2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback – Official Photos and Info

The concept of positive reinforcement—when at first you succeed, do it some more—is not lost on Mitsubishi Motors. Hence, the company is poised to unveil a five-door variant of its handsome and successful entry-level model, the Lancer, to be called the Lancer Sportback, at the 2008 Paris auto show this fall. To help pass the time until September, Mitsubishi has released some advanced information and photos, which we in turn pass on to you.

If this looks familiar, it’s because the very first new-gen Lancer concept car, at the 2005 Frankfurt auto show, was a sexy slantback. And, more recently, at the 2008 Geneva auto show in March, the Sportback was previewed in the form of the Prototype S concept.

The Prototype S also previewed the upcoming Ralliart powertrain, equipped as it was with a zesty, 235-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and four-wheel drive. The Ralliart sedan goes on sale in September.

No Decision Yet, But It’s a Given

Both the base Lancer Sportback and a Sportback Ralliart edition have been confirmed for production globally. Technically, Mitsubishi hasn’t announced it will sell the Sportback in the U.S—a spokesman says that decision won’t be made until September at the earliest. But he did say that “with market focus going toward compacts, it’s a pretty wise bet,” for an introduction within 18 months and that there are no safety-related or regulatory hoops for the Sportback to jump through. If the concept of positive reinforcement has global applications, we expect the U.S. arm of the company will get a memo soon, if they haven’t already.

No Surprises, No Sportback Evo

Other than a more versatile bodystyle with a hatchback and a huge, shelf-like rear spoiler, the Sportback offers few surprises. Both standard and Ralliart models feature most of the same styling elements as their sedan counterparts, both of which are based on the narrower, non-Evo Lancer bodies but with trim-specific grillework, skirts, and wheels.

What about a wide-body Evo Sportback with flared fenders and huge wheels to kick some family-car fanny alongside the Subaru WRX STI? “There will never be an Evo version of the Sportback,” the spokesman tells Car and Driver. The idea was kicked around during the concept phase, but it was snuffed out early, he says. Obviously, we had no say in the matter.

2009 BMW 750i / 750Li / 7-Series – Official Photos and Information

There is no question that the 2002–2008 BMW 7-series, in all of its iterations, was a supremely capable luxury sedan with a pretty spectacular list of capabilities. Superlative as it was, however, it was a lightning rod for criticism involving everything from its bloated styling to its complex iDrive interface. Furthermore, the competition has since matched—if not surpassed—the Seven in many dynamic respects.

Well, we just got our paws on the first official photos and info about the all-new, fifth-generation BMW 7-series. And while it probably won’t be the game-changer the last one was, it’s got quite a serve.

The Sexiest Seven Ever?

For starters, it’s vastly better looking. At 199.7 inches, it is now 1.3 inches longer than before and just as wide; height is down a half-inch. The subtle redesign does wonders to mask the new Seven’s enormity—something the previous model, with its slab sides and blunt fascias, never did. Rather, with its lower nose and tidier tush, the ’09 model’s overall appearance is more lithe, less like a land whale, and more befitting a BMW flagship.

Particularly in its tall, sculpted bodysides, flat hood, and fast windshield, the Seven exhibits a lot of influence from the scrumptious Gran Turismo, the four-door coupe based on the Concept CS that debuted at the 2007 Shanghai auto show. The Seven’s signature kidney grille dips down just as low, visually reducing the front bumper mass, and is flanked by much cleaner headlamp assemblies with edgy illuminated brows (though we’re not really sure what’s going on with the lower air intake). Better yet, the Bangle butt—the bustle-back trunk further disfigured by an ill-placed cut-line—has been banished. It’ll be missed. Not.

750i And 750Li For U.S., To Start

The new Seven will be introduced initially in 750i and 750Li guise, powered by the same superstar twin-turbo direct-injection 4.4-liter V-8 found that provides serious catapulsion for the X6 xDrive50i, thanks to its 400 horsepower (between 5500 and 6400 rpm) and 450 lb-ft of torque, all of which is available between 1750 and 4500 revs. That’s 40 more horses and a fat 90 more lb-ft of torque than the 4.8-liter V-8 in the current 750i and 750Li, and just 38 hp shy and six lb-ft more than today’s V-12-powered 760Li. BMW claims a 0-to-62-mph time of just 5.2 seconds (and BMW is usually conservative with its estimates) for the new 750i. That’s what we call progress.

