Mitsubishi has released a special edition of the Outlander RX SUV, a limited release of only 300 units. This will be a specially spec-up Outlander RX, set to leave the competition behind. The engine is a MIVEC 3.0-litre V6 hooked up to a 6-speed automatic transmission with sports mode as standard.
The limited Outlander will be a five-seater. Mitsubishi claims the Outlander will be a vehicle of class and sophistication. Some feature that will be on the Outlander RX are HID headlamps and headlamp washers, 18" RAYS alloy wheels, smart-key entry, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability, a Rockford Fosgate premium audio system and Mitsubishi Multi-Communications System with satellite navigation.
Safety is premium in the Outlander RX with driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags, and reversing camera as standard. To add to driver safety, the Outlander RX special edition model will have Mitsubishi's Active Stability Control with Traction Control and Mitsubishi's All Wheel Control, incorporating all terrain technology and the active select 4WD system. The driver can switch from 2WD to AWD on the run with the simple turn of a dial.
With all the technology Mitsubishi claims the Outlander RX will return a 10.9L/100km. The colours that will be available are black mica and cool silver. The special edition, however, is for the market down under.
Ford launches all-new 2010 Transit Connect
The Mitsubishi Outlander
Ford launched its hard-working 2010 Transit Connect European workhorse to the American market. It's a Duratec 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder that produces 136hp and 128 ft-lb of torque.
All this power will drive the front wheels and will have a four-speed auto transmission, the estimated fuel econ will be an EPA rating of 20mpg city and 24mpg highway.
The commercial van offers 135 cubic feet of cargo volume, split-rear cargo doors that open at 180 degrees (optional doors can be opened to 255 degrees), 52.1 inches of load height, a load width of 47.8 inches, and a 1,600-pound payload capacity.
A variety of different set-ups can be ordered including a panel van that features no rear glass and a wagon version that offers a folding second-row bench seat which can seat two or three rear passengers. Ford will also offer its extensive work solutions series of business-inspired options that include items such as an in-dash computer with Internet access, tool link for keeping inventory of what cargo and equipment are in the vehicle, and crew chief which is a tracking tool for fleet managers.
Brembo downsizes
Italy's automotive high performance brake manufacturer Brembo is to temporarily lay off some 1800 workers to cope with a fourth quarter loss, due to the fact that fewer cars being produced and sold. The plant locations that will be affected are in Italy, Mexico and Poland. Brembo's orders have fallen drastically, and signs of recovery have yet to materialise.
Nissan NV200 van
Three different styles will be offered, including a passenger van, a cargo van and, sitting somewhere in between, a combi.
Based on Nissan's B Platform shared with the Cube, Micra and various Renaults and Dacias, the NV200 is driven by the front wheels and offers the buyer a choice of either a 1.6-litre gasolene engine with 108 horsepower, or a 1.5-litre diesel engine with 86hp and, more importantly, nearly 150 lb-ft of torque. Unlike most vans that feature removable seats, the NV200's second row of seats will fold forward against the front seatbacks and the rearmost row will split and fold to either side.
When all the seats are properly stowed, the NV200 will accept 4.1 cubic metres (145 cubic feet) of whatever it is you need to carry. For comparison purposes, the Ford Transit Connect offers about 3.5 cubic metres (124 cubic feet), though a proper comparison will need to be made after the NV's actually go on sale. Expect the NV200 to hit the Japanese market before summer, followed by a European introduction this fall. Other markets will follow, but there's no word yet on whether the new MPV will make it to the U.