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Weekly Recap: Toyota wants cars to be your 'close friends' around 2020

Toyota confirmed plans this week to launch autonomous technology in its production cars around 2020. The automaker's version is called Highway Teammate, and it's one element of a broader mobility strategy that includes vehicles communicating with each other and the grid. "Toyota believes that interactions between drivers and cars should mirror those between close friends who share a common purpose, sometimes watching over each other and sometimes helping each other out," the company said in a statement. That sounds utopian, and perhaps a bit cheesy, but it's an acknowledgment that autonomous driving requires more than technology developed in a vacuum. Toyota is looking at its research in a broader context, and dubs its overall strategy the Mobility Teammate Concept. Highway Teammate is the first step. Its test vehicle is a modified Lexus GS, which uses road-mapping data and external sensors to merge or exit highways, change lanes, and maintain safe distances during driving. It's operated on the Shuto Expressway in Tokyo. Toyota has been working on autonomous tech since the 1990s, with the goal of providing mobility for older people and the disabled, as well as lowering the frequency of traffic accidents. Toyota's push comes as an early adopter, Nissan, is hedging on its own deadline to implement the autonomous tech by 2020 due to a lack of firm laws governing self-driving cars around the world. Conversely, Volvo took the landmark step of being the first automaker to accept liability for when its cars will operate in autonomous mode, and urged the US government to set federal guidelines to regulate the technology. OTHER NEWS & NOTES 2016 BMW M4 GTS: Your water-injected, turbo-boosted demon BMW is unleashing its most powerful M4 ever, a 493-horsepower special edition that's road legal yet bred for the track. The company is making 700 copies for sale around the world, and 300 of them will come to the United States. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder revs to 7,600 rpm and uses a water-injection technology to cool the intake air and lower the compression temperature. BMW says this allows it to wring more power out of the inline six. The car also uses carbon-fiber reinforced plastic for the roof, hood, engine compartment strut brace, drive shaft, and rear spoiler to reduce weight. The M4 features BMW's organic light-emitting diode taillights, which are said to be an industry first.

Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Mercedes also under diesel emissions scrutiny

The controversy over Volkswagen's diesel emissions scandal isn't limited to the US. In Europe, where diesel engines are far more popular, the issue is shining a harsh light on the NEDC emissions test. As already known, the evaluation does a poor job of reflecting real-world production of NOx, and it appears a significant number of automakers are affected. The Guardian in the UK has been reporting on real-world test results from a company called Emissions Analytics. After the latest round of checks, vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Mazda and Mitsubishi were found to generate far more NOx than they should. The newspaper also published similar results for Renault, Nissan, Hyundai, Fiat, Volvo, Jeep, Citroen, VW, and Audi. On average, the figures are about four times over the limit of producing the pollutant. Unlike VW and its defeat device, these automakers aren't actually breaking the rules. The vehicles perform up to the NEDC lab test for emissions, but those results simply aren't translated to the street. "The VW issue in the US was purely the trigger which threw light on a slightly different problem in the EU - widespread legal over-emissions," Nick Molden from Emissions Analytics said to The Guardian. A big fight to decide the future of this issue appears to be on the horizon. Automakers claim that they can't meet the next round of tightening emissions regulations and are asking for compromises. Although, spokespeople for Mercedes and Honda told The Guardian that the brands would be in favor of the stricter rules. Meanwhile, some European governments began backtracking their support of diesels well before this scandal came to light. The added scrutiny certain hasn't helped the future of the oil-burner. Related Video:

