Part racecar, part sedan, part cargo cruiser, that’s the new 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback. The Sportback design adds a new twist to Mitsubishi’s popular Lancer model. Now this fun-to-drive compact sedan has the added flexibility of a hatchback and up to 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The ability to transport just about anything no matter how bulky or awkward in size makes the Sportback a practical solution for many drivers.
However, there are plenty of other practical reasons to consider the Sportback. In government run crash tests the Sportback received a five star-driver and four star-passenger safety rating. This, in part, to front seat side airbags, driver knee airbag, extended head curtain airbags, antilock brakes and stability control. The Lancer Sportback also helps save money at the gas pump with an estimated 20 to 23 mpg highway.
Even though it’s a hatchback this clever vehicle is far from dull. The Lancer Sportback is available in two high-end trim levels, the GTS and Ralliart AWD styles. The GTS models come equipped with either a 5-speed manual or CVT transmission and draw power from a 168hp, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine. Similar to racing models, the Ralliart turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine cranks out 237hp and has an automated dual-clutch manual transmission with shift paddles. Both the GTS and Ralliart styles are loaded with special features including; sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, antilock brakes, lower body skirting. leather-wrapped, tilt-only steering wheel, chrome exhaust outlet, keyless entry, sport bucket front seats, 60/40-split rear seat with center armrest, a six speaker CD/MP3 sound system and Bluetooth connection.
Specialty trim packages are available for both styles. The GTS can be upgraded to the Sun and Sound 
package adding a sunroof, nine speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system with in-dash six CD changer and satellite radio as well as an optional navigation system with 30GB of hard drive music storage. Upgrading the Ralliart to the Recaro Sport package will include sports seats emblazoned with the Mitsubishi logo and the full Rockford Fosgate sound system.
With a base price around $19,000, the new 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is sure to gain wide appeal. Whether you are a racing enthusiast who wants to feel the exhilaration of a turbocharged engine, or a yard sale hound that needs to transport your treasures the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback could be the car for you.
The new Lancer Evo X adds to the already impressive heritage that all Evo’s possess. This is the best bang for the buck in the automotive world. The past generations of Mitsubishi’s will make the most mediocre driver look like a pro on the racetrack. Millions of teenagers everywhere have been salivating for the new Evo X for a while now.
Well it’s finally here and it has grown up a bit. The 4B11 engine is all new and cast from aluminum. Power output from this 2.0 liter is right at 300 horsepower and torque. But the real news is the Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission. Gone is the 5/6 speed; replaced with nice paddle shifters. I’m going to miss the old school transmission. But this is the new wave of the future.
Also new for the 2008 Lancer Evo is the barrage of active differentials….there are no less than 28 throughout this car. Maybe not that many! But with all these computer controlled mechanisms, many will have the automotive courage to walk that thin line between being in control and losing it. Visit Little Joe’s Virginia Mitsubishi Dealership to see what’s on sale.
Source: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0711_2008_mitsubishi_lancer_evolution_x/index.html
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Over the past year or two there have been many new features available as standard options or add-ons for many cars. Some of these features are revolutionary and exciting, some have been around in one form or another for years, and then there are those that died a quick death. Below is a list of 10 from Automobile News and some thoughts on each.
1. Ignition/Push Start Buttons – The first car to my knowledge to come standard with this feature was the Honda S2000. Although you still need to put a key into the ignition, the push button start was a great idea that caught on with manufacturers everywhere. BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus wasted no time in adding this to their line-up. But now this feature is even better; you don’t even need to put the key into any ignition, just have the key in your pocket and the car will start right up with the push of a button!
2. Navigation Systems – With the popularity of Magellan, Tom Tom, and other road map systems, it was only a matter of time before the in-dash navigation system would make its way onto current cars. I look forward to the day when I can afford a new car with the in-dash nav/DVD system.
3. Gas/Electric Hybrids – This has been the future of automobiles for years. Toyota and Honda know this, but it was just this year that U.S. automakers got their act together and started producing hybrid vehicles. Soon all cars will be hybrids, then electric, then gas will be dead forever!
4. Cylinder Cut-Off systems – This is by far my favorite new wave in the car industry. Cylinder Deactivation essentially turns a V-8 engine into a 4-cylinder by cutting fuel to half of the cylinder banks. This is a great way for big V-8 trucks and SUV’s to get reasonable gas mileage.
5. Paddle Shifters – We go from my favorite invention to my least favorite. In fact I hate the idea of paddle shifters on everyday cars. I feel they should be reserved for million dollar Ferrari’s that need millisecond shifts. Now cars as lowly as the Mitsubishi Lancer will get high tech paddle shifters. This marks the beginning of the end for clutch operated, hand shifted cars. I shed a tear.
6. Rear view Cameras – This option grew out of necessity. Supercars like the McLaren F1 which has the tiniest of rear windows relied on a camera to see what’s behind. Then big trucks and SUV’s like the Infiniti FX have caught onto the trend. Now many luxury cars offer this system. It makes reversing much safer and will definitely help in the area of parking.
7. Turbochargers and Smaller Engines – Again auto manufacturers like Volkswagen have used turbocharged 4-cylinder engines to produce as much horsepower as a V-8 while getting incredible gas mileage. I have always been a big fan of turbos’, which used the wasted exhaust gasses to power up.
8. Small Cars/Spacious Interiors – Again it is the Japanese sub-compact industry that sparked the rise of these cars in America. Hatchbacks have been around for years, and the folding rear seats allow for a ton of cubic space in a hatchback style car.
9. Capless Fuel Systems – Gas can evaporate! Yup this is news to me but very true. Ford is on the leading edge with their GT Supercar which features a capless fuel system. This internal sealing feature will be a trend we see on new cars in the future.
10. Information Systems – The Ford Sync provides real time traffic reports, an On-Star like feature that alerts authorities in the event of an accident, and a vehicle diagnostic system.
With these new features appearing on more new cars, the race is on for car manufacturers to provide the consumers with the newest technology.
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