Mitsubishi News

rockylee · February 2007

It would be interesting to see what the 3's will be on the EVO-X

What I meant to say it will be interesting to see what the MPG's will be on the EVO-X. I didn't mean to stir the pot in the 09' Skyline forum but dude it looks like a waste of money to buy a Nissan Skyline when the EVO-X gives you probably more handeling technology for half the money. The Mitsubishi dealer I would assume won't be selling this car for $10K over sticker either like the Nissan dealers. :surprise:

Rocky

iluvmysephia1 · February 2007

mileage figures are 21 city and 29 highway.

BTW-ZZ Top is playing on April 24th here in Prescott Valley(a Phoenix burb)but I have to work. I don't like to take time off for rock concerts so I may drive to Vegas to see the little 'ole band from Texas.

I'll disclose more information on the '08 Mitsubishi Lancer as soon as I find it out. I have sent e-mails looking for answers all over the planet(literally). I do know that the Lancer is coming to dealers in March and I don't know '08 Lancer prices. I got one e-mail back from a Mitsubishi corporate branch saying that they couldn't tell me prices yet but expect the '08 Lancer to start out at $14,000 for the GL model(the lowest end Lancer model). One does get a great car for that $14,000, though.

Gotta purchase one of these cars, man! :P

oldfarmer50 · March 2007

Caught the tail end of a news article about low speed damage tests. Many of the most popular models got $4000 or more damage from a 6mph bump. The Galant was an exception with less than $1500 damage.

Anyone know the web site for these tests? I'd like to see how the other Mitsu models faired. BTW, they also tested a 1981 Ford Excort. Total damage....$89.

fezo · March 2007

$89 means the Escort was totalled.... :P

I figure the value of an 81 Escort on an insurance claim would vary by how much gas was in the tank.

carguy58 · March 2007

really been attracted to Mitsubishi's products in the past because they weren;t my style with the exception of the 95-99 Eclipse, (99-01 Galant and the Endeavor SUV each a little bit) but the new Outlander looks like a great product. The styling looks great but I haven;t sat in the inside. Looks like Mitsubishi made a great product this time around!

oldfarmer50 · March 2007

...the new Lancer with the Mazda 3 and the Honda Civic Si? How about the Eclipse with the Toyoda Solara and Mazda RX 8? Which would you choose based on power, handling and looks?

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

that sounds too exhausting to participate in. So I'll just tell you that I'm too enamored by the good looks of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer to even care how it compares to the rest. I want one!

Oh, I'll throw one easy comment in...maybe two! The Lancer stacks up very, very well against any other new compact. 7.6 seconds in the 0-60 and very good road manners. A big, fat steering wheel wrapped in leather and a stick shift wrapped in leather. It has way more(56%)torsional toughness than the outgoing Lancer and it has all those racing victories right in it's bloodlines.

Mitsubishi engineers have re-routed the exhaust on the new Lancer to make room for a large stout reinforcement member running underneath the 2.0L motor. Stout sway bars front and rear and this baby handles like a dream.

It's a true Champion before even hitting the streets of America in mid to late March of 2008. Come on-get here!

rockylee · March 2007

It's a true Champion before even hitting the streets of America in mid to late March of 2008. Come on-get here!

I thought it was coming out this month, not next year ? :confuse:

Rocky

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

good catch. It's coming out in a matter of a few weeks here in 2007, not 2008. If the latter were true I'd really be miserable!

elgatoloco · March 2007

With three new versions of the Lancer coming out in the next 12 - 14 months the dates have been a little confusing. Only a few months ago I believe the timetable had the GTS & co. coming out in March 07 which is still the plan, should be here anytime. The Ralliart version was supposed to be around July - August 07 & that apparently has been changed to summer 08. (is it supposed to carry a stick only? I've heard yes/no/maybe.) The Evo X was supposed to arrive in November 07 but now they say February 08. I also heard they would offer a manual 6 speed for "traditionalists" which then changed to a 5 speed & the latest has automatic only. It's not Mitsu's fault as I get the info from several different sites, but it would be cool if Mitsu nailed the questions down once & for all. Perhaps they like the rumors mills working overtime on the Lancer series, nothing like a bunch of speculation to keep yourself in the news.

Unfortunately for Chrysler, keeping yourself in the news all the time is not always healthy. I wonder...has this been discussed before or does anyone think Diamler made a mistake trashing Mitsu like they did? Trying to turn the Galant into the taurus of fleet cars in the early 2000's. Would Diamler be better off now if they had kept Mitsu & dumped Chrysler. Ol' Dr.Z wouldn't be running the show now would he? Anyway, Mitsu is probably better off in the long run. No way that DCX would let them build & import a hottie like the new Lancer. They'd just steal it,slap it together in Canada & call it the neon II or something. Mitsu can build the cars their fans want now. Not all at once, but little by little I think they will soon be profitable all around. Can't say the same for Chrysler.

