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The worst rally driver you've ever seen

Fast cars and excellent driving skills might be the easy answers when asking how to succeed in rally racing, but after watching this video, a good teammate is obviously an important aspect of this sport, too. During the 2013 Rally of Coimbatore in India, driver Samir Thapar and his co-driver, Vivek Ponnusamy, didn't seem to be on the same page as the two attempted to navigate the course in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
We'd probably hear drastically different stories if we talked to Thapar and Ponnusamy about this particular event, but you know things are bad when "stay on road" and "turn the wheel" are commands given by the co-driver (and yes, that's a man running for his life in the screen shot shown above). As it turned out, though, it seems like the Ponnusamy was justified in his concerns to take care of the racecar. Race results show that despite winning three of the seven stages, this team ultimately ended the race with a DNF.
Scroll down to watch the video, and even though it's been edited down from almost 40 minutes to less than four, we get the idea that it wasn't a pleasant experience for driver or co-driver.

Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV II points the way forward with its angular look [w/video]

The Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV II on display at the Geneva Motor Show isn't really a completely new vehicle but more of thorough reworking of the earlier XR-PHEV from the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. For the latest interpretation, the Japanese brand is getting the design ready for an eventual debut for the road. While the two concepts look practically identical at first glance, the XR-PHEV II is far more possible for production than its predecessor. The grille and hood now feature openings to let the vehicle cool its plug-in hybrid system, and the rear design offers enough glass to actually let the driver see out of the back. The interior for the latest version also looks mostly functional this time and is clad in eye-catching orange upholstery. The XR-PHEV II's powertrain is a bit more mysterious, though. It's a front-wheel drive PHEV that's powered by a 12-kWh battery and offers a total output of 160 horsepower. However, Mitsubishi isn't taking about the internal combustion engine's displacement or the model's transmission. Still, the company is clear that this look is a glimpse at its future crossovers, and that would be a welcome change. XR-PHEV II's more angular design would certainly liven up Mitsubishi's somewhat staid lineup.

Mitsubishi's 2024 updates include free maintenance, new trim levels

Mitsubishi is making several changes to its portfolio for the 2024 model year. It's expanding its range with new trim levels that benefit from a longer list of standard features and several specific styling cues, and it's giving buyers free maintenance for two years or 30,000 miles. Starting at the top of the range, the hybrid and non-electrified variants of the Outlander get a new Platinum Edition variant characterized by Black Diamond paint, a roof panel finished in Alloy Silver for a two-tone look, a Light Gray interior, and silver-colored interior trim, among other accents. Mitsubishi will fully detail the trim level later in 2023. The Black Edition package offered during the 2023 model year returns for 2024. It's compatible with the SE and SEL trim levels, and the latter gets black exterior trim as well as black leather upholstery. SE and SEL variants of the Eclipse Cross receive a power-operated hatch with a kick-motion sensor, while the SE's list of standard features grows further with adaptive cruise control, a USB port for rear-seat passengers, and a leather-upholstered steering wheel. The LE model gets a free two-year subscription to Mitsubishi Connect and FAST-Key keyless entry technology. The range will expand later in 2023 with a Special Edition model that will feature "rugged, off-road-inspired styling enhancements," according to the Japanese company. Positioned as Mitsubishi's entry-level crossover, the Outlander Sport highlights Mitsubishi's off-road heritage with a Trail Edition model that's characterized by black graphics on the hood, black exterior trim, mud flaps, and all-weather floor mats. Photos of the model haven't been released yet, however. And, don't look for a 2024 Outlander Sport GT on your local dealer's lot: Mitsubishi changed the trim's name to SEL. Updates to the Mirage hatchback and the Mirage G4, which are both nearing the end of their life cycle, are relatively minor. The LE trim level positioned near the bottom of the range benefits from a longer list of standard features, including a driver's armrest, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing wipers. Graphite Gray and Jet Black join the color palette to replace Mercury Gray and Mystic Black, respectively.  Every member of Mitsubishi's 2024 range regardless of size, price, and trim level benefits from free maintenance for two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.