EVO X PRICE JUMP

'Round about the middle of November, there was a collective sigh of disappointment when Subaru's next-gen STi met a $1,500 price jump, rising to about $35K.

I guess that leads us to a collective groan when the price of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X jumps $5,321. The good news for Evo fans? Their rally-rocket is still cheaper than the STi. The bad news? The Evo X MR is an extra $5,000, although it'll save you 1mpg in city driving.

Read more about the new Evo X's performance here, or check out the Subaru pricing post here. By the way, there are reports saying that Mitsubishi hopes to be able to lower those prices by about $1,000.

SLOW NEW EVO?

Pro Control Driving's chief instructor, Erwin Nagl, tore around a 2.78 mile configuration of Reno-Fernley Raceway in Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions. Evo IX and Evo X, to be specific. That would be the GSR version of the previous iteration versus the GSR version of the much-hyped; more refined; big news new Evo.



The X was slower. There, it's out there - I said it. MotorTrend convened this faceoff, and unfortunately the X was 'suffering from a high-rpm misfire'. This contributed to a 0-60mph time 0.7 seconds slower than the old IX. Perhaps an equally prominent advantage for the Evo IX is its 331 weight advantage. No, these aren't sumo wrestlers - you want to weigh less than your opponent. The Evo X, like most automotive redesigns, weighs more than the Evo IX.

Thus, around Reno-Fernley, the old Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX lapped a smidgen quicker than the Evo X. 2:34.56 beats 2:36.05. In addition to this news, MotorTrend's long-term Evo IX MR, the highest performing Evo available in America, completed a fast lap of 2:34.36.

What's this say about the new Evo? It's slower, though unofficially. With a high-rpm misfire in a slightly pre-production model, the Evo X will not lap as quickly as its predecessor. MotorTrend's tester suggested the new Evo is easier to drive quickly, without needing to get to know the intricacies of the car. Other remarks: "These traits make the IX more of a true driver's car, rewarding the skilled pilot with a level of tactility that's been dampened in the X..... Though the X may be more proper and polished when it speaks to you, the IX tells better stories..... much of the go-kart feel from the X has been supplanted with NVH-reducing measures, airbags, and such modern amenities as a nav system, cruise control, and Bluetooth..."

I doubt a 'soft' Evo will seem soft to Audi A4 or BMW 3-series buyers. I also doubt that a somewhat 'soft' reputation will hinder Evo X sales, either. A continual softening? Yeah, that would do it. So let's hope the Evo X MR, with its dual-clutch transmission and slightly lower weight will be Evo-to-the-core. As for the Evo XI? Strip away the navigation system and 331 pounds. We want the real thing.

OTHER NUMBERS FROM CAR & DRIVER'S JANUARY ISSUE

The Good Car Guy already filled you in on Car & Driver's 0-60 testing of eleven cars in its January issue. Other important Numbers are viewable below.

-----

24 - miles per gallon observed by C/D editors in the Mini John Cooper Works Clubman, the best figure in a comparo where the Mini finished sixth. Its EPA city and highway figures were also the best-in-test.

18- miles per gallon observed by C/D editors in the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, the worst figure in a comparo where the Lancer Ralliart finished dead last. Its EPA city figure was worst-in-test and its EPA highway figure was tied for worst-in-test.

156- top speed, in mph, of the 260-bhp Chevrolet Cobalt SS, limited by aerodynamic drag, placing the Chevy tops in a seven-way comparo where it finished third overall

19- miles per gallon observed by C/D editors in the all-wheel drive Acura TL, better than what was managed by the aforementioned Mitsubishi with its 1.7L-smaller engine, 68 fewer horsepower, and 445 fewer pounds.

33- miles per gallon observed by C/D editors in a Volkswagen Jetta, which with a 140-bhp 2.0L turbodiesel, still had to propel 3353 pounds.

