The latest expression of Mitsubishi Motors' recovery from its DaimlerChrysler addiction is the 2008 Lancer. With the company's net income "in the black" and positive response to new products in Japan, Mitsubishi appears poised to regain some of the prestige its products enjoyed in the '90s.
Mitsubishi officials praised the synergy between other companies in the huge Mitsubishi family for its current momentum. To demonstrate there is no sibling rivalry within the brand, the new Lancer shared the stage today at the Detroit Auto Show introduction with a concept of its high-performance big brother, the Lancer Evo, and the original Lancer rally car from the '70s.
Acknowledging that American sales of the new Lancer are critical to its continued rebound, Mitsubishi developed an all-new 2.0-liter engine rated at 152 horsepower and will offer an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) in place of an automatic tranny. A 6-step Sportronic feature that allows "manual" shifts with a steering wheel paddle will be included in the sporty GTS trim level. The 2008 Lancer will also be the first vehicle sold in the U.S. to follow the new EPA mileage estimating tests.
Mitsubishi officials praised the synergy between other companies in the huge Mitsubishi family for its current momentum. To demonstrate there is no sibling rivalry within the brand, the new Lancer shared the stage today at the Detroit Auto Show introduction with a concept of its high-performance big brother, the Lancer Evo, and the original Lancer rally car from the '70s.
Acknowledging that American sales of the new Lancer are critical to its continued rebound, Mitsubishi developed an all-new 2.0-liter engine rated at 152 horsepower and will offer an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) in place of an automatic tranny. A 6-step Sportronic feature that allows "manual" shifts with a steering wheel paddle will be included in the sporty GTS trim level. The 2008 Lancer will also be the first vehicle sold in the U.S. to follow the new EPA mileage estimating tests.