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

precisely my point, Mr.Bond. You got it...Mitsubishi is a company that has won scads of races with their products and the Lancer goes back to 1973 with its racing heritage. I rented an '04 Lancer in the fall of '04 and thought it was a decent little 4-door sedan to drive.

It's this 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer that really has caught my eye. I remember seeing pictures of it months ago...little hints at front views...looked good. But Mitsu has designed the whole car's package to look exceedingly good IMO.

Funny, one review lists the taillights as "looked lopsided" or words to that effect. I see them as aesthetically pleasing. This car will sell in good numbers for Mitsubishi.
There are literally tons of thought put into the design of this car. It is said to handle very well...some reviews list the 2.0L 4 cyl motor developed with Hyundai and DCX as being "not strong enough to power the car along."

I rarely feel the same as magazine writers about an automotive product. I have yet to drive an '08 Mitsu Lancer yet I know it will have enough power for me. I am planning on buying one with a 5-speed manual tranny and that will serve to boost the handsome sedan's performance by default.

elgatoloco-check out this link and take the presentation by Bryan Arnett, '08 Lancer Program Manager, in, OK? If you are at all interested in this new car from Mitsubishi, you will be infused with good knowledge from this link.

http://www.autospies.com/news/Spies-give-you-an-early-preview-of-the-next-Mitsub- ishi-EVO-12186/

rockylee · March 2007

I just don't want you to kick yourself for not giving the Saturn Astra a chance.

Rocky

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

I saw a yellow Mitsubishi Lancer OZ Rally tonight in my little SE Arizona home town. The owner was cleaning it up at the car wash. I asked him how he liked his Lancer. Needless to say he loved it. Inside the cabin he modified it to be both black and white-in sections. I asked him if he bought it that way and he replied..."no, I made it that way."

I asked him about reliability(his is probably a 2004 OZ)and he said that it was. I asked about the white Lancer OZ I saw in town and he said it was a border patrol worker's Lancer. He said the driver of the white Lancer was always trying to entice him into racing. He doesn't give in and race(smart guy!!). His buddy said there was a blue one in town-I haven't seen the blue one yet.

Here's what surprised me-the Mitsu dealer in Tucson has the '08 Lancer's in! They're here!

Here's where the rubber meets the road. The salesman in Sierra Vista will be e-mailing me with this news this week and I will either put it off or snap a Lancer up. Things are gonna get real interesting starting right now.

I don't like the Saturn Aura much. It's another bland plasticky car from GM and Saturn. I know it won Car of 2007 but to me it's another Saturn Matchbox car. They all look like Matchbox cars to me...no matter how hard Saturn tries.

rockylee · March 2007

I didn't say AURA, I said ASTRA ya know after the Opel ASTRA, that's won rave reviews.

FYI-The Aura, is a lot less plasticky than the 2008' Lancer your looking at. :confuse:

Rocky

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

cars. I didn't say Saturns are Matchbox cars for Matchbox people, though. That would be mean.

No, the only Saturn I've ever given a second look at would be the Saturn Sky. And the Pontiac Solstice looks sportier and more aesthetically pleasing than the Sky, too.

The Saturn division needs to go see some Sonic's games and retire. Quick.

rockylee · March 2007

The Saturn division needs to go see some Sonic's games and retire. Quick.

Oh, I thought you were referring to Mitsubishi, iluv? :P
I thought mitsubishi owners watched the Sonics, Mariners, Seahawks. :P

Rocky

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

when I say those things just ignore me if you want to. I don't mean any harm and car buying is so subjective, man.

I come to this site as an observer and a learner. What I have learned around the net about the '08 Mitsubishi Lancer is that it's new from the ground up and chock full of safety equipment and Mitsubishi racing heritage. The guy with the OZ here in this dusty little cow town I live in in Arizona freaked me out last night when he said that Wildcat Mitsubishi in Tucson(78 miles westward ho) has the '08 Lancers in already.

I said "They're already in!"

"Yep, but only to show to people."

"To show to people? You mean...to show to people and to test drive."

"Yep."

I am in the midst of my full workweek and finally have time off this Friday, March 16th. That will be the time to preen the wild hair and drive west 90 miles to Sierra Vista.

Will I listen to my wife and stay home and work on our house in Willcox or will I spring westward and deal? Time pants on and I don't have the ability to tell the future but I see an Electric Blue '08 Lancer ahead...if only in my mind. :P

I...I mean in the driveway of our home in hot and deserty Willcox. That's what carmakers can inspire in me, rockford. Domestic makers can't seem to do that with me. Just can't. Or just don't. Or just...won't.

rockylee · March 2007

Domestic makers can't seem to do that with me. Just can't. Or just don't. Or just...won't.

Well you haven't even given the ASTRA, a chance to live up to your wants.

