NYIAS: Three New Mitsubishi Models: Lancer Sportback, Outlander GT and i-MiEV

By Jim Brennan

UDMan

Mitsubishi has been treading water in North America for a while now. With the exception of the Mitsubishi Lancer models, their offerings have been lackluster at best. Their sales numbers seem to back this hypothesis, and it will take some vastly different products to make the car buying public to come back into Mitsubishi showrooms. And so, with their backs against the wall, Mitsubishi took the wraps off a couple of significant offerings here at the New York International Auto Show. Continue reading after the jump.

The first car is really an evolutionary change, the Lancer Sport Back. Mitsubishi has been paying close attention to Subaru lately. You see, Subaru introduced their latest WRX in both sedan and five door hatchback models, gaining market share in the compact performance bracket. The Lancer Sportback answers Subarus challenge, even though it’s late to the market. It comes in two different versions: the GTS with a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder making 168 HP through a five speed manual or a CVT, and the Ralliart, which boasts a 2.0 liter turbocharged four producing 237 HP, with an automated manual (including steering wheel flappy paddles), and all wheel drive. This is gunning for the WRX in a big way.

The second car is much more significant, but a lot less fun to drive. It’s the i-MiEV Concept Electric Vehicle, and is taken directly from the Japanese version of the i-MiEV, only yanking the conventional gasoline power plant, and replacing it with an electric drive and lithium-ion battery system. According to the press release, the targeted driving range is between 80 and 100 miles. Charging the i-MiEV using a conventional 110 volt power source will take up to 14 hours, but there is a quick recharge system that can produce an 80% battery charge in about 30 minutes. The prototype version is a little longer, and a bit wider than the Japanese home market version for improved control and better crash protection.

The third vehicle is the Outlander GT Prototype, which combines small SUV practicality, with outright performance and handling. The GT Features styling taken directly from the Lancer and EVO models, along with a lowered stance, and a new system called Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC). Basically it utilizes a front limited slip differential, and an electronically controlled 4WD coupling, with three selectable controls. The GT uses the 3.0L V-6 from the Outlander XLS, with 230HP. Appearance upgrades include a polished aluminum roof panel, 19″ OZ racing alloys, and an upgraded interior. This looks production ready, so this is possibly the design direction for the 2010 Outlander.

And now for some pretty press shots: