2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Sedan 4-door 2.0l on 2040-cars

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Junkyard Gem: 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante LS

While Chrysler started selling Dodge- and Plymouth-badged Mitsubishis in the United States starting with the 1971 model year, Americans couldn't buy new cars with the Mitsubishi name until 1983. Thirty-five years later, Mitsubishi is down to just four models on these shores, all of which cater to the lower end of the market. However, from 1992 through 2004, Mitsubishi tackled the luxury market with its Diamante big sedan. Here's a very rare second-to-last-model-year Diamante, spotted in a Denver-area wrecking yard. I have documented plenty of Mitsubishis during my junkyard explorations, but these late Diamantes have been tough to find (though I have spotted a Diamante wagon). Sales of this car weren't great given that Mitsubishi's name didn't exactly resonate with luxury shoppers. Not when there was a Lexus ES around that did the same thing with a proper premium badge and brand. Second-generation Diamantes sold outside of Japan were built in Australia. Mitsubishi got its money's worth with the 6G7 series of V6 engines, starting with the 1986 Galant and continuing in trucks to the present day. Endless Chryslers of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s also received 6G72 power. This car has the DOHC 3.5-liter 6G74 version, rated at 205 horsepower. The interior is pretty nice, in its turn-of-the-21st-century manner, and the fact that this car has an ignition key means that it's probably an insurance total or a dealership trade-in. The nose shows evidence of a fender-bender, and that's enough to doom a forgotten luxury car like this. Next stop: The Crusher. Related Video: Featured Gallery Junked 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante LS View 20 Photos Auto News Mitsubishi Automotive History Sedan

2017 Mitsubishi Model Year Preview and Updates

This ain't your father's Mitsubishi. And for those focused more on 'economy' than 'Evo', that's probably a good thing. The Evolution is no more, Mitsubishi's truck-tough Montero is no longer sold in the States, and the Mirage sedan and hatch serve as little more than price holders in a constricted lineup. With that, sales are up and Mitsubishi is working hard on a revamp of its entire lineup. The newest addition comes this fall in the form of a small crossover, the 2018 Eclipse Cross, pictured above. MITSUBISHI i-MIEV: The least expensive EV available in the US market obtains an optional navigation package. The nav unit includes a seven-inch touch screen, Fuse hands-free link, USB port, rearview camera and steering wheel controls. LANCER: The Lancer lives, albeit without the mojo intrinsic to the high-performance Evo, now discontinued. For '17 a rear camera is standard on the small four door, along with new wheels and an optional Sun and Sound package. MIRAGE: Mitsu's entry-level hatch and sedan receive an aggressive refresh for 2017, with an enhanced exterior (new front fascia, hood, grille and wheels), a bump in horsepower and improved suspension. Also, two new colors are added: Wine Red and Sunrise Orange. OUTLANDER SPORT: While awaiting an all-new Sport, Mitsubishi's compact crossover adds automatic climate control, upgraded seat fabric and – as announced at this year's Chicago Auto Show – a Limited Edition trim. OUTLANDER: Mitsubishi's large three-row crossover receives a new, entry-level All-Wheel Control 4WD system and enhanced technology.

Mitsubishi dealers would really like a truck to sell

While Mitsubishi is switching gears to focus on crossovers, that won't address a market that its dealers would like to be in. While answering questions from the press last night, Don Swearingen, executive vice president and COO of Mitsubishi's North American office, mentioned that its US dealers have a pickup truck high on their "shopping lists." In fact, he said that a truck is pretty much at the top. Mitsubishi does already have a small pickup truck it sells in foreign markets, badged as the Triton or L200. However, Swearingen said that just because dealers want a truck doesn't mean it's going to happen, citing various obstacles to bringing one to market. If, for example, Mitsubishi brought over the Triton, the company would have to go through the long, expensive process of certifying it for US safety and emissions regulations, not to mention making sure it fulfilled American buyers' demands. There's also the Chicken Tax, which levees a steep tariff on trucks built outside of the US and imported in. One possible way Mitsubishi could circumvent all of those issues, though, would be to leverage its new partnership with Nissan. Nissan already sells Frontier small pickups in the US, and Mitsubishi could simply redesign that model to suit its style. It's something that both companies are familiar with as well. Mitsubishi previously sold a restyled Dodge Dakota as the Raider, and Nissan allowed Suzuki to rebrand the Frontier to be sold as the Equator for a short time. It would certainly be a quick way to get into the truck market. However, Mitsubishi would also need to decide if such a product would actually be profitable, in addition to satisfying dealers. Related Video: