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Mitsubishi i MiEV

France's PSA Group, which includes Peugeot and Citroen, will be jumping into the electric car game in 2011 courtesy of Mitsubishi. The Japanese carmaker will start selling its i MiEV later this year in Japan and will reportedly supply a re-badged version to sell through European dealers. Mitsubishi is planning to start with just 2,000 examples this year, with plans to double that volume each year over the next few years. With the additional volume going to PSA, the total number of cars is expected to double with half going to the French. That will mean Lithium Energy Japan, the JV between Mitsubishi and GS Yuasa will also have to crank up its production volumes. There are already some examples of the iMiEV being tested by electric utilities here in the US, but Mitsubishi hasn't yet committed to actually selling the car here.

Lancer Sportback

The crew at NextAutos caught a Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback testing in the great state of Michigan, providing us with further proof that the WRX-fighter is on its way to the States. The Sportback is the hatch/wagon/combi variant of the Lancer that originally debuted in Paris, and while Mitsubishi still hasn't confirmed drivetrain choices for the U.S., we've been assured that a Ralliart version is in the cards.

The Sportback aims to unseat the five-door Subaru Impreza both here and abroad, with gasoline engine choices in Europe spanning the range from 1.5- to 1.8-liters, along with a turbodiesel displacing 2.0 liters. The Sportback Ralliart will be powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-liter MIVEC four equipped on the sedan and putting out 237 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through Mitsubishi's new Twin-Clutch SST transmission and Active Center Differential. Expect the Sportback to arrive on U.S. shores later this year, with the Ralliart variant following shortly thereafter.

[Source: NextAutos]

2009 Mitsubishi Galant

Mitsubishi has a plant in Normal, Illinois that's capable of churning out 240,000 vehicles per year, if the demand is there. Currently, the plant produces the Galant, Eclipse and Endeavor CUV, a model mix that doesn't even spur enough excitement to drive the plant to its 100,000 vehicle per year break even point. Mitsubishi CEO Osamu Masuko would like to shuffle the models produced in Normal, focusing less on the Galant and producing more cars for global sale. For instance, vehicles like the Lancer or Outlander could be built in the Illinois plant instead of the Galant. Since those vehicles are offered worldwide, the hope is that building them in the U.S. for export to other markets would bump the plant's volume past 100,000 vehicles per year on the strength of demand elsewhere. Mitsubishi has only been able to sell 80,000 vehicles in the U.S. this year, and Masuko wants more small cars to meet growing consumer desire for fuel sippers. One thing seems certain is that the Normal plant won't be idled, having just been given a four-year extension with a UAW labor deal.

Who says policemen can't also have fun while working? Especially the ones from the South Yorkshire Police department in the UK, who have just received three brand new, Police spec Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X. Not to mention that the department also had Evo VIII and Evo X in their garage. The new cars will be used in the Road Crime Unit in cases invloving drugs and car theft. Inspector Slack said: "The Evo X was the car of choice because of its excellent pursuit capabilities and the fact that so much time and effort has been put into maximizing performance whilst minimising the risk of accidents".

Photo Gallery: Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X Police cars

Source: Carscoop

Cypress, Calif. –The 2009 Mitsubishi Raider midsize pickup offers truck customers a compelling blend of capability and value, and serves as an excellent alternative to heavier, bulkier full-size pickups. The Raider offers 20-mpg highway fuel economy and a 1,790-lb. carrying capacity.

The Mitsubishi Raider offers the best bumper-to-bumper new-vehicle limited warranty of any pickup truck - 5-years/60,000 miles. The Raider model line for 2009 includes one extended-cab model (2WD) and one Double Cab model (2WD). Both are offered in the well-equipped LS trim line. The Extended Cab model adds a standard tilt steering wheel for 2009.
All Raider models are built on the same long 131.3-inch wheelbase. The Extended Cab model has a 6.4-foot bed, and Double Cab models come with a 5.3-foot bed. A smooth 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of peak torque powers all Mitsubishi Raider models.

The Raider's bold styling shares signature cues from the Mitsubishi family of vehicles and underscores the truck's active, brawny attitude and purposeful stance. An emphasis on four-door Double Cab models reflects Raider's appeal as a multi-capable SUV alternative.

With more than 100 cubic feet of interior space, including a generous 36.4 inches of rear leg room, Raider Double Cab models provide comfort and room for up to six people. The Extended Cab model, with seating for three in front and two in the rear, features 32.1 inches of rear leg room. All models have a 40/20/40 cloth bench front seat.

Standout Exterior Design
Raider was designed at the Mitsubishi Motors Design Center in Cypress, Calif. The design presents a distinctive and dynamic look with an urban edge. Raider is highlighted by a sporty "one line" flush profile and curved full surfaces complemented by a distinctive hood, flared wheel arches and wide-fender rear styling. The overall effect gives Raider a toned, muscular physique. A thin upper grille and thick lower bumper echo design cues of other Mitsubishi models. High-tech headlamps and tail lamps round out the Raider's standout design.

