1993 Mitsubishi 3000gt Vr-4 Coupe 2-door 3.0l on 2040-cars

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Mitsubishi realigning its SUV range to create more size difference

A report in Autocar says Mitsubishi wants more literal space between its three core SUVs. The outlet quotes "a senior source" saying, "Today we aren't in an ideal position, with our SUVs close in size, but in the next 18 months you will start to see a strategy that separates them out." Redesigns for the next generation of the Outlander, Eclipse Cross, and Outlander Sport will put about 200 millimeters' (7.9 inches) difference in length between each. Right now, the Outlander stands 184.8 inches long, the Eclipse Cross 173.4 inches long, and the Outlander Sport is scarcely smaller at 171.9 inches long. Autocar says the revamp would see the Outlander grow, while the Outlander Sport gets smaller. Based on the comments, if the Outlander gets longer, then we wouldn't be surprised at seeing the Eclipse Cross putting on a few inches, too. The first fruit should blossom next year, and be possible thanks to platform-sharing within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. Comparing Mitsubishi to Nissan's formula, the Rogue is 184.5 inches long, the Rogue Sport 172.4 inches. We don't get the Juke any more, which is 162.8 inches long; our Nissan Kicks extends 169.1 inches. The coming range will extend plug-in hybrid and full electric options, too. Naturally, the Outlander PHEV will make the jump to a new generation, and the Eclipse Cross will come in hybrid and PHEV flavors. An updated PHEV powertrain shown in the Engelberg Tourer Concept at the Geneva Motor Show paired a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors at the axles, for 44 miles of EV range on the WLTP cycles. That's 16 more EV miles than the current Outlander PHEV can go. The Outlander Sport will get a battery-electric trim. The "senior source" said, "We will not have a unique nameplate, but instead offer the appropriate electrification options for the vehicles and how people will use them." There's likely a lot more in store for the brand, especially in the U.S., although we have no idea what that is. Takao Kato will take over as CEO of Mitsubishi global next month, with the mandate of carrying out the carmaker's "small but beautiful" strategy. The initiative puts steady growth and profit ahead of disruptive leaps. Kato has experience in the U.S., having helped set up the joint manufacturing plant with Chrysler in Illinois in 1988. Even so, he's said of our region, "It's not easy to be in that market," and would only go so far as saying "probably not" when asked if leaving the U.S. is an option.

Mitsubishi has 6 all-new models in the works, plus 5 redesigns

Mitsubishi has revealed its plans for the next three years, and they're all focused on expansion. The company wants to improve unit sales and revenue by 30 percent, which would have it selling 1.3 million cars worldwide. It also plans to improve profit margins from 0.3 percent to 6 percent. This will entail an investment of nearly $5.3 billion. To do this, the company will work on reducing development and manufacturing costs and concentrating on improving in existing markets. But the most interesting part for consumers and enthusiasts: its expanding product plans. Mitsubishi says it will have 11 new model launches over the three-year expansion period. Of these models, six of them are completely new, and the other five will be significant updates and redesigns of existing models. Two of the new vehicles have been shown already including the Eclipse Cross, a compact crossover we'll get in America, and the Xpander (shown below), a minivan-type thing that won't come to the States. The addition of redesigned and new models should be great news for Mitsubishi dealers, especially in America where the company only offers two flavors of aging Outlander, and the bargain-basement Mirage. Fans of Mitsubishi cars might not have much to be excited for, though, since the company says it will be focusing on SUVs and trucks. In fact, it expects that its five best-selling models and 70 percent of its sales will be SUVs, trucks, and plug-in hybrids. If we had to guess what the next four Mitsubishi models could be, we imagine that at least one of them will be some type of full-size crossover. Something sized similarly to the foreign-market Pajero SUV, but designed for pavement pounding. This would especially make sense given other companies entering that space such as VW with the Atlas, and Subaru with its Ascent. As for the three other slots, it's harder to guess. The future Outlander will grow, and the Outlander Sport will shrink, so Mitsubishi will have its midsize and subcompact bases covered, and with a hypothetical full-size crossover, it would have a full line. Those three other slots could be cars, or perhaps specialty crossovers, maybe even a sporty one based on the e-Evolution. But they could also be vehicles aimed at other regions in segments that don't really exist in the U.S. For instance, they could include new microcars for Japan's Kei class of vehicles, or possibly ultra-bare bones, low-cost compacts for Southeast Asia, India and China. Related Video:

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport gets power bump

Mitsubishi is working to keep its products up to date. While the prospect for a midsize sedan might be on hold, and the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid keeps seeing delays; the Outlander Sport is at least getting a more powerful, optional engine for two trims in the 2015 model year. The Japanese brand's compact crossover is now offered with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque, and it's hooked up to a CVT. That works out to a jump of 20 hp and 22 lb-ft over the current 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the Outlander Sport. Fuel economy is rated at 23 miles per gallon city, 28 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined for the front-wheel drive version or 23/26/24 for all-wheel drive models. The larger engine is only available on the ES and GT trim levels. Prices for the 2.4 ES start at at $21,295, plus an $850 destination charge on all models, and it also gets a black center bumper. The 2.4 GT rings up for $23,595 and adds things like a power driver's seat, black roof rails and LED turn signals in the mirrors. Additionally, customers can option the GT Premium Package for an upgraded stereo, moonroof and auto-dimming rearview mirror. There's also the GT Touring Package with leather seats and a seven-inch navigation system. MITSUBISHI MOTORS INTRODUCES MORE POWERFUL 2015 OUTLANDER SPORT New 2.4-liter engine produces 168 horsepower – 20 more horsepower than currently offered 2.0-liter engine The 2.4l engine will be available in two trim levels: 2.4 ES and 2.4 GT Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has introduced a more powerful version of the 2015 Outlander Sport 5-passenger crossover that includes a larger displacement 2.4-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder engine producing 168 horsepower – a 20 horsepower increase over the current 2.0-liter engine. With a starting MSRP of $21,295, the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.4 ES features a black center bumper to visually differentiate this model from the standard ES trim level. The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.4 GT has a MSRP of $23,595 and includes additional features such as a power driver's seat, leather-wrapped parking brake handle, aluminum pedals, and exterior enhancements including a black center bumper along with black roof rails and outside mirrors with LED turn indicators. The 2.4 GT model includes an optional GT Premium Package that consists of a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate® premium sound system with 9 speakers including 10-in.