-BTW, why do you care so much about racing heritage. Dude you going to be driving a car with what 150 hp ? Do you plan on blowing bye a domestic car when he's in cruise control or something ? If racing is important part of your peronality then I can see buying a EVO-X but a Lancer, is nothing more than a Point A to B appliance. It's more of a work tool than a toy. I can understand why people would buy the Lancer, but it's not like it's the greatest car ever made. It's in the economy subcompact class and yes it has some attributes but it is what it is.

Rocky

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

I saw it on the net several months ago when Mitsubishi was releasing teaser pictures to the press about the upcoming Lancer for 2008. Looked well-designed. Didn't have that Saturn and even Mazda plasticky Matchbox look to it. From the front of the '08 Lancer to the back and back up to the front it's well thought-out and well-designed.

Here's another set of cars that have that nasty Matchbox look: all the recent Pontiac Grand Am's and Grand Prix's for 40 years since about 1967 or so. Get some valid clues, Pontiac.
The new Solstice speaks promise for Pontiac at least.

There's way more design integrity in the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer than in Pontiac's entire stable the last 30-40 years.
Truedat!

It's not about speed for me, it's about body design integrity and solid, smart engineering that's enhanced from years of racing lessons learned. I know it's an economy car, rockford. Don't get all hung up on that word racing. The last thing on earth I am interested in is racing any kind of car in any kind of environment. Barfo!

rockylee · March 2007

There's way more design integrity in the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer than in Pontiac's entire stable the last 30-40 years.
Truedat!

Well obviously you hadn't checked out a new Pontiac G8 :shades: Mitsubishi, has never made a caliber of a car in its long history that is as great as the new G8.

Rocky

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

have you been partying with ZZ Top, to an excess?

The Pontiac G8 tops anything Mitsubishi has ever put out?

PF_Flyer · March 2007

Let's not turn yet another discussion into GM vs the world please. :sick:

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

reborn in the U.S.' or not...the answer is a resounding yes. Anybody following the new Outlander and Lancer projects with any wherewithal at all will see that Mitsubishi has their 2007 act tightly together.

A side bonus of buying a Mitsubishi is Finbarr O'Neill's work of bringing the Hyundai/Kia 10-year, 100,000 mile Warranty to the company.

If you think about it, a lot of the criticism against Mitsubishi was unfounded and full of baloney. Is it Mitsubishi's fault that loads of buyers were dishonest and defaulted on their loan? Really, those morons that did that hurt themselves and their own credit ratings.

Mitsubishi and their staff of engineers, research personnel, manufacturing personnel, office and accounting personnel, etc., still have their jobs and are busy at them.

The dorks that thought it would be so fun to buy a car and then not make their payments are the true losers here, not Mitsubishi.

dtownfb · March 2007

<<If you think about it, a lot of the criticism against Mitsubishi was unfounded and full of baloney. Is it Mitsubishi's fault that loads of buyers were dishonest and defaulted on their loan? Really, those morons that did that hurt themselves and their own credit ratings.>>

Not sure you can absolve Mitsubishi of all blame. They had to know the 0/0/0 sale was going to cause a lot of problems esp. when you are approving people with questionable credit history. And their cars depreciate like..like me in a swimming pool (they don't call me anchor for nothing). Not a good combination. Of course it did sell a lot of cars but look at where they are now. There is a reason other companies are not using this same tactic.

build good cars at a fair price and have a solid marketing plan and good things will begin to happen.

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

refute the point I just said. Mitsubishi wants to sell cars. Their plan looked attractive to some young, impulsive buyers. Does the fact that they bought cars and defaulted on their loans take away automotive quality from Mitsubishi Motors of Japan? Of course it doesn't!

dtownfb · March 2007

I agree that the consumer is ultimately responsible for the loan defaults but Mitsubishi does deserve some blame because they approved some of the buyers who had bad credit. does it mean their cars are bad? No way but you do get a bad reputation. They have to overcome this which means build good cars at a fair price and have a solid marketing plan. Any other shortcut they try to increase sales will kill this company.

harrychezt · March 2007

I attended the Columbus, Ohio International Autoshow this past weekend. I was really not thrilled,because, Mitsubishi's area did not have the new 08 Lancer. They had the 07, but not the new one.

I have heard first week of March, then last week of March, for launch of the 08 Lancer.
I spoke to the guy attending the Mitsubishi area, and asked him, "When will the Lancer be released"?
He told me, "I don't know,no onehas told us 100% for sure, yet"!
He said at first, it was March,but then were told May, then last week, August!
I told him,, I heard the EVO would be out in August.
I even Called Mitsubishi 800- number a few weeks back, and got a similar response!
So, anytime from now to August!
take care/not offense.

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

over here in the greater Tucson area the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer's are in! I spoke with a salesman at Wildcat Mitsubishi(sort of in east-central Tucson)and he has some automatic tranny Lancer's but no manuals in yet. He has my cell # and I have his office number and we have even set up a time to meet halfway between Willcox and Tucson in a town named Benson, AZ.

