What you’re looking at above is the first and only image of the new 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander. The redesigned model will be making its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Moor Show and will go on sale in Russia this summer followed by all of Europe, Japan, China and North America.

Mitsubishi also confirmed that it will offer an EV-based Outlander model which uses a plug-in hybrid system later this year.

Besides a redesigned exterior, the 2013 Outlander features an upgraded interior with better quality, comfortable second- and third-row seats that can be easily configured to provide a number of seating patterns and also a long luggage space with a flat floor and a power-operated tailgate.

In Europe, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander will offered with a choice of gasoline and diesel engines. The gasoline engine will be a 2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder, and the diesel will be a 2.2 liter 4-cylinder turbo MIVEC engine.

- By: Omar Rana

Mitsubishi has announced that this year will be its NedCar factory’s last, as annual production has dropped under 50,000 units for the Colt supermini and Outlander SUV it builds.

The factory was originally a DAF facility, changing over to Volvo, and later, in 1991, was split between the S/V40 and the Mitsubishi Carisma. In 2001, Mitsubishi took over entirely, and Volvo stopped production there in 2004.

Attempts were being made at keeping the European factory’s doors open with another model, however Mitsubishi has said between keeping its working paid, dealing with exchange rates, and the anticipated European new car market shrinkage, it no longer seemed feasible.

There are rumors that another automaker may take over Mitsubishi’s plant as a means of salvaging its 1,500 employees.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoCar

Mitsubishi has just dropped a teaser of a new concept vehicle that will make its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March. The Japanese automaker says that the new concept will debut a “strategic and innovative premium vehicle, to be retailed sequentially during 2012 – a car of substance that will reflect a gradual transformation in Mitsubishi’s design language.”

The concept will jumpstart the company’s ‘Jump 2013′ business plan for a greener and more global brand. “Fittingly, this complete family of cars / crossovers / SUVs will see a gradual transition to a re-focused design language,” Mitsubishi said in a statement.”

What Mitsubishi won’t tell you is that the new model being teased above is most likely the new Outlander, which will launch in Europe in November and will be followed by a plug-in hybrid version in 2013.

- By: Omar Rana

A new edition for the UK’s 2012 Mitsubishi Shogun model is being released by the automaker called the “Black” edition, which features some additional exterior upgrades.

The model can be coated in one of five color options, which are a metallic Cool Silver, a solid Frost White, a perlescent Diamond Black, a metallic Granite Brown, or a metallic shade of Orient Red.

Styling additions include a satin black kit that, with any color option, coats the roof, wing mirrors, grille, spoiler, headlamp bezels, door handles, side steps, fog lamp surrounds, and a set of 20-inch black wheels all in satin black paint.

Standard power for the Shogun comes from a 3.2-liter four-cylinder diesel motor that puts out 197hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Interior standard features include parking assistance, iPod connector, satellite navigation, automatic lights and wipers, and leather interior.

The Black Edition Shogun SG4 LWB is available for about $1,00 USD over the model’s approximate $54,700 base price.

By: Alexandra Koken

According to Japan’s Nikkei business daily, Mitsubishi has started development on a electric light truck that it will launch by April 2013. The electric truck will be aimed at workers, farmers and contractors the report said.

The electric truck for work duties is a part of Mitsubishi’s electrified vehicles it plans to launch globally by 2016. The Japanese automaker wants to be a EV leader by launching at least 8 electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles around the world by that time.

A plug-in hybrid crossover based on the Outlander is also scheduled to hit markets in April 2013. That model will be based on the Concept PX MiEV II that made its debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

Next month, Mitsubishi will start retail deliveries of its first electric-vehicle for the U.S. market, the i minicar. The company hopes to sell 42,000 electric vehicles worldwide in fiscal 2012.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoNews

We’ve been hearing about it for a while and today we’re hearing about it once again. Mitsubishi is reportedly working on a Lancer Evo sedan with a hybrid powertrain and the car is expected to hit roads within three years.

Sources have told What Car? that the decision to go hybrid with the next-generation Evo will help the car meet future emissions and fuel-economy regulations. The move is a part of a wider move by the Japanese brand towards electric and hybrid power, sources said.

A plug-in hybrid diesel system is currently in favor for the next Evo, but Mitsubishi says that the car could be a gasoline plug-in hybrid to cater to the U.S. and Japanese market.

The model will also feature a new version of the company’s S-WAC four-wheel-drive system with more precise all-wheel capability.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WhatCar

The 2012 Mirage is a 5-door hatchback that the company says can ‘easily’ accommodate 5 adults – we’re guessing 5 short adults.

