Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com Autoblog Canada http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Sweetie Girl Racing delivers Mother's Day driving experience at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/sweetie-girl-racing-delivers-advanced-driving-experience-at-cana/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/sweetie-girl-racing-delivers-advanced-driving-experience-at-cana/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/sweetie-girl-racing-delivers-advanced-driving-experience-at-cana/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,



What better way to spend Mother's Day than at the Driver Development Track at Mosport (aka Canadian Tire Motorsports Park) The team at Sweetie Girl Racing (SGR), rolled out all the stops and hosted a fantastic, fun and highly informative drivers training day. Despite the rain, cold, sleet, and ever-changing conditions on that faux-spring day, smiles and delighted faces were all around as family members, friends and instructors cheered on the visible progress of all those enrolled.

The day started out with a classroom session where everything from body position, racing lines, car control, tires and just about anything that anyone would need to know about driving on a track was discussed. There was a wide range of enrolled drivers, ranging from freshly licenced 17-year-old drivers to those who have had 40-plus years of experience. The idea of the day was to illustrate that any driver could benefit from this kind of advanced driving experience. The variety of cars on track were just as varied as the drivers' experience levels. Ford, Mazda, Volvo, BMW, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Lexus and even an exotic GT40 were all represented, respectively.

Click here to view the full story and photo gallery from the event.

Continue reading Sweetie Girl Racing delivers Mother's Day driving experience at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park

Sweetie Girl Racing delivers Mother's Day driving experience at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 23 May 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> canadian drivingcanadian tire motorsport parkddtdriver developmentdriver trainingdriver training programdriveteqmosportracing schoolsweetie girl racingtrackday Thu, 23 May 2013 11:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20574168/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/sweetie-girl-racing-delivers-advanced-driving-experience-at-cana/20574168/article-detail.xml 20574168 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-sgr-ddt-may-337-1368816289_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-sgr-ddt-may-337-1368816289.jpg <![CDATA[Rapping grandmas love the Mitsubishi i EV]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/rapping-grandmas-love-the-mitsubishi-i-ev/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/rapping-grandmas-love-the-mitsubishi-i-ev/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/rapping-grandmas-love-the-mitsubishi-i-ev/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



For some reason, having unlikely rappers - like minivan-driving suburbanites or British mothers - spit about their rides is still a catchy advertising hook, even in other cultures. Far more so, we're guessing, than having P. Diddy sing about his dog and his pickup truck or a Brazilian street gang doing a Celtic dirge, for example.

And that's how you get three grandmothers ridin' dirty clean in a Mitsubishi i electric vehicle. The ad for the Belgian car sharing company Cambio - promoting the i in its fleet - gets the three "omaatjes" rolling through town in veteran hip-hop fashion, right down to the police once-over.

Check out how they do it in the video below, but beware, there is some explicit language.

Gallery: Top 10 celebrity cars and rich stars who drive cheap and ugly cars

Continue reading Rapping grandmas love the Mitsubishi i EV

Rapping grandmas love the Mitsubishi i EV originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 13 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> advertisingbelgiumcambiocambio car sharingrapvideoyoutube Mon, 13 May 2013 19:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20567284/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/rapping-grandmas-love-the-mitsubishi-i-ev/20567284/article-detail.xml 20567284 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cambio-i-ad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cambio-i-ad.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi Evo snow frolic caught by aerial camera]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/mitsubishi-evo-snow-frolic-caught-by-aerial-camera/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/mitsubishi-evo-snow-frolic-caught-by-aerial-camera/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/mitsubishi-evo-snow-frolic-caught-by-aerial-camera/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Guido Tschugg is a professional mountain biker and a Red Bull-sponsored athlete in downhill and four-cross. He's also a big fan of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (who isn't?) and drifting in the snow! So with the help of pro filmmaker Mario Feil and drone videographers airv8, the rally car and the fresh powder are combined to glorious effect.

We could continue talking about it, but that would only delay you from enjoying the two minutes of frosty beauty in the amazing video below.


Gallery: Sport Compact Evolution - 2013 Toronto Auto Show

Continue reading Mitsubishi Evo snow frolic caught by aerial camera

Mitsubishi Evo snow frolic caught by aerial camera originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> driftingguido tschuggmitsubishimitsubishi lancer evolutionsnowvideovimeo Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20552291/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/mitsubishi-evo-snow-frolic-caught-by-aerial-camera/20552291/article-detail.xml 20552291 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/guido-tschugg-evo-video_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/guido-tschugg-evo-video.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/2013-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-gsr-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/2013-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-gsr-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/2013-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-gsr-review/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Quick Corners And Long Goodbyes



Editor's Note: While driving the Mitsubishi Evolution in the slush and snow of winter is a fine enterprise, photographing it in such conditions is usually not fruitful. That's why you'll notice a slight disparity between our wintry text and sunny, California-based photographs of the subject car. Rest assured, both the review vehicle and the photo car are of the same basic Evo GSR flavour.

It was a dreary, gray, barely sufferable winter morning. Temperatures hovering just over -1 degree Celsius allowed for snow or rain or some combination thereof at a moment's notice, and the thickly clouded sky hinted at dark secrets while promising nothing. I've never been a rally driver but I couldn't help but feel that this murky, imprecise day was good winter rally weather. I'll admit: I don't usually wake up and look out the window to judge which kind of racing would be best just then, but the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR delivered to my house the day before was colouring the mood of the hour; most of my thoughts ran to where I was going to drive it, when, and how fast.

The Evo sitting in my crumbling suburban driveway sounded like a rifle shot when I first turned the engine over at 5:00 AM - exhaust meted out in cranky blats every time I tiptoed on the throttle. I was up early on a winter's Saturday for a few reasons, number one being that I'm oddly inhabited by the insomniac spirit of an octogenarian for a 34-year-old, and I wake up even if I don't have to. Number two was all about the Mitsubishi.

Continue Reading...

Continue reading 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR

2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 mitsubishi lancer evolution gsrevoevo xfeaturedmitsumitsubishimitsubishi lancermitsubishi lancer evolutionmitsubishi lancer evolution gsrrallyrally carrally racerreviewreviewswrc Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20528586/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/03/2013-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-gsr-review/20528586/article-detail.xml 20528586 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/03-2013-mitsubishi-lancer-evo-x-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/03-2013-mitsubishi-lancer-evo-x-review-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Mitsubishi Mirage bound for Canada [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/2014-mitsubishi-mirage-arrives-in-us-this-fall/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/2014-mitsubishi-mirage-arrives-in-us-this-fall/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/2014-mitsubishi-mirage-arrives-in-us-this-fall/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2014 Mitsubishi Mirage

Canada's Mitsubishi dealers have been painfully starved of fresh product for ages now, with their most recent new model, the bubble-shaped i electric car, already requiring a serious sales jumpstart. We've known for a while that help is on the way in the form of an all-new Outlander crossover, but we've basically only had loose confirmations to go on that the Japanese automaker would eventually reintroduce its Mirage subcompact to the North American market. Those rumors have turned to reality, as Mitsubishi has confirmed that the five-door economy car will be sold in Canada.

Every subcompact player needs a trump suit, from Ford's tech-rich Fiesta to Honda's impossibly space-efficient Fit, and the Mirage's calling card figures to be its fuel economy. Mitsubishi says it expects its 2014 Mirage to achieve 6.4 L/100km (37 mpg) in the city and 5.3 L/100km (44 mpg) on the highway (combined rating of 5.8 L/100km (40 mpg)) when equipped with a continuously variable transmission. Those figures are good enough, Mitsu says, to earn it the title of the most fuel-efficient gasoline vehicle sold in North America that isn't a hybrid.

Of course, Mitsubishi isn't outlining any additional specs at the moment - not even engine configuration. We're expecting the company's 1.2 litre three-cylinder, which in European spec delivers a modest 79 horsepower and 78 pound-feet of torque. The Continent's Mirage weighs under 862 kg (1,900 pounds), but the normally aspirated triple still makes for leisurely acceleration of 11.7 seconds to 100 km/h (62 miles per hour). It will be interesting to see if Mitsubishi makes some powertrain alterations to better suit Canadian expectations.

With no performance stats on offer other than fuel economy, interested parties will need to find succor in confirmation that the model will come with features including automatic climate control, power windows and a four-speaker stereo with USB port. Options will also include navigation with rearview camera, LED interior illumination and park assist. No pricing has been released at this time.

To watch the new Mirage in video action and to read the short press release, scroll down.

Gallery: 2013 Mitsubishi Mirage

Continue reading 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage bound for Canada [w/video]

2014 Mitsubishi Mirage bound for Canada [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 new york auto show2014 mitsubishi mirageautoshow2013mitsubishimitsubishi miragenew yorknew york auto show Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20523174/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/29/2014-mitsubishi-mirage-arrives-in-us-this-fall/20523174/article-detail.xml 20523174 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-mitsubishi-mirage-ny_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-mitsubishi-mirage-ny.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi 311RS Evo X limited-edition has arrived]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/mitsubishi-311rs-evo-x-limited-edition-is-coming/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/mitsubishi-311rs-evo-x-limited-edition-is-coming/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/mitsubishi-311rs-evo-x-limited-edition-is-coming/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Limited Edition Mitsubishi 311RS Evo X - shallow front three-quarter view

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 Evo 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.

Just 11 examples of the 311RS will be offered for sale, with the first car going to leading dealer White Bear Mitsubishi in White Bear Lake, MN. We're told that the car will retail for US$49,000; that's a big jump over the price tag of a base GSR (especially stateside), but almost the same as the starting price tag on a fully loaded Evo MR. Find more complete information about the 311RS, in the press release information, below.

You'll also find a video on the "making of" a longer 311RS film (which hasn't been released yet), as well. Enjoy.