He says the '08 Lancer's with the 5-speed manual tranny's are on their way to Tucson! He must mean soon because we're meeting in Benson Saturday afternoon. I told him about the '01 Sportsman and he sounded very eager to deal.

They'll find with me they'll have no pushover, though. I want top dollar for the Sportage 4x4 or the deal is off. I am very enamored with the '08 Lancer GTS in 5-speed form with the optional Sun and Sound Package. I mentioned my 3 favorite colors(Electric Blue, Rally Red and Apex Silver...yes, they're arranged by most favorite listed first!!)and that it must be a manual tranny or all deals are off.

It's gonna be in the low 80's here in southeast Arizona Saturday...when I come home with my Lancer with the sunroof my wife will freak at first but I think she'll eventually warm up to it(pardon the pun

). The GTS model I'm getting also has automatic climate control so we'll be cruising in comfort, dudes.

Yes..I've spent literally hundreds of hours researching this pup so now it's time to deal. I'll keep ya'll updated as we move along.

harrychezt · March 2007

I tell ya, I wonder if they just did not get one in yet, so the guy made up the story about" now-August".
Sounds like it.
IMHO, you have a brand new car, arriving now, and they don't have one for a major autoshow,there's no excuse for it.
Ford had the 08 Focus sedan, and it is not out yet!

http://wardsauto.com/testdrive/mitsubishi_new_lancer2/

Manual sounds like the way to go. I wish Mitsu did not put the CVT in. This article(and others) seem to prefer the newer small cars 5 speed automatics over the CVT.
I drove one CVT, the Caliber, and it was tolerable, but that was it.
Read the article... let us know(if you decide to test the automatic/cvt, and how it did) how you feel about the Mitsubishi.
I might just sitck with the tC for awhile longer(and hope Scion doesn't mess it up, next design).
This syas 0-60 with the manual in 9 seconds( cvt is probably 10 seconds?..just a guess).
I'll take the tC, with automatic, 0-60 in 8.2 seconds, and read 7.7 to 7.8 with manual.
Better MPG, too( read 29-30 for Lancer, vs 32-34 for our tC,even at 75,000+ miles). I like the Lancer, but if it is 10 seconds to 60, you'll get run over where I live,unless your vehicle weighs 6 tons.
Wonder how the 3 door Saturn Astra will do( I bet it is smaller than Lancer, though)when it's released in the Fall?
Anyhow, good luck,whatever you decide to do.
take care/not offense.

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer does 0-60 in 7.8 seconds.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer CVT automatic might just nip the 5-speed manual '08 Lancer in getting up to 60mph the fastest. It would depend on the skill of the driver.

harrychezt · March 2007

Hope U R correct. 9-10 seconds is slow for a "sporty" compact.
That article/link I posted, they claimed 9 seconds to 60, with manual, and the CVT was "rubber-band" like,they said. That made it sound slow. No times were posted by them.
Let us know how the test drive goes.

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

I have to be honest with you...if you're looking for a little bomber firecat the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is not the car for you. I have read the 0-60 reading as being 0-60 in 7.8 seconds. To me that is more than fast enough.

Everybody's different, though.

oldfarmer50 · March 2007

...if you're looking for a little bomber firecat the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is not the car for you...

You could always buy an Eclipse GT. 0-60 in the low 6's. Or wait until the Lancer Raliart comes out.

By the way, I have seen much criticism of the Eclipse for being too heavy (yea, I think it is too) but I was reading about the 2G AWD turbo that everyone liked and it weighed over 3350 pounds. Interesting.

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

a lot of it just lies in how you interpret the data. To me, 0-60 in 7.8 seconds is plenty fast for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. Plenty fast.

I don't count myself in with the NASCAR crowd or anyone else who drives in a hurry and drives like an obnoxious hellion.

I prefer to not drive others nuts like most people drive.

So, in short, I love the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer for what it is, a handsome 4-door sedan that has meticulously splendid body styling and an aggressive bold stance. Also, some nice colors to light the car on fire to hit the road in.

Saturday afternoon at 1:00PM I have a meeting with a Tucson Mitsubishi salesman midway between Willcox and Tucson. He's gonna drive a GTS '08 Lancer over there to meet me for a test drive. I am waiting with baited breath! Gotta be a GTS 5-speed manual trannied Lancer GTS with the optional Sun and Sound package and bathed in either Electric Blue, Rally Red or Apex Silver. I told him I'd entertain a trade-in of my '01 Kia Sportage 4x4 for either of those Mitsubishi's.

A ballpark price of $19,000 - $20,000 was punted through the phone line at me but, of course, that is open for haggling and spraggling down the line.