Mitsubishi to showcase eX crossover concept in Tokyo

The Tokyo Motor Show is coming up at the end of the month, and Mitsubishi isn't about to sit it out. That's where the Diamond Star automaker will unveil the eX Concept pictured here. The electric crossover concept packs what the company terms as a "next-generation EV system" into what looks at first blush like a rather dramatic design. Mitsubishi is telling us next to nothing about the eX and its specifications. However, it indicates that the concept incorporates an all-electric powertrain, all-wheel drive, an automated driving system, vehicle connectivity, and active safety systems. The automaker has also only revealed the one rendering above, but it bears all the hallmarks of a modern Mitsubishi concept like the ones we've seen in recent years. That includes the company's signature Diamond Shield front grille, flanked by narrow, angular headlights and oversized running lamps. Naturally, this concept rides on oversized wheels and boasts spindly little mirrors, all in an effort to tell us this is a bonafide show car and not a pre-production prototype. We'll look forward to seeing more in the near future, but in the meantime you can delve into what little Mitsubishi is telling us at this point in the press release below. Related Video: MITSUBISHI MOTORS LINEUP AT 44TH TOKYO MOTOR SHOW – ANOTHER STEP FORWARD WITH SUVS AND ELECTRIC POWER 08/10/15 from Mitsubishi Motors in the UK Print this page Add this release to Your Downloads TOKYO — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will unveil the Mitsubishi eX1 Concept, a compact SUV concept car, with a next-generation EV system at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 20152. The concept car showcases MMC's next-generation electric vehicle (EV) technologies, a new take on the Dynamic Shield front design concept, and a vast range of other technologies for superior driving pleasure in a compact crossover package. MMC's display reflects the main theme of "Driving Beyond" – another step forward with SUVs and electric power. ELEGANCE & SUV & 100% ELECTRIC The Mitsubishi eX Concept is a vision for a unique all electric powered compact SUV aimed at the fast growing compact SUV market. It uses MMC's state-of-the art EV and all-wheel control technologies combined with automated driving, connected car, and active safety systems. Both exterior and interior design indicate the direction MMC Design is taking.

Mitsubishi Evolution Final Edition goes out with a bang

The end of a long era - one we got to experience too little of - is just about at an end, and this car is its gravestone. The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition is the last breath of ten generations of Lancer Evos, three of which came to the US. Mitsubishi launched a Final Edition Evo X in Japan earlier this year, after teasing a 473-horsepower concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon, now it's our turn. Built on the lower GSR trim, our model gets 303 hp, a bump of 12 hp, and torque goes up by five pound-feet to 305 lb-ft. The bigger modification is arguably the fitment of Bilstein shocks wrapped in Eibach springs all around, plus two-piece Brembo calipers on the front axle, all of which come standard on the upper-level MR trim. Dark chrome Enkei wheels match the dark chrome front grille surround. Like the grille, other changes for the Final Edition appear to be ornamental: black aluminum roof, black interior with red accent stitching, and special badging. Mitsubishi is putting 1,600 on sale here, each one with a numbered plaque just ahead of the shifter for the five-speed manual transmission. A second badge makes an appearance on the decklid. Final Edition Evos come in one of four colors, new Pearl White, Rally Red, Mercury Gray and Octane Blue, and cost $37,995. That price puts it $700 above the GSR Premium trim, and $1,000 below the entry MR trim. There are two press releases below with more information. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Related Video: THE 2015 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION FINAL EDITION: LIMITED-PRODUCTION MODEL BIDS FAREWELL TO LEGENDARY SPORTS SEDAN • The Final Edition is based off the current GSR model featuring new enhancements and increases to horsepower and torque • Only 1,600 units will be sold in the U.S. market, each marked by a numbered plaque CYPRESS, Calif. Oct. 5, 2015 – Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today announced the details of the limited-production 2015 Lancer Evolution Final Edition. Arguably the originator of the four-door sports car genre, the Lancer Evolution has seen ten generations – three of which were sold in the U.S. over 12 years. To send it off in style, Mitsubishi Motors will offer 1,600 numbered Final Edition models to the U.S. market with a MSRP of $37,995. The Lancer Evolution Final Edition is based off the current GSR model, with exterior and interior enhancements not previously offered on the GSR.

Mitsubishi struggling to sell doomed plant due to union workers

Mitsubishi is about to end vehicle production in the US, but the company is having serious problems finding a buyer for its Normal, IL, factory that currently assembles the Outlander Sport. A major sticking point, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal, is the plant's workforce of over 900 United Auto Workers members. The automaker has been trying to find another company to take over the site for months and has set November as the point to stop manufacturing there. The Normal, IL, factory is unique because it's the only plant in the country that's run by a Japanese automaker with a UAW-represented workforce, after starting as a joint venture with Chrysler. That makes Ford, General Motors, and FCA the preferred buyers because they could conceivably take over the union contract. However, the Blue Oval and the General likely aren't interested. According to plant officials speaking to The Wall Street Journal, FCA and some unnamed car companies are potential buyers, but there's absolutely nothing final, yet. Proponents argue that buying the location is cheaper than building a new one. Making matters harder is that the UAW and Mitsubishi are currently negotiating a new union contract, and the factory's next owner might have to take over the deal, according to the WSJ. The workers were ready to vote whether to strike recently, but that was averted when an announcement on the local's webpage said a tentative agreement was expected Sunday. Of course, the Big Three have been experiencing their own, similar issues with crafting deals, too. Related Video:

