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Mitsubishi Unveils All-New Lancer Evolution at The Los Angeles International Auto Show


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Also on Display, Mitsubishi Premiere Vehicles New Outlander 2.4L SE and Concept-cX

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15 -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today debuted to North America the all-new and much-anticipated 2008 Lancer Evolution. Building on the success of the all-new Lancer launched in spring 2007, and the all-new Outlander crossover SUV, Mitsubishi introduces the high-performance 2008 Lancer Evolution, which was recently awarded Popular Mechanic's 2008 Automotive Excellence Award (Fun to Drive category.) Also making their North America debuts are the new Outlander 2.4L SE and the innovative Concept-cX.

The 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show runs November 16-25 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. In addition to the North American debut vehicles, Mitsubishi is displaying its entire 2008 model line at the show, including the all-new Lancer, Outlander SUV, the exciting Galant Ralliart performance sedan, the highest safety rated SUV the Endeavor and the Eclipse Coupe and Spyder. Also, the WORKS Speed World Challenge Lancer, the 1981 Lancer 2000 Turbo and Lancer World Rally Car (WRC) 05 showcase more than three decades of Mitsubishi motorsports heritage. Another specialty vehicle is the LoudLancer, featuring a custom Rockford Fosgate(R) sound system that will appeal to automotive audiophiles of all ages.

Next-Generation Lancer Evolution

Noted as the pinnacle of Mitsubishi's rally-inspired technology and engineering, Mitsubishi introduces the 2008 Lancer Evolution, the newest and most sophisticated version of the legendary high-performance model series that began in Japan 16 years ago. Lancer Evolution goes on sale in early winter. While remaining true to the core values that have made the Lancer Evolution synonymous with thrilling performance, the next-generation model offers all-around capability and user technology that distinguish the world's best performance models.

The strikingly styled 2008 Lancer Evolution showcases new performance and handling technology, including an all-new 291-hp (est.) 2.0-liter turbocharged/intercooled engine and the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) dynamic handling system. S-AWC offers an extraordinary level of control at each wheel, going well beyond the capabilities of other all-wheel drive systems.

The Lancer Evolution's S-AWC system regulates drive torque at each wheel by controlling a network of dynamic handling technologies, including: Active Center Differential (ACD) 4-wheel drive, Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential, Active Stability Control (ASC), and Sport ABS brakes. Integration of ASC is new for all markets. Exclusive to the Los Angeles Auto Show will be an interactive display for event attendees to experience the razor sharp handling of the Lancer Evolution's S-AWC dynamic handling system designed to emulate driving on tough terrains like a winding mountain roads.

New Outlander ES and Special Edition

For 2008MY, the Outlander ES will feature a new 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. Starting at a base price of $19,990 the new ES offers winning features and a roomy size at a great value. In early 2008, Mitsubishi expands the Outlander lineup with a second 2.4-liter model, the Outlander Special Edition. The Outlander SE combines the economy of the new 4-cylinder engine and CVT with amenities from the premium XLS model, plus exclusive new interior and exterior features. Driving performance in the Outlander SE is enhanced by Sportronic(R) shifting with magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters or console shift, as in the Outlander XLS model. Like the XLS model, the Outlander SE is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels. The FAST Key entry system, standard on LS and XLS models, is also standard on the Special Edition.

The Outlander Special Edition excels in onboard entertainment. A 650-watt (max.) Rockford Fosgate(R) Premium Audio system features digital signal processing and nine speakers, including a rear subwoofer. This high-end audio package, which is optional on the Outlander XLS, includes SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio with six month pre-paid subscription.

Concept-cX

In addition to the Lancer Evolution, the Concept-cX makes its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Concept-cX is a model of a running concept from the Frankfurt Auto Show that demonstrates Mitsubishi Motors styling vision of small SUVs. With features like the newly developed 1.8-liter clean diesel engine mated to a Twin Clutch SST (Sportronic Shift Transmission), the Concept-cX achieves high levels of road and environmental performance. The Mitsubishi Concept-cX is the proposal for the kind of off- roader that only Mitsubishi could create.

WORKS Speed World Challenge Lancer & Historic Rally Cars

To represent Mitsubishi's strong racing heritage, Mitsubishi showcases three of the most well-known rally vehicles to Los Angeles, the WORKS Speed World Challenge Lancer, Lancer World Rally Car (WRC) and the 1981 Lancer 2000 Turbo.

Mitsubishi recently teamed up with its development team, WORKS, to create and build the WORKS Speed World Challenge Lancer. WORKS is comprised of a dedicated group of engineers with over 30 years of combined technical expertise in the automotive performance industry and are only Mitsubishi tuner and parts manufacturer in the United States with engineers on staff.

Representing Mitsubishi's long history of obtaining awards at international and national rallies are the world-renowned Lancer WRC 05 and 1981 Lancer 2000 Turbo. The Mitsubishi Lancer WRC underwent months of intense development work and has broken records at the national rallies since its introduction in 2005. The 1981 Lancer 2000 Turbo snagged third place in the 1982 1000 Lakes Rally and seventh in the 1982 Rally San Remo World Rally championships.

Rockford Fosgate LoudLancer

The Rockford Fosgate(R) LoudLancer exhibits a top-notch audio system, featuring plenty of output, clarity and PUNCH(TM). The vehicle builds off a stock Lancer GTS with audio modifications including: six tweeters, eight speakers and two sub-woofers in the trunk. This epic audio system relies on three trunk mounted amplifiers (a 200-watt, 400-watt and 1,000-watt units) to power eight Rockford Fosgate PUNCH P163C 6.5" full range speakers and two Rockford Fosgate PUNCH P3D212 12" sub woofers. The LoudLancer's power is enhanced with a Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty.2 Interactive Signal Processor that helps provide outstanding clarity and sound definition for this powerful compact audio system. Further LoudLancer performance enhancements include modifications to the wheels and suspension.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 500 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit http://media.mitsubishicars.com/.