Other markets will get 740i and Li models, powered by a 322-hp/332 lb-ft version of BMW’s deified twin-turbocharged inline-6, and 735d models get BMW’s equally splendid turbo-diesel six that makes 241 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. All engines come paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and, at this point anyway, rear-wheel drive. Given the state of the market, we wouldn’t be surprised to see 740 models make it stateside in coming years. In any case, BMW promises that the 750 will have “class-leading” fuel economy, though we’ll have to wait for official EPA numbers to judge.

New Suspension, Rear-Wheel Steering, And A Track (!) Mode

Chassis improvements include a first-for-a-BMW-sedan unequal-length control arm suspension up front, and a redesigned, aluminum-intensive suspension in back. Steering still comes from a variable-assist, variable-ratio, rack-and-pinion system, programmed to provide hydraulic assistance only when called for in order to save fuel. Optional in the Sport Package will be “Integral Active Steering” with speed-sensitive rear-wheel steering as part of BMW’s controversial-enough Active Steering system

2009 BMW 328i / 328xi / 335d / 335xi / 335i / 3-Series Sedan and Wagon – Official Photos and Info -

BMW adds a performance diesel to the U.S. lineup, but no seven-speed dual clutch.

BMW has released the first official pictures of the new 3-series sedan and wagon that will be unveiled this fall at the 2009 Paris auto show, prior to going on sale in North America in October.

The changes are not jaw-dropping—we didn’t expect BMW to mess too much with a car that remains the benchmark small luxury sedan—but the changes are noticeable. The 3-series picks up design elements from the all-new 2009 7-series with fresh front and rear styling. Slab sides and blunt fascias of the past have been given more elegance and character, new headlights and taillights bookmark the upgraded look, and there is a newly contoured hood. The familial resemblance will continue on the forthcoming new 5-series, which we have only seen spy photos of.

The big news for the U.S. is the addition of the 335d with BMW’s new twin-turbo, 3.0-liter, inline-six diesel engine with common-rail direct injection in November. It should deliver 286 hp at 4400 rpm with an engine BMW describes as its most powerful and lightweight diesel six-cylinder. Its Variable Twin Turbo system uses a small turbocharger initially at low engine speeds—working to avoid turbo lag—and as engine speed increases, the second and larger turbocharger kicks in. BMW claims the 335d will go 0-to-62 mph in 6.0 seconds in the sedan and 6.1 seconds in the wagon.

The 3.0-liter gasoline six (with twin-turbos in the 335i), is unchanged in the U.S. models. While the 325i in Europe gets direct injection, it does not spill over to the 328i for North America.

The European lineup consists of five diesel and five gasoline options for a lineup that includes the 318i, 318d, 320i, 320d, 325i, 325d, 330i, 330d, 330xd, 335i, and 335d. To save fuel, all have brake-energy regeneration and auto start/stop.

Transmissions also are unchanged on this side of the ocean, meaning the six-speed automatic remains. For Europe, BMW announces that the seven-speed double-clutch automated manual is available on the 335i coupe and convertible. All U.S. officials will say is it is not in the cards for the U.S. for 2009. Our 2009 coupe and convertible keep the same look, so there is hope that when these body styles make their styling changes, the new tranny is part of the enhancements—likely for 2010.

Like its bigger brothers, the 3-series will get the next-gen iDrive system when equipped with an optional navigation system. In Europe, it can pull routes from the internet as BMW plans the world premier of ConnectedDrive which offers internet use inside the vehicle (when stopped) as an option. The data would stream in via EDGE technology, similar to that used by Blackberries—but it is not available in the U.S. What we are promised: the oft-hated controller knob of the iDrive system will provide “fast and intuitive menu selection.” We’re anxious to prove them right.

The 3-series gets BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system as an option with some models, including Europe’s 320xd which is the first pairing of xDrive with a four-cylinder engine in a 3-series.

