Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: 2009 Jaguar XF will range from $49,975 to $62,975

Filed under: Car Buying, LA Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Jaguar

We didn't bother to attend Jaguar's press conference today at the 2007 LA Auto Show, mainly because the only car it had to show off was the North American debut of the 2009 Jaguar XF. Yeah, been there, done that in Frankfurt last September. But Jaguar did announce a nice nugget of news at its presser, which is that the '09 Jaguar XF will start at $49,975 when it goes on sale March 1, 2008 in the U.S. That's for the "standard" XF with the naturally-aspirated 4.2L V8. An uplevel version of the NA V8 model called the V8 Premium Luxury will base at $55,975. Finally, the Supercharged XF with the 420-horsepower supercharged 4.2L V8 will start at a mighty $62,975. While all prices include a $775 charge for destination and delivery, that's a heady brew to swallow. Will Americans go for such an expensive Jaguar sedan considering the brand's performance in recent years? That's the make-it-or-break-it question we can't wait see answered.

Check out Jaguar's official press release after the jump.

[Source: Jaguar]

Gallery: 2009 Jaguar XF

Continue reading 2009 Jaguar XF will range from $49,975 to $62,975

Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: Mosler MT900S dipped in key lime pie

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Supercars

click above image for more high-res pics
While wondering the halls of the LA convention center we happened upon this Mosler MT900S with an... interesting paint scheme. It's even got color-matched carbon fiber Dymag wheels and yellow brake calipers to go with the Big Bird interior. While it may look like it just dropped out of a bag of Skittles, this Mosler has an LS7 V8 on board with 550 horsepower and 490 lb-ft torque for a 0-60 mph time of three seconds flat. We'll take ours in Darth Vader black like the one George Lucas got, thank you very much.
Gallery: Lime Green Mosler MT900S



Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: AutoblogGreen for 11.15.07

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green


There was certainly no lack of LA Auto Show news on Autoblog yesterday, I know. But for a rundown of the greener side of LA, check through the list below. Lots of announcements from GM - the Malibu Hybrid, the Aveo 5, and something to do with Disney - as well as news on the Honda FCX Clarity and Volkswagen's Space up! Blue. More to come, I'm sure.

• Lutz: Chevy Volt aero might have been better if we put it in the wind tunnel backwards
• LA 2007: 2009 Honda FCX Clarity Live reveal
• LA 2007: Mercedes shows off S400 Bluetec diesel hybrid concept
• LA 2007: Hi, we're Ford. Please don't forget our green efforts
• LA 2007: Chevrolet to take the lead on fuel solutions
• LA 2007: Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
• LA 2007: Disney to participate in Chevrolet's Project Driveway
• LA 2007: Chevrolet Aveo 5, questionable aesthetics come to US
• LA 2007: Volkswagen Space up! Blue
• Chevrolet Beat to go into production for global markets, but not US yet!
• LA 2007 Special: Autoblog Green Podcast #14
• GM finally announces pricing for Two-Mode Hybrid SUVs: $50,490 - $53,775
• Altair Nanotechnologies nets $7 million in Defense Appropriations Bill
• Mitsubishi's all-electric i MiEV may arrive earlier than expected
• Petrobras develops first Formula 1 biofuel, a secret blend
• GM still going all out for hydrogen - wants to be first with 1 million hydrogen cars
• Want a really high hybrid? Try an RTG crane
• Video: Ford Junior talks about sustainability (leaks first carbon neutral NFL game)
• Ford's Easy Fuel System should stop a few Darwin Awards
• New ethanol plants to be built in Midwest by Washington Group

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Lincoln going global?

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Ford, Lincoln


Bringing his experience heading Lexus with him when he defected to Ford, Jim Farley's got his eye on some premium-Toyota style brand growth. Ford's past party line has been that the Lincoln nameplate is strictly for North American consumption, but Farley's been conferring with other Forders like Peter Horbury about taking Lincoln worldwide. Lexus is enjoying rapid growth in markets like Russia and Saudi Arabia, so it's not a new concept for Farley, and Horbury has previous global-brand experience, as well. Whether Ford intends on turning Lincoln into