Toyota and Honda top automotive brands in consumer perception

Automakers spend billions of dollars to promote their vehicles and build brand awareness. Yet, marketing alone does not shape consumer perception without a clear connection to the vehicles in the showroom. In the latest Auto Pulse survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, Toyota and Honda brands ranked first and second, respectively, by dominant margins over all others. Likewise, the vehicles from those brands have consistently performed well in our testing, often ranking among the best in their classes, and have been mostly at the top of our reliability ratings over the years. Lets your journey with world car brand.............

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

MITSUBISHI

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
The new Lancer Ralliart reinforces the sporty identity of the Lancer lineup (Lancer, Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution) with aggressive styling and driving performance that creates a unique product between the Lancer GTS 2.4 and the Lancer Evolution models. The Lancer Ralliart makes effective use of the Lancer’s rigid unibody and four-wheel independent suspension by mating this capable chassis to a turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive.




2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Mitsubishi today officially revealed the 2009 Eclipse an "attainable exotic" with striking design, sports car handling and dazzling performance. For 2009, Mitsubishi restyled the front and rear bumper fascias and gave the Eclipse GT model a large rear spoiler.
The 2009 model-year features a new dual exhaust system yields a more powerful sound while also boosting horsepower to 265 (up from 263); standard high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps sharpen front styling and aid nighttime visibility, and standard Active Stability Control (ASC) enhances driving safety and performance.
The Eclipse is offered in two different versions: the GS powered by a four-cylinder engine and the GT powered by a V6 engine. The GS model’s 162-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. The GT’s 265 hp 3.8-liter V-6 produces 262 lb.-ft. of peak torque and is teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic.

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
At the Chicago Auto Show, next to the 2009 Eclipse, Mitsubishi will also unveil the Spyder version. As the Coupe version, the 2009 Spyder comes with a restyled front and rear bumper fascia. Also the GT version features a a new dual exhaust system.
The Eclipse Spyder is offered in two trim levels. The GS model is powered by 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 162 hp. It is mated with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. The Eclipse Spyder GT challenges more expensive sports cars with its 265-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine teamed with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic.
The GT’s 260 lb.-ft. of peak torque gives this model immediate and forceful off-the-line response. With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the Spyder GT can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds. Both Eclipse automatic transmissions feature Sportronic™ console shifters to allow manual gear shift control for a more engaging driving experience. The 4-cylinder and V-6 Eclipse Spyder engines both feature the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system to help optimize engine efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range.

2009 Mitsubishi Galant
Mitsubishi will unveil at the Chicago Auto Show the 2009 Galant mid-size sedan. Sales will begin in February with prices starting at $21,099 for the Galant ES and Galant Sport Edition; $23,099 for the Galant Sport-V6 and $27,299 for the Galant Ralliart.
The 2009 Galant line offers four distinct trim levels and three performance levels: ES, Sport Edition, V6 Sport and Galant Ralliart. All Galant models come standard with a Sportronic® automatic transmission - a 4-speed with the 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed with the two V-6 engines.
The Ralliart model is powered by a 258-hp 3.8-liter MIVEC V-6 engine and equipped with a 5-speed Sportronic automatic transmission, plus special Ralliart-tuned sport suspension, new 18-inch alloy wheels and exclusive exterior styling.
The Galant ES and Sport Edition are powered by a 160-hp 2.4-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder engine, teamed to a four-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic. The new Sport V-6 model exclusively features a smooth, responsive 230-hp 3.8-liter V-6 engine.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
Mitsubishi will unveil the Lancer Sportback at the Paris Auto Show in October. Next to it the company will also unveil the Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models that are based on the Lancer sports sedan and Lancer Sportback.
The sporty Lancer Sportback is a 5-door sport hatchback powered by 1.5-liter (109PS) or 1.8-liter (143hp) gasoline engines or by a 2.0-liter (140hp) turbo diesel engine.
The Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models use a new turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC engine [maximum output 240hp, maximum torque 343 Nm (35 kgm)]. This is mated to Mitsubishi’s high-efficiency Twin Clutch SST transmission with an Active Center Differential, for extremely responsive steering and traction through tailoring the amount of torque fed to each wheel to optimally suit driving conditions.
2009 Mitsubishi Racing Lancer
Mitsubishi unveiled today a new competition car, the Racing Lancer, whose mission will be to target victory on next year’s Dakar which breaks new ground in 2009 with a switch from Africa to South America.
The Racing Lancer is a Super Production Cross-Country Rally car, which has been developed in compliance with the FIA’s Group T1 regulations (modified cross-country rally cars). It also complies with the new rules due to come into force in 2010.
The car will be powered by the 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel engine which the company is currently developing on qualifying rounds of the 2008 Dakar Series and the 2008 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup. The carbon-fibre bodywork of the MRX09 is redolent of the Lancer Sportback, a new sporty hatchback due to be released on the European market this summer. The new car will be equipped with the same 4WD system, drive train, suspension and brakes following their modification in accordance with the new technical regulations and as a function of the characteristics of the diesel turbo powerplant.