Power comes from either a 1.0 liter or 1.20 liter gasoline engine with a bunch of fuel-saving technologies including start/stop technology and regenerative breaking.

- By: Omar Rana

Power for the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II comes from a plug-in hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine and two 80-hp electric-motors. The concept can travel 31 miles on electric mode and at highway speeds it can enter Parallel Hybrid Mode where the gasoline engine and electric motors work together.

The concept has a total range of 497 miles with an estimated fuel-economy of 141.1 mpg.

The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II uses a Twin Motor 4WD system in which two motors drive the front and rear axles independently  - making it virtually lag-free.

- By: Omar Rana

The top 10 most fuel efficient cars have been named for the 2012 model year by the Enviornmental Protection Agency, with each spot held by either an electric or hybrid vehicle. Taking up four spots on this year’s list is Toyota, while Honda gets two out of the ten. Mitsubishi took the number one spot with its impressive 126 mpg rating.

The top 10 most fuel efficient cars are as follows:

• Mitsubishi i-MiEV, 126/99 mpg city/highway
• Nissan Leaf, 106/92
• Azure Dynamics Transit Connect Van, 62/62 (electric Ford Transit Connect)
• Chevrolet Volt, 58/62
• Toyota Prius, 51/48
• Honda Civic Hybrid, 44/44
• Toyota Prius v, 44/40
• Lexus CT 200h, 43/40
• Honda Insight, 41/44
• Toyota Camry Hybrid LE, 43/39

Data complied to create this list include all EV’s, however, with removing plug-in electric and full electric cars, room is made for the Lincoln MKZ, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Scion iQ, and Honda CR-Z.

By: Alexandra Koken

Refinements have been made to the body using lightweight materials, and also with the engine, transmission, tires, and breaks.

Power will vary with the market, with either a 1.0-liter or 1.20-liter petrol motor, and some with start-stop technology and regenerative breaking.

Hitting the Thailand market first this coming March, the rest will follow throughout 2012.

- By: Alexandra Koken

At this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi will show the second-generation PX-MiEV SUV concept, aimed at showing off future exterior design and perhaps more interestingly, an electric powertrain as a potential option in future Outlander type vehicles.

Range-wise, electrics alone are good for 31 miles and the total mileage ends up being nearly 500 miles, thanks to one 94 bhp 2 liter MiVEC four and two 80 bhp electric motors, one at each axle.

The concept is a follow up to a similar one in 2009, this though is closer to the production model although it is unclear as to when Mitsubishi plans on producing such a vehicle.

Hit the jump for the list of specifications.

MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV Ⅱ specifications

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Mitsubishi president Osamu Masuko confirmed that the brand has plans for a hybrid Evo that will use a diesel-electric powertrain.

Masuko says “We will start work on the project next year, and it will be ready within three. I have set a goal of developing a sporting car featuring electric power.”

It is anticipated that the upcoming Evo XI will reduce emissions, and increase power output. The XI will also feature an updated S-AWC four-wheel drive system for steering, breaking, and handling.

While there were talks of the Evo being retired, that decision didn’t go over well with fans, so the brand chose to integrate the model into its plan to concentrate on the environmental aspects of its cars.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoCar

Mitsubishi announced today the development of two new fuel-sipping technologies. The first is a new compact lightweight 1.8 liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine known as 4J10 and the other is the latest version of the company’s Auto Stop & Go technology.

“The development of these latest technologies is expected to play a big part in achieving MMC’s own upcoming fuel and environmental efficiency targets,” Mitsubishi said in a statement.

The new 4J10 MIVEC engine features next-generation MIVEC system that continuously regulates intake valve lift, opening duration and timing. Power numbers come in at 137-hp at 6,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 127 lb-ft of torque available from 4,000 rpm.

The Auto Stop & Go technology automatically shuts down the engine when the car is stopped at traffic lights (or in other situations) and starts it back up when the accelerator is depressed.

“The new 4J10 engine/AS&G combination will power the Japan-market RVR (ASX or Outlander Sport in some markets) compact SUV, the Galant Fortis sports sedan (Lancer or Lancer EX in some markets), and Galant Fortis Sportback (Lancer Sportback in some markets) 5-door sports hatchback. With this engine, the three models show an improvement of 12% in fuel efficiency (measured by Japanese 10-15 mode), Mitsubishi said. “The RVR will be launched on October 20, and the Galant Fortis models on October 27.”

