Behold the future of the Mitsubishi EVO. April Fools!

Mitsubishi‘s diminutive i electric vehicle is undergoing some fairly substantial changes when it makes its debut on our shores, the most significant being a slight increase in length and a 5 inch bump in width, with the extra size added to help the car feel better during high speed highway driving.

Japan’s major car companies have also been badly hit due to this disaster. Toyota and Honda have still not started their operations, and will stay shut over the weekend, due to a shortage of parts coming from suppliers, which were situated in areas most badly hit by this recent disaster.

Reports of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo’s death have been greatly exaggerated. After the unsurprisingly angry backlash the company received from its fanbase, Mitsubishi has apparently reversed its decision to kill its flagship rally fighter.

Japanese auto makers have been scrambling to assess the impact of the recent natural disasters on their supply chains, as North American production facilities face potential harm, as Japanese factories have begun suspending production in the face of a series of catastrophic events.

Japan’s three largest automakers announced that they will donate $3.75 million each for earthquake relief. Honda says it will donate 1,000 power generators (a product made by the company) as well as 5,000 gas canisters, while Nissan is considering the donation of vehicles, provisions and medical supplies. Toyota also said that it is investigating such a move.

Designing a single car for the entire world is a tough proposition. No matter how hard engineers strive towards a unified design, concessions must usually be made, particularly with regards to engine and gearbox choices. Other instances have called for variations in size to suit regional tastes.

Japanese automakers Nissan and Mitsubishi today announced partnership that will see the two companies work together on a mini-car project. The joint venture brings together the struggling Mitsubishi Motors with the more successful Nissan brand.

Hey, do you want a little bit of rally car built into your SUV? Well, the Mitsubishi Outlander GT offers up some of the technology that made the company’s Lancer Evolution rally cars so successful in motorsports. For an additional $3,300 over the base price of the Outlander SE with All-Wheel-Control, the Outlander GT offers the company’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC, for short) system, mated to a 230 horsepower 3.0-liter MIVEC V6 engine, instead of the base 168 horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder powerplant. 

Now comes the news that Mitsubishi North America has a new President and CEO, to perhaps get things back on the right track. Yoichi Yokozawa will take the helm from Shinichi Kurihara as of April 1, 2011. Kurihara will be returning to Japan to continue working for the company.

Yokozawa is not new to the company either, having already served 13-years with Mitsubishi, which included heading the brands European board.

Yokozawa has worn many hats within Mitsubishi and we wish him all the best for the future. And Mr. Yokozawa if you’re listening, don’t kill off the Evo.

Press release after the jump:

The Mitsubishi Evo might be slated for the history books, but a few folks out there intend to send it off with a bang.

A Landisville, Pennsylvania area car salesman turned himself in to police after a customer test drive of a Mitsubishi Lancer ended with a passenger’s death.

The Mitsubishi Evo series will not continue into its eleventh model, says Gayu Eusegi, global product director. He may as well have kidnapped Santa, in the minds of rally fans everywhere.

If there’s one letter that represents Mitsubishi‘s new global small car concept, it’s not B, but ‘e’. While a B-Segment (or subcompact) car, Mitsubishi touts the vehicle’s “e-compact” characteristics, with the e standing for everything from efficiency, to engineering, to economies, to export, to electric.

Mitsubishi may look to introduce a new flagship model and is currently in talks with Nissan to base the car on the current Infiniti M chassis.

Fiat is hoping to eliminate haggling from the buying experience of the new 500 small car, in what the company claims is a bid to eliminate a stressful process for younger buyers.

Mitsubishi‘s American plant will transition from making less-than-thrilling cars like the Eclipse and Endeavor SUV to producing vehicles for the global market.

The Mitsubishi Colt is one of the oldest nameplates in the compact car market, having been sold across the globe in fairly substantial numbers. While North Americans missed out on the previous incarnation, the Colt was well regarded as a practical and inexpensive subcompact that was also a competent driver’s car.

The future of Mitsubishi in America is tied very closely to its production facility in Normal, Ill. Having suffered significantly in the market over the past several years (sales for 2010 were just 55,683 units compared to 345,111 in 2002), the Japanese automaker is planning a shakeup.

Toronto Motorsports Park, a former airfield that was converted into a 2 mile road course featuring 14 turns, is a great track for novices to dabble in motorsports. The speeds aren’t high enough to obliterate you in a crash, and the 14 turns will challenge a beginner, despite the lack of elevation changes.

TMP’s biggest downfall is the fact that they will rent the track to anyone, and many car clubs take advantage of their affordable rates to host their own lapping sessions. From the looks of it, the incident in the video above took place at one of the uber-cheap afternoon sessions, and was likely hosted by a club with an appalling disregard for professionalism and safety standards.

The driver of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution seen in this mercifully short clip should never have been let on the track to begin with. The driver has no helmet and is wearing shorts, a t-shirt and sandals. But hey, he is wearing a Cosworth flatbill and super-dope driving gloves, so that’s got to count for something.

Common courtesy at TMP dictates that on the front straight, drivers passing slower traffic should give a wide berth and then come back to the racing line as they set up for Turn 1. Instead, the EVO driver came within a pubic hair’s distance from the driver of a Mark II Golf, cut back in, and proceeded to barrel down the straight away and into turn 1, a long, sweeping 120 degree right-hander. Drivers can easily hit 120 mph on the straight away, requiring a ton of speed to be scrubbed off before Turn 1.

Instead, our hero keeps his foot buried to the carpet and only starts braking mere feet before the apex – while steering the car with one hand! The results are predictable, and the EVO makes a glorious exit onto the grass, all while the cameras are rolling.

The Youtube description of the video claims that the brake fluid had “boiled”, causing him to lock the brakes and crash, but we don’t buy that at all. The EVO pilot should have spent money upgrading the driver – and safety equipment – rather than his car.

[Source: Bang Shift]

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a polarizing vehicle, which is an odd thing to say about a 4-cylinder car that will seat five people comfortably while making forward progress through all manner of terrain.

Hot on the heels of Mitsubishi’s joint venture announcement with Nissan comes word that the Japanese conglomerate is developing all of their future products with the ability to use hybrid or electric drive technology.

Over the past few years Mitsubishi’s presence in the North American marketplace has been shrinking, due mostly to outdated models that no longer appeal to consumers in a rapidly changing marketplace. That being said, we feel the need to introduce this latest model from the Japanese automaker. In case you’re not familiar with it, it’s the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, a vehicle that’s designed to help the company regain marketshare by launching into the hot compact crossover segment dominated by vehicles like the RAV4, CR-V, Escape and Equinox.

Nissan and Mitsubishi announced a new joint venture today, notably involving a minicar project that will see Nissan’s engineering prowess and Mitsubishi’s small car expertise utilized in to give greater market share to both companies in markets outside North America.

Mitsubishi has just announced a new global small car that could turn out to be the next Colt. Currently Mitsubishi sells the Colt in major markets like Europe and Japan, competing in the popular sub-compact segment. The Colt has also been long-rumored to make a return to North America, where the small car segment has been growing in popularity with new models like the Fiesta and Mazda2 launching just this past year.

First up is the Lekir, which is essentially a Lotus Europa dressed up in re-altered clothes. Lotus (which is owned by Proton) had recently discontinued production of the unloved Europa in favor of the new Evora, so it can easily start building its old model for its parent company. This will allow Lotus to sell more vehicles and will in return bring in some much needed enthusiasts to Proton dealers. Also, since Proton has a much larger international distribution network, the Europa could finally see the success it never had.

When the Lekir hits the showroom, it will feature either a 1.6-liter pr 2.0-liter turbo charged four-cylinder engine, the latter producing about 220-hp.

With the recent launch of the U.S.-spec i-MiEV electric car at the LA Auto Show, Mitsubishi has announced a plan to help bring the company back to its former self.