Not a dry eye in the house for last Mitsubishi Evo X video

Say what you will about the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution; we're going to miss this one when it's gone. Japan's rally car for the street is officially being phased out, and production is ending in Japan. But not before one Final Edition, and a final video showing the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive wonder being built. In Japan, the Final Edition is limited to a run of just 1,000 units. It's based on the GSR model with the five-speed manual transmission, but comes with performance goodies like Bilstein shocks, Eibach springs, Recaro seats, Brembo brakes, and more. See it for yourself in the gallery, below. Over the course of 23 years, there have been 10 generations of the Lancer Evolution. And while Evo X might not be our favorite (this author much prefers Evo IX, for what it's worth), it's still sad to see Mitsubishi's iconic, winged sedan head to the grave. A sign of the times, Mitsubishi says the Evo "will be replaced in spirit" by a high-power, hybrid SUV. That's a tall order, and doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense, but we'll see. For now, say goodbye to the Evo X by watching the final production video, above. And just be thankful Subaru still makes its lovely WRX STI.

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer adds features, loses Ralliart

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution may be going away, but the base car is sticking around for the foreseeable future, as evidenced by a host of changes for the 2016 model year. The same basic look has been updated with a bolder front bumper that features vertical LED accents. The rear end, though, looks totally free of any significant changes. The profile gets some small updates, including mirrors with integrated turn signals and a flashy (optional) set of 18-inch wheels. The Lancer's cabin gets a similarly modest array of upgrades, including standard USB connectivity in a redesigned center console, standard display audio, and a redesigned, optional infotainment system. In addition to the new standard features Mitsu will offer a color LCD display in the instrument cluster, the LED running lights, and automatic air conditioning on the base ES trim. Mechanically, Mitsubishi has expanded the availability of its snappy All-Wheel Control all-wheel-drive system. Not only will it be offered on as standard on the carried-over SE and new SEL trim, but it can be snagged as an option on the base ES trim. All AWD-equipped cars will feature the same CVT8 offered on the Outlander Sport and Outlander, although front-drive trims, the base ES, and the more aggressively styled GT, will offer a five-speed manual as standard. Despite the new CVT, the engine lineup is unchanged for 2016, with the base ES using a 2.0-liter, 148-hp four-cylinder, while all other trims get a more robust, 168-hp, 2.4-liter mill. And now, the bad news. Just as there will be no more Lancer Evolution, Mitsubishi has dropped the lukewarm Lancer Ralliart. Slotting in between the Evo and the Lancer GT, the Ralliart offered all-wheel-drive, turbocharged power, and the Evo's dual-clutch transmission, along with a dose of its big brother's style. Prices get a tiny bump for 2016, with the Lancer's base price jumping up $200, to $18,405. Adding a CVT increases the price by $1,000, while all-wheel drive requires another $400. The AWD-only SE starts at $21,805, while the SEL demands another $1,000. Finally, the top-end GT starts at $23,305 for a five-speed stick, or $24,305 for the CVT model. Read on for the official press release from Mitsubishi, and be sure to check out the updated Lancer in the gallery, up top.

1,500 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, Ralliart models recalled for fuel tank wear

