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Mitsubishi
The marque of Mitsubishi mounts on five different cars in 2008 for the North American market plus two crossover wagons and a mid-size pickup truck. Lancer, the Mitsubishi compact-class sedan, shows off a new generational treatment in 2008 with an expanded structure and pumped-up powertrain, while the next generation of Lancer Evolution -- a turbo-charged sports sedan -- is in the oven and set to roll ashore later in the model year.
Mitsubishi's Lancer compact sedan earns a new front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform featuring a longer wheelbase and wider track. The expanded structure translates into more space for passengers in a five-seat cabin. Lancer 2008 presents only one body style -- a four-door notchback sedan -- but offers three trims, each with the same engine and a manual five-speed or CVT (continuously variable transmission). The new twin-cam 2.0-liter four-in-line engine with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control (MIVEC) equipment produces 152 hp. Crisp new sheetmetal shapes set Lancer apart from the bland sameness of other compact imports.
Nicknamed 'Evo, the Lancer Evolution is a high-performance version of the Lancer sedan but motivated by a souped-up turbo engine and rigged with all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction. The next Evo -- Evolution X, with 'X' as the Roman number 10 denoting a tenth generation -- arrives late for the 2008 class with Mitsubishi's Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) advanced traction and handling system which regulates drive torque at each wheel. Also aboard Evo X is a new high-performance 2.0-liter turbo MIVEC3 engine with a twin-clutch SST (sport shift transmission).
Mitsubishi's Galant mid-size sedan for 2008 trims to three segments including a Ralliart edition with sport-tuned suspension tweaking. Galant DX is the price leader and the luxury model is labeled Galant ES. Galant has four-cylinder and V6 engine choices. The base four displaces 2.4 liters and nets 162 hp, while a 3.8-liter MIVEC V6 in the Ralliart hits 258 hp. Galant Ralliart adds a sport mesh grille with two-tone bumper treatment. Two new paint chips -- Rave Red and Northstar White -- apply to the 2008 Galant, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is standard for all trims.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse, a sleek and expressive two-door hatchback coupe, for 2008 adds new SE trim available with either four-cylinder or six-cylinder powertrain. Eclipse's Special Edition package applies a chin spoiler and tail spoiler, 18-inch silver-finish wheels, and cabin trimmings in dark charcoal leather and terra cotta. Eclipse GS is the bottom-price model with a four-cylinder engine tied to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic with Sportronic sequential shift control. The 2.4-liter in-line-four makes 162 hp. Eclipse GT brings a 3.8-liter V6 worth 263 hp through a six-speed manual or five-speed Sportronic automatic.
The 2+2 sports convertible by Mitsubishi runs with the label of Eclipse Spyder. It uses styling, structure and mechanical content of the Eclipse sporty coupe. There's one style and two trims, each with a different engine and two transmission choices. Eclipse Spyder GS is the entry edition with a 2.4-liter in-line-four rated at 162 hp with a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic linked to Sportronic shift control. Eclipse GT has a 3.8-liter V6 with 260 hp and either a six-speed manual or five-speed electronic automatic with Sportronic shifting. Expect fresh paints for 2008 like Optimist Green.
Mitsubishi's Outlander five-door crossover utility vehicle (CUV) for the compact class earned a generational update last year with a new platform, revamped trim designations and strong V6 powerplant aboard. For 2008 Outlander returns with a new 2.4-liter four-pack engine option and CVT shifter for Outlander ES trim. The new plant musters 168 hp. A 3.0-liter MIVEC V6 with 220 hp through a six-speed automatic Sportronic shifter works for Outlander LS and XLS, each with standard FWD or optional electronically controlled AWD linked to integrated stability control, which Mitsubishi calls All-Wheel Control (AWC).
The mid-size Endeavor CUV from Mitsubishi blends manners of a luxury sedan with the elevated stance and cargo capacity of a SUV plus cabin flexibility like a minivan. It's easy to drive because the unibody structure and handling hardware match mechanical equipment on a FWD car. Yet Endeavor resembles a sizeable SUV in format and can carry a wagon's load of cargo, while the spacious cabin has comfortable seats arranged in two rows for up to five riders and there are fancy amenities aboard. Powertrain is a 3.8-liter V6 which achieves 230 hp through a four-speed automatic Sportronic.
Mitsubishi's Raider truck offers two-wheel-drive (2WD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction and trims of LS and DuroCross. Raider also shows two cab formats. The Extended Cab contains two rows of seats for four and two rear-hinged doors, but Double Cab has four full-size doors and seats for five. The truck box varies, as Extended Cab uses a long-bed design and Double Cab totes an abbreviated bed. Raider LS Extended Cab with Convenience Package brings an audio upgrade with Sirius satellite radio service and wheels with silver centers.
