2008 MITSUBISHI MOTORS NEW CAR MODEL GUIDE

In 2008, the Mitsubishi marque mounts on five different cars, two crossover wagons and a mid-size pickup truck. Lancer, Mitsubishi compact-class sedan, shows off a new generational treatment this year with an expanded structure and pumped-up powertrain, while the next generation of the turbo-charged Lancer Evolution sports sedan is set to roll ashore later this model year.

Lancer
This year, Mitsubishi's compact sedan earns a new front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform featuring a longer wheelbase and wider track. The expanded structure translates into more space for passengers inside the five-seat cabin. The 2008 Lancer presents only one body style — a four-door notchback sedan — but offers three trims. Each trim gives the same engine and a manual five-speed or continuously variable transmission (CVT). The new twin-cam, 2.0-liter four-in-line engine with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control (MIVEC) equipment produces 152 horsepower. Crisp new sheetmetal shapes sets the Lancer apart from the blandness of other compact imports.

Lancer Evolution
Nicknamed Evo, the Lancer Evolution is a high-performance version of the Lancer sedan, motivated by a souped-up, turbo engine and rigged with all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction. The newest, 10th-generation Evo — Evolution X — arrives later in 2008 with Mitsubishi's Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) advanced traction and handling system, regulating drive torque at each wheel. Also aboard the Evo X, is a new high-performance , 2.0-liter turbo MIVEC3 engine with a twin-clutch SST (sport shift transmission).

Galant
Mitsubishi's 2008 mid-size sedan trims to three segments including a Ralliart edition with sport-tuned suspension tweaking. The Galant DX is the price leader, while the luxury model is labeled Galant ES. The Galant has four-cylinder and V6 engine choices. The base four displaces 2.4 liters and nets 162 horsepower, while a 3.8-liter MIVEC V6 in the Ralliart hits 258 horsepower. The Galant Ralliart also adds a sport mesh grille with two-tone bumper treatment. Two new paint chips — Rave Red and Northstar White — are given to the 2008 Galant. A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is also now standard for all 2008 models.

Eclipse
Mitsubishi's sleek and expressive two-door hatchback coupe adds a new SE trim available with either four-cylinder or six-cylinder powertrains. The Eclipse's Special Edition package applies chin and tail spoilers, 18-inch silver-finish wheels and cabin trimmings in dark charcoal leather and terra cotta. The Eclipse GS is Mitsubishi's bottom-price model, carrying a four-cylinder engine tied to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic with Sportronic sequential shift control. The 2.4-liter, in-line-four makes 162 horsepower. The Eclipse GT brings a 3.8-liter V6 worth 263 horsepower through a six-speed manual or five-speed Sportronic automatic.

Eclipse Spyder
The 2+2 sports convertible by Mitsubishi runs with the label Eclipse Spyder. It uses the styling, structure and mechanical content of the Eclipse sporty coupe. There's one style and two trims available, each with a different engine and two transmission choices. The Eclipse Spyder GS is the entry edition with a 2.4-liter, in-line-four rated at 162 horsepower with a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic linked to Sportronic shift control. The Eclipse GT has a 3.8-liter V6 with 260 horsepower and either a six-speed manual or five-speed electronic automatic with Sportronic shifting. Expect fresh paints for 2008, such as Optimist Green.

Outlander
Mitsubishi's compact class, five-door crossover utility vehicle (CUV) earned a generational update last year with a new platform, revamped trim designations and a strong V6 powerplant. For 2008, the Outlander returns with a new 2.4-liter, four-pack engine option and CVT shifter for the Outlander ES trim. The new plant musters 168 horsepower. A 3.0-liter MIVEC V6 with 220 horsepower through a six-speed automatic Sportronic shifter is available for the Outlander LS and XLS. Each aso get standard FWD or optional electronically controlled AWD linked to integrated stability control, called All-Wheel Control (AWC).

Endeavor
The flexible, mid-size CUV from Mitsubishi blends the characteristics of a luxury sedan with the elevated stance and cargo capacity of a SUV. It's easy to drive because the unibody structure and handling hardware match the mechanical equipment of a FWD car. However, the Endeavor resembles a sizeable SUV and can carry a wagonload of cargo. The spacious cabin has comfortable seats arranged in two rows for up to five riders, and there are fancy amenities aboard. The powertrain is a 3.8-liter V6, which achieves 230 horsepower through a four-speed automatic Sportronic.

Raider
Mitsubishi's truck offers two-wheel-drive (2WD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction in trims of LS and DuroCross. The Raider also shows two cab formats — the extended cab that contains rear-hinged doors and two rows of seating for four, or the Double Cab, which has four full-size doors and seating for five. The truck box varies, as the extended cab uses a long-bed design and the Double Cab totes an abbreviated bed. The Raider LS Extended Cab with Convenience Package also brings an audio upgrade with Sirius satellite radio and wheels with silver centers.

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