Continue reading Mitsubishi 311RS Evo X limited-edition has arrived

Mitsubishi 311RS Evo X limited-edition has arrived originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 mitsubishi 311rs evolution x311rsautoshow2013evoevo xevolution xlancerlancer evolutionminneapolis auto showmitsubishimitsubishi evomitsubishi evolutionryan gatesvideo Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20495292/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/11/mitsubishi-311rs-evo-x-limited-edition-is-coming/20495292/article-detail.xml 20495292 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-mitsubishi-311rs-evolution-x-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-mitsubishi-311rs-evolution-x-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi debuts Concept CA-MiEV, a new suburban EV with 300km range]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/mitsubishi-concept-ca-miev-geneva-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/mitsubishi-concept-ca-miev-geneva-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/mitsubishi-concept-ca-miev-geneva-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



Mitsubishi is stretching the electric jellybean. For years, the i-MiEV was a regular presence at Mitsubishi's auto show booths around the world, and the car rightfully earned its nickname because of its rounded shape. Today, at the Geneva Motor Show, Mitsubishi finally unveiled a version of the i-MiEV that looks much more more at home among the alternative-powertrain car fleet of the near future.

But there's more being elongated here than just the shape. The official range of the standard i (as the i-MiEV is known in North America) is 100 km. The Concept CA-MiEV - where the CA stands for Compact and Advanced - is supposed to be able to go 300 kilometres (186 miles) from a 28-kWh lithium-ion battery and lightweight 80-kW motor/inverter/charger unit. This is kind of astonishing, given the range estimates of other compact and midsize EVs on the market today - most are in the 130 km - 160 km (80-100-mile) range. Of course, the specific test used to get the 300 kilometres (186-mile) result matters, too, since the regular i received 157 km (98 miles) on the LA4 driving cycle range. The NA-i has a 16-kWh pack.

The increased distance means that Mitsubishi is talking about the Concept CA-MiEV as the "suburban EV," with enough range for "about one week of driving for an average European driver." If you need more, Mitsubishi hints that the flat battery pack leaves room for a range-extender. Add in convenience features like WiTricity wireless charging and the ability for the car to send an emergency email if it's stolen, and you've got the commuting vehicle of the future. With a coefficient of drag of just 0.26 and boomerang lights, of course.

Mitsubishi is saying the CA-MiEV is "not planned for production," and is instead a showcase for "the various technologies MMC intends to introduce mid- to long-term across its range of global vehicles." That means, perhaps, some of the goodies here could make their way to rebadged, updated versions of the Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero models, both based on the i-MiEV.

Check out our gallery of the CA-MiEV and read more in the press release below.

Continue reading Mitsubishi debuts Concept CA-MiEV, a new suburban EV with 300km range

Mitsubishi debuts Concept CA-MiEV, a new suburban EV with 300km range originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ca-mievconcept ca-mievgenevageneva 2013geneva motor showmitsubishi Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20488681/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/05/mitsubishi-concept-ca-miev-geneva-2013/20488681/article-detail.xml 20488681 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mitsubishi-ca-miev-concept-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mitsubishi-ca-miev-concept-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi Concept GR-HEV brings diesel hybrid efficiency to the pickup game]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/mitsubishi-concept-gr-hev-geneva-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/mitsubishi-concept-gr-hev-geneva-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/mitsubishi-concept-gr-hev-geneva-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Mitsubishi Concept GR-HEV

Mitsubishi unveiled its Concept GR-HEV at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Branded a "Sport Utility Hybrid Truck," the concept mates a 2.5-litre clean diesel engine with a front-mounted electric motor for a more efficient one-ton pickup. Complete with an automatic transmission mated to a full-time four-wheel-drive system, the GR-HEV is designed to make hybrid technology attractive to buyers beyond the traditional compact car market. Mitsubishi says the vehicle's drivetrain is good for CO2 emissions of 149 grams per kilometer. For comparison's sake, the global 2012 Ford Ranger emits 264 g/km when equipped with the 3.2-litre turbo-diesel engine and a six-speed manual transmission.

Designed to be both more simple and less expensive than electric, plug-in hybrid or standard hybrid work vehicles, the GR-HEV would theoretically yield both the instant torque of a hybrid and the range of a traditional diesel.

You can take a closer look at a full press release below for more information.


Gallery: Mitsubishi GR-HEV Concept Photos

Continue reading Mitsubishi Concept GR-HEV brings diesel hybrid efficiency to the pickup game

Mitsubishi Concept GR-HEV brings diesel hybrid efficiency to the pickup game originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoshow2013genevageneva 2013geneva motor showgr-hevgr-hev conceptmitsubishi Tue, 05 Mar 2013 07:28:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20488687/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/05/mitsubishi-concept-gr-hev-geneva-2013/20488687/article-detail.xml 20488687 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mitsubishi-gr-hev-concept-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mitsubishi-gr-hev-concept-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi CA-MiEV and GR-HEV concepts peek out before debut]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/mitsubishi-ca-miev-and-gr-hev-concepts-peek-out-before-debut/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/mitsubishi-ca-miev-and-gr-hev-concepts-peek-out-before-debut/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/mitsubishi-ca-miev-and-gr-hev-concepts-peek-out-before-debut/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



We're getting a look at the two star Mitsubishi concept cars from this year's Geneva soiree, just ahead of the official debut for both. As suits Mitsubishi's ever-deepening interest in electrified vehicles, the brace of concepts both make use of electric drive: the CA-MiEV being a pure electric vehicle and the GR-HEV using a diesel-electric powertrain.