Solid Foundation
Raider is built on a fully boxed, hydro-formed and roll-formed steel frame. The frame's inherent strength, in combination with the front independent suspension and power rack and pinion steering, gives Raider a comfortable ride and capable handling.

The Raider's combination of unequal length A-arms and coil-over units up front, combined with a live axle and multi-leaf arrangement at the rear, help this vehicle tackle work, rough terrain, or the boulevard with equal ability. The gas-pressure rear shock absorbers are mounted in a staggered arrangement (one shock absorber mounted ahead of the axle and the other behind it) to help combat wheel hop during launches.

In addition, the frame is engineered to contribute to occupant safety in the event of a collision. The front frame rails feature internal stiffeners to help manage deflection during frontal impacts and to help focus impact energy in the rail tips. The front rail structures are also straighter, which enhances the assembly's overall strength and rigidity.

This type of structure is also more effective at transmitting impact energy, reducing deformation, and helping to keep the cab intact in the event of a collision. The frame's boxed side rail sections are composed of high-strength, low-alloy steel to better resist buckling under impact.
The robust rear portion of the frame is designed to improve impact safety and protect the integrity of the rear fuel system and fuel tank that mounts between the rear sections. As with other sections of the frame, internal reinforcement structures also appear in the rear frame rails.

Responsive Power, Responsible Economy
The Raider's 3.7-liter single overhead-cam (SOHC) V-6 engine is based on a cast iron block with aluminum cylinder heads and a sequential multi-port electronic returnless fuel injection (MPFI) system. This durable V-6 employs chain-driven camshafts with a proven two-valve-per-cylinder configuration that yields strong low-end torque. The engine features a compact design for easy-to-access under hood packaging. The lightweight composite intake manifold uses individually tuned short runners for optimized performance across the engine's operating range.

Coupled with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, the V-6 returns up to 20-mpg highway fuel economy in the Extended Cab model. With the optional 4-speed automatic transmission, the Raider can tow up to 4,232 lbs. A new trailer hitch receiver is available as an accessory for 2009.

Outstanding Value in A Work/Play Truck
The Raider Extended Cab LS 2WD is an ideal work or play truck, with an excellent balance of rugged capability and comfort amenities. The chassis is up for almost anything with standard heavy-duty suspension and vented front disc brakes and rear drum brakes with ABS. Standard 16×7-inch steel wheels feature silver center caps and carry 245/70R16 tires, including a full-size spare tire.
The well-equipped Raider Extended Cab LS 2WD includes a long list of high-value standard features: air conditioning, tachometer, tinted glass, rear-access doors, variable intermittent windshield wipers, AM/FM/CD player with four speakers, single-disc MP3-capable CD player and auxiliary audio input jack, cargo bed lamp, cargo bed tie-downs, front bench seat (40/20/40 split), 12v power outlets, and dual front reading lamps.

The LS Appearance Package that is standard for Raider Double Cab models gives the Raider a sporty look with 16-in. machine-finished aluminum wheels and 265/70R16 tires, plus a dark-tinted sliding rear window.

The Power and Convenience Package, standard for LS Double Cab models and optional for the LS Extended Cab, gives Raider even more distinctive style and a significant comfort upgrade. The package combines color-keyed bumpers, fog lights, power side-view mirrors, cruise control, carpeted floor mats, power windows and door locks and remote keyless entry.

An available Accessory Package adds high-quality features that are covered under the new-vehicle warranty: side steps, a bed and tailgate liner, bed rail protectors, scuff plates, mudguards and an exhaust tailpipe finisher. The package also includes wheel locks and a spare tire wheel lock on Double Cab models. Some of those accessories, along with others, are available individually.

2009 Mitsubishi Raider - Hi-res. Images

Premium Warranty
Mitsubishi cars, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks are backed by comprehensive new vehicle limited warranties. Mitsubishi Eclipse, Lancer, Galant, Endeavor and Outlander vehicles come with a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, along with a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper new vehicle limited warranty. The high-performance Lancer Evolution is covered by a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, along with a 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper new vehicle limited warranty.

Mitsubishi pickup trucks are covered by a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper new vehicle limited warranty that also includes powertrain components. All Mitsubishi vehicles have a 7-year /100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty, along with 5-years/unlimited miles Roadside Assistance, which includes free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 500 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is engineered to provide an exhilarating driving experience, with agile, responsive handling that does not force the driver to sacrifice everyday driving comfort. The basis for Lancer Ralliart's engaging, fun-driving character is a global performance-engineered platform optimized from the beginning to handle high levels of power, and the high levels of grip made possible by Mitsubishi's advanced 4WD systems. This platform was introduced first for the 2007 Outlander SUV, a vehicle that provides uncommonly energetic driving responses for its segment.

