Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X to Come to the US First

[YSSMAN]

Mitsubishi will bring the 2008 Lancer Evolution to the United States before any other market — even the automaker's homeland of Japan. The production sedan is based closely on the Mitsubishi Concept-X, and will be introduced in Japan in fall 2007 — about six months after it arrives in America, reports the Nihon Keizai Shimbun newspaper. That places the U.S. debut somewhere around late spring 2007 — possibly at the New York Auto Show in April, or even a preview at the Detroit show in January. Mitsubishi hopes to sell around 50,000 Lancers next year in the 'States.

(yeah, this one)

Why do I find this story so odd? With the company doing so bad in the US and given the larger interest in the car in Europe and Japan, why is it comming to the US first? My only guess is that they want to bring people into the showrooms to see the Evo X, maybe not to buy one, but to consider the regular Lancer or Eclipse while they are there.

 

[harrytuttle]

Why do I find this story so odd? With the company doing so bad in the US and given the larger interest in the car in Europe and Japan, why is it comming to the US first? My only guess is that they want to bring people into the showrooms to see the Evo X, maybe not to buy one, but to consider the regular Lancer or Eclipse while they are there.

I thought this would have been obvious. Never underestimate the power of the halo effect. Subaru has come miles ahead of where it was (even with the Outback line) since the introduction of the base WRX four years ago. Thousands buy base-spec 3-Series because they want to be seen in a M3-alike. Having an AMG model or two in each segment ensures that each standard Mercedes car sells well, especially since you can get the same bodykit & wheels on even a *320.

The Evo is a great car, especially for the price. The new Eclipse is doing alright, but the badge needs more oomph than just a overweight coupe with a sluggish V6.

 

[YSSMAN]

They may as well throw the old Evo IX parts under the Eclipse and call it a day. The only way they could convince me to buy one would be if it was a turbocharged all-wheel-drive model, and even if they turned down the boost and had "only" 250 BHP, its better than the thirsty V6 with rubber-band power...

 

[fangorn_forest]

Wow! Next we're going to see GT5 released in the states before Japan!















Oh....well..... OK, that one's probably not going to happen, but this is cool nonetheless! I can't wait to start seeing them on the roads.

 

[Jay]

I thought the Evo's had a lot of interest in the US since they decided to sell them there?

Wow! Next we're going to see GT5 released in the states before Japan!



Oh....well..... OK, that one's probably not going to happen, but this is cool nonetheless! I can't wait to start seeing them on the roads.

Heh, Well that was a GT4 rumour at one stage, that it would come out in the US first. It would suprise me if the rumour happens again.

 

[a6m5]

I thought the Evo's had a lot of interest in the US since they decided to sell them there?

In my neighborhood, I see way more Evolutions than STis. Yes, even before the facelift of the Imprezas.

 

[1X83Z]

I thought the Evo's had a lot of interest in the US since they decided to sell them there?

The interest has been extremely (surprisingly) strong, yes.

 

[niky]

But not everyone buys Evos. With Subaru, you still have the base 2.5 and the regular WRX for people who aspire to own an STi but who either can't afford it or can't live with the consumption.

If Mitsu launches the Evo here, they'd better have a hell of a well-rounded Lancer line-up to back it up. The problem with the current EVO is that it's so far removed from the current Lancer that people have a hard time making the 3-series-M3 connection that BMW exploits.

 

[LittleBahamut]

The reason why I think they want to put it out into US first is because they need fast money to stay in this country. Mitsubishi don't have much time left so they will try to push something in is the way I see it. This could be bad in my opinion since they could be rushing the project as of now.

 

[JohnBM01]

This is still a pretty solid car by the look of things. I'm sure some rally go-er will want to kick up some dirt with this thing. Either that or make it a solid road racing car or just something to p*ss people off. Mitsubishi may be an endangered species. And if this is true, is the Lancer Evo X the Hail Mary Mitsu needs to get people interested in Mitsubishi again?

 

[YSSMAN]

But not everyone buys Evos. With Subaru, you still have the base 2.5 and the regular WRX for people who aspire to own an STi but who either can't afford it or can't live with the consumption.

Thats the problem, the basic Lancer (or even the Eclipse) isn't worthy of the glory that is the Evolution. Atleast with the Scooby line you've got other great choises that still come together as an awesome car, turbocharged or not. With the Lancer, you've got the Ralliart here in the US, and thats about it...

If they could build a mildly turbocharged Lancer, say around 200-230 BHP for less than $25K, they could bring a lot of Evolution fans in to buy the lesser model, as it is almost there. That way, they could compete more evenly with Subaru and the WRX here in the US, and they could satisfy Evo fans who don't have $30K for the all-out Evolution.

 

[a6m5]

Yeah, I think you guys are on to something. It's pretty obvious when you think about it, but it would be nice to have Lancer competing the RS and stock WRX, too.

 

[harrytuttle]

But not everyone buys Evos. With Subaru, you still have the base 2.5 and the regular WRX for people who aspire to own an STi but who either can't afford it or can't live with the consumption.