Mitsubishi recently reached a milestone with the completion of their 5000th i-MiEV electric car, which rolled off the line at its Mizushima plant this week.

After unveiling the U.S.-spec i-MiEV production car at the LA Auto Show last week, Mitsubishi has confirmed the electrification of its vehicles won’t end there. Next up is the Outlander SUV, which is set to get a plug-in hybrid powertrain when it launches in 2012.

Citing the company’s long history of affordable compact cars that are environmentally sustainable, Mitsubishi today launched the U.S.-spec version of the electric i-MiEV at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Ahead of its planned debut at the LA Auto Show next week, Mitsubishi has released photos and details of it’s U.S.-spec i-MiEV electric car. Normally there’s little differentiation between a U.S.-spec model and one from the brand’s domestic market, but in this case the tiny i-MiEV has been widened to meet the needs of U.S. customers.

Ah, another day, another spate of recalls. A total of 90,000 vehicles from three different automakers are under separate recalls for everything from loose mirrors to defrosters. (At least it’s not as ridiculous as rusting Bentley ornaments).

The Mitsubishi Outlander competes in a tough and crowded segment of small crossovers.  Almost every carmaker has a least one offering, whether it’s the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Chevy Equinox, Mazda CX-7, Ford Escape, Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sorrento, or a host of others. After spending a week with the newest Outlander, I will definitely say that anyone looking for a high mileage sporty little SUV should certainly have this model on their radar for comparative shopping.

Mitsubishi‘s Lancer Evolution is the major bright spot in a pretty dowdy lineup, and for 2011, the company is making it an even more enticing package.

Mitsubishi’s new FUSE system, featuring voice activation, a Bluetooth integration for cellphones and a way to connect your music player. The navigation will also get real time traffic information, but we’re not sure that Evo buyers are all too interested in these sorts of improvements.

Of more importance to the Evo’s demographic is a re-tuned exhaust for 2011 that will give a more aggressive sound, as well as new front and rear spoilers.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Hit the jump to see the official press release

[Source: Mitsubishi]

BP is set to install charging ports at 45 gas stations across the United States, which will be able to charge a Nissan Leaf or Mitsubishi i-MEiV to 80% capacity in under 30 minutes.

It was introduced way back in 2004, but the Mitsubishi Endeavor is one of those mid-size soft roaders that has simply fallen through the cracks in a saturated market. Sure, it got a facelift for 2006, but with the onset of the global recession in 2008, Mitsubishi suspended production for ’09, instead choosing to give its aging people hauler another minor revamp the following year. Here we are, on the cusp of 2011 and the Endeavor is still with us, though for how much longer remains to be seen.

The biggest news for the ’11 model year are the adoption of satellite navigation, back up camera and power sunroof as standard equipment on the up-level Endeavor SE; whereas before they were optional features. The result is an approximately $2,000 increase in the sticker price for the SE, which is available with front or all-wheel drive; the base LS is still FWD only. Both Endeavors are still powered by the 3.8- liter V6, rated at 225-hp and 255 lb-ft of torque, a version of which is also found in the Eclipse sports coupe and Spyder, so aging or not, at least they’ve  got some pep under the hood.

Official release after the jump:

eBay is just full of hidden gems and surprises, along with really random and cheap stuff. We ran across this Mitsubishi Eclipse and on the outside it looks like your standard Eclipse with minimal modifications. Then you take a look at the interior and it’s overwhelming … tacky, but then you notice there’s a whole lot of batteries inside and under the hood. “What’s this?” Well, it’s an all electric Eclipse.

Instead Masuko says he plans to quadruple sales in the U.S., increasing total volume to 200,000 units – up from the current 50,000 unit range. To do this he says the brand will need to have patience, while reducing its significant incentive program in order to create profits. New products will also play a crucial role and the launch of the new Outlander Sport compact crossover (competing with the likes of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4) is the first of those. There are also reports that Mitsubishi will bring the sub-compact Colt back to North America in response to a resurgence in small cars.

