1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Gst Hatchback 2-door 2.0l on 2040-cars

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Mitsubishi teases new compact crossover that could be called Eclipse

Does the world need another compact crossover? No, not really. But Mitsubishi could certainly use another vehicle in the hottest segment in America. And the Japanese automaker is about to show off a brand-new model at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show that will slot between the Outlander Sport and the larger Outlander. Rumors suggest that this new compact crossover might revive a well-known name from the past: Eclipse. While that's undeniably better than a random series of numbers or letters, or another riff on the Outlander moniker, Mitsubishi would surely alienate some of its hardcore fans by christening a CUV with the name of an old sport coupe. Here's hoping those rumors stay exactly that. Moving past the potentially controversial name, what we're looking at is a pretty conventional coupe-like two-box shape. The sloping roofline looks current, and the steeply raked rear glass adds a sporty flare. We've got a little over a month before we see the new 'ute in all its glory, and probably about a year before it's in US showrooms. In the meantime, check out the dark teaser above or click to enlarge it down below. Related Video:

2017 Mitsubishi Mirage gets updated styling and equipment

There's a brand-new Mirage, you guys. For the 2017 model year, the budget-friendly little hatchback features updated styling and equipment inside and out. And it still promises to be one of the cheapest cars on the market. The changes start on the outside, where the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage greets the world with a new hood, grille, bumpers, lighting, wheels, and rear spoiler. The updates continue inside, where you'll find new fabrics, instruments, and controls. New options include a Rockford-Fosgate audio system and – for the first time in a Mitsu – Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The 1.2-liter inline-three carries over, but with a new camshaft to produce 78 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque. Modest as those figures are, power is up by four horses for the new model year. The front brake discs are larger, as are the rear drums. And the suspension has been retuned as well. Mitsubishi hasn't announced pricing for the updated Mirage. We'd expect a small bump in price to accompany the upgrades, but the Japanese automaker would be wise not to veer to far north of the current model's $12,995 sticker price. Because while it may be one of the cheapest new cars available, alternatives like the Nissan Versa, Chevy Spark, and Kia Rio all hover in the same territory. THE 2017 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE: NEW EXTERIOR DESIGN AND ADDED PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENTS - The new Mitsubishi Mirage continues to deliver outstanding fuel economy - 2017 Mirage will feature Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ - Attractive pricing and 10-year warranty distances the competition CYPRESS, Calif. Nov. 18, 2015 – Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today announced details for the fuel-efficient 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage featuring a new exterior design, improved performance and enhanced interior appeal. Despite all that is new for Mirage in 2017, a few things didn't change at all—Mirage still offers impressive fuel economy, attractive pricing and industry leading new vehicle and powertrain warranties. The Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback will be available at dealers in spring 2016. "Mirage has gained popularity with its affordable and practical appeal," said Don Swearingen, executive vice president, MNNA. "Mirage owners are looking for a vehicle that does its job well and is reliable.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV US launch delayed over battery shortage

Mitsubishi resumed full-scale battery production in August after a five-month shutdown due to a safety investigation. Supplier Lithium Energy Japan has been delivering 4,000 battery packs each month since September, but that's apparently still not enough to fill the overseas inventory pipeline for the Outlander PHEV and i subcompact EV while launching the Outlander PHEV here in the US. So instead of the previous tentative launch date of Fall 2014, the plug-in hybrid's Stateside on-sale date has been pushed back until 2015.
That's according to Automotive News, which also notes that Mitsubishi has sold 11,300 plug-in Outlanders this year, though that number reflects the production stoppage over the battery issues. As of April, battery supplier LEJ will be able to supply 5,000 packs per month just for the Outlander, but company president Osamu Masuko has gone on record saying that production will have to rise above that in order to make the US launch.
Every Mitsubishi dealer (and hopefully a fair number of consumers) will be looking forward to a crossover that, for the moment, doesn't really have natural rivals. The Outlander PHEV can drive 32 miles on electricity alone, has a top speed of 75 miles per hour in EV mode and offers all-wheel drive with a towing capacity of over 3,000 pounds. The model should get an impressive MPGe rating from the EPA when it finally arrives and it figures to be a bellwether for the plug-in Outlander Sport and Pajero utility vehicles that are expected to arrive after it. Hopefully 2015 will be its year.