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The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Limited Edition debuts in Chicago

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has been on sale with only a mild refresh since 2010. For 2017, Mitsubishi is injecting some much needed life into the crossover. A Limited Edition trim, or simply LE, will be fully revealed this week at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show. Like most of the automaker's products, the Outlander Sport LE packs lots of features into a compact and relatively affordable package. The LE trim sits directly above the base Outlander Sport ES and will set you back $21,995, though it's unclear if that includes destination. An alloy fuel door, black painted door mirrors and 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, HID headlamps, a rearview camera and a Limited Edition badge are all included. The trim is available in any exterior color, but the interior of the Outlander Sport LE gets a special treatment. Red stitching on the steering wheel, shift knob, and brake lever compliment heated seats, aluminum pedals, and an infotainment system packed with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport may be getting up there in age, but it does pack a lot of features, decent packaging, and an excellent warranty into a reasonably affordable package. No word on how limited this Limited Edition may actually be. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Limited Edition Image Credit: Mitsubishi Chicago Auto Show Mitsubishi Technology Infotainment Smartphone Crossover

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV faces longer delays, might not arrive until 2016

It seems every time the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV makes the news the information concerns a delay, and the reason always centers on its batteries. Four months ago the culprit was restricted battery supply from Lithium Energy Japan, pushing the arrival to 2015. This time it's no different, with Automotive News reporting that a battery-related request made by California state regulators will push the Outlander PHEV arrival back to "late 2015 or early 2016."
CA authorities want all plug-in hybrids to be fitted with a monitor for the lithium-ion batteries that will be on the lookout for degradation, the concern being that diminished batteries could change the vehicle's emissions. Getting the technology fitted and tested means something like a 16- to 22-month delay.
The extra time, however, should let Mitsubishi figure out what it's going to do about its battery supply since the current level of 4,000 per month isn't enough to support a US launch; the Automotive News article says Mitsubishi expects a volume of 63,000 plug-ins for 2016. The company hasn't said how it plans to make up the balance.

Ever wonder how to really pronounce Japanese automaker names?

People tend to get very set in their ways when it comes to the pronunciation of words. Just look at the endless debates over whether or not to say the final 'e' in Porsche (which you should in terms of correct German enunciation). Or the argument about whether to follow the British convention and give the 'u' in Jaguar a special delivery or to say the 'ua' diphthong as more of a 'w' sound, as usually happens in the US.
This short video doesn't answer either of those automotive questions, but it does allow a native Japanese speaker to demonstrate the accepted pronunciations for several, major automakers from the country. One benefit is that it clears up the occasional debate over whether Nissan should be said with a long or short 'i' sound. Also, listen closely to how the female host says Mazda as Matsuda, the way it's actually said in the language. Even if this doesn't change the way you enunciate these brands, at least now you know the accurate way in Japanese.