An advanced All-Wheel Control system with Active Center Differential (ACD) works in concert with Ralliart-tuned chassis to make the Lancer Ralliart an aggressive twisty-road tamer. (See separate release for Lancer Ralliart All-Wheel Control.) Standard 10-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R18 Yokohama ADVAN summer tires and large 4-wheel disc brakes give the Lancer Ralliart outstanding grip and stopping performance. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) incorporates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Safety-Optimized RISE Body Structure
The Lancer models are built around Mitsubishi's next-generation Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) unibody design. The highly rigid structure makes extensive use of ultra-high-tension steel, a material that was not used in the previous-generation Lancer. A stiff body structure can allow sport suspension tuning without compromising a compliant ride.
Compared to the previous-generation Lancer, torsional rigidity is increased by 56 percent, and bending rigidity is up by 50 percent. These increases in both torsional and bending rigidity exceed body stiffness measurements of even the previous-generation Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evolution IX in other markets.)

Straight front side members with an octagonal cross-section and a three-leg support structure, as well as application high-strength steel, are designed to help Lancer models meet the highest crash test standards. The side pillars, roof joints and cross-car structure - combined with the standard front seat-mounted side air bags, driver knee air bag and standard front and rear curtain side air bags - give the new Lancer a higher degree of collision protection.

Rigidity Throughout
The lower body structure, where the suspension attaches to the car, also demonstrates the benefits of higher rigidity. Here, one can appreciate the holistic approach engineers used to achieve this goal. As one example, the Lancer's new-generation engines use a rear-mounted exhaust manifold, as opposed to the front-mounted exhaust manifold on the previous-generation Lancer engines. That change allowed use of a flat front suspension crossmember, where the previous model required a saddle-shaped crossmember to provide clearance for the exhaust pipe. A flat front crossmember can directly receive lateral loads from the front lower arms.

Strut tower, side and lower braces enhance lateral rigidity for precise steering response, and lower control arm attachment points and steering knuckles are strengthened. The combination of these enhancements, along with retuned lower control arm bushings, contribute to quicker steering response in the new-generation Lancer models.

Redesigned Front Suspension
The MacPherson strut front suspension is the same as used in the Lancer GTS, but with specific tuning for the Ralliart 4WD application, including higher spring and damper rates. The Lancer Ralliart employs a 22-mm front stabilizer bar (vs. 21 mm for Lancer GTS and 25 mm for Lancer Evolution) and higher spring and damper rates. The stabilizer strut helps ensure optimal roll rigidity and improved steering stability.

Multi-link Rear Suspension
The Lancer Ralliart is equipped with its own version of the trailing-arm type multi-link rear suspension used on other Lancer models, featuring specific cast trailing arms.

The Lancer Ralliart features the same 20-mm (0.79-in.) rear stabilizer bar as the Lancer GTS (vs. 23 mm for Lancer Evolution) but features higher-rate springs and dampers. Ball joint-type stabilizer links and a hub unit bearing provide high camber and toe rigidity.

Crisp, Responsive Steering
The Lancer Ralliart shares the same basic steering system as the Lancer GTS, with minor differences in pump specifications that create a sensation of steering speed and response that is between Lancer GTS and Lancer Evolution. The hydraulic system is optimized for greater efficiency, reliability and reduced pump noise. A variable-flow pump contributes to fuel efficiency. The optimized steering column layout features joint friction-reduction parts that improve steering feel (reduced torque fluctuation). Dampers used on the intermediate shaft help reduce shimmy. The smaller diameter Lancer Ralliart steering wheel, borrowed from the Evolution also contributes to a feeling of faster steering response.

Confident Braking Performance
The 2009 Lancer Ralliart not only tames curves, but does so with the confident stopping power of the same brakes as the larger, heavier Outlander SUV — 11.6-in. (294 mm) vented discs in front and 11.9-in. (302 mm) solid discs in rear. This is essentially the same brake system used on the Lancer GTS, the differences being dual-piston calipers on the front brakes in the Ralliart, vs. single-piston on the GTS, and slightly larger-diameter pistons for the single-piston rear brakes. Front rotors on both models measure 1.0 in. thick, and the rear rotors are 0.4 in. thick. Both use high-friction coefficient pads to improve performance. The single 10-in. brake vacuum booster, with a long-stroke master cylinder, optimize boost power and brake feel. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) incorporates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart - Hi-res. Images

Lancer Ralliart Warranty
Lancer Ralliart is covered by a bumper-to-bumper, New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 36 months or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first). The restraints system and the highly technical powertrain are covered by a 5-year or 60,000 miles Powertrain Limited Warranty, an Anti-Corrosion Perforation Limited Warranty for 7-years or 100,000 miles and a generous 5-year, unlimited miles timeframe for roadside assistance. All warranties are transferable to subsequent owners; coverage time begins on the original in-service date (does not start over with resale.)