Interior improvements include new trim combinations, more accessible electric window controls, a new 8.8-inch color monitor, 80-gigabyte hard disc to store satellite navigation software and MP3 music files.

hot car 2009 Lotus Eagle

A sneak peak at the everyday sports car from Lotus.

BY JAKE HOLMES, PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARPIX AND THE MANUFACTURER
July 2008

Lotus has released basic information and our first look at the 2009 Lotus “Eagle” as a teaser prior to next week’s British auto show where the car’s true identity will be revealed—Eagle is just its internal codename.

Until then, what we know for certain is that the Eagle will be positioned above the Elise and Exige S models and, like the not-for-the-U.S. Europa, aims to provide increased day-to-day usability. Think Porsche Cayman as opposed to all-out track toy: the Eagle will carry more creature comforts and be larger (although that’s a relative term) than the Elise and Exige.

The basic structure is similar to every other modern Lotus: mid-engined, lightweight, and smaller than most everything else on the road. Like the Europa, the Eagle has a sloped rear window and a fixed roof, although a convertible will arrive at a later date.

The Eagle will be offered either as a true two-seater or with a 2+2 seating arrangement, although Lotus warns the rear seats are only suitable for children, and we suspect only those with very short legs.

Power will come from a Toyota 3.5-liter V-6 with variable valve timing tuned to produce 276 horsepower, and Lotus says the car clears the 0-to-60-mph sprint in less than five seconds and tops out around 160 mph.

The Eagle employs typical Lotus aerodynamic tricks to keep the car planted at high speeds, including a rear diffuser and spoiler. Lotus engineers claim the Eagle is quicker around the famed Nürburgring circuit than the Elise.

Inside there are way more toys than in the Exige and Elise: air conditioning, leather seating, a tire-pressure monitoring system, a backup camera, cool blue LED lighting, and a remote garage-door opener.

There’s also a slick Alpine audio and navigation system with satellite radio, iPod, and Bluetooth connectivity, and a clever audio equalizer. We recently installed a similar system in our long-term Subaru WRX STI, and it sounds great.

As a further concession to practicality, the Eagle even has a rear-mounted trunk that’s supposed to fit a set of golf clubs. Because it’s mounted behind the engine, the trunk is cooled to stop engine heat from melting cargo—but we wouldn’t go so far as to put ice cream back there. Lotus rounds out the features list with anti-lock brakes and traction and stability control.

Check back next week for our coverage of the Eagle’s official unveiling, but Lotus says it will be another six months before the car is available for test drives. The Eagle—or whatever its real name is—will go on sale in spring 2009, with only 2000 to be built per year. We’re waiting to hear back from Lotus on how many, if any, are headed to the U.S. The car is the first of three new models Lotus promises as part of a five-model business plan to grow the niche brand.

2009 Subaru WRX STI Spec C - Spied on the road

Just as we were wondering how you could possibly make the Subaru WRX STI a little more expensive, we get spy shots of a Spec C version testing at the Nürburgring. With our long-term STI ringing in near $38,000, we can only imagine what a special edition might cost.
For those who may not know, the Spec C has become a little tradition of Subaru’s. It’s an offering that’s never been available to us here in the U.S., although the optional package usually entails taking a standard STI and making a few small upgrades that really add up. Minor engine tweaks, an ECU tune, improved suspension, mild body modifications, big white wheels with sticky tires, huge brakes, and weight reduction usually make up the rally-inspired package, and we don’t expect much deviation from this formula for Subaru’s newest interpretation of the STI.

While the changes seen in these spy photos are very subtle, those evident definitely point toward this being a Spec C mule. First, notice the front brake calipers—they’re definitely larger than the existing STI’s and appear to be six-piston units, a trademark of the previous Spec C.

Also, this test car is rolling on big white wheels wrapped in what appear to be upgraded tires and there is a much altered diffuser in the rear. With the 2008 Subaru WRX STI already released and on sale, we’d say it’s very likely you’re looking at the middle stages of development for a new Spec C.

Subaru has not given us any hints that an American Spec C is on the way—but the fact Nissan has given us the GT-R for the first time gives us faint hope. But should the Japanese automaker give us a pleasant surprise, don’t expect to get into one for less than $40,000 based on the STI’s already frightening price.

If it does arrive, we can’t wait to stage a duel with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR.

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