But I feel that from the start they are serious about selling me a Lancer and not inflating the price. For him to say $19,000 - $20,000 over the phone shows that they aren't adding one of those 'Southwest Preparation Package' second stickers on the car that adds $2,000 of pure fluff and aggravation.

harrychezt · March 2007

with their manual.
The automatic is around 1/2 a second slower, 8.2-8.3 to 60.This speed is fine. if the CVT could hit 60 in say 8.5 seconds, that would be great.
Safe enough to merge onto hwy, without the white knuckle drive(worry about getting run over).
I read 30-32 MPG. That would be tolerable.
Yeah, defintely let us know what's up with the Lancer.
I won't be seeing one until late April or early May( don't go that route too often).
When I do, I'll be trying to talk them into letting me take the CVT- mid-level version -out for a try.

carguy58 · March 2007

I was wondering if anybody has some spy shots of the 09 Galant because as I like the way the new Outlander looks so I hope the 09 Galant has a clean looking front to it like the new Outlander does and not the front end that the 06 Eclipse has.

I hope the new 09 Galant has an interior that at least the matches the quality of interior materials of the Saturn Aura.

anythngbutgm · March 2007

to supply Nuclear Reactors in Texas

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200703140841DOWJONESDJONLINE- 000593_FORTUNE5.htm

Mitsu has a ton of talent and prospects outside of their Automotive franchise. Seems like they are pretty healthy. :shades:

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

the automotive arm of Mitsubishi will work itself back into large profitibility with a strong helping hand from the overall Mitsubishi. They started making cars back in 1917 and there is enormous pride in their ranks. Below are a few highlights from this link which lays out a history of Mitsubishi Motors.

http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/corporate/museum/history/1960/e/index.html

1917 * Start development of Model-A passenger car

"Japanese mass-production passenger cars. Mitsubishi Motors became an independent company in 1970 when the automobile division was spun off from Mitsubishi Heavy-Industries, producing cars, trucks and buses for over thirty years. In 2003 the company was reborn again as the new Mitsubishi Motors, a manufacturer specialized in passenger cars."

So, in that respect, Mitsubishi as an independent name Mitsubishi has only been at it since 1970. Which makes more sense to me. I heard of them even after that here in the U.S.

1960 * Shin Mitsubishi Heavy-Industries launches the Mitsubishi 500, "the first compact four-wheel passenger car."

1962 * Shin Mitsubishi Heavy-Industries launches a light four-wheel passenger car, the "Mitsubishi Minica."
*The "Mitsubishi 500 Super Deluxe" wins a class title in the 9th Macau Grand Prix.

When they say "four-wheel passenger car, the Mitsubishi Minica," do they happen to mean a four-wheel drive passenger car or a standard four wheel car driven by either the rear wheels or the front wheels?

1966 *The "Colt Formula 3A" wins the 3rd Japan Grand Prix.
A light four-wheel cab-over truck, the "Mitsubishi Minicab" is launched.

1967 *The "Colt IIA" wins the formula car race in the 4th Japan Grand Prix Auto Races.

1968 *The "Colt FIIB" wins the 5th Japan Grand Prix Speed Cup Race.
A partnership agreement with Isuzu Motors Ltd. is signed.(Terminated in 1969)
The "Colt 1100F Sport" wins the 3rd Australian Southern Cross Rally.

While a lot of us middle-aged people were eating Qwisp cereal and watching The Addams Family, The Avengers, Bonanza, Johhny Quest, The Green Hornet, etc. in the 60's and Watts was about to happen in L.A. and the Detroit riots, Mitsubishi was at it in Japan setting up their empire for future automotive success, all the while producing a product they would feel proud of.

1969 *The automobile division is reorganized into the automobile operational headquarters.
A cab-over-type commercial vehicle, the "Delica" is launched.
The "Colt Galant" (with 4G3 Saturn engine onboard) is launched.

1970 *The "Colt Galant GTO" (with 4G32 DOHC Saturn engine onboard) is launched.
The initial basic contract on a joint venture with Chrysler is concluded.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is established

1971 *Sales of the "Dodge Colt" start in North America.
The Colt F2000 wins the Japan Grand Prix Auto Race.
The "Galant Coupe FTO" is launched

1972 *Football Club, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. wins the All-Japan Soccer Championship, the Emperor's Cup.
The "Minica F4" (with 2G2 Vulcan engine onboard) is launched.

1973 *The "Lancer" is launched.
The Galant 16L HT GS wins the 21st East African Safari Rally.
The Lancer 1600GSR wins all titles in the 8th Australian Southern Cross Rally.
A contract on giving technical assistance on the 4G36 engine to Hyundai Motor is concluded.

Note the link to Hyundai way back in 1973!

1976 *The symbol mark "M.M" is attached to new products.
The "Galant Sigma" (with the 4G5 engine with silent shaft and 4 link rear suspension G32B MCA-JET engine onboard) is launched.
The "Galant Lambda" is launched.

1977 *The Nagoya Plant-Okazaki is completed.
Europe Office (The Netherlands) is established.
The 1st Mirage Bowl is held.

1978 *A new sales channel ,"Car Plaza" consisting of 109 companies (186 outlets) starts operations nationwide.
The "Mirage" (with KM160 transmission with super-shift onboard) is launched.

