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MotorWeek remembers a better time for Mitsubishi performance

Dodge still knows how to create an capable performance car – look at the Hellcats, for example – but the same isn't true for Mitsubishi. With the Lancer Evo's demise, we don't expect driving enthusiasts to clamor for any of the Japanese automaker's other products. Things used to be different, though. As MotorWeek found in its new Retro Review, the 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 and its sibling, the Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo, were impressive sports coupes in their day. Dodge and Mitsubishi packed a bevy of cutting-edge tech into the coupes. In these trims, both sported all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, an adjustable suspension, active exhaust, and automatic climate control. The 3000GT VR4 upped the ante even more with active aero parts at the front and rear. Their 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 was good for 300 horsepower and 307 pound-feet, which were good numbers at the time. This pair put all their gizmos to good use, too. MotorWeek compares the all-wheel-drive system's grip levels to a Porsche 911 Carrera 4. When was the last time you heard any favorable similarity between a Mitsubishi and a Porsche? The Stealth R/T Turbo and 3000GT VR4 came from a special time for Japanese sports coupes, when every brand had a halo model. Whether you were looking at Nissan 300ZX, Mazda RX-7, Toyota Supra, or even the Acura NSX, there was a lot to like on the market. MotorWeek's latest Retro Review offers a great reminder of that period.

Chrysler readying 20 Moparized vehicles for SEMA

The Las Vegas Convention Center has plenty of space for aftermarket companies and automakers to show off their wares, and it looks like Chrysler is taking advantage of the spacious floor plan. At next month's SEMA Show, Chrysler will have a full 20 cars from its six brands decked out with Mopar gear.
As a hint of what is to come, Chrysler released a handful of teaser sketches showing glimpses of modified Jeep Cherokee, Ram 1500, Fiat 500L and Chrysler 300 concept vehicles. The automaker will also use the venue to show off a new line of Jeep Performance Parts offered by the all-new Mopar Off-Road Division. In addition to the images, Chrysler also issued a brief press release - posted below - breaking down some of the "industry-first features" that Mopar has offered in recent years.

The Dodge Demon is leaked in Fast 8 video with Vin Diesel

It's only week two of the twelve-part Dodge Demon teaser roll out, and it already appears the metaphorical Hellcat is out of the bag. A YouTube video featuring Vin Diesel discussing The Fate of the Furious ( Fast 8) has what are almost certainly two Dodge Challenger Demons parked right in the background. So much for three months worth of build up and mystique. The two cars in the video appear to have the new logo affixed to the fender, right where the current Hellcat logo resides. In addition, the wheels and the massive hood scoop both appear to be the same relative shape as the ones briefly flashed in the latest teaser video. While we can't be 100 percent certain this is really a Demon, all the evidence points to yes. Even if this spoiled Dodge's plans, actually seeing the car here makes us even more excited for the full reveal. We still don't know all the final specs, save that it'll be 200 lbs lighter, so there is still some mystery to be had. The Challenger and Charger Hellcat twins, some of the most brazen and brutish machines currently on the road, were already cranked up to 11. The Demon, with its wide fender flares and comically large hood scoop looks makes the standard car look tame by comparison. We can't wait. Related Video: News Source: YouTube Design/Style Dodge Coupe Performance dodge demon Vin Diesel dodge hellcat dodge challenger hellcat