24- miles per gallon observed by C/D editors in a Hyundai Elantra wagon which posted identical acceleration figures to the Jetta TDI with one extra horsepower, 99 fewer lb-ft of torque, and 321 fewer pounds

0.61- roadholding, measured in g's, of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, as tested by C/D on a 200-ft skidpad.

1.08- roadholding, measured in g's, of the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR, as tested by C/D on a 200-ft skidpad

18- difference in sound levels, measured in decibels by C/D, between the loudest car of the year, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, and the quietest cars of the year, the Ford Flex Limited and Dodge Journey R/T, both of which let out 65 dBA at 70mph 

evo SUMMARIES 2 - ACP

For part 1 of this special evo edition of Across The Pond, follow this link. British car mag evo, whose thrust is 'The Thrill of Driving', recently wrote the following regarding the following:

Mitsubishi Evo X: "After a low-speed recce alongside one of Mitsubishi's testers, it's our turn to drive the 1.9-mile circuit. I opt for the full-on High-Performance car with TC SST, and on the tester's advice select the Super Sport shift mode. It's immediately impressive, each pull of the right-hand [addle (made from magnesium, incidentally) delivering a smooth and almost instantaneous upshift, with just enough of a push in the back to let you know the gear's been engaged." - Richard Meaden


Porsche 911 GT2: "As you'd hope, the GT2 also has the GT3's satisfying feeling of quality, not just in terms of tight build and underlying structural integrity but in the precision and feel of its controls...... Brake pedal feel is superb too, and with no hint of lost motion at the top of the pedal yet a progression that allows you to measure light and heavy stops effortlessly. The ride is notable calm too..... The kick in the back is sensational..... It's a supercar in concentrated form and from this perspective £130,000 doesn't seem expensive." - John Barker


Ferrari 430 Scuderia: "It all pivots around 3500rpm, the engine speed at which the exhaust valves open (you're going to notice this, everyone within a radius of three miles is going to notice it; think of F430 re-mixed through Motorhead's PA system) and the transmission shift program switches from the easy-does-it to let-'em-have-it. When this happens, you instinctively grip the wheel a little tighter because, for a few moments at least, it seems impossible to pull back. You want to hear more of that astonishing engine note, and your brain scrabbles to sync with the sudden shift to an F1 metabolism. The intoxication is nerve-gas scary." - David Vivian

External links:
Evo
911 GT2
Scuderia

MITSUBISHI i MiEV- Hurry! Build it!

i MiEV. I'm not joking. That's the name of Mitsubishi's latest concept. I don't know how to pronounce it; its status as an acronym or abbreviation. In-wheel motor electric vehicle - that's right. Electric motors can be found in both front wheels, each with about 27 horsepower.


The rear wheels are driven by a similar amount of power, except electric powerplants can't be found in the rear wheels. One motor totalling 63 horsepower sits under the 'trunk' and makes the i MiEV an all-wheel drive, electric, sportyish vehicle. This Mitsu could potentially travel 124 miles, just about 200 km.

Small cars are on their way back in North America, strengthening in Europe, and a necessary part of any competitive automaker's lineup in developing markets. Mitsubishi knows that. Perhaps they're not familiar with the importance of getting there first. Build a cool, desirable, all-wheel drive, electric vehicle before Ford or Toyota or Honda or Volkswagen or Renault - and the rest of your "normal" models will reap the benefits as well.

Feasible? I know not. Important? You know it - for sure. Come late to this party, and life will continue as per normal in Mitsu land. Be first and be dominant. Be third or fourth or tenth, and nobody notices. Get on it, get to it. Hurry up. Do something, already.

MITSUBISHI RECALL AFFECTS FUEL TANK STRAP ON ECLIPSE, ENDEAVOR, AND GALANT FROM 2005-2007

Due to improper forming during the metal stamping process, the straps at the left rear portion of fuel tanks underneat 45,988 Mitsubishis could be compromised.

