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Mitsubishi XR-PHEV Concept is a chronicle of an Outlander Sport foretold [w/video]

Mitsubishi's current Outlander Sport has done a yeoman's job since it came on the market for the 2011 model year. The affordable crossover has been one of the few bright spots in the perennially troubled automaker's lineup - it's the brand's best seller in the US and sales are up nearly 40 percent this year. The subcompact CUV has become an increasingly important part of the Mitsubishi lineup, which is why you should pay attention to this XR-PHEV Concept - it's said to presage the next-generation model.
Stylistically, this is a pretty bold little CUV, with a striking face framed by bold zig-zags of chrome that underline the narrow headlamps and frame the massive lower fascia. The profile has a dramatically tapered greenhouse with bold sheetmetal contours and a funky blacked-out A-pillar that emphasizes the hood's height. The rear end is no less dramatic, with dual-pane rear tailgate with a particularly fast rake.
As shown here, the XR-PHEV (pronounced "Cross Runner") is a four-seat CUV that motivates its front wheels through a turbocharged 1.1-liter, three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower paired with a 120-kW electric motor. In pure-electric mode, the 14-kWh battery is said to be good for 52 miles of cruising range and the combined fuel economy bogey is 66 miles per gallon on Japan's lenient testing cycle.

France's Macron says Renault-Nissan partnership is a 'jewel' to be strengthened

TOKYO — French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday called for further synergies and alliances to strengthen the Renault-Nissan partnership in a global market. "The Renault-Nissan alliance is a jewel in the industry," Macron told French expatriates in Tokyo. "We created a giant which we must not only preserve but develop synergies and alliances to strengthen it in the face of international competition." His comments appeared to leave open the possibility both of a deeper integration of the 20-year-old Renault-Nissan alliance, which has been shaken by the scandal over its former chief Carlos Ghosn, and tie-ups with other manufacturers. Last month, Renault and Italian-American group Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) announced they were in merger talks. But the discussions were called off after FCA grew frustrated with the role the French state was playing, especially its need to secure agreement from Nissan over how to move the merger forward. Since the break-off of the FCA talks, Renault executives have been looking to rebuild ties with Nissan, which is keen to reduce the influence the French state has in the alliance via its 15% stake in Renault. Renault owns 43% of the Japanese automaker, which in turn holds a 15%, non-voting stake in its partner. Nissan on Tuesday threw cold water on hopes for a quick fix to strained relations with France's Renault SA , saying inequality between the partners could unravel their two-decade-old automaking alliance. Macron said on Wednesday France would remain vigilant that Carlos Ghosn's presumption of innocence and the former Renault-Nissan leader's rights to defend himself in a Japanese lawcase are respected. "It's not up to the French president to interfere publicly in a judicial case," Macron said. "Japanese justice is independent." "We will be vigilant, just like with all our citizens across the world who have to answer to the law, through consular activity, so that the defendant's rights and presumption of innocence are respected in that case."

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander priced from $23,845

Mitsubishi is on a slight upswing in the US recently after its first, though small, profit in the country in seven years. The company is now reportedly looking to boost its product lineup, and one of the first big changes in a while comes with the launch of the refreshed, 2016 Outlander. Even with significant upgrades for the three-row crossover, the price is actually $200 lower than last year to start at $23,845 (including $850 destination on all models). The most obvious tweak for the 2016 refresh is the Outlander's attractive, all-new front fascia. The crossover now wears a grille that mixes gloss black and chrome slats, and the whole design is outlined in curving chrome that leads down to accentuate the foglights. At the rear, the upgrades aren't quite as drastic, but the addition of LED taillights lends a more modern look. However, the changes are more than skin deep, and Mitsubishi also claims over 100 engineering and design modifications for the vehicle. The engines carry over from last year, and most models get a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. It's hooked up to a revised CVT that Mitsubishi claims offers better acceleration and torque delivery. Buyers can choose between either front- or all-wheel drive. The other option is the top-spec GT trim that comes with a 3.0-liter V6 making 224 hp and 215 lb-ft, a six-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive. MITSUBISHI MOTORS ANNOUNCES REDUCED PRICING FOR NEW 2016 OUTLANDER June 02, 2015 — CYPRESS, Calif. Starting MSRP of only $22,995; a $200 reduction in price from the previous model year The 2016 Outlander features Mitsubishi's new dynamic design language and over 100 engineering and design improvements Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today announced pricing for the U.S. version of the new 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander seven-passenger crossover. With a starting MSRP of only $22,995, the 2016 Outlander has a $200 lower starting MSRP than the previous model year, which is notable when considering the amount of design and engineering improvements incorporated into the vehicle. "The 2016 Outlander has a dynamic new design and a long list of engineering upgrades—it literally looks, drives and feels like an entirely new vehicle," said MMNA Executive Vice President, Don Swearingen.