Popular Mechanics announced the winners of its 2008 Automotive Excellence Awards in its December '07 issue, naming the all-new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution the most fun to drive vehicle on the road. The magazine's automotive editors selected the Evolution for the Fun to Drive award based on its "sporty, fast and agile" nature with a "refined, more sophisticated look," dubbing the vehicle "a thrill to drive."

The next-generation Lancer Evolution features several new updates that set it apart from its predecessors, including an all-new 295-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and new six-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission. The Evolution also comes available with the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) dynamic handling system, which regulates drive torque at each wheel by controlling a network of dynamic technologies: Active Center Differential (ACD) 4-wheel drive, Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential, Active Stability Control (ASC) and Sport ABS brakes.

Each year, Popular Mechanics' automotive editors drive more than 100 new cars, trucks and sport-utility vehicles to nominate the top new models in ten specific categories. The award was presented to Mike Evanoff, Manager of Product Strategy for Mitsubishi Motors North America during a ceremony at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 14th.

DogCars.com has named the Mitsubishi Outlander winner of the 2007 DogCar of the Year Award for Best Small-Sized SUV.

Created by Good Morning America veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and syndicated columnist Gina Spadafori to offer a car-buying resource for dog-lovers, DogCars.com made the announcement as part of its first-ever DogCars of the Year awards. The "ample, well-designed dog space", "Labrador Black Pearl color", and "fun and comfortable" features secured the victory for the Outlander.

Based on DogCars.com's rating system that accounts for elements such as cargo space, off-road performance and easily removable seats, the Mitsubishi Outlander received a five-paw rating.

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Recent Reviews of Our Vehicles

Lancer Evolution Reviews

OCMetro 5/22/2008
"How it drives: Ever watch those Formula One cars on the Speed Channel? Well, like that, except there's a backseat and a radio."
"Dollar for dollar, the whole series of Evos and this is the 10th variant in the lineage  possesses a thrill-per-admission price ratio to rival Magic Mountain's, but on a scale you can park in the garage."
"The manual transmission is great; the lightning-fast twin-clutch will make history."
"The Evo's Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) is capable of sensing anything wrong in your cornering trajectory, and then redirecting the engine's power, either fore-or-aft, or side-to-side, to make it look like you really meant to do that. How's it done? There are three differentials, a multi-plate hydraulic clutch, and, well, let's just call it magic."

EdmundsInsideLine 5/26/2008
"The Evo X's twin-clutch six-speed transmission, when used in Super Sport mode, is a revelation. Until now we haven't driven an automanual transmission which so thoroughly eliminated the need for a clutch pedal and gearshift, but when driving hard, the MR does just that."
"It flat spanked the $85,000 Porsche and walked all over the little Lotus."
"There's more confidence here through fast transitions than in any other car."
"The Evo's secret weapon, however, is its transmission. It's always in the right gear. Unlike the paddle-shifted transmissions in the GT-R and the R8, the Evo's six-speed thinks for itself and maximizes the car's performance."

04/29/2008

The Mitsubishi Lancer has been named a 2008 Coolest New Car Under $18,000 by the expert editors at Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. With versatility and technology becoming growing trends in the under-$18,000 segment, the next-generation 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer offers consumers an economic entry-level package that combines rally-inspired performance and handling features with cutting-edge in-car technology.

In choosing the 2008 list of Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000, the kbb.com editors used the same set of criteria that many consumers use in examining this category: safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort, technology, the vehicle's fun-to-drive-factor, as well as the decidedly subjective "cool" factor. Kbb.com's editorial staff commented:

"The Mitsubishi Lancer's aggressive, rally-inspired looks belie a starting price of less than $15,000. The low cost of entry will leave many buyers with enough extra cash to add cool options like a hard-drive navigation system, an impressive premium audio system or perhaps a stylish spoiler."

The Mitsubishi Lancer is available in three levels of trim and driving dynamics - DE, ES and the sport-tuned GTS - starting at a price of $13,990. For the 2009 model year, the GTS is equipped with a new 2.4-liter 168-hp aluminum DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine

Tetsuro Aikawa, Managing Director in charge of Product Development Group Headquarters, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, announced at the New York International Auto Show that fleet testing of the zero-emissions i MiEV electric vehicle would begin in the U.S. this fall.

The i MiEV electric prototype vehicle is powered by a durable 330-volt lithium-ion battery system located under the floor deck that is linked to a 47-kW permanent-magnet electric motor, promising up to 80 miles of driving on a single charge.

Also unveiled at the show was the i MiEV Sport concept. The i MiEV Sport concept is a coupe variation on the i MiEV with a 'fastback' roofline, maximizing the sporty possibilities of the electric vehicle package.

Galant Review

FamilyCar.com 5/23/2008
"The Ralliart is a competent entry in a segment of the market that generally does not put sportiness on its list of must-have features."
"The result is a sedan that is surprisingly engaging. It won't push anybody's Porsche out of the garage, but it can add a little zest to the every-day driving experience."
"The hottest Galant won't shout for anyone's attention, but it's ready to offer a rewarding driving experience for the buyer who wants to have a little fun with his transportation appliance."

New Mitsubishi Motors Production and Concept Vehicles on Display at 2008 Auto Shows

02/04/2008

Mitsubishi Motors North America Donates D.A.R.E. Car to Local Police Department

Mitsubishi Motors and Kids Safety First Extend National Booster Seat Awareness Initiative to Various Auto Shows