NHTSA says there could be "a split in the area where the bolt that holds one of the two fuel tank straps to the underside of the vehicle is located. In the event the fuel tank is full and the vehicle is subject to a severe collision, the bracket may break and allow the fuel tank to drop down, possibly causing a fuel leak."

Check out other NHTSA Recalls with a click

Vehicles with moderate to severe splitting will be repaired with a reinforcement cap, a special structural adhesive and a rivet to reinforce the fuel tank mounting bracket. Vehicles affected include the 2005-2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse, the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, the 2005-2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor, and the 2005-2007 Mitsubishi Galant. It is interesting to note that Mitsubishi and NHTSA did not agree to repairing vehicles unless the splitting is beyond a specific limit. Remember that if for future reference.

MITSUBISHI CONCEPT cX - Frankfurt Auto Show

It seems that a disproportionate amount of new concepts wish to be different things to different people. That's fine; it's good. So long as the vehicle doesn't end up being nothing to nobody. This small Mitsubishi has an especially environmentally-friendly interior, an especially clean turbocharged diesel, and especially curious dimensions.


It doth not yet appear what it shall be. Is it an off-roading compact car? Well, it's compact like a Honda Fit, but with those snazzy 19-inch wheels, I suggest it stays out of the dirt. I don't want to sound critical of the Concept cX after my praise of the Ford Kuga, because I actually think this is the kind of vehicle Mitsubishi needs in North America. The Galant does a poor job of standing out from the pack. Fortunately the Lancer is a handsome addition to the Mitsu showroom floor. But the Outlander competes in a large and highly competitive field and the Eclipse is an overweight fighter competing in a small category. The cX would bring some life to Mitsubishi's marketing campaign and likely compete admirably with Scion and even Ford's Kuga. The cX does need to 'find itself', though. Or else nobody will find it appealing.

MORE POWERFUL SUBARU IMPREZA WRX PRICED NICELY

Subaru has decided to stay the course with the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX; but only in terms of the price. Equipped with an extra 41 horsepower, stiffer springs, larger anti-roll bars, retuned dampers and upper strut mounts combine to give the WRX a more STi-like suspension while a more aggressive bodykit provides a closer link to the STi, as well.

Future Impreza WRX customers should be pleasantly surprised with news that the re-jigged turbocharged Impreza will provide $5.00 in change from your $25K. Mitsubishi couldn't have been surprised when, in their first attempt to strike the WRX and not just the STi, they introduced a Lancer Ralliart with a de-tuned Evo X engine and an amazing dual-clutch gearbox only to see Subaru strengthen the WRX. 

Poor Mitsubishi could have been surprised to see that Subaru strengthened the WRX without increasing the numbers on the window sticker. The Lancer Ralliart costs $27,665 in the United States. (Read about the Lancer Ralliart in a GoodCarBadCar.net Lowdown here.)

Mitsubishi's quasi-rally car is still a very good deal and should be successful. For more traditional buyers, Subaru will continue to offer the 224-bhp powerplant with gentler suspension, more equipment, and a similar pricetag in the form of the Impreza GT. With the new WRX, Subaru is simply ensuring a longer run for the original entry of Japan's hi-po econo-sedans into North America. Press onward.

MOTOR TREND'S MIDSIZE SEDAN SUMMARIES

Surprised that the most expensive and most expensive to fuel sedan won first place in Motor Trend's comparison of the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, and Volkswagen Passat? $29,333 ought to beat $22,235, shouldn't it? But in a test where fuel econony matters matter, does the $29,333 car with 22.8mpg on premium gas beat the $22,235 with 23.8 on regular? Well, it does if 0-60 flies by in 6.7 seconds. Here are MT's verdicts with a 1-10 rating from The Good Car Guy, with 10 being complete agreement and 1 being complete disagreement: 

1st Place: Volkswagen Passat - 

Despite a high sticker and thirst for premium, wins by a nose due to driving fun. 

