2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Rs on 2040-cars

Auto blog

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.

Mitsubishi to add new crossover to US lineup

With crossovers of all sizes enjoying immense popularity with consumers, Mitsubishi is making a grab for some of the action with a third CUV offering. The as-of-yet unnamed vehicle is set to slot in between the baby Outlander Sport and the full-size Outlander, CEO Osamu Masuko told Automotive News ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show. Aimed squarely at the crossover-crazy US and European markets, this new vehicle will likely enter production two years from now. That should mean an auto show debut at Paris or Los Angeles in 2016, or at some point in early 2017. The new vehicle would duke it out with the redesigned Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tuscon. If it sounds like this new CUV would cannibalize some of its little brother's sales, you'd be right. To prevent this, Mitsu will tweak the sizes of the vehicles it currently offers. "The Outlander is growing in size, while the Outlander Sport is getting smaller, so it opens a space for the new SUV," Masuko told AN. "We need something to fit in between." Having a three-tiered CUV lineup might help Mitsubishi, which has enjoyed 26 percent sales growth through September this year. According to AN, over half of Mitsu's current sales come from the Outlander and Outlander Sport. Adding a third CUV would capitalize on a US market that's clamoring for light trucks and crossovers. Before the third model debuts, the next step for the brand will be the arrival of a plug-in hybrid Outlander. You can look for our review on that next year. Featured Gallery Mitsubishi eX Concept View 34 Photos News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.Image Credit: Mitsubishi Mitsubishi Crossover Economy Cars osamu masuko

Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV II points the way forward with its angular look [w/video]

The Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV II on display at the Geneva Motor Show isn't really a completely new vehicle but more of thorough reworking of the earlier XR-PHEV from the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. For the latest interpretation, the Japanese brand is getting the design ready for an eventual debut for the road. While the two concepts look practically identical at first glance, the XR-PHEV II is far more possible for production than its predecessor. The grille and hood now feature openings to let the vehicle cool its plug-in hybrid system, and the rear design offers enough glass to actually let the driver see out of the back. The interior for the latest version also looks mostly functional this time and is clad in eye-catching orange upholstery. The XR-PHEV II's powertrain is a bit more mysterious, though. It's a front-wheel drive PHEV that's powered by a 12-kWh battery and offers a total output of 160 horsepower. However, Mitsubishi isn't taking about the internal combustion engine's displacement or the model's transmission. Still, the company is clear that this look is a glimpse at its future crossovers, and that would be a welcome change. XR-PHEV II's more angular design would certainly liven up Mitsubishi's somewhat staid lineup.