2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Es on 2040-cars

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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.

9,800-mile 2006 Mitsubishi Evo IX MR likely to set a record on Bring a Trailer

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution may be gone from the U.S. market, but it is not forgotten. And it's clear that for some fans, the passion for the rally-inspired Mitsu burns as brightly as ever. We saw that a delivery-miles example can crack the six-figure mark, when this 2006 Evo IX MR with 9 miles on the clock fetched just shy of $138k on eBay. Now, it looks like we're about to find out how high is up for a driven but still low-miles car — with 9,800 miles on the odometer — as this pristine 2006 Lancer Evolution IX MR on Bring a Trailer has already garnered bids of $35k with six days still to go. The BaT car is the same year and model as the $138k eBay example. It features the SE appearance package and is finished in Apex Silver Metallic. The MR trim level included an aluminum roof panel (with vortex generators at the trailing edge), HID headlamps, and auxiliary gauges, and aluminum trim inside. The SE appearance package featured a revised front spoiler, dark-finish BBS wheels, and red contrast stitching on the seats. The car, which is being sold by a dealer in Colorado Springs, appears to be unmodified. A 2006 Evo IX MR with 25,000 miles sold for $37,787 back in June on BaT, and a 2006 Evo IX SE with 4,000 miles brought $36,916 in October 2018. This car seems certain to smash those numbers. Featured Gallery 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX MR on BaT Mitsubishi Auctions Performance Classics Sedan

Nissan should kill the Quest and bring the Mitsubishi Delica D:5 to America

Enthusiasts don't have much reason to get excited about minivans. But if there were something cool to revitalize interest in the segment, I think American consumers would take notice. A quick browse through Mitsubishi's current catalog of global offerings turned up something interesting, and, now that Nissan has brought the diamond-star into its multi-headed global alliance, the Japanese automaker has a unique opportunity to throw caution to the wind and give America something fun. First, let's acknowledge that the Nissan Quest is a completely reasonable and current minivan entry. But it's not exactly a hot seller. The Quest was the seventh-best-selling minivan in the United States last month. The people-hauler's 209 sales in September of 2016 represent a 68-percent decline over the previous year. Granted, the Quest was trending upward for the year prior to last month's drop, but even the Quest's best full year of sales would just manage to match the number of Toyota Siennas or Chrysler Pacificas sold in a decent month. Put simply, the American market wouldn't miss the Nissan Quest if it were to disappear from dealership lots altogether. I don't think the Nissan Quest is a bad vehicle. The problem is that it's just like every other minivan sold in America. Nothing about the Quest stands out against its competitors, which basically makes it a redundant vehicle with no solid reason to exist. What Nissan really needs, in my humble opinion, is a minivan that stands out from the crowd. I offer the following solution: Bring the Mitsubishi Delica D:5 to the United States. Badge it as a Nissan to take advantage of that brand's larger dealer network; even call it the Quest Q:5 if you must. But don't change much else. I have a feeling Americans would show some interest in an eight-passenger, all-wheel-drive, multi-purpose vehicle like the Delica that's about the same overall length as the Nissan Rogue. As an added incentive to capture as many buyers as possible, offer both the 2.4-liter gasoline engine and the 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel that are available in other markets. Since the Delica D:5 is based on the same GS platform as the Dodge Journey, it could probably accommodate a Pentastar V6, too, but that doesn't really seem necessary. Instead of being a powerhouse, the Delica should be about fun and efficiency, with an adventurous off-road streak.