1979 *The patent rights on the silent shaft are licensed to Porsche AG.
The Kyoto Plant-Shiga is completed.
The total number of cars produced exceeds one million/year. (1.005 million exactly)
</b

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

this exercise in Mitsubishi history.

1980 *The "Galant Sigma", "Eterna Sigma" (with the strut-type rear wheel independent suspension) is launched.
The "Forte 4WD" (with the silent chain-type 4WD transfer onboard) is launched.

1981 *The "Lancer EX1800 Turbo" (with a gasoline turbo engine onboard) is launched.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales America, Iuc. (MMSA) is established.

1982 *Use of the MMC mark as the front emblem of newly launched cars starts.
The "Tredia" and "Cordia" are launched.
G12B MD engine(Modulated Displacement), ELC-3A/T
The "Pajero" is launched.
The "Starion" is launched.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation acquire a 10 % stake in Hyundai Motor.
TAMACHI INC is established in Puerto Rico(Mitsubishi Motors Corporation have a 100 % stake in the company, which latter becomes MMSC)
The test laboratory (exhaust gas test site) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the United States is completed.

1983 *Pajeros take part in the Paris-Dakar rally for the first time and win the unmodified production class title, and finish first and second in the marathon racing. Pajeros also win the best team award for the triple crown.
The "Chariot" is launched.
G63B turbo engine with an intercooler
The "Galant Sigma", "Eterna Sigma" (with ECS/EPS/ECM onboard) is launched.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation and Heavy Industries Corporation of Malaysia (HICOM) conclude the agreement to establish a joint national car business. (Later the national car manufacturer becomes PROTON)

1984 *The design center, test lab and parts depot in Cypress, California are completed.
Ralliart is established.
G63B DASH engine (200PS)
The Starion 4WD wins the class title in the Milles Piste Rally held in France.
Integration of Industries and Sales is put into practice

1985 *A contract on joint development of the Debonair with Hyundai Motor of Rep. of Korea is concluded.
The Pajero enters the 7th Paris-Dakar Rally and wins the overall title.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Chrysler reach an agreement to terminate and cancel the basic contract on a joint venture of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.
An agreement with Chrysler to set up a joint corporation for producing passenger cars in the United States is reached. (The company later becomes DSM.)
The Beijing office is established.

1986 *Mitsubishi Motors Corporation acquires a 19 % stake and Mitsubishi Corporation a 6 % stake in CMC Co.,Ltd. in Taiwan.
Cyclone engine
The "Debonair V" (with 6G7 V6 engine onboard) is launched.
Shipment of V6 engines to Chrysler starts.

1987 *UDMI and SMC in Thailand merge and MSC is established.
PAMCOR is set up in the Philippines.
Basic partnership agreement with Daimler Benz including sales of Mercedes-Benz in Japan and production of commercial vehicles in Europe is reached
Use of the mark of three-diamond as emblems for cars for the domestic market resumes.

1988 *The production line of the "Eclipse" at DSM starts operations.
The "Mirage 3-door Hatchback" is launched.
The "Galant" (with 4G6 DOHC 4-valve engine, VCU-type full-time 4WD, active ECS 4-wheel integrated control system onboard) is launched.
The Galant is voted '87-'88 Japan Car of the Year.

1989 The "Minica" is launched.
3G81 DOHC 5-valve engine
HCU-type Full-time SWD
Mitsubishi Motors Europe (MME) is established.
The Mitsubishi Auto Gallery opens at the Nagoya Plant-Okazaki, where famous Mistubishi cars are exhibited.
Galant VR-4 wins the overall titles in WRC1000 Lake Rally and RAC Rally.

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

1990 *The "Minica Toppo" is launched.
The "Diamante" is launched.
Operations of the football club are transferred from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.
The "GTO" is launched.
6G72 DOHC twin-turbo engine
The Diamante and Sigma are voted '90-'91 Japan Car of the Year.

1991 *The "Pajero" is launched.
Super-select 4WD, Multi-mode ABS
4G15 MVV engine
The Lancer Van electric vehicle
The "RVR" is launched.
Inner-rail sliding door
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, the Dutch government and Volvo of Sweden conclude a joint passenger car production plan. Netherlands Car is established in the same year.

1992 *Pajeros finish first, second and third in the overall category of the Paris-Cape town rally.
The "Galant", "Eterna" and "Emeraude" are launched.
The first generation of the "Lancer Evolution" is launched.
The "Debonair" is launched.
INVECS 4-wheel multi-link suspension
4G92 MIVEC engine
Distance Warning System, Passenger airbag
Football Club, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is established

1993 *Power window with safety features
Chrysler sells off its stock holdings of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

1994 *The "Libero EV" is launched for use at public offices and corporations.
The "Delica Spacegear" is launched.
The "FTO" is launched.
The "FTO" is voted '94-'95 Japan Car of the Year.
The "Pajero Mini" is launched.

