Mitsubishi's 2009 Evo X. Finally available at Motor Sales for $6.5 million. - Photos by Mario James

WITH THE automotive sales pie cut into ever smaller fractions because of the global financial meltdown, wise money is on marketing and new products to push the remnants of last year's car customer base into showrooms. Two new products grace Mitsubishi's South Camp Road affiliate for the new year, the all-new 2009 Montero Sport/Nativa with 3.2 DI-D diesel engine, and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (yeah, it is really finally here, Brembo brakes and all).

The Montero Sport is seven-seater number two in the local Mitsubishi line-up; the Grandis the other and plays more of a station-wagon role as it is not offered here with four-wheel drive.

The brand now has a homogenous look to its truck/SUV line, as the lines are basically new L200 stretched over a 2800 mm wheelbase. Montero's engine choices are limited to the 163 hp 343 Nm-1 3.2 DI-D diesel engine, which is also available in the Pajero.

The redesigned SUV bridges the gap between the Outlander and the popular Pajero in terms of ride, handling and performance. Its low greenhouse keeps the centre of gravity manageable, which helps during evasive manoeuvres. It has a low floor, which aids ingress, egress and loading. The Sport also comes with an INVECS II capable transmission, which learns the driving patterns of its driver and adjusts for best mileage with the smooth shifting. Priced (with full-time all-wheel drive) at $5.8 million, fully loaded with leather.

supercar

In the 'we drive excitement dept', not many will argue against the moot that the Evolution is Jamaica's best known and loved supercar. The latest iteration has, for the first time, an all-aluminium engine block with a new code.

Lovingly known as the 4B11, the Mitsu's wunderblock has for the first time gone fully MIVEC; the Evo before boasted variable valve tuning on the intake side only; the Tenner has got it on both intake and exhaust. Weight is up also from the previous model (now the racing sedan's once svelte form tips the scale at 1490 kg), but so is power. The all-aluminium inline four, coupled to a five-speed manual box, now produces 295 bhp and 275 lb ft.

spec guru

Now, as of this writing, the MR spec Evo with the DSG type box (double clutch sequential solenoid shifted six-speed wet change transmission) will NOT be offered here. However, Motor Sales spec guru, Sloane 'Numbers' Jackson, says that the company is lobbying for a few of those really trick floppy paddle trannies to fall off the MR line and into a few RS (rally spec) Evos, the specification which is being brought here.

As is, the RS is a turnkey rally racer, complete with rear mounted battery for improved weight distribution and BBS alloy wheels. If needs be, the RS can be outfitted with keyless entry, A/C, power windows and the like, but will have less sound deadening and weight-saving body panels (the bonnet is made of aluminium).

Inside the RS, the once familiar Recaros have been given a rest, as the famous seats are regulated to GSR duty only (which ain't gonna come here!). In the RS, for $6.5 million, you get the factory buckets.

Alluring all-aluminium 4b11 2.0-litre inline 4. The new heartbeat of Jamaica.

3.2-litre common rail diesel: Mitsubishi's workhorse has found a new home. 2.5 TD may be available in third quarter of 2009.

The 2009 Montero Sport is available at Motor Sales for $5.8 million.