- By: Omar Rana

Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of 37 brand new vehicles that will be hitting U.S. roads next year (some might start showing up a little earlier). Our list consists of brand-new models that have never before seen the light of day on planet Earth (or the United States); vehicles that have been on a hiatus for quite some time and are finally making their comeback to the United States; or vehicles that are a brand new variant addition to an existing model (ex: BMW 5-Series ActiveHybrid).

So kick back and check out the list by viewing the gallery above or simply hitting the jump for the full list.

Note: Only vehicles that have been officially confirmed by the automaker made the list. The list does not contain any vehicles that have been rumored to show up in 2012.

37 Brand New Vehicles You’ll See in 2012 (Alphabetical Order):

• Audi RS5
• Buick Verano
• BMW ActiveHybrid 5
• Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
• Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible
• Chevrolet Malibu Eco
• Chevrolet Sonic
• Chevrolet Spark
• Dodge Caliber (Compact Car)
• Dodge Viper
• Ferrari 458 Spider
• Fiat 500 Convertible
• Fisker Karma
• Ford Focus EV
• Ford Focus ST
• Ford C-MAX Hybrid
• Ford C-MAX Energi
• Hyundai Veloster
• Infiniti JX
• Infiniti M35h Hybrid
• Mazda CX-5
• Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series
• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
• Mini Coupe
• Mitsubishi i
• Pagani Huayra
• Range Rover Evoque
• Saab 9-4X
• Scion FR-S
• Scion iQ
• Subaru BRZ
• Subaru XV
• Tesla Model S
• Toyota Prius C
• Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
• Toyota Prius V
• Volkswagen Golf R

- By: Omar Rana

Although the Mitsubishi Eclipse is recently retired, there is a possibility of a rapid resurrection.

After almost a million sold over 20 years, the Mitsubishi Eclipse’s sales were on a steady decline after 2002′s peak. The car managed to outlast it’s competition, like the Acura RSX and Honda Prelude, that went out of production years earlier.

With that, and change in market trends veering away from the over-popularity of large SUV’s, Mitsubishi believes that if there is still a demand for the Eclipse the car could return.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Automobile

Wireless charging seems to take up a good portion of the buzz on the news desks of gadget journalists because it’s technology that could revolutionize quite a bit in the industry. And because efforts are going strong for the wireless charging of electronics like smartphones and laptops, Mitsubishi thought they’d have a go at it with wireless charging for electric vehicles.

Mitsubishi Motors has just teamed up with WiTricity Corp. and IHI Corp. to research and develop wireless charging systems that would work on today’s power grids.

Ideally, the system would have drivers drive over a designated area on the tarmac. The system would then automatically charge the EV’s battery. So far with WiTricity’s current technology, they can deliver up to 3.3 kilowatts of charging power over a distance of eight inches at an efficiency rate of 90%.

The way it works is that the system utilizes magnetic-resonance wireless charging by having a transmitter and a receptor, which only work when synchronized.

“We are happy to enter into a new phase of electric-vehicle infrastructure,” Mitsubishi president Osamu Masuko said. “I am confident we can be a major contributor along with WiTricity and IHI to quickly make widespread wireless charging for electric vehicles a reality.”

No word has been released in terms of how long it will take the three companies to launch the technology as it is still deep in its R&D phase.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoWeek

We’ve put together a little list for you for the 13 cars that have been discontinued for the 2012 model year.

Thankfully, none of them really have us even a tad bit upset.

Hit the jump for the complete list or just circle through the gallery above.

Cars Discontinued for the 2012 Model Year (in Alphabetical Order):

• Buick Lucerne
• Cadillac DTS
• Cadillac STS
• Chevrolet HHR
• Dodge Dakota
• Ford Ranger
• Honda Element
• Lotus Elise
• Mazda Tribute
• Mitsubishi Endeavor
• Nissan Altima Hybrid
• Volvo S40
• Volvo V50

- By: Omar Rana

Following reports earlier this week Nissan and Mitsubishi have confirmed that the two companies have agreed to expand the scope of their OEM supply agreements in the Japanese market.

Nissan confirmed that it will provide the Fuga sedan to Mitsubishi Motors starting from summer 2012.

“The two companies have started deliberations on the provision of Mitsubishi Motors’ MINICAB-MiEV commercial mini EV to Nissan in fiscal year 2012,” the automakers said in a statement. “The two new OEM project agreements are part of the core agreement signed in December 2010 to expand cooperation between the two companies.”

- By: Omar Rana