Daimler Trucks has chosen the IAA  auto show in Hanover, Germany as the venue to introduce its concept of a fully electric commercial vehicle based on a Mitsubishi/Fuso Canter 3s13 medium-duty cabover truck. Confused?

Having built project cars ourselves, there are times when you just want to give up. And apparently despair got the better of the owner of this partially-finished Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR Coupe.

We haven’t heard a whole lot of noise out of HKS recently, but it looks like they’ve returned to one of their favorite chassis of all time, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

While we have no problems commending the efforts of those who think outside the box, we have to admit we threw up a tad when we spotted this Mitsubishi Eclipse. And as much as we want to criticize this build, we have to give the owner some kudos for really overhauling the car in order to support the gigantic wheels and tires. In fact, he completely modified the car’s suspension in order to fit the 28-inch wheels on it.

And our donk-obsessed owner doesn’t plan on stopping there, with dreams in installing an LS1 V8 under the hood.

While we hate to criticize creativity, we feel like a donk’ed out Eclipse is just downright silly. Does it garner attention? Surely. But there’s a good reason no one has done this before.

[Source: Tampa Bay Sports Car Examiner]

Check out the video after the jump

Mitsubishi‘s lineup in the rest of the world is a pretty far cry from the Outlanders, Eclipses and Galants we’re used to in North America. In foreign markets, cars like the i, Colt and Delica can be had instead of the pulse-slowing fare sold here.

A large majority of the automotive community decried the Honda CR-Z as neither fish nor fowl, a sporty hybrid that didn’t do anything well. Some even predicted this car to be Honda’s downfall, after having finally lost their way, two decades after producing the sporty and efficient Honda CRX.

SEE ALSO: The Last Mitsubishi Evo

The officer behind the wheel lost control at what appears to be very high speed, and ended up rolling the car on a local man’s lawn. One of the officers suffered minor injuries, and clearly their superiors will be launching an investigation into their behavior. Evo carnage gallery after the jump:

[Source: BBC via Redliners]

[Photo Credit: LancerRegister]

Mitsubishi‘s mid-size offerings, already long in the tooth and outdated, may have to soldier on to 2013, after which point they will be unceremoniously executed as Mitsubishi shifts its focus from heavy, lumbering mid-size cars to small vehicles and electric powertrains.

When you bought that new electric car of yours, we bet you thought you’d be saving all kinds of mad money. We hate to break it to you, but it turns out it is probably going to cost you more than an gas car in the long run.

This weekend’s X-Games 16 is starting to become a star-studded event full of Formula Drift’s best drivers. We already know Tanner Foust and his experience with the X-Games, and now Samuel Hubinette and Andrew Comrie-Picard (Formula Drift driver and teammate) will both be driving NOS Energy Drink Mitsubishi EVOs on BFGoodrich tires.

BFGoodrich Tires, a company well known for its innovative and action-packed TV commercials, has drawn inspiration from the animal kingdom for its latest “Bolt On” ad campaign.  As you’ll see in the video (after the jump), in the first installment it’s the grip of a tree frog that’s used to illustrate BFG’s point about bolting on grip by installing a set of their high-performance street tires, while the Behind The Scenes video (also after the jump) gives us a taste of some of the other animals we’ll see in future “Bolt On” ads.

Although the animal kingdom analogies will be at the heart of this campaign, the ads also feature two stars in the automotive world and members of the TeamBFG program. Two-time Formula Drift champion Samuel Hübinette did the stunt driving for the spots and Rally pro Lars Wolfe provided technical and special counsel.  The vehicle featured in the broadcast ad is a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X with BFGoodrich g-Force Super Sport A/S tires.

The new campaign features a media plan that includes a variety of television, print and Internet advertising mediums. Kudos to BFGoodrich for thinking outside the box on this campaign and injecting some humor and style into their “Bolt On” ads. We look forward to seeing what animal makes a cameo in the next one.

[Source: BFGoodrich Tires]