The Concept-cX SUV, which drew raves at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, is confirmed for production by Mitsubishi. The Concept-cX will feature a new 1.85 liter, Euro-5 compliant Clean Diesel four-cylinder turbo engine. It will also have Mitsubishi’s Twin Clutch SST gearbox and a custom AWD system, which are already fitted into the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.

The new compact crossover model is expected to become the showcase model of Mitsubishi’s upcoming environmental awareness technologies which will include a family of Euro-5 clean diesel engines. These new engines will feature highly efficient turbochargers and excellent combustion characteristics that will provide class-leading power as well as low emissions. The production Concept-cX will be sold primarily in the European market. Further details have yet to be released, though.

Via Car Central

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will take the covers off of a new global standard SUV Pajero at the 2006 Paris Motor Show to be held at he Paris Expo porte de Versailles. Offering legendary reliability, durability and endurance, the Pajero has become the iconic sport utility vehicle (SUV) in its roughly 25 years of existence.

More than 2.5 million Pajeros have been produced since the first generation was launched in 1982. Now it is sold in over 170 countries and territories. This new Pajero is the fourth in the series. It retains the SUV specifications of its predecessors in terms of approach angle, ground clearance, and all-terrain performance parameters.

New features on the fourth generation Mitsubishi include a new 3.2 liter 4-cylinder diesel engine with common rail direct fuel injection and a 3.8 liter V6 MIVEC*1 gasoline unit. Other new features are a 4WD system which is composed of a sophisticated Super Select 4WD-II transfer case. The new Pajero will also offer a new tastefully designed interiors and dashboard. High-end interior equipment will include a Rockford Acoustic Design Premium Sound System(TM) with a new 860W 12-speaker.

Luxury automaker Lexus took home AutoPacific’s 2006 Vehicle Satisfaction Rating for Top Brand on account of the solid performance of its LS 430 premium luxury car and excellent ratings of other models in its lineup. Meanwhile, Lincoln Navigator Luxury SUV owners were the most satisfied with their vehicle, while the Hyundai Azera was the highest rated car. The auto consulting firm’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards aims to objectively gauge owner satisfaction with their new car or light truck. Six automakers were honored in eighteen Vehicle Satisfaction categories. The results were calculated according to owner satisfaction in different areas including vehicle operation, comfort, and safety. This year’s top performers are the following:

Top Brand: Lexus

Top Passenger Cars:

Premium Luxury Ca: Lexus LS
Entry Luxury Car: Cadillac CTS
Luxury/Large Car: Hyundai Azera
Premium Mid-Size Car: Volkswagen Passat
Mid-Size Car: Mercury Milan
Image Compact Car: MINI Cooper
Compact Car: Honda Civic
Sports Car: Chevrolet Corvette
Sporty Car: Acura RSX

Top Light Trucks:

Large Light-Duty Pickup: Nissan Titan
Large Heavy-Duty Pickup: Chevrolet Silverado HD
Sport Utility Truck: Honda Ridgeline
Compact Pickup: Mitsubishi Raider
Luxury Sport Utility: Lincoln Navigator
Large Sport Utility: Nissan Armada
Premium Mid-Size Sport Utility: Mitsubishi Endeavor
Mid-Size Sport Utility: Hyundai Santa Fe
Compact Sport Utility: Suzuki Grand Vitara
Minivan: Honda Odyssey

A number of exciting new concept vehicles were introduced this year. Some debuted to resounding success and roused the interest of the public. Which among the concept vehicles unveiled this year is the best among the rest? This year, a jury of professional automotive journalists from all over North America will choose the best concept vehicle from among a field of twenty five concept vehicles and twelve production preview vehicles that were introduced into the North American market for the 2005 Auto Show season.

The 2006 Concept Vehicle of the Year award will recognize the concept vehicles that have made the strongest impact in terms of automotive design, engineering and market responsiveness. The four categories are Best Production Preview Vehicle, Concept Car, Concept Truck, and Specialty Concept. The semifinalists were recently announced at the Atlanta International Auto Show. Meanwhile, the awards will be handed out in June in Detroit. The semifinalists are:

Concept Car
Chevrolet Camaro
Dodge Challenger
Saab Aero X
Mazda Kabura

Concept Truck
Dodge Rampage
Ford Super Chief
Suzuki PX
Toyota F3R

Specialty Concept
Ford Reflex
Maserati Birdcage
Volkswagen GX3
Mitsubishi CT

Production Preview
Aston Martin Rapide
Buick Enclave
Mini Traveller
Volvo C30

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. is set to redefine the notion of a crossover SUV when it unveils the new 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander at the upcoming 2006 New York International Auto Show, opening this weekend. The 2007 Outlander will join other models in Mitsubishi’s reinvigorated lineup including the 2007 Mitsubishi Gallant Ralliart sport sedan, the Mitsubishi Concept-X, the hybrid Mitsubishi Concept CT-MIEV, the 2007 Eclipse Spyder and many more.

The new 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander will feature a trademark passionate design as well as deliver an excellent driving experience and innovative features. Offering top notch versatility, technology and value the 2007 Outlander is poised to be a top contender in the crossover segment. For the 2007 version, the Outlander will feature an all-new 3.0L V6 MIVEC engine with a standard 6-speed Sportronic automatic transmission, one-touch manual shifting and adaptive electronics.

All Wheel Control (AWC), an advanced version of all-wheel drive is also available in the new Outlander. Meanwhile, a Sportronic rally-inspired steering wheel paddle shifters for shifting control at the driver’s fingertips provide a sportier feel for the Outlander XLS version. Other impressive features include an innovative two-piece flap-fold rear tailgate that makes cargo loading easier as well as an in-floor stowable third-row seat that makes the Outlander XLS all the more versatile.

Tech-savvy drivers will find a lot of exciting new features such as standard Bluetooth hands-free cellular phone interface, advanced FAST-key access system, optional 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system and DVD entertainment, and an optional state-of-the-art hard drive navigation system. With all these impressive new features, we have every reason to check out the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander display at the Javits Center when the NYAS opens on Saturday, April 14.