The CA-MiEV concept car may look a bit like a photoshopped Toyota Prius, but in fact the car employs a new electric motor and battery system from Mitsu. We're told that the EV has a theoretical range of 300 kilometres (186 miles), which is nearly double the range of most EVs on the market today and approaches Tesla territory. The vehicle is larger than the company's current i-MiEV, and would seem to point the way forward for a more mainstream production EV from Mitsu.

The second concept, a rather odd-looking pickup truck called the GR-HEV, has a diesel engine, electric motor, all-wheel drive, and Mitsubishi's Super All Wheel Control. The front fascia bears a version of the grille we've seen on the new Outlander PHEV, with more radically raked (sort of "smiling") lighting elements.

Look for more information and lots of live images of both Mitsubishi concept cars as the Geneva Motor Show rolls along this week.

Continue reading Mitsubishi CA-MiEV and GR-HEV concepts peek out before debut

Mitsubishi CA-MiEV and GR-HEV concepts peek out before debut originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoshow2013ca-mievconcept carsgenevageneva 2013geneva motor showgr-hevmitsubishi Mon, 04 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20487926/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/04/mitsubishi-ca-miev-and-gr-hev-concepts-peek-out-before-debut/20487926/article-detail.xml 20487926 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mitsubishi-ca-miev-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mitsubishi-ca-miev-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mexican police seize engine-powered drug cannon]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/01/mexican-police-seize-engine-powered-drug-cannon/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/01/mexican-police-seize-engine-powered-drug-cannon/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/01/mexican-police-seize-engine-powered-drug-cannon/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Mexican drug cannon in pickup bed

It seems like we're always hearing about new ways in which people are trying to smuggle things into the US from Mexico - including simply driving over the wall. Case in point? Mexican police have found yet another way criminals are attempting to get drugs over the border. Mexicali police have seized what looks to be either a Mitsubishi Mighty Max or Dodge Ram 50 pickup, equipped with what is essentially an oversized spud gun in the bed used to shoot marijuana over the border.

Constructed from a metal tank and a large plastic pipe, The Guardian reports that this drug cannon actually uses a car engine to build up enough air pressure to launch up to 13 kilos of marijuana at a time. Mexicali police were alerted to this truck when their US counterparts found drug packages on this side of the border. As of yet, there is no word as to how the vehicle was caught and whether any arrests resulted.

Continue reading Mexican police seize engine-powered drug cannon

Mexican police seize engine-powered drug cannon originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> drug smugglingdrug smuggling failmexicali policemighty maxmitsubishiram 50us mexico border Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:14:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20484810/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/01/mexican-police-seize-engine-powered-drug-cannon/20484810/article-detail.xml 20484810 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/mexico-drug-cannon_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/mexico-drug-cannon.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi previews diesel hybrid pickup concept, next-gen EV for Geneva]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/mitsubishi-previews-diesel-hybrid-pickup-concept-next-gen-ev-fo/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/mitsubishi-previews-diesel-hybrid-pickup-concept-next-gen-ev-fo/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/mitsubishi-previews-diesel-hybrid-pickup-concept-next-gen-ev-fo/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Mitsubishi Concept GR-HEV teaser

Mitsubishi CA-MiEV teaser - shadowy front endMitsubishi has a long history of tidy little pickup trucks, and the Japanese automaker is apparently looking to extend that heritage in a bolder, bigger way with the Concept GR-HEV, a "sport utility hybrid truck."

The future-think show star, slated to be unveiled at next month's Geneva Motor Show, is actually tipped to be a much larger effort - Mitsubishi says it's applying its hybrid technology to a one-ton truck for the first time. The GR-HEV is powered by a complex powertrain composed of a diesel engine and electric motors, which the company believes is better suited to the sort of heavy-duty work required in the segment. The concept also employs full-time four-wheel drive and a development of Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control system (which governs things like stability and brake force control along with an active center differential) as seen on the production Lancer Evolution.

In related news, Mitsubishi has also confirmed that it will show a next-generation electric showcar at Geneva dubbed Concept CA-MiEV. With this new concept (inset photo), the company says it is looking to build on the learnings of its i citycar and take EVs out of their limited urban roles. To that end, the CA-MiEV boasts "next generation EV systems and high density batteries" that give it a range of 300 kilometres.

Continue reading Mitsubishi previews diesel hybrid pickup concept, next-gen EV for Geneva

Mitsubishi previews diesel hybrid pickup concept, next-gen EV for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gallery: 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander GT: Quick Spin






I'm not a gambling man, but if there were a pool for an automotive death watch, my money would be on Mitsubishi... Lincoln is a close second. To understand the plight of Mitsubishi, you only have to look at its current lineup; they all just look, feel and drive about 10 years older than they really are. With the departure of the Endeavor and merciful killing of the Eclipse (the Galant lives on, but is on hiatus for the 2013 model year), one of the worst remaining offenders is the Mitsubishi Outlander, which I recently drove in top-level GT trim for this Quick Spin.

