2008
MITSUBISHI MOTORS NEW CAR MODEL GUIDE
 In
2008, the Mitsubishi marque mounts on
five different cars, two crossover wagons
and a mid-size pickup truck. Lancer, Mitsubishi
compact-class sedan, shows off a new generational
treatment this year with an expanded structure
and pumped-up powertrain, while the next
generation of the turbo-charged Lancer
Evolution sports sedan is set to roll
ashore later this model year.
 Lancer
This year, Mitsubishi's compact sedan
earns a new front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform
featuring a longer wheelbase and wider
track. The expanded structure translates
into more space for passengers inside
the five-seat cabin. The 2008 Lancer presents
only one body style — a four-door
notchback sedan — but offers three
trims. Each trim gives the same engine
and a manual five-speed or continuously
variable transmission (CVT). The new twin-cam,
2.0-liter four-in-line engine with Mitsubishi
Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic
Control (MIVEC) equipment produces 152
horsepower. Crisp new sheetmetal shapes
sets the Lancer apart from the blandness
of other compact imports.
 Lancer
Evolution
Nicknamed Evo, the Lancer Evolution is
a high-performance version of the Lancer
sedan, motivated by a souped-up, turbo
engine and rigged with all-wheel-drive
(AWD) traction. The newest, 10th-generation
Evo — Evolution X — arrives
later in 2008 with Mitsubishi's Super
All Wheel Control (S-AWC) advanced traction
and handling system, regulating drive
torque at each wheel. Also aboard the
Evo X, is a new high-performance , 2.0-liter
turbo MIVEC3 engine with a twin-clutch
SST (sport shift transmission).
 Galant
Mitsubishi's 2008 mid-size sedan trims
to three segments including a Ralliart
edition with sport-tuned suspension tweaking.
The Galant DX is the price leader, while
the luxury model is labeled Galant ES.
The Galant has four-cylinder and V6 engine
choices. The base four displaces 2.4 liters
and nets 162 horsepower, while a 3.8-liter
MIVEC V6 in the Ralliart hits 258 horsepower.
The Galant Ralliart also adds a sport
mesh grille with two-tone bumper treatment.
Two new paint chips — Rave Red and
Northstar White — are given to the
2008 Galant. A tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) is also now standard for
all 2008 models.
 Eclipse
Mitsubishi's sleek and expressive two-door
hatchback coupe adds a new SE trim available
with either four-cylinder or six-cylinder
powertrains. The Eclipse's Special Edition
package applies chin and tail spoilers,
18-inch silver-finish wheels and cabin
trimmings in dark charcoal leather and
terra cotta. The Eclipse GS is Mitsubishi's
bottom-price model, carrying a four-cylinder
engine tied to a five-speed manual or
optional four-speed automatic with Sportronic
sequential shift control. The 2.4-liter,
in-line-four makes 162 horsepower. The
Eclipse GT brings a 3.8-liter V6 worth
263 horsepower through a six-speed manual
or five-speed Sportronic automatic.
 Eclipse
Spyder
The 2+2 sports convertible by Mitsubishi
runs with the label Eclipse Spyder. It
uses the styling, structure and mechanical
content of the Eclipse sporty coupe. There's
one style and two trims available, each
with a different engine and two transmission
choices. The Eclipse Spyder GS is the
entry edition with a 2.4-liter, in-line-four
rated at 162 horsepower with a five-speed
manual or optional four-speed automatic
linked to Sportronic shift control. The
Eclipse GT has a 3.8-liter V6 with 260
horsepower and either a six-speed manual
or five-speed electronic automatic with
Sportronic shifting. Expect fresh paints
for 2008, such as Optimist Green.
 Outlander
Mitsubishi's compact class, five-door
crossover utility vehicle (CUV) earned
a generational update last year with a
new platform, revamped trim designations
and a strong V6 powerplant. For 2008,
the Outlander returns with a new 2.4-liter,
four-pack engine option and CVT shifter
for the Outlander ES trim. The new plant
musters 168 horsepower. A 3.0-liter MIVEC
V6 with 220 horsepower through a six-speed
automatic Sportronic shifter is available
for the Outlander LS and XLS. Each aso
get standard FWD or optional electronically
controlled AWD linked to integrated stability
control, called All-Wheel Control (AWC).
 Endeavor
The flexible, mid-size CUV from Mitsubishi
blends the characteristics of a luxury
sedan with the elevated stance and cargo
capacity of a SUV. It's easy to drive
because the unibody structure and handling
hardware match the mechanical equipment
of a FWD car. However, the Endeavor resembles
a sizeable SUV and can carry a wagonload
of cargo. The spacious cabin has comfortable
seats arranged in two rows for up to five
riders, and there are fancy amenities
aboard. The powertrain is a 3.8-liter
V6, which achieves 230 horsepower through
a four-speed automatic Sportronic.
 Raider
Mitsubishi's truck offers two-wheel-drive
(2WD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction
in trims of LS and DuroCross. The Raider
also shows two cab formats — the
extended cab that contains rear-hinged
doors and two rows of seating for four,
or the Double Cab, which has four full-size
doors and seating for five. The truck
box varies, as the extended cab uses a
long-bed design and the Double Cab totes
an abbreviated bed. The Raider LS Extended
Cab with Convenience Package also brings
an audio upgrade with Sirius satellite
radio and wheels with silver centers.
For
more information on Mitsubishi.
|