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is famous for its ability to slide at high speed through the dirt in rally stages all over the world, but 1,497 examples of the 2014 and 2015 Evo and Lancer Ralliart are now facing a recall in the US for potential wear to their fuel tanks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the right parking brake cable can rub against the tank, and this can cause a protective coating to come off, leading to rusting or even a possible leak. NHTSA documents (as a PDF) report no actual claims of this happening, though. To rectify the problem, Mitsubishi dealers will replace the right parking brake cable on all of the affected models. While doing the work, they'll also inspect the fuel tank, and if worn, it'll be switched out, as well. Notifications to customers will go out in the next couple of weeks, according to Mitsubishi spokesperson Alex Fedorak to Autoblog. RECALL Subject : Parking Brake Cable Contacting Fuel Tank Report Receipt Date: AUG 31, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V546000 Component(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE , PARKING BRAKE Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,497 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make Mode lModel Year(s) MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION 2014-2015 MITSUBISHI LANCER RALLIART 2014-2015 Details Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. SUMMARY: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured January 31, 2014, to September 5, 2014, and 2014-2015 Lancer Ralliart vehicles manufactured February 3, 2014, to September 5, 2014. The affected turbocharged vehicles have a right parking brake cable that may contact the fuel tank, wearing away the tank's protective coating. CONSEQUENCE: Without the protective coating, the fuel tank may rust and leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. REMEDY: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right parking brake cable, and inspect the fuel tank, free of charge. If the fuel tank's exterior coating shows signs of damage from abrasive contact with the right parking brake cable, the fuel tank will also be replaced, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-009.

This Mitsubishi Colt Galant is a GTO from Japan

The letters GTO have been used by several automakers – each from different countries. Depending on where your automotive enthusiasm is centered, you might associate the name with Pontiac or with Ferrari. But those weren't the only ones to use those letters. So did Mitsubishi. In fact, the 3000GT (also known as the Dodge Stealth) that competed with the likes of the Toyota Supra and Nissan 300ZX back in the 1990s was sold as the GTO back home in Japan. But Mitsu didn't pull that name out of nowhere. It was merely the revival of an old nameplate. Back in the 1970s, Mitsubishi used those letters on a version of the Colt, of all things. And that's what Petrolicious has profiled in this latest video. This Seventies-era Mitsubishi Colt Galant GTO GSR belongs to one Matt De Mangos, an enthusiast, collector, and consummate tinkerer out in California who fell in love with the vintage pocket rocket. Since the Colt Galant GTO was designed for the Japanese Domestic Market, few ever made it to other markets. So De Mangos imported one privately to the United States, and invested a lot of time into researching and restoring the vehicle. The result may not be the usual classic you'd expect to see an American hot-rodder restoring, but that's apparently just the way Matt likes it. Hear his story in the video above.

New Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs coming to Frankfurt

Mitsubishi is following the unveiling of the heavily refreshed 2016 Outlander at the 2015 New York Auto Show with the European debut of the plug-in hybrid version at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. The PHEV goes on sale there in September, and a rally-prepped PHEV Outlander is taking part in the Baja Portalegre 500 in Portugal in October. Rumors suggest that the updated plug-in model might come to the US in early 2016. Mechanically, the Outlander PHEV retains separate motors to power the front and rear wheels, but the company has some revisions for the system to make it more efficient. Emissions are cut thanks to reduced engine friction, and acceleration is reportedly quicker, too. In large part, the 2016 PHEV carries over all of the styling and mechanical updates of its non-electrified sibling. That includes the completely new front end that mixes chrome and gloss black for a more interesting look. The plug-in gets a few design cues of its own, including a different shape for the lower bumpers, less chrome down the sides, and some body-color trim. It also rides on a set of two-tone 18-inch wheels. Inside, there's a four-spoke steering wheel and brown, and black leathers are available. Previously offered on the Japanese model, European customers now get access to the Outlander PHEV's vehicle-to-home power system. The tech allows owners to plug in their CUV and provide electricity to their house from the vehicle's battery. Mitsubishi Motors Lineup at 2015 International Motor Show (IAA) Tokyo, August 31, 2015 Improved Outlander PHEV with Dynamic Shield debuts in Europe Tokyo, August 31, 2015 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC)'s revamped 2016MY Outlander PHEV, due to go on sale in Europe in September, will make its European debut at the 66th International Motor Show (IAA)*1 Alongside the new Outlander PHEV, MMC will be exhibiting the rally version of the Outlander PHEV to compete in the Baja Portalegre 500 cross-country rally*2 and several production models in a total lineup of 15 vehicles (13 on press days, for more information please see the last page). *1: To be held at the Messe Frankfurt exhibition grounds in Frankfurt am Main, Germany from September 15 through September 27. For more information please access http://www.iaa.de/en/press-room/ (English) *2: A cross-country rally due to be held in the eastern part of Portugal from October 22nd through October 24th.