1995 Gasoline Deirect Injection Engine (GDI) is developed.
Mass production of the "Carisma" starts at Netherlands Car.
Toyo Koki is renamed Pajero Manufacturing.
DSM is renamed to MMMA.
An advanced safety vehicle, the "Mitsubishi ASV" is developed.
MSC in Thailand unveils the "L200 Strada."

1996 *A research and development company is established in the United States.
The Tama Design Center is established.
The "Challenger" is launched.
The "Galant" and "Legnum" are launched.
The "Carisma" manufactured at Netherlands Car is launched.
The "Galant" and "Legnum" are voted '96-'97 Japan Car of the Year.
Mitsubishi Motors Tokachi Proving Ground in Hokkaido is completed.

1997 *An agreement with Pininfarina of Italy on compact SUV production is reached.
A component-producing plant is built in Yagi-cho, Kyoto prefecture.
A joint venture is established for manufacturing engines in Shenyang, China.
Issue of illegal payoffs to corporate racketeers.

1998 *A new company slogan is announced: "Iimono nagaku."
Special Edition of the Jeep is launched to commemorate the end of its production.
The "Pajero iO" is launched
The "Mirage Dingo" is launched.

1999 *An electric vehicle (EV) runs 2000 km in 24 hours for a world record (Officially registered with Guinness Book of Records)

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

2000 *A new generation powertrain "GDI-CVT" is developed.
Recall and coverup scandal of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation concludes a partnership contract with DaimlerChrysler and provided with investment.
A plan to develop compact cars in a joint effort with DaimlerChrysler and to produce them at Netherlands Car is announced.

2001 *Rolf Eckrodt is named the Executive Vice President and COO.
The summary of "Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Turnaround Plan" is announced.
The "New History" campaign starts.
The Airtrek is launched.
Closure of production lines at the Nagoya Plant-Oye and outsourcing of component production are announced.
Separation of AT and CVT businesses from Mitsubishi Motors proper and business integration with JATCO Trans Technology are announced.
The "eK Wagon" is launched.
A plan to build an engine plant jointly with DaimlerChrysler in Germany is announced.

2002 *A plan to develop new engines jointly with DaimlerChrysler and Hyundai Motor is announced.
Rolf Eckrodt is named president and CEO and Takashi Sonobe chairman of the Board.
Integration of passenger car business in North America into one corporation.

2003 *Passenger car business in North America is integrated into Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA).
Truck and bus business is spun off and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation is established.
The headquarters moves to a new location in Shinagawa.
The "Grandis" is launched.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces that net profit for fiscal year 2002 was a record high for the company
A Plan to spin off truck-bus operation are announced.
Integration of two sales channels, Galant and Car Plaza, is announced.
The "Colt" is launched.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales Europe (MMSE) is integrated into one corporation, Mitsubishi Motors Europe (MME).

I was hoping it would bring us to 2007 or at least into 2006 but it ended in 2003. By 2003 all the groundwork was laid to pop us cleanly in to 2007 with a Ray Allen swish anyway, so don't fret.

These guys are truly masters at making cars. My '08 Lancer has a bunch of heritage behind it. I am still learning more with each passing day. I invite y'all(including rockylee there in ZZ Top-land)to enjoy the journey with me as I peruse in to Mitsubishi's past. All the while my test drive is still waiting.

It'll come.

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

1953 *Shin Mitsubishi Heavy-Industries starts knockdown assembly of the Jeep
Shin Mitsubishi Heavy-Industries sets up the automobile department at its headquarters again.

My Mitsubishi salesman and I missed each other yesterday. I was late getting to the Safeway parking lot, though, and I think that what was really going on is Mitsubishi has decided to send the automatic transmission '08 Lancers first. After all, that is the type of Lancer they will sell the most of, by far. So he didn't have the product I wanted. He has my cellphone number but didn't call me. :surprise: Is this some sort of conspiracy? Are you all enthralled with my search? I hope so. I want you to be in this with me.

My wife and I were in Tucson yesterday, later. I drove my Wildcat Mitsubishi and they looked busy with activity. I didn't see a single '08 Lancer but it was a drive-by so they might have been there.

I'll be in touch with him tomorrow sometime. I don't have to head back to work until Friday so I certainly have time to pursue this beautiful new Japanese car.

rockylee · March 2007

That is absolutely messed up. It amazes me they aren't going to use General Electric's or Bechtel. You know an american company? :sick:

I wouldn't even mind seeing them use Siemens-Westinghouse as they have alot of history and experience. I know how "great" mitsubishi, is in the nuclear field and all I can say their safety record isn't exactly great. I'm very shocked the NRC, is allowing these peoples work. I use to work at a Nuclear Power Plant and still have strong contacts thus I know a lil' bit these peoples recent past as they did a refuel outage at my former employer and it wasn't pretty. :surprise:

I'll sum it up this way. They are much better at building TV's and Cars.