GCBC Agreement: 5

2nd Place: Hyundai Sonata - 

Only lacking the VW's verve; our #1 pick if family comes first.

GCBC Agreement: 7

3rd Place: Toyota Camry - 

Efficient, well executed, it's the sound, yet charmless choice.

GCBC Agreement: 7

4th Place: Honda Accord -

Polarizing looks inside and out can't hide a great engine and chassis combination.

GCBC Agreement: 3

5th Place: Ford Fusion -

Surprisingly athletic chassis hampered by wheezy engine and irritating transmission.

GCBC Agreement: 6

6th Place: Kia Optima -

Though due for a refresh, Kia finishes on top of the second tier. Room and economy are fine, it just needs the same refinements the Sonata received.

GCBC Agreement: 8

7th Place: Nissan Altima -

Steepest sticker, yet not the best ride, performance, or value. CVT and light steering create an effortless drive, yet fully loaded, it still seems lacking.

GCBC Agreement: 9

8th Place: Chevrolet Malibu -

Poor finish for arguably the best looker. Shame that sexy skin hides a weight problem the underpowered Ecotec can't handle.

GCBC Agreement: 6

9th Place: Mitsubishi Galant -

Looks old, feels older, and saddled with many of this comparo's worsts, including power-to-weight and EPA and observed fuel economy.

GCBC Agreement: 10

10th Place: Dodge Avenger -

Drum brakes, four-speed trans, cheap plastics, and poor economy make this a frightful drive. Gaps between last and first don't get any wider than this.

GCBC Agreement: 10

Which cars were missing from the test? Former losers and models soon-to-be replaced. The Subaru Legacy could've finished mid-pack. Mazda's upcoming 6 will charge to the top of the field. Pontiac's G6 would compete with the Galant and Avenger (or Chrysler Sebring) for rear guards. The Saturn Aura is commonly regarded as a lesser Malibu. Check back tomorrow for more detail on MT's controversial winner.

MITSUBISHI GALANT RECALL

In the midst of Mitsubishi's greatest recent struggles, some Galants were built with shoddy ignitions. Now NHTSA has issued a Recall. From model years 2004-2005, Mitsubishi built 73,000 iterations of the Galant that could potentially suffer from a malady where, as NHTSA says, "the ignition key interlock cable (which is a component of the interlock system) may allow the interlocking cam to fall forward and allow the ignition key to be removed from the ignition switch when the gearshift mechanism is not in the park position." 

Consequences are obvious. Assume the driver does not shift into park before the key is removed and the parking brake isn't on. Car rolls. Into tree. Damage. Frustration. Expense. 

This Mitsu Galant recall begins in August.

HATCHBACKS IN THE NEWS - MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK

There are some who find a few extra tenths on the back of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X's 0-60mph time to be seriously, tremendously disappointing. Nevertheless, the Evo X possesses far more potential than any Lancer Evolution that came before. Meanwhile, the garden-variety Mitsubishi Lancer is more competitive in North America than it's ever been.

Mitsubishi has given the Lancer a desirable image. That means a lot in a segment that is absolutely bursting at the seams (Civic, Corolla, Focus, Astra, 3, Impreza, SX4, Cobalt....) and features May's best-selling car. Mitsubishi will chuck the Lancer Sportback into this field as an alternative that not all the big names possess. Prepare for some American media to treat the Lancer Sportback vs. Toyota Matrix comparisons as dull. 

Forget that: having space for your friends, your stuff, their stuff, and some decent fuel economy all at the same  time is nothing to sneeze at. Drawing some connections between the Evo X and the run-of-the-mill Lancer will be the Lancer Sportback Ralliart. 237 horsepower from its turbo 2.0L will meet all-wheel drive and Mitsu's direct-shift gearbox. 

Fun.