2009 Mitsubishi Colt
Mitsubishi unveiled the new generation Colt at the Paris Auto Show. Depending upon the market, the next generation Colt (except Clear Tec variants) will be launched in Europe in October / November 2008.
The new 2009 Mitsubishi Colt will be available with a choice of three petrol engines: a 1.1 with 75 PS and 100 Nm of torque, a 1.3 liter with 95 PS and 125 Nm and a 1.5 liter with 109 PS and 145 Nm of torque. For the transmission the 2009 Mitsubishi Colt offers a choice between the 5-speed manual and the AllShift automated manual gearbox.
The new Colt series also reflects Mitsubishi Motors’ strong commitment to the environment. The low-CO2 Colt Clear Tec model is powered by a 1.1- or 1.3-liter engine which incorporates the company’s AS&G (auto stop-&-go) idling stop system. In addition, the 1.3-liter Colt Clear Tec FFV caters to growing demand for flexible-fuel vehicles.

2009 Mitsubishi i MiEV Sport Air
Mitsubishi officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show the iMiEV SPORT AIR - a concept for a sporty electric vehicle that gives an indication of the direction EVs may take in the future.
i MiEV SPORT AIR employs the same rear-midship layout as i MiEV but uses a more powerful version of the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that powers the base model, generating 60 kW of power (against i MiEV’s 47 kW) and 230 Nm of torque (180 Nm.) The car also exploits its long wheelbase to locate the large-capacity lithium-ion battery system under the floor deck.
To lower the center of gravity and increase driving stability the main EV system components (battery module, inverter, battery charger) are located as low as possible. The roof panel is made of lightweight plastic to facilitate fitting and removal as well as to further lower the car’s center of gravity. i MiEV SPORT AIR ’s modular body structure uses tailgate panels and plastic body to reduce weight around the rear axle where the powertrain and EV system components are installed and thereby achieve an ideal 50:50 front/rear weight distribution.
2009 Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype
Mitsubishi’s Outlander is already based on the Lancer sedan, and now Mitsubishi has gone one step further to make an Outlander that looks like an Evo X.
The Outlander GT Prototype made its at the New York Auto Show. The transformation into an Evo tall wagon includes the Evo’s "jet fighter" grille as well as reshaped front bumper, side mirrors, fenders and hood. To help keep it on the road, the Outlander GT will also use the Evo’s Super-All-Wheel-Control System.
Where the comparison the the Evo ends is the engine. The Evo X has a 2.0-liter four cylinder with a huge turbo that makes 291 hp. The Outlander GT features the 3.0-liter V6 already in use in the Outlander XLS. In the GT it has 10 more hp for a total of 230, which is more in line with the
Lancer Ralliart.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
Someday the real world calls us all. No longer can a car just be purely fun; it now has to keep up some appearance of civility. While the Mitsubishi Evolution X makes rides to the grocery store as fun as a lap around a rally circuit; it’s loud exhaust and harsh ride will turn any date into deaf, stiff-walking old lady. Also the Evos appearance only gains respect from underlings in the corporate parking lot.
Enter the Lancer Ralliart. Where the Mitsubishi’s Evo X competes with rally uber-sedans like the
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, this one competes with cars like the plain ‘ol WRX, Volkswagen R32 and Mazdaspeed 3. Compared to the Evo X, the ride in the Ralliart is less harsh, there is more noise dampening material, the bodykit is less dramatic, there is less power, and the base price is about $6,500 less. The Ralliart is not a soft Evo X; it’s just softer.
2009 Mitsubishi Outlander SE AWD
Small SUVs play an interesting role. They must be able to hold at least five people, fit in tight parking spaces, carry a Home Depot haul, and sometimes even go off-road. Yes, most people usually forget about that last one when buying an urban SUV.
So we decided that we would reintroduce the idea of an SUV made for the off-road with our 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander SE AWD tester. We made sure it was a 4x4 so we could follow the road less traveled… at least that’s what we planned. While the Outlander was in our fleet, we went looking for the hills and the mud, but that just usually made us late for soccer practice. So we were a little disappointed that our SUV fell into the usual suburban trap, but we still made it out alive…

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X FQ330 SST
Good news for all of the Evo enthusiasts out there, Mitsubishi UK has finally released a factory modified F**king Quick version of the Lancer Evolution X to the automaker’s line up. The eagerly anticipated FQ330 SST features a high performance exhaust, intercooler piping kit, racing intake and free flowing catalytic converter that raises the maximum output to 329 HP at 6,500 RPM and 322 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 RPM. The diamond star hot rod can go from 0 to 60 MPH in just 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 155 MPH. The FQ will be available from Mitsubishi in 4 different color options and can be yours for only £35,999.
This is good news for car fans across the pond, but because this is more of a U.K. thing than a Mitsubishi sponsored program, it is unlikely that we will see the FQ330 here in the U.S. anytime soon.

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