in September to unveil a concept version of its all new mid-sized SUV, the Outlander that is already sold in the North American and Asian markets. The Outlander Concept will preview the upcoming Euro-spec Outlander which is due go on-sale in Europe, in spring 2007.

The main aesthetic difference between the US / Japan and Euro versions (see pictures bellow) of the Outlander is focused on the front part which has redesigned light clusters and a new twin grilled mask which is borrowed from Mitsubishi’s new L200 pick-up. Apart that, its practically the same car. More important though, is the fact that the Euro-Spec Outlander will get a VolksWagen 2.0 TDI diesel engine that produces 140 hp and it's mated to a 6speed manual gearbox.

Press Release

Design: With its Europe-only “Mount Fuji” grille, the 4.64 m long Outlander-Concept is a further showcase of Mitsubishi Motors’ strong visual identity, while its wide stance, muscular fenders and sharp lines leave no doubt about its dynamic abilities. Lean, Outlander-Concept brings drama without gratuitous effects, its kicked-up window line, piercing headlamps and 20” specific wheels giving the appearance of permanent motion.

It will be presented in a sporty metallic red with silver accents (roof rails, side body strips, door handles, front skid-plate, grille surround).

Technology: ¨Neither an authentic off-roader like Pajero nor a jacked-up station wagon, Outlander-Concept is a no-compromise solution for a different type of recreational vehicle. Using the in-built adaptability of MMC’s new global platform, it brings passenger car-like levels of active safety and driving pleasure, whilst its Mitsubishi “All Wheel Control” drive system allows a smooth progression off the beaten tracks, up to a “Lock 4WD” mode.

Engine: Outlander-Concept is powered by a derivative of the Volkswagen AG-supplied 1,968 cc, turbo-charged w/intercooler, DOHC, 16-valve, EU-4 compliant Diesel engine fitted to the recent Grandis Di-D. Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, in Outlander-Concept it produces an estimated 103kW / 140 ps.

Features: Flexible in essence, Outlander-Concept has been designed as a stylish living space, able to suit all requirements and with features to match, be it entertainment (650W 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system), seating (clever “Hide&Seat” 3rd row for 5+2 accommodation) or utility (split tailgate and auto-folding function for the 2nd row seats).

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