TOP 5 SLOW SUV SELLERS by NUMBERS

With the advent of the Ford Explorer, sport-utility vehicles became everyday family transportation. Sure, others had come before. Jeep, Land Rover, and GMC were already in existence as purveyors of trucks and SUVs only. Others, including Ford, sold some form of a closed-in truck. But the Explorer made the sector. SUVs have been compared and contrasted with it ever since, regardless of its competitiveness. 

However, the strength of the American SUV market is meeting its match on two fronts: fuel prices and environmental social conscience. During the first three months of 2008, sport-ute sales have tumbled. Oh sure, the totals are still huge, but the percentage drops are frightening for those companies that pay their workers (and CEO bonuses) with the profits from large SUVs. 

He who argues that hundreds of thousands of SUVs sold so far this year indicates stability is likely the same person who thinks the lowering casualties in Iraq means the still populous middle-aged Iraqi male population isn't exposed to dangerous circumstances. Here are a handful of SUVs facing quickly fading sales. And yeah... I know this is more of a Bottom 5 than a Top 5. Live with it.

-----

#5 - TOYOTA FJ CRUISER: -38.5%
A relatively low base price and eye-catching angles can't propel this unique Toyota over the persisting trend. The FJ Cruiser's brick-like shape doesn't aid fuel thriftiness, with a city mpg number of just 15. Ouch. During January, February, and March, the FJ still posted better sales figures than any of the other members on this list.

#4 - JEEP COMMANDER: - 42.9%

This does NOT go to show that the profiency of cylinder shutdown systems is lacking. The Jeep's fuel economy isn't good. The cylinder shutoff can't overcome that. Nonetheless, one would assume that a 30mpg Commander would struggle to sell. It's ugly and discontinued.

#3 - MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER: -44.1%

Although the Outlander's drop isn't as severe as the Kia already mentioned, the 44% fall compared with last year's first quarter does put the Mitsu's sales total lower than the Kia's. Mitsubishi can't rightly blame the small SUV market share free-fall. The percentage drop for the Outlander is 15 points worse than the sector it competes in.

#2- KIA SORENTO: -54.2%

The Sorento sits on an ageing platform and performs with LR3-like mileage. Nail. Coffin.

#1 - LAND ROVER LR3: -62.7%

Though the Land Rover's drop only equals a couple thousands fewer units sold over three months, this puts the LR3 on pace for just 5,208 sales over the course of the year. Even the six-cylinder LR3's mileage is shameful; just 16mpg in the city. The Good Car Guy's drive of the LR3 revealed a terrific vehicle, but with quality problems, poor fuel mileage, and an expensive base MSRP. This Land Rover is in for a rough ride.

STRUGGLING CONVERTIBLES

April is almost half gone and the first quarter of what many called a "bad winter" in North America is in the distant past. Should you be surprised that convertibles aren't selling at a furious rate? 

Yes, actually you should be surprised. Considering that the first quarter of 2007 was much more successful for droptops than the first three months of 2008; it's clear that convertibles don't need sunshine to sell. It's true: only coupes can compete with convertibles for significantly streaky sales. Newness matters a great deal, but so does the 'mood' of the vast consumer marketplace. 

Convertibles, however inexpensive, are seen to be a luxury in a way that a more expensive sedan will never be. In the struggling U.S. economy, folks who recently lost their job or are frightened by rising fuel costs aren't likely to think, "I need a convertible". 

Here are a few big names - the attention grabbers - that buyers aren't buying. The figures compare the January, February, and March of '07 with the same period of '08. Exceptions to this newly discovered rule can be seen at the bottom.

-----

FORD MUSTANG - down 29.2%

MAZDA MX-5 MIATA - down 25.7%

MINI COOPER - down 18.4%

MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE - down 14.1%

PONTIAC SOLSTICE - down 22.9%

SATURN SKY - down 24.6%

TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA - down 26.3%

VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE - down 21.6%

CHRYSLER SEBRING - up 820%

PONTIAC G6 - up 133%

VOLKSWAGEN EOS - up 23.5%

MORE VW SCIROCCO PHOTOS

For the sake of thorough reporting and historical context, here are more photos of the upcoming Scirocco. In addition, take a gander at the scIROCco concept that came before it and the Corrado & old Scirocco that preceded it.  