If we had a time machine and took the 2013 Outlander GT back to 1998, it would be revolutionary. If we could take it back to 2004, it might be near the top of its class. But in the current highly competitive crossover segment of today, the Outlander just falls short. Yes, the all-new 2014 Outlander is on its way later this year, but from what we've seen both inside and out, the new design would look great in 2008. That being said, spending a week with any vehicle can point out surprising highs as well as lows, and there are still plenty of reasons to enjoy Mitsu's midsize CUV.

Driving Notes
  • Unfortunately, I have to kick off my driving impressions on a negative note. There are few utility vehicles on the market that make the third row an enviable seating position, but the Outlander GT's rear-most seat is downright insulting. Not only is this the worst third-row seat currently on the market, it could very well be the worst ever created - that includes the uncomfortable rear-facing third row of a certain 1977 Impala station wagon I was relegated to as a kid during family road trips. The operation is clunky, the padding is lacking and the snap-on headrests are as tall as the seat back itself.
  • On the opposite end of the scale, the best part about the Outlander GT is its drivetrain and platform. Replacing the base four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission, the GT trim level brings a well-aged 3.0-litre V6 paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Since it shares its underpinnings with the Mitsubishi Lancer, the Outlander also has a pretty good ride quality in just about any road condition.
  • My tester was equipped with Mitsubishi's dynamic Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) sending the engine's 230 horsepower to all four wheels, improving traction or performance depending on which driver-selectable mode has been chosen (Tarmac or Snow), and there is also an active front differential that that splits engine torque across the front axle or fully locks (in Lock setting) for better off-road performance. I didn't have the chance to do any serious off roading in Outlander, but I was able to test out the S-AWC along sandy, gravelly roads, which the Outlander handled like a champ.
  • Thanks to a 2010 styling refresh, the Outlander is one of the better-looking budget crossovers on the market. With its gaping grille and angular HID headlights, the Outlander GT has a pretty imposing face, and the clear-lensed LED taillights are also a stylish touch to the overall look of the Outlander. While this tester's dark blue color didn't do its lines any favors, it's is still a reasonably handsome midsize CUV.
  • Try as it may to look like the Lancer Evolution, the Outlander does not live up to its "GT" (ES) trim. Its car-based platform and raised stance just make it feel like a tall car rather than a sporty crossover. I didn't have the time to put the performance aspect of S-AWC to the test, but you can tell that the Outlander is designed to be the budget-minded crossover in its segment rather than performance-minded. Speaking of budgets, the Outlander GT's fuel economy rating of 19 miles per gallon (12.4 L/100km) city and 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) highway EPA is about par for V6-powered vehicles in this segment, but it also requires premium gasoline.
  • Aside from the after-thought of a third-row seat, the rest of the Outlander's interior isn't all that bad. Front occupants can enjoy heated seats (with the button buried between the seat and the centre console) and Mitsubishi's easy-to-use Fuse hands-free system as standard equipment. Even the middle row provides a surprising level of comfort with a 60/40 split seat that can slide and recline allowing ample legroom and space for the unfortunate passengers in the way back. Another quirky benefit of the Outlander is the fold down tailgate that sits flat with the cargo floor making it easier to load and unload bulky items.
  • Then there's the matter of price. Even though the Outlander AWD starts at a reasonable $27,998, this tester came practically fully loaded with an additional Touring Package and a Navigation Package, which boosted the as-tested price. You can get a lot more utility from a more stable brand for that much or lower.

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander GT (ES/AWD) originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 mitsubishi outlander2013 mitsubishi outlander gtfeaturedmitsubishioutlanderoutlander gtquick spinquickspin Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:58:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20443466/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/30/2013-mitsubishi-outlander-gt-quick-spin-review/20443466/article-detail.xml 20443466 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-mitsubishi-outlander-qs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-mitsubishi-outlander-qs.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i>: Ford Fusion fun but flawed; Mitsubishi i-MiEV slow, chintzy [w/videos]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/consumer-reports-ford-fusion-fun-but-flawed-mitsubishi/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/consumer-reports-ford-fusion-fun-but-flawed-mitsubishi/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/consumer-reports-ford-fusion-fun-but-flawed-mitsubishi/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2013 Ford Fusion - front three-quarter view

Waiting for a Ford compliment from Consumer Reports these days is like waiting for a low-cost new product from Apple. So we weren't really expecting a glowing review of the 2013 Ford Fusion when CR got its hands on the car. The institute's crew bought three different versions of the Fusion (Hybrid, 1.6-litre EcoBoost and a Titanium with the 2.0-litre EcoBoost) to put through its barrage of tests, and while we aren't too surprised by some of the findings, they're still interesting nonetheless.

Mitsubishi i - front three-quarter view, studio imageCR praises the Fusion for its "eye-catching" design and says that the sportier Titanium trim level is the best-handling midsize sedan they've ever tested, but that's about where the good news ends for Ford. The Fusion Hybrid also posted the best-ever fuel economy CR has recorded in a midsize sedan, but the only problem is that their number was 39 miles per gallon EPA (6.0 L/100 km) combined - far less than Ford's 47 mpg (5.0 L/100 km) rating for city, highway and combined. As expected, CR also dinged the Fusion for its MyFord Touch, but some of the other gripes about the car include a cramped cabin and poor fit and finish.