If Mitsu launches the Evo here, they'd better have a hell of a well-rounded Lancer line-up to back it up. The problem with the current EVO is that it's so far removed from the current Lancer that people have a hard time making the 3-series-M3 connection that BMW exploits.

With ^ this being the question, the answer is:

They may as well throw the old Evo IX parts under the Eclipse and call it a day. The only way they could convince me to buy one would be if it was a turbocharged all-wheel-drive model, and even if they turned down the boost and had "only" 250 BHP, its better than the thirsty V6 with rubber-band power...

[rant]

It's right under Mitsubishi's noses, and they've even done it before! Why is it so hard for some companies to see the answer practically smacking them in the face? Every review I've read of the new Eclipse (well, all two of them) talks about the old, 4G63-powered Eclipse and how good it was. Surely someone in Mitsubishi's marketing department has to be reading this, and surely they must think it's got some potential? Don't they go to SEMA anymore? NOPI? HIN? Ask anyone at any of those shows if they think a new 4G63 Eclipse is a good idea. Every single answer will be "YES, you idiot!"

[/rant]

 

[Sniffs]

i think little bahamut got it. Mitsu's trying to save their arse in the US...the lancer WE get/got in the US that isn't an evo is panned as a crappy replacement. i think if Mitsu wants money in the US...sell ONLY evos to us yanks

Harry:*derisive snort* even the guys running the US branch don't get out and mingle with the "common people" that actually BUY the cars...or have to fix the damn things when they break down. you think automotive manufacturers notice anything but their sales figures, and how many milliopn bonus they're gonna get next year? that's the biggest laugh I've had for God knows how long.

 

[Wolfe]

[rant]

It's right under Mitsubishi's noses, and they've even done it before! Why is it so hard for some companies to see the answer practically smacking them in the face? Every review I've read of the new Eclipse (well, all two of them) talks about the old, 4G63-powered Eclipse and how good it was. Surely someone in Mitsubishi's marketing department has to be reading this, and surely they must think it's got some potential? Don't they go to SEMA anymore? NOPI? HIN? Ask anyone at any of those shows if they think a new 4G63 Eclipse is a good idea. Every single answer will be "YES, you idiot!"

[/rant]

You're right. When Mitsubishi built the bland, soulless 3rd-gen Eclipse and took away the turbocharged AWD model, they earned the trouble they're currently having, as far as I'm concerned. Now they've come out with the 4th-gen Eclipse, and there still isn't a turbocharged model, and there still isn't an AWD model. They've even teased us with the powerful, AWD Concept-E and the Eclipse Ralliart concept, but never delivered! What the hell? That's the type of bone-headed decision-making I'd expect out of GM.

Mitsubishi hasn't built a car that has caught my interest since the demise of the 2nd-gen Eclipse GSX and 3000GT. Sure, they were 10 times heavier than they should have been, but they had character and were good-looking. I also believe the peak of the Evo was at the Evo VI. The Evos VII - IX are ugly and useless on dirt roads -- and I'm talking about the street versions and the WRC versions.

 

[Jay]

Regular Lancers seem to sell quite well over here, mainly the VRX model which looks alittle like a EVO with its body kits.

If they could build a mildly turbocharged Lancer, say around 200-230 BHP for less than $25K, they could bring a lot of Evolution fans in to buy the lesser model, as it is almost there. That way, they could compete more evenly with Subaru and the WRX here in the US, and they could satisfy Evo fans who don't have $30K for the all-out Evolution.

I think thats a great idea.

 

[weiss_komet]

Just wondering,...

Why don't our yankee Lancers look anything like their Evolution counterparts as in the way the 2.5 Scooby's look like the STi's?

 

[a6m5]

Regular Lancers seem to sell quite well over here, mainly the VRX model which looks alittle like a EVO with its body kits.

They sold well around here until just recently. I still think they are one of the best looking compacts. I don't care for their driveablity though.

Just wondering,...

Why don't our yankee Lancers look anything like their Evolution counterparts as in the way the 2.5 Scooby's look like the STi's?

If I remember correctly, they looked more similar before the Non-Evo Lancers got updated.

 

[JohnBM01]

The 2000-type Eclipse was a HUGE blow. The curvy mid-late 1990s Eclipse was mate into a pretty dull two-seater in 2000 or so. I thought the 2006-type Eclipse was a much better version of the Eclipse over the 2000-ish Eclipse. How dare Mitsu modify the mid-late 1990s into some pretty plain machine? The newer Eclipse isn't really compact from the 1995-1999 Eclipse, but the 2006 was a big improvement lookswise. Some people don't like the newer Eclipse too much, but at least it looks like something I'd actually want to own. I even had a 2006 Eclipse in GT4. There was a nice deep red color and a VERY wonderful UV Blue color for it (which I had in GT4). The thing looks like a little supercar, especially along the sides and at the rear. Maybe not a supercar in terms of RWD and wicked power (though 263 is not bad), but pretty nice nonetheless.

