Monday, August 31, 2009

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV has premiered in the Ruhr [DE]

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV has premiered in the Ruhr

* Joint action with the initiative "ruhr mobil-E"
* Four-day campaign in Bochum for Electric Mobility
* First drives in Mitsubishi i MiEV



Hattersheim, 31 August 2009 - Together with the initiative "ruhr mobil-E" is Mitsubishi Motors, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, the first high-volume electric car, now in the Ruhr region. "ruhr mobile e" is a network for electric mobility, consisting of among other car manufacturers, automobile companies, academic institutions, politics, local authorities and companies and political institutions. Today, the initiative launched jointly with Mitsubishi Motors four-day campaign "will Bochum E-mobile" in the administration building of the Bochum Stadtwerke.

"Electric Mobility is feasible, environmentally friendly and fun," said the initiators of the initiative. The project received representatives of the media and by public authorities and organizations, the first time, a prototype of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV to go. Martin van Vugt, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors Germany: "Especially in the Ruhr conurbation, we can prove today is the electric mobility makes perfect sense. In conjunction with renewable energy is economically, environmentally and timely. And at the Mitsubishi i-MiEV is also the driving not too short. "

Since July 2009 of electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV in Japan is sold. A left-hand-drive version is being developed. The launch in Germany will be in late 2010. By 2013, Mitsubishi Motors plans to produce 30,000 units of the electric vehicle per year.

The 3.40 meter long four-seater is almost exclusively driven by a 47kW/64 horsepower electric motor in the rear. The battery unit sits, protected by a sturdy frame, the floor. Thus, there is no space limitations in the passenger cabin and the trunk. In addition, the combination of the low center of gravity of the vehicle's excellent handling characteristics and a perfect handling.

With a full battery charge, the only 1100 kilograms weighing Mitsubishi i-MiEV a range of 144 kilometers (EU cycle) and has a top speed of 130 km / h. Within seven hours, the battery can be charged on each conventional household electrical outlet, a fast charge at a special fast charger takes about half an hour.

In connection with electricity from renewable energy sources, the i-MiEV goes virtually CO2-free, thus making a valuable contribution to climate protection.

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is the central element in the implementation of environmental and sustainability strategy of Mitsubishi, the vision 2020th It provides up to 2020 the proportion of electrical vehicles in the total output to 20 percent increase. The CO2 emissions of the entire fleet is to be located at this point 50 percent below the 2005 level. In addition, the environmental strategy of Mitsubishi Motors also envisages the production process for a reduced CO2 emissions by 20 percent.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Mitsubishi Outlander named Top 10 Pet Safe Vehicles [US]

Mitsubishi Outlander Goes to the Dogs
Edmunds.com and Bark Buckle UP Select Outlander as a Top Pet Safe Vehicle

August 20, 2009 --CYPRESS, Calif. --
The Mitsubishi Outlander CUV was named one of the Top 10 Pet Safe Vehicles by Edmunds.com and the pet safety experts from Bark Buckle UP. The collaborative effort's list praises the Outlander for having plenty of room and pet safety features that makes driving with pets safer and more convenient.

There are 71 million pet owners in America, and 82 percent of dogs travel in cars during their lifetime. However, 98 percent of the dogs travel unrestrained in moving vehicles, leaving pets and passengers vulnerable to injury in the event of a traffic accident, according to Bark Buckle UP statistics. In a 35 mile per hour collision, an unrestrained 60-pound pet becomes a 2,700-pound projectile and can do much harm to other passengers.

In announcing the Mitsubishi Outlander, Edmunds.com wrote: Side airbags, five-star crash test ratings and steering-wheel-mounted auxiliary controls are all part of the Outlander's arsenal of available offerings. The CUV also boasts fold-flat seating and stowable third-row seats (both of which increase the amount of room available for larger pets), as well as more than a dozen storage compartments for your gear and your pet's.

Throughout Southern California this summer, Mitsubishi has been deploying "K-9" teams to dog parks and beaches, offering free treats and foldable travel water bowls. "Pet owners' responses have been overwhelming," said Frances Oda, vice president of marketing at Mitsubishi Motors North America. "Owners are appreciative of Mitsubishi's added attention toward pet safety and comfort, while our furry friends enjoy lapping up fresh, cool water during their playtime."


Monday, August 17, 2009

Lancer Sportback arrives in dealerships today [US]

Mitsubishi Motors Announces Pricing for Versatile Five-Door Lancer Sportback; Newest Model Begins Arriving in Dealerships Aug. 17

August 6, 2009 --CYPRESS, Calif. --
Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today announced pricing for its newest addition to the multiple award-winning Lancer lineup - the versatile five-door 2010 Lancer Sportback GTS and Ralliart. The Lancer Sportback carries with it similar distinctive and aggressive styling as the rally-inspired Lancer Evolution, yet with greater flexibility to accommodate active lifestyles.



Lancer Sportback

The economical Lancer Sportback GTS features Mitsubishi's efficient 2.4-liter engine with 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque. MSRP for the GTS with a five-speed manual transmission is $19,190, while the six-speed CVT automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifters starts at an MSRP of $20,190.

The Lancer Sportback Ralliart is powered by Mitsubishi's 2.0-liter MIVEC turbocharged engine that pumps out 237 horsepower and 253 lb.-ft. of torque. All-Wheel Control (AWC) with Active Center Differential (ACD) is standard, as is the quick-shifting six-speed Twin Clutch-Sportronic® Shift Transmission (TC-SST) and magnesium paddle shifters that it shares with the high performance Lancer Evolution. The Lancer Sportback Ralliart starts at an MSRP of $27,590.

"Today's new car buyers are moving toward smaller, fuel efficient cars, and yet, there is still a need for cargo capacity. The Lancer Sportback's carrying capacity, coupled with a more aggressive design than contemporary hatchbacks, perfectly fills the void," explains Bryan Arnett, manager of product strategy of MMNA.

