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Mitsubishi Evolution reborn as electric crossover

Forget everything you ever knew about the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The potent, raw sport sedan that was a semi-mythical enthusiast fantasy for years is dead. In its place now comes an electric crossover, called the e-Evolution, as the Japanese automaker moves forward in a new era where mobility matters more than performance. It's a tacit admission that a small company can't afford to compete in the narrowest of niches — sport sedans — and a shrinking one at that. The e-Evolution shows Mitsubishi's new strategic direction, and it will be capable of using artificial intelligence, connectivity and other mobility solutions. Enthusiasts will take heart that the e-Evolution has all-wheel drive, a sophisticated three-motor system that works with Mitsu's Super All-Wheel Control to aid traction and driving dynamics. The electric batteries feeding the powertrain are placed in the middle of the concept underneath, which provides a low center of gravity. The design is striking. It's sharp with indentures, a prominent grille and large wheels set at the corners. There's huge air intakes, the ride height is elevated, and the back end features a hexagon design that recalls the spare tire cover from the Mitsubishi Shogun off-roader. The back also has jet-styled mini tailfins that help pass air cleanly by the sides to aid aerodynamics. Inside is a large flat screen bookended by two smaller screens. The e-Evolution also has sensors that help the vehicle read road conditions and try to coordinate the driver's intent. In short, this isn't your father's Evo. That's not Mitsubishi's intent. Rather, it's putting all of its best technologies under the umbrella of its most famous name on a vehicle that will compete in the largest part of the market. It's no longer the Evo as you knew it, but it's definitely an Evolution. Related Video:

Mitsubishi recalling 166k cars, crossovers over stall risk

Mitsubishi is recalling 165,923 vehicles in the US because it's possible for the drive belt to detach from their engines, potentially causing a stall. Specifically, the campaign covers 2008-2011 model-year examples of the Lancer, Lancer Evolution (pictured above) and Outlander as well as the 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback and 2011 Outlander Sport. All of the affected models use some version of the brand's 4B1 four-cylinder engine.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the engine pulley can wear causing the drive belt to slip off. If this happens, the alternator, cooling fan and hydraulic power steering can all stop working, and obviously, any of those things could make driving unsafe. However, if the belt detaches, then a warning light should come on in the cabin.
To fix the problem, Mitsubishi dealers will replace the original belt with a redesigned rubber part and will inspect the pulley. If worn, it'll also be replaced free of charge.

Mitsubishi fuel economy scandal will result in $1.39 billion loss

The fuel economy scandal revealed a couple months ago will cost Mitsubishi Motors a pretty penny. According to The New York Times, the Japanese automaker predicted the fiscal year 2016 will result in a loss of 145 billion yen, or $1.39 billion. We won't know for sure until March rolls around. The prediction is even more striking when compared to Mitsubishi's performance during the last few years. It will be Mitsubishi's first reported loss in eight years. In 2014, Mitsubishi reported a global profit of $1.2 billion, which doubled the profits of the previous year, and in the spring of 2015 the US arm of the manufacturer reported its first profits in seven years – $4.18 million. For a little while there, it seemed like things were looking really good for Mitsubishi, but past flaws caught up with it. Some of the models built have had their fuel economy readings rounded by as much as 15 percent, due to the way running resistance is calculated in laboratory conditions. Nissan swept in to buy one third of Mitsubishi, and under the Renault-Nissan alliance it is likely Mitsubishi will be put on a crash course to clear its name and start turning a profit again. But the bad publicity caused by the scandal will probably mean it'll be far in the future. Related Video: