Rally-Inspired Vehicles Prove Power and Clean Air Technology Can Live in Harmony


Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) announced today that it will participate in TalkRadio 790 KABC's Third Annual Clean Air Showcase on Saturday, June 9 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica.

MMNA will display its new fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer compact sedan and 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander compact SUV in the free-of-charge event. Sales of both new-model vehicles have been strong, and automotive enthusiasts are quickly discovering the value the rally-inspired vehicles deliver through their unique combination of fuel-efficiency, safety, performance and styling.

"The new Mitsubishi Lancer and Mitsubishi Outlander are earth-friendly vehicles that prove environmentally conscious consumers don't have to sacrifice performance and style to benefit the planet," said David Patterson, senior manager of regulatory affairs and certification, Mitsubishi Research and Design America. "Both vehicles deliver driven-to-thrill dynamics, class-up value, advanced safety and cutting-edge user technology in an aggressively styled package. Conservation efforts are important to Mitsubishi and the fact that these vehicles are also environmentally friendly completes the package and makes them one of the most attractive choices in their respective segments."

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer's new all-aluminum MIVEC 4-cylinder engine has been designed to deliver a unique blend of performance and efficiency. With an overall weight savings of 60 pounds relative to the previous Mitsubishi Lancer engine, the new version meets the tough PZEV (partial-zero emissions vehicle) emissions rating, helping preserve the environment and ozone layer, while still achieving a segment-best 152-hp and 146 lb-ft of torque among vehicles powered by 2.0-liter engines. A PZEV-rated Lancer engine as equipped with a complex catalyst system produces 143-hp* in comparison proving that power and environmentalism can live in harmony. The new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer achieves an impressive 29** highway miles per gallon, while still offering a quick 0-60 time of 7.7 seconds***. Other vehicle emissions countermeasures, as required to meet the stringent PZEV regulations, include zero evaporative emissions system that addresses vapors from the fuel system, the battery, and fumes from plastics.

The new 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander models are powered exclusively by an all-new 3.0-liter MIVEC-equipped V-6 engine. The Mitsubishi Outlander is the first PZEV-certified V-6 SUV offered in the U.S. achieving an impressive 213-hp (220-hp for Federal version) while producing significantly less ozone-damaging emissions and offering improved fuel consumption compared to competitive vehicles in its class.

In addition to the Mitsubishi Lancer and Mitsubishi Outlander, the Showcase will feature the latest clean air vehicles from a variety of leading automotive manufacturers, providing attendees with an opportunity to sit in and even drive some of the most Earth-friendly cars available today. All attendees over the age of 18 with a valid and current Drivers License will have the opportunity to test drive the vehicle(s) of their choice.

KABC's Motorman, Leon Kaplan, will broadcast live on the 3rd Street Promenade between Arizona and Wilshire in front of Restoration Hardware from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and will act as the event's emcee, interviewing Mitsubishi's Patterson and other experts in the fields of clean air technology and alternative fuel sources. Patterson will discuss Mitsubishi's showcase vehicles and the design techniques employed in creating the automobiles.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing and research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, a mid-size pickup truck and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 500 dealers.

* Comparison based on a review of base model 2007 and 2008 compact sedan horsepower figures
** Calculated utilizing 2008 EPA test procedures, 2007 procedures yield 31mpg
*** Motor Trend, March 2007

Source: Mitsubishi Motors North America