The Lancer deal is likely going to be big deal for Mitsu fans. Maybe they can intensify the Lancer/Impreza rivalry a bit more here in America so that the Impreza buyers will take it to the Lancer lovers. I remembered that 2001 Lancer. It was absolutely sad. We get this dopey-ass version with low horsepower. Even the first pure Impreza had 227hp back when the two cars were in America. Later iterations greatly got people into them. Even I got jacked about the Lancer VII and VIII when I seen them at the Houston Auto Show. That Evo X is a mean little bastard, isn't it? I think Mitsubishi will do pretty well with this thing. Either they try to bank on this car or try to bring back the 3000GT (I'd love to see this happen).

 

[Omnis]

They sold well around here until just recently.

Until everyone found out what a POS it became.

 

[1X83Z]

This thread is honestly unbelievable. Someone (niky and YSSMAN) mentioned the idea of a 230hp lightly turbocharged Lancer, something that is as obvious as **** and never even crossed my mind, and nearly every single person who posted after him has agreed that it's a fantastic idea. Can we send this to Mitsubishi somehow?

 

[YSSMAN]

The sad thing is, how hard would it really be for Mitsubishi to do? Aren't they still building turbochargers for aftermarket companies, or atleast offer other turbocharged models in other markets?

If they really want to get fancy, develop a variable-displacement turbo like what is on the 997T and 330d and make an s-load of power with halfway decent fuel economy. Add it to AWD, and they have a magic mix!

It seems so obvious to us, but apparently to Mitsu, its "way out there."

 

[1X83Z]

Yeah it could definitely be done, no sweat. And the costs of building it would be far outweighed by the profit made from the vehicle - I mean, the WRX outsells every other Impreza model combined.

Interesting sidenote: Mitsubishi built the turbocharger on my Volvo!

 

[Famine]

And my rear brake calipers.

 

[Jay]

Mitsubishi built the air recirculation valve (commonly known as blow off valve) and crank angle sensor for my car.

 

[Poverty]

mitsubishi made my friends TV.

Didnt mitsubishi offer a evo lite which never really took off, the 260? Or maybe it never took off because it was auto only (or am I mistaken?)

 

[harrytuttle]

Just wondering,...

Why don't our yankee Lancers look anything like their Evolution counterparts as in the way the 2.5 Scooby's look like the STi's?

The Subaru lineup has more shared components (all are all-wheel-drive, similar suspension layout, etc.). If you compare a base Lancer to an Evo, you might as well compare the Evo to a Corolla. There's so much that's changed, I wouldn't be surprised if major parts of the chassis are different.

Why it looks different is probably because...Mitsubishi's stupid? I no longer think that people should simply not underestimate the halo effect. It should be a die-hard rule for all manufacturers: fail to have a halo car in each lineup, and that entire segment will fail.

Mercedes is an excellent user of the Halo, as is pretty much every other German company. Ford is getting into it, and Chrysler's got a good thing going with the Hemi, but Mitsubishi? They've got one halo car, and the rest of the Lancer lineup is just so lousy, it makes Subaru look like they invented the rally-homologation road car.

 

[red70mach1]

On halo cars, harrytuttle took the words out of my fingers. Sure Mitsubishi is an OEM for many of the parts of cars across the globe and this is their signature car. Its what makes them famous.

 

[YSSMAN]

Yes, but the WRX is argueably what made Subaru famous in the US and in Europe. Why not have Mitsubishi build a volume sports sedan like Subaru?

The parts are on the shelf, all it takes is someone at Mitsubishi to grow some balls and build the damn thing. Even if they did it on the Eclipse it would be better than nothing, but IMO, it would make more sense making a model to slot between the Ralliart and the Evolution.

 

[harrytuttle]

Yes, but the WRX is argueably what made Subaru famous in the US and in Europe. Why not have Mitsubishi build a volume sports sedan like Subaru?

The parts are on the shelf, all it takes is someone at Mitsubishi to grow some balls and build the damn thing. Even if they did it on the Eclipse it would be better than nothing, but IMO, it would make more sense making a model to slot between the Ralliart and the Evolution.

The WRX changed the image of Subaru throughout the world (Europe in 1994, US in 2002). Subaru had a good thing going with their LLBean image, and pretty much created their own market segment. They probably would have been fine with just the Forester and Outback models. The WRX is quite contradictary to this long-standing image, and gave Subaru an entirely different market segment to play in.

Mitsubishi is bungling it big time. A halo car by itself is not enough. The remaining models in the lineup must have some resemblance to the actual halo car (BMW selling SMG with non-M models, M-B selling the AMG bodykit, Audi S-Line). It definitely helps if the rest of the cars being sold are at least halfway decent. The Galant, Endeavor, Raider...all poo. Major poo. It's not as through they've got an Evo version of their own to lean on (Dodge's Charger is poo, IMO, but having an SRT-8 version gives the rest an air of credibility).

Having a halo car at all is of paramount importance, but being able to capitalize on that halo car is the difference between success and failure. Quite honestly, I don't know why this isn't more obvious than it is, what with so many success stories out there.