Other Ford products tested this time around include the Focus Electric and C-Max Hybrid. Like the Fusion, CR's observed fuel economy of 37 mpg for the C-Max fell well short of Ford's advertised 47-mpg (5.0 L/100 km) rating, and both cars were criticized for the use of MyFord Touch. CR notes that the Focus Electric's interior is also cramped, with the battery pack taking up a lot of cargo space.

In other news, CR slams the Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric car rather mercilessly, something that is perhaps less surprising. The institute digs into the low-cost urban runabout for its lack of speed, payload, and chintzy finish, among other things.

You can check out videos about the Fusion Hybrid, Focus Electric and i-MiEV by scrolling below.

Continue reading Consumer Reports: Ford Fusion fun but flawed; Mitsubishi i-MiEV slow, chintzy [w/videos]

Consumer Reports: Ford Fusion fun but flawed; Mitsubishi i-MiEV slow, chintzy [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 ford fusion2013 mitsubishi ic-max hybridconsumer reportsfocus electricfordfusioni-mievmitsubishi Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20436762/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/23/consumer-reports-ford-fusion-fun-but-flawed-mitsubishi/20436762/article-detail.xml 20436762 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-ford-fusion---red_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-ford-fusion---red.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi debuts sub-compact for first time in North America at Montreal Auto Show]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/mitsubishi-debuts-sub-compact-for-first-time-in-north-america-at/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/mitsubishi-debuts-sub-compact-for-first-time-in-north-america-at/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/mitsubishi-debuts-sub-compact-for-first-time-in-north-america-at/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



It seems the catalog of available sub-compact city-cars is getting bigger for Canadians in 2013. Alongside Honda's GEAR Concept, Mitsubishi has announced that its Concept Global Small Car will be coming to North America in 2013. This pint sized 5-door hatch was previously unveiled in JDM-spec at the Tokyo Auto Show but as of now it is not clear how different in spec the North American version will be.

Although Mitsubishi's sub-compact isn't exactly groundbreaking in styling, it seems we might be in for some good numbers in terms of fuel efficiency. Upping the displacement from its JDM 1.0L to a 1.2L 3-cylinder, the econo-mill comes in at a whopping 74 hp and 74 lb-ft of torque. Mitsubishi claims much effort was spent on making the chassis as light as possible so we can only hope it will take less than three days to make it from 0-100km/h!

As with most of Mistubishi's lineup of late, it is clear the focus will be on selling reliability and efficiency on a budget, and with this tiny run-about in the mix they may be right on target. look for this yet, unnamed Mitsu to arrive in showrooms this Fall.

Click here for a full gallery of the Mitsubishi Global Small Car and Click here to read the full press release from Mitsubishi Canada.

Gallery: Montreal Auto Show 2013

Continue reading Mitsubishi debuts sub-compact for first time in North America at Montreal Auto Show

Mitsubishi debuts sub-compact for first time in North America at Montreal Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auto show 2013Auto Showsautoshow 2013honda subcompact salon montrealhondasubcompactsalonmontrealMIASMiragemitsubishimitsubishi car news north americaMitsubishi Global Small ConceptMitsubishi Miragemitsubishi subcompactmitsubishicarnewsnorthamericamitsubishisubcompactMontreal Auto Show Thu, 17 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20432114/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/mitsubishi-debuts-sub-compact-for-first-time-in-north-america-at/20432114/article-detail.xml 20432114 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/dsc8156_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/dsc8156.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mitsubishi Lancer, Outlander Sport make Top Safety Picks]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/27/mitsubishi-lancer-outlander-sport-named-2013-iihs-top-safety-pi/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/27/mitsubishi-lancer-outlander-sport-named-2013-iihs-top-safety-pi/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/27/mitsubishi-lancer-outlander-sport-named-2013-iihs-top-safety-pi/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has added a pair of Mitsubishi models to its ever-growing list of 2013 Top Safety Picks, giving the prestigious safety award to the 2013 Outlander Sport and Lancer (sedan and Sportback). Both models make a return visit to the list, but with 117 cars now on the list and IIHS crash standards getting tougher just about every, this is big news for the small Japanese automaker.

Among small SUVs, the Outlander Sport is just one of nine vehicles in this segment to be named a Top Safety Pick, while the Lancer's name is surrounded by 28 other compact coupes, sedans and hatchbacks in the highly competitive small car segment. The Top Safety Pick status does not apply to the Lancer's Ralliart or Evolution variants, and neither the Outlander Sport nor the Lancer were subjected to the new small frontal offset crash test that would have resulted in the new Top Safety Pick+.

Scroll down for Mitsubishi's press release.