Mitsubishi designers created a dynamic and fluid shape for the Sportback that is instantly recognizable as a Lancer from the front, with its signature "jet fighter" grille, while being completely fresh from the C-pillar rearward. The sleek sloping rear door with integrated roof wing creates a visually distinctive shape while making the Lancer significantly more versatile. The door extends down to the rear bumper to make loading cumbersome objects like surfboards, camping gear and bicycles as easy as possible.

The Lancer Sportback's overall length is just slightly longer than the Lancer four-door sedan, yet it gains substantial cargo-carrying flexibility--especially when the 60:40-split rear seats are folded flat by its one-touch auto-folding feature. To add still more volume, the rear cargo floor of the GTS can be cleverly lowered three inches, yielding 52.7 cubic ft. maximum cargo space. The roof will also conveniently accommodate a plug-in Thule® Sport Rack for additional flexibility.

Premium interior features like those found on the Lancer sedans are also part of the Sportback's resume. Key components in the Ralliart version include a standard 140-watt CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers or an available 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate Premium Sound System, in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, plus Sirius Satellite Radio. A hard disc-drive navigation system with Mitsubishi's exclusive Diamond Lane Guidance to provide route guidance is optional, as are Recaro sport seats that provide optimal support for the driver and front passenger.

Safety Features
Standard safety features in all Lancer models include an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags, plus a driver's knee air bag. Active Stability Control (ASC) also comes on every Lancer Sportback, and the GTS is equipped with Reinforced Impact Safety Engineering (RISE), a unibody construction designed to help absorb energy in a collision. Every Lancer Sportback has a built-in Anti-Theft system with immobilizer key, and the Touring Package adds HID (high intensity discharge) headlamps.





Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Premium Warranty
The 2010 Lancer Sportback GTS and Ralliart have comprehensive bumper-to-bumper warranties. The GTS comes with a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty with a fully transferable 5-year/60,000 mile warranty for subsequent owners, and a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. The Ralliart offers a fully transferable 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain package and a 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Both the GTS and Ralliart come with a 7-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty and 5-year unlimited miles Roadside Assistance benefits.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Alister McRae to drive for MML Sports at Rallyday [UK]

Alister McRae to drive for MML Sports at Rallyday
Friday, 14 August 2009 00:00


Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Grp N

Former British Rally Champion and Mitsubishi works driver, Alister McRae, will drive the MML Sports Ltd Mitsubishi Lancer World Rally Car and EvoX Group N rally car at this year’s Rallyday.

Alister has a long association with MML Sports, having driven for the Mitsubishi works team in 2002 and also, on a personal level with MML Sports’ Managing Director, John Easton. Before joining Ralliart Europe, which went on to become MML Sports in 2008, John was Chief Engineer on the Nissan rally program and was instrumental in Alister’s early career success with the Japanese marque.

Alister is returning to the UK from his home in Western Australia for the event and is looking forward to driving both the Lancer World Rally Car, which he has already sampled and the Group N EvoX, which will be his first taste of the MML Sport version.

“I’m looking forward to being back at Castle Combe for Rallyday this year,” said the Scot. “The last time I was there was in 2005 and I thoroughly enjoyed it, so it should be fun this year. In fact, especially as I will be driving the two Mitsubishi rally cars. I have a huge amount of fond memories of the World Rally Championship with Mitsubishi and it will be fantastic to catch up with the team and drive the WRCar and the EvoX.

“I actually drove the WRCar at Goodwood on the gravel stage a few years ago, just before Mitsubishi withdrew from rallying and was impressed with it. I gather that MML Sports has carried on making improvements to it, so I am looking forward to seeing how it drives now, as I’m sure it’s still a very good car.

“I’m also keen to see what the Group N car is like. I know Guy [Wilks] has driven it and was impressed, so I’m looking forward to that also.”


Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRC05

Managing Director of MML Sports Ltd John Easton is also pleased that Alister will be returning to the Mitsubishi fold, albeit for just the one day. “I’m delighted that Alister will be driving both the Lancer WRCar and the Group N EvoX at this year’s Rallyday. I’ve personally known Alister for some 15 years and have worked with him for almost as long, so it will be a pleasure to see him driving our cars again.

“Not only is Alister an extremely competitive driver, he’s also a showman and at an event like Rallyday, will make sure that the fans are treated to a display to remember.”

This year’s Rallyday takes place at Castle Combe racetrack in Wiltshire on Saturday 19 September. For more information, go to www.Rallyday.com.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

09 Mitsubisbishi Lancer SE [UK]

NEW ENTRY LEVEL LANCER ADDED TO MITSUBISHI LINE UP
Wednesday 12th August 2009

Mitsubishi Motors UK has a new addition to their Euro NCAP 5 Star Award winning Lancer range. The new Lancer 1.5 4-door SE is a well equipped family saloon and priced at just £12,499 presents outstanding value.

The Lancer 1.5 4-door SE boasts an impressive level of standard specification; metallic paint, 16” alloys, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags, Bluetooth, air conditioning, front fogs, steering wheel audio and Bluetooth controls, iPod input and CAT 1 alarm to name but a few.

With a manual transmission and Mitsubishi’s 1.5 litre petrol MIVEC VVT engine, the car goes from 0-62 in 11.6 seconds, has CO2 emissions of 153g/km combined, VED Band G (£150 per annum road tax), and has an excellent fuel consumption of 44mpg.

The new Lancer 1.5 4-door SE has 12,500 mile service intervals, 3-years unlimited mileage warranty and pan-European roadside assistance. For an additional £275 customers can purchase a Mitsubishi Service Plan covering the vehicle’s first three scheduled services.