1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Gst on 2040-cars

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The most efficient gas or hybrid cars of 2024: Not the greenest, but still very green

Not a single electric vehicle appears on the “greener choices” list assembled by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) in its annual compilation of the most environmentally friendly cars in the United States. But for potential car buyers seeking an efficient, fairly affordable gasoline or hybrid vehicle this year, the list of 12 cars, trucks and SUVs can help with decision making. Topping this yearÂ’s list was the gas/hybrid Honda Accord, priced at $33,990 with an estimated annual fuel cost of $982. Rank Make & Model Powertrain Vehicle Class Green Score MSRP Estimated Annual Fuel Cost* 1 Honda Accord Gas Hybrid Large Car 62 $33,990 $982 2 Kia Niro FE Gas Hybrid Compact SUV 61 $28,315 $885 3 Mitsubishi Mirage Gas Compact Car 59 $17,955 $1,189 4 Lexus ES 300h Gas Hybrid Midsize Car 59 $44,590 $1,073 5 Lexus NX 350h Gas Hybrid Midsize SUV 57 $43,465 $1,207 6 Ford Maverick Gas Hybrid Compact Pickup 55 $24,900 $1,297 7 Toyota Sienna Gas Hybrid Minivan 55 $39,080 $1,304 8 Mini Cooper Convertible Gas Subcompact Car 54 $35,700 $1,412 9 Toyota Highlander Gas Hybrid Large SUV 54 $40,720 $1,348 10 Kia Soul Gas Small Wagon 53 $21,565 $1,467 11 BMW Z4 sDrive30i Gas Two-Seater 50 $53,600 $1,626 12 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 Gas Hybrid Large Van 49 $43,000 $1,596 13 Volvo V90CC B6 Gas Hybrid Midsize Wagon 45 $59,800 $1,843 14 Ford Ranger Gas Standard Pickup 43 $32,670 $1,968 *ACEEE analysis using EIA data of the annual cost of driving 15,000 miles In making its evaluations, the ACEEE examines each 2024 model based on its cost to human health from air pollution associated with vehicle manufacturing and disposal, the production and distribution of fuel or electricity, and vehicle tailpipe emissions. The group also takes into account air pollution associated with EV battery manufacturing. The organization also ranks what it calls the “greenest” cars — it selected the Toyota Prius Prime SE plug-in hybrid is the greenest model of 2024. As well as the “Meanest.Â’Â’ or least efficient vehicle. At the top of that list this year was Mercedes-Benz AMG G63. The group says that the greener choices are those that are available nationwide “with among the lowest environmental impacts in each vehicle class but that didnÂ’t make the Greenest List.

Junkyard Gem: 1993 Mitsubishi 3000GT

Mitsubishi is down to just three models in the United States now: the Eclipse Cross, Mirage and Outlander (and the Outlander is sibling to the Nissan Rogue). Back in its glory days of the 1990s, however, Mitsubishi offered American vehicle shoppers a comprehensive line that included minivans, wagons, sedans of all sizes, pickups, econoboxes, sport coupes, SUVs and an evil-looking sports car called the 3000GT. Today's Junkyard Gem is a first-generation 3000GT, found in a Northern California wrecking yard. Known as the Mitsubishi GTO in its homeland, the 3000GT was available in the United States from the 1991 through 1999 model years. For 1991 through 1996, a Dodge-badged version called the Stealth was sold in North America. There was a turbocharged all-wheel-drive VR4 version of the 3000GT, but this one is a naturally-aspirated front-wheel-drive base model. The engine is a 3.0-liter DOHC V6 rated at 222 horsepower and 205 pound-feet. The transmission is a five-speed manual. A four-speed automatic was available for an additional $840 ($1,807 in 2024 dollars). The MSRP for the base front-wheel-drive 3000GT for 1993 was $23,659, or about $50,893 after inflation. The much faster VR4 listed at $37,250 ($80,128 in today's money). This car has had an interesting life, evidence of which can be seen in the replacement VIN tag riveted on by the State of California. Home-market ads for Japanese cars from this period are more fun than their American counterparts. It appears that the FWD version didn't get much attention in TV commercials. Mitsubishi. The word is getting around.

Mitsubishi teases updated 2025 Outlander with tweaks throughout

There's an updated Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV on the way for the 2025 model year, four years after the launch of the fourth-gen. Europe released a bit of information on their version in July, one "specifically developed for the European market." Despite hype that the electrified SUV "is based on the Japanese I-Fu-Do-Do concept of authenticity and majesty," the outline we can make out in the European teaser image suggests exterior lines won't stray far afield. Now Japan has released a few artfully shaded images of what buyers can expect, along with additional details. Set beside the Euro tease, the DRL and headlight image portends that the "more refined and sophisticated face" won't be much different than today's face, so figure on the usual headlight and taillight revisions plus some tweaks to character lines. The development team promises a "greatly improved" interior based on customer feedback. We'll guess that statement is focused on lower trims; we've called the cabins of upper trims one of the Outlander PHEV's strongest advantages. The interior design philosophy was dubbed "Majesty Phase 2 - Refinement and further quality," and we know it means upper trims will get ventilated seats semi-aniline leather for the first time. The infotainment touchscreen should grow to 12.3 inches, replacing the 8- and 9-inch screen on today's trims and matching the size of the digital instrument cluster. The automaker has worked with Yamaha for a couple of years on vehicle-specific audio systems, there should be one on the way for the Outlander PHEV with branded speaker grilles and multiple sound profiles. Looks like there's a larger battery on the way as well, extending pure-electric range past today's 38 miles powered by a 20-kWh pack; this larger unit might add V2L capability so that the Outlander can use its energy to power a home. Mitsubishi might upgrade output of the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder, or boost output from the two electric motors. Engineers are definitely retuning the handoff between the ICE and battery for more electric driving and a smoother transition. Suspension tweaks creating a ride "one class above the rest" are coming, and new colors and wheel designs are a given.