Gotta be honest with you: I've been thinking about the plight of Volkswagen suits who don't know exactly how to position the Scirocco and - in North America at least - have decided not to position it anywhere. (Catch Friday's story here and find the links therein.) Now, I won't come right out and agree that Volkswagen has no room in their showrooms for the Scirocco, what with the GTI and R32 filling the sport-compact gap nicely.  No, I won't agree at all.  But when I consider a few facts, I do see VW's point, even if I don't like it or necessarily agree.  

For one, without knowing the price scheme, the Scirocco took a more dramatic styling approach to the hot hatchback ethos.  In other words, it's a more dramatic GTI.  The GTI is made by Volkswagen, just like the Scirocco.  

For two, similar products have struggled here in recent times.  With reason; I know.  The Toyota Celica was torqueless. North Americans like torque, especially the more southern of the North Americans. Acura renamed the the Integra the RSX while relieving it of some driving verve.  Both of those vehicles waved buh-bye.  Hyundai's Tiburon remains and will either be supplanted or supported by a rear-wheel drive Genesis coupe.  

For three, without knowing the dynamic setup Volkswagen wishes to bestow upon the Scirocco, in what way will it be different from the GTI?  More hardcore; more worthy of poseur status?  Bare bones sporting or luxo-sportacious?  Without knowing how the Scirocco will differ from the GTI, it is hard to figure with which competing makes it will battle.  But, in the UK for instance, here are some potential comparison contenders.

BMW's 1-series coupe is powered by a wider range of engines in other parts of the world.  A four-cylinder (maybe diesel?) 1-series has a status badge and worthy dynamics.  Practically, it ain't the solution to the IKEA needs your life presents.  Then again, it's a BMW; and that'll sway many potential Scirocco customers.

The Mazda RX-8 is another high-style sporty coupe.  Unique in many ways - rotary engine, two rear-hinged back doors - the RX-8 is still a pure driving experience and is hardly more expensive than a GTI in the United Kingdom.

Prototype S is just a concept buzzword for Mitsubishi's next Lancer Sportback.  Expect the Ralliart version to be a sharp driving tool with less power and less expense than the Lancer Evo X.  All-wheel drive, dual-clutch gearbox, and 240 horsepower will combine to be a hardcore alternative that the Scirocco must beat.  Or at least tame. 

MITSUBISHI & JANUARY SUCCESS

Eleven consecutive months of production growth is music to the ears of Mitsubishi's top bosses.  Globally, Mitsubishi Motors produced 115,805 vehicles in January.  Mitsubishi exported 29,316 cars from Japan to Europe alone.  The global production figure is 7.5% higher than it was in January of 2007.

The story in Japan is not dissimilar to that of other big Japanese automakers like Toyota and Honda. January of '08 sales were down 2.3% to 15,165.  

Mitsubishi's vehicle lineup in North America is more than a little different than what you'd see in Mitsu showrooms abroad.  While the Lancer is the smallest vehicle available to us, Mitsubishi UK would sell you an i - yes you read that right - or a Colt (pictured).  If you're familiar with the decommisioned smart forfour, the Colt is not a completely different animal.  The i would be considered a smart fortwo competitor and will be compared with the Toyota iQ when it reaches production.  

North American Mitsubishi buyers can also purchase a Dodge Dakota-based truck (the Raider) and two crossover SUV's that are not available in the UK.  Conversely, consumers across the pond are offered the L200 pickup and the Shogun sport-ute alongside the Outlander that we can have as well.  

In accordance with typical European auto selling, Mitsubishi produces the Grandis.  Picture a Mazda 5 mixed with a Mitsubishi Outlander.  Moving to Japan, well.... follow the link.  Lots of odd shapes, dramatic style, and practical; everyday useability.