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Limited-edition Mitsubishi 311RS Evo X coming to Minneapolis Auto Show [w/video]

It's not terribly often that we have news to report coming out ahead of the Minneapolis Auto Show. We say that not to disparage the Twin Cities, which are lovely, but new product reveals are few and far between for the show. This year, however, it seems that event will play host to the debut of a rather special limited edition Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. Though not coming directly from the Mitsu factory, we think the 311RS shows loads of potential for Evo fanatics.
The 311RS is the brainchild of circuit racer Ryan Gates, who has apparently spent the last three years developing what he believes is an Evo perfect for both racing and road driving. Starting life as a bog-standard Evo X, the Gates team has swapped out the factory intake, intercooler and exhaust system for more potent AMS pieces; resulting in output figures of 353 horsepower and nearly 359 pound-feet of torque. A new suspension from JRZ, brakes from Girodisc and 18-inch custom Rays wheels shod with high-performance Nitto tires represent significant updates to the underpinnings, as well.
Of course, the 311RS is also rocking a full body kit, too, with a more aggressive front air dam and a subtle lip added on to the stock rear wing. The blue and white racing livery, with matching blue wheels, looks racy without being too childish, we think.

Mitsubishi teases updated 2025 Outlander with tweaks throughout

There's an updated Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV on the way for the 2025 model year, four years after the launch of the fourth-gen. Europe released a bit of information on their version in July, one "specifically developed for the European market." Despite hype that the electrified SUV "is based on the Japanese I-Fu-Do-Do concept of authenticity and majesty," the outline we can make out in the European teaser image suggests exterior lines won't stray far afield. Now Japan has released a few artfully shaded images of what buyers can expect, along with additional details. Set beside the Euro tease, the DRL and headlight image portends that the "more refined and sophisticated face" won't be much different than today's face, so figure on the usual headlight and taillight revisions plus some tweaks to character lines. The development team promises a "greatly improved" interior based on customer feedback. We'll guess that statement is focused on lower trims; we've called the cabins of upper trims one of the Outlander PHEV's strongest advantages. The interior design philosophy was dubbed "Majesty Phase 2 - Refinement and further quality," and we know it means upper trims will get ventilated seats semi-aniline leather for the first time. The infotainment touchscreen should grow to 12.3 inches, replacing the 8- and 9-inch screen on today's trims and matching the size of the digital instrument cluster. The automaker has worked with Yamaha for a couple of years on vehicle-specific audio systems, there should be one on the way for the Outlander PHEV with branded speaker grilles and multiple sound profiles. Looks like there's a larger battery on the way as well, extending pure-electric range past today's 38 miles powered by a 20-kWh pack; this larger unit might add V2L capability so that the Outlander can use its energy to power a home. Mitsubishi might upgrade output of the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder, or boost output from the two electric motors. Engineers are definitely retuning the handoff between the ICE and battery for more electric driving and a smoother transition. Suspension tweaks creating a ride "one class above the rest" are coming, and new colors and wheel designs are a given.

Chrysler recalling 67k trucks with manual transmissions

Earlier this month, Chrysler announced the recall of some 280,000 pickup trucks over concerns that their axles could seize up. Now the automaker has announced an entirely separate recall of another 66,819 trucks over the springs that could break in the clutch ignition interlock switch. The recall affects Dodge Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups, as well as the Dodge Dakota and Mitsubishi Raider. The issue is relevant only to those trucks fitted with manual transmissions, from the 2006 and 2007 model years and manufactured between July 1, 2005, and July 31, 2006. Since a broken spring could, according to statements issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and FCA US LLC (previously known as the Chrysler Group) prevent the vehicle from starting, or cause it to move unintentionally once the ignition kicks over, the automaker will begin notifying owners of the affected vehicles just before Valentine's Day to bring their trucks into their local dealers to have the clutch ignition interlock switch replaced. FCA emphasizes, however, that the unintended movement would only occur "in rare cases" and only "if recommended starting procedures are not followed." Only one such case is known to have occurred, but it did regrettably result in a fatality. Statement: Clutch Ignition Interlock Switch December 29, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is launching a voluntary global recall of an estimated 66,819 older-model pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions. The Company will replace their clutch ignition interlock switches at no charge to customers. An investigation by FCA US engineers discovered switches in certain model-year 2006 and 2007 pickups may be equipped with spring wire that differs from wire used in previous switches. The alternate wire may break and, as a result, the vehicles may not start. In rare cases, a vehicle may – if recommended starting procedures are not followed – exhibit unintended movement when its ignition key is turned. The Company is aware of one fatality related to this campaign. It stemmed from the single known accident involving this population of vehicles. The recall covers certain Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 and Mitsubishi Raider pickups. Switches with the alternate wire were not used in any vehicles produced before July of 2005, or after June of 2006. The Dakota and Raider are no longer in production.