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Junkyard Gem: 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante VR-X

Mitsubishi has been selling cars and light trucks under its own name in the United States since the Starion, Tredia, Cordia and Mighty Max appeared here as 1983 models, but only one big luxury sedan has ever been in the Mitsubishi Motors USA lineup: the Diamante. For the last few years of the Diamante's availability here, a factory-hot-rod version of the Diamante known as the VR-X could be purchased. Here's one of those extraordinarily rare cars, now residing in a Denver-area self-service wrecking yard. The Diamante was the successor to the Mitsubishi Sigma, an upscale "pillared hardtop" version of the fifth-generation Galant. The Sigma sold poorly here, but Mitsubishi had hopes of stealing some American-market sales from the strong-selling Lexus ES and Acura Legend. Making a North American version of the swanky Mitsubishi Debonair didn't seem like a wise investment (though some Debonair DNA eventually showed up here, within the Hyundai XG), and so the brand-new Diamante made its North American debut as a 1992 model. The first-generation Diamante was available in both sedan and wagon form, with the wagon getting the axe here after 1995. The second-generation Diamante sedan appeared in American Mitsubishi showrooms as a 1997 model, with sales here continuing through 2004. There was a facelift for the 2002 model year, after several miserable sales years in the United States, and the sporty VR-X version was added to the lineup at that time. The VR-X got some cladding, white analog gauges, a louder audio system, some performance upgrades and a fast-and-furious optional spoiler. The MSRP for the '03 VR-X was $27,557, or about $46,362 in 2023 dollars. The VR-X's engine was a 3.5-liter 6G-series V6, rated at 210 horsepower. This was just five horses better than the regular Diamante's 3.5-liter. All 2003 Diamantes sold in the United States came with mandatory four-speed automatics.  This car, like the Diamante wagons of the middle 1990s, was built in Australia. The leather seats came with VR-X embossing. This is a good example of a rare special-edition car that's not worth much now. Perhaps some Front Range Mitsubishi enthusiast will buy the unique VR-X wheels and other bits before this car goes to the crusher. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. 0% interest, zero down payment, zero payments until 2004 on all new Mitsubishis. This content is hosted by a third party.

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 slashes annual profit forecast on slowing car sales

TOKYO — Mitsubishi Motors on Wednesday cut its full-year profit outlook by 67% as it expects sluggish demand in North America and China will continue, while a strong yen and research and development costs will also hurt the automaker's bottom line. Japan's sixth-largest automaker now expects operating profit to come in at 30.0 billion yen in the year to March, down from a previous forecast for 90.0 billion yen. The new outlook would be Mitsubishi's lowest profit since the year ended March 2017. The downgrade comes after Mitsubishi, in which Nissan holds a controlling stake, reported a 78% plunge in operating profit during the July-September quarter to 6.3 billion yen, lower than a mean forecast for 16.26 billion yen from analysts polled by Refinitiv. It joins a growing number of Japanese automakers which are bracing for lower profitability. Earlier on Wednesday, Subaru lowered its annual profit forecast due to a stronger yen and a cut in domestic output due to a major typhoon last month. Mazda and Suzuki have also cut their respective outlooks within the past month due to slowing demand for their cars. Earnings/Financials Mitsubishi