Continue reading 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer, Outlander Sport make Top Safety Picks

2013 Mitsubishi Lancer, Outlander Sport make Top Safety Picks originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 27 Dec 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 mitsubishi lancer2013 mitsubishi outlander sportcrash safetyiihsiihs top safety pickinsurance institute for highway safetylancermitsubishioutlander sport Thu, 27 Dec 2012 14:16:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20412149/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/27/mitsubishi-lancer-outlander-sport-named-2013-iihs-top-safety-pi/20412149/article-detail.xml 20412149 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-mitsubishi-outlander-sport-1356568229_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-mitsubishi-outlander-sport-1356568229.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi Mirage will launch with three-cylinder engine [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/mitsubishi-mirage-will-launch-with-three-cylinder-engine-w-vide/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/mitsubishi-mirage-will-launch-with-three-cylinder-engine-w-vide/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/mitsubishi-mirage-will-launch-with-three-cylinder-engine-w-vide/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2012 Mitsubishi Mirage on show stand

We have a date with Mitsubishi Mirage (again). The Japanese subcompact is slated to return in September 2013, and it's one of the product offerings meant to help Mitsubishi's North Ameican arm raise sales in its next financial year from 55,000 to 80,000. If next year were 1989, we'd say there's no reason that couldn't happen, but from what we've seen, the Mirage is so magnificently meek (have you seen the interior?) that we aren't sure how it will manage that kind of sales aggression in the 21st century.

Continuing that theme, Car and Driver reports that the Mitsu will first launch in the U.S. with a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine. Make no mistake, this is a very popular engine in the Mirage and responsible for its excellent fuel economy. The hatch is doing so well in other markets with its two naturally aspirated tri-cylinders that the Thailand facility that builds the Mirage will have its capacity increased by 33 per cent to try and meet demand. In European spec, the 845-kilogram (1,859 pounds) subcompact with the more powerful engine offering 79 horsepower and 78 pound-feet of torque and takes 11.7 seconds to get from zero to 100 km/h. The question is whether Mitsubishi will boost the output of that engine for our market. If not, only the 70-hp Smart ForTwo will have less horsepower - but the Mirage, interestingly enough, weighs about the same as the microcar.

On its UK site, Mitsubishi said the reveal of the Mirage in back 2011 meant "redefining the standards by which to judge a compact passenger car." We can't wait to find out if that's still true and what that means when it gets here.

To prepare yourself, there's video of the Mirage in action below.


Gallery: 2013 Mitsubishi Mirage

Continue reading Mitsubishi Mirage will launch with three-cylinder engine [w/video]

Mitsubishi Mirage will launch with three-cylinder engine [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 26 Dec 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 mitsubishi mirage3 cylinder3-cylindermiragemitsubishithree-cylindervideo Wed, 26 Dec 2012 12:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20411413/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/26/mitsubishi-mirage-will-launch-with-three-cylinder-engine-w-vide/20411413/article-detail.xml 20411413 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/mitsubishimirageengine_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/mitsubishimirageengine.jpg <![CDATA[1,400 Mitsubishi vehicles lost in shipping tragedy]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/06/1-400-mitsubishi-vehicles-lost-in-shipping-tragedy/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/06/1-400-mitsubishi-vehicles-lost-in-shipping-tragedy/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/06/1-400-mitsubishi-vehicles-lost-in-shipping-tragedy/#comments Filed under: ,



A cargo ship carrying 1,400 Mitsubishi vehicles from Japan and Thailand collided with another vessel off the coast of Belgium and the Netherlands yesterday. The 485-foot (148 metres) Baltic Ace was carrying cars from Zeebrugge, Belgium to Kotka, Finland when it collided with the 439-foot (134 metres) Corvus J. While the Corvus J sustained damage during the incident, it is not in danger of sinking, and its 12-man crew is currently still on board.

The Baltic Ace, meanwhile, went under. Three ships from the Royal Dutch Sea Rescue Organization, two navy vessels, four helicopters and one coastguard aircraft spent the evening searching for survivors, but rough seas and high winds hampered the effort. Eighteen of the Baltic Ace's crew, including the captain, were rescued after being found in life rafts, but six remain missing. The search for survivors has officially been called off.

The collision occurred in one of the busiest shipping lanes in the North Sea, and the managers behind the Baltic Ace said they believed human error was to blame for the incident. Dutch police are currently looking into whether or not they can investigate the sinking despite the fact that the collision took place outside of the country's territorial waters.

Continue reading 1,400 Mitsubishi vehicles lost in shipping tragedy

1,400 Mitsubishi vehicles lost in shipping tragedy originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> baltic acebaltic ace collisionbaltic ace sinkingmitsubishishipwreck Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:34:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20396145/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/06/1-400-mitsubishi-vehicles-lost-in-shipping-tragedy/20396145/article-detail.xml 20396145 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/baltic-ace-628-1354809292_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/baltic-ace-628-1354809292.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi celebrates 30th anniversary in North America with Outlander Sport Limited Edition]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/mitsubishi-celebrates-30th-anniversary-with-outlander-sport-limi/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/mitsubishi-celebrates-30th-anniversary-with-outlander-sport-limi/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/mitsubishi-celebrates-30th-anniversary-with-outlander-sport-limi/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Limited Edition

The hurrah of the last kind for the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is this Limited Edition that celebrates 30 years of Mitsubishi Motors in North America (well in America at least, Mitsubishi came to Canada in 2003 but it's Chrysler, Dodge and Eagle branded products were already here).