Rocky

Mr_Shiftright · March 2007

I'm going to have a chance to drive the new Lancer as soon as it comes in (next week I think).

I've driven the Galant Ralliart and it's really a great car for the money---feels like a BMW 3 Series and way more interesting to drive than an Accord or Camry. (but no manual transmission---WAH!)

Mitsubishis are very good cars now. It's really a shame they don't sell more, because they deserve to. There are far less capable and less reliable cars in their price class selling a lot more units then Mitsu is. I'd recommend a Mitsubishi to a friend without hesitation.

I think Mitsuibishi's major obstacles have been two: One, the regrettable former association with Chrysler and its concurrent mediocre technology, and two, the lack of rapid product development.

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

new 2008 Lancer is so solid and so impressive that I can't seem to drive the idea out of my mind. Mitsubishi engineers have improved the Lancer's torsional rigidity by 56% and have improved the front end's "hold" on cornering. One main thing they did to do this was by re-designing the exhaust routing. The exhaust members now route towards the rear of the car. That opens up room for a stout horizontal crossmember that binds the front completely from side to side and improves handling immensely compared to the outgoing Lancer.

Thing is, when my Sportage was getting a new alternator in October of 2004, I rented a 2004 Lancer sedan. Plain white and automatic transmission. Ugh! But I liked the ride...when punching it the engine would rev up but not really moan in an annoying manner. The ride was pleasant enough. I filed the Lancer idea in my mind all the time remembering a Jackie Chan movie that incorporated liberal usage of the then-current Lancer(about 2005)...Chan had an agreement with Mitsubishi to use the little sedan and he had them performing like champions running about here, there and everywhere. Good advertising for Mitsu for the Lancer, too.

What grabs me by the throat with this new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is it's body styling. The menacing front is awesome and I love it. But when I saw how they did the rear end and how the car had a nice wedge shape overall, I really liked the design.

The taillight design is awesome, how it slants up and flares outward. The little partial circles are very thoughtful and sporty.

The fat, leather-wrapped steering wheel is great and it has lots of nice touches like the micron air filtering system and automatic climate control. The sunroof and Rockford Fosgate 650 watt stereo are going to be supreme.

No, I don't worry about Mitsubishi's engineering. The warranty is unbeatable if it's needed but I'm already spoiled by that with my '01 Kia Sportage 4x4. At 127,854 miles, though, the Long-Haul Warranty is over.

harrychezt · March 2007

1) Ralliart Galant: It was a hit at the autoshow 2 weekends ago! Tons of people checking it out(27K+ MSRP, orange/reddish
paint). Sharp looking.

2) iluvmysephia.
Ummm. what happened, again,with the test drive this weekend, and the salesman Never called you back? if this were me, I would definitely avoid that dealership, if possible!
That's never happened to us, in 20 years, buying new cars.
Sales person always called back, at the very least.

Just my 2 cents.

take care/not offense.

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

I don't know what happened. I was late..about 40 minutes late. He was nowhere to be found in the Safeway parking lot. I'll bet they only got automatic tranny's...the salesman should have called me...that's making me balk on the idea for a few days. We're busy updating our house we just bought in Willcox, my wife and I. We're really occupied right now...I barely have time to test drive.

One of those "buy low, renovate and then live in it" homes. Lots of work but bought it at a great price. No, I'm not angry at the salesman...I could call him and probably will tomorrow...he's gonna need to offer me a pretty sweet deal after that...my guess is the manual's aren't in yet...he knows I want a stick shift only...he does have my cell number, too. :surprise: I know, it's not like salespeople to act this way at all.

oldfarmer50 · March 2007

..."I was about 40 minutes late."

I bet the salesman is giving a full account in the "Stories From the Sales Frontline" forum.

iluvmysephia1 · March 2007

I was about 40 minutes late? We live about 35 miles from where I was going to meet the salesman and I didn't tell my wife I was going to meet this guy and test drive the Lancer GTS for 2008 from Mitsubishi! I was going to try the surprise treatment on her!

Anyhoo-I still think I deserved a cell-phone ring-a-ling-a-ling from this salesman from Tucson.

Two obvious reasons he didn't show or at least call me are:

1)No manual trannied '08 GTS Lancers in yet
2)His dealership needed him in Tucson selling Mitsubishi's

Have I written Wildcat Mitsubsihi of Tucson off? BTW-they are currently the only Mitsubishi dealership operating in Tucson. There is a Mitsubishi dealership 10 miles further to the SW from us called Ideal Mitsubishi but the Tucson salesman says they haven't received any '08 Lancers yet.

I will contact him shortly if my cell phone doesn't ring with his call in the next few days.

We're busy renovating our house so even a test drive could be in another week or so.

Mr_Shiftright · March 2007

I'll probably drive the 2008 Lancer on Thursday.
But alas, it will be I think a CVT base model, so we can forget about the fun part.

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