2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Rs Coupe 2-door 2.4l on 2040-cars

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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.

Former Mitsubishi CEO Osamu Masuko dies at 71

TOKYO — Former Mitsubishi Motors Chief Executive Osamu Masuko, who engineered the Japanese automakerÂ’s alliance with Nissan, has died. He was 71. Masuko was named a special adviser to the company when he resigned for health reasons as of Aug. 7. Mitsubishi said he died of heart failure on Aug. 27. Masuko joined with former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn in forming an alliance in 2016. Ghosn was arrested and charged with alleged financial misconduct in late 2018, but skipped bail and fled to Lebanon. After he was named president of Mitsubishi Motors in 2005, Masuko worked hard to rebuild its brand image, which had been hammered by a massive, systematic and decades-long cover-up of defects that surfaced in the early 2000s. Calm and soft-spoken, Masuko came to symbolize Mitsubishi Motors' revitalization. Masuko had said he was stunned and saddened by Ghosn's arrest. “I still canÂ’t figure out why, and I just donÂ’t understand,” he told reporters then. Nissan Chief Executive Makoto Uchida offered his condolences. “His wisdom and foresight will remain as an inspiration to the automotive industry, and we will always honor his memory,” Uchida said, stressing his role in building the alliance as well as other contributions to the overall auto industry. Mitsubishi's alliance with Nissan and Renault of France was seen as an astute move, giving the automakers an edge in an increasingly competitive global market. “During his tenure for about 16 years at MMC, Masuko made great achievements by fully demonstrating his management skills, which also enabled the company to overcome difficulties,” Mitsubishi Motors said. Masuko helped build the companyÂ’s business in Southeast Asia, a key source of growth. He also aggressively pushed the development of greener models. Masuko studied political science and economics at Waseda University and did not have an engineering background. He joined trading company Mitsubishi Corp. in 1972. In 2004, he joined Mitsubishi Motors, which makes the Pajero and Outlander sport utility vehicles, as managing director of its overseas operations. Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Motors said it is not planning any special services, respecting MasukoÂ’s wishes. The family has already held a vigil and funeral, it said. Related Video:

Ralliart returns to America for 2023

Mitsubishi announced Wednesday that its storied Ralliart nameplate will return to showrooms for the 2023 model year. The company let slip that its performance sub-brand would make a comeback more than a year ago and even revived it for a show car in Tokyo, but this is the first example of a for-real product shipping with Ralliart branding since it was kicked to the curb in 2010 — years before the compact Lancer it most famously graced was formally discontinued.  For now at least, it appears Ralliart will be a largely aesthetic makeover, with alterations limited to "unique body effects, graphics and other rally-inspired touches." We wouldn't be surprised to see larger wheels, sportier tires and perhaps even some suspension adjustments enter the mix down the line, but for now, Mitsubishi seems content to set modest expectations. Look for variants of the Outlander, Outlander PHEV, Eclipse Cross, Outlander Sport and Mirage, all of which will be built in "limited" numbers.  Elsewhere in 2023 model year news, the Mirage is losing its manual transmission option in favor of a standard CVT, and its base price will increase by $1,600 accordingly. The Outlander Sport and Eclipse Cross will now come standard with AWD, and the latter's base price will increase to $27,140 (including $1,345 for destination). Mitsubishi says more pricing and trim information for the lineup will be provided at a later date, along with more information about the new Outlander plug-in hybrid; the car itself will arrive in showrooms in Q4.  Related Video This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.