Built on this side of the Pacific as well, the 2013 Outlander Sport Limited Edition gets numerous black trim pieces outside, such as the center bumper, side mirror housings, wheel arch trim and skirting and roof rails. It sits on special Argent wheels.

Open the doors and the darkness continues with available Dove Grey and Black leather seating, and black leather parking brake sleeve, all accented by aluminum brake and accelerator pedals. On this model the six-way power driver's seat is standard. The sole performance mod is a new balancer shaft that makes for quicker acceleration without any penalty in the mileage rating.

You can start saying goodbye to this generation of the Outlander Sport in the high-res gallery above, and read more about it in the press release below.


Gallery: 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander: LA 2012

Continue reading Mitsubishi celebrates 30th anniversary in North America with Outlander Sport Limited Edition

Mitsubishi celebrates 30th anniversary in North America with Outlander Sport Limited Edition originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 la auto show2013 mitsubishi outlander sportlala auto showmitsubishioutlander sport Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20391767/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/30/mitsubishi-celebrates-30th-anniversary-with-outlander-sport-limi/20391767/article-detail.xml 20391767 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-mitsubishi-outlander-sport-le-la_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-mitsubishi-outlander-sport-le-la.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Mitsubishi Outlander unveiled with new look, standard seating for seven]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/2014-mitsubishi-outlander-la-2012/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/2014-mitsubishi-outlander-la-2012/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/2014-mitsubishi-outlander-la-2012/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander wears the new face previewed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, and adds a host of features on top of its seven standard chairs. Ditching the shark-nosed Lancer-inspired front has reduced drag, increased use of high-tensile steel means a 200-pound (90 kg) weight loss and the reworked 2.4-litre four-cylinder paired a CVT will all result in what Mitsubishi says is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the seven-passenger segment. Looks-wise, around the rest of the vehicle come sharper sculpting and more character lines.

Reaching higher inside, the IP is now soft-touch, and a heavily restyled interior with woodgrain accents is more somber, but more elegant. Mod-cons have gone up a step, too: the 2014 Outlander getting a next-generation nav system, a power tailgate that can be opened from the driver's seat and safety tech like Lane Departure Warning.

There's a press release below with more info, and high-res shots from the LA Auto Show floor above.


Gallery: 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Continue reading 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander unveiled with new look, standard seating for seven

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander unveiled with new look, standard seating for seven originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 la auto show2014 mitsubishi outlanderlala auto showmitsubishioutlander Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:29:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20391387/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/29/2014-mitsubishi-outlander-la-2012/20391387/article-detail.xml 20391387 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2014-mitsubishi-outlander-la_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2014-mitsubishi-outlander-la.jpg <![CDATA[Japanese automakers ramping production for renewed North American sales]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/japanese-automakers-ramping-production-for-renewed-american-sale/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/japanese-automakers-ramping-production-for-renewed-american-sale/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/japanese-automakers-ramping-production-for-renewed-american-sale/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



The 2011 earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan took quite the toll on the automotive industry in that nation. Not content to lean on that tragedy as excuse for slagging sales, the Japanese automakers are planning on a major production expansion in North America. The aim is to reclaim the market share lost from the Tsunami-based dip, and overcome a dollar/yen exchange rate that makes exporting to America unprofitable.

Following the Tsunami, Japanese automakers ramped up production in their North American facilities to compensate, but according to Automotive News, Nissan, Honda and others have all reported plans for still-further increased production in the year ahead. As part of this ramp-up, Mazda will open a facility in Salamnca, Mexico before March of 2014. Part of that increase in output is 50,000 units of a Toyota-badged compact car, which Mazda will produce.

Other Mexican production facilities opening include a Honda plant, which will open in Spring 2014 in Celaya, and a Nissan plant, set to open later this year in Aguascalientes. Nissan also said that it will need another plant in North America within the next five years. According to Nissan Boss Carlos Ghosn, the company aims to raise its stake in the US market from 8 percent to 10, and adding production will help achieve that goal. Even Mitsubishi is aiming to boost production at its Normal, Illinois plant. Production of the Outlander Sport is currently at 50,000, which Mitsubishi wants to raise to 70,000.

All of these moves come in reaction to growing demand for Japanese cars, as well as the yen's growing value versus the American dollar. Such a disparity hurts Japanese automakers' ability to make a profit from exporting vehicles. As a result, moving production to North America and Mexico have become the best viable option.

News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.

Image Credit: Mira Oberman / AFP/Getty

Continue reading Japanese automakers ramping production for renewed North American sales

Japanese automakers ramping production for renewed North American sales originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> factorieshondajapanmazdamexicomitsiubishinissantoyotayen Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:01:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20385279/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/21/japanese-automakers-ramping-production-for-renewed-american-sale/20385279/article-detail.xml 20385279 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/honda-civic-plant-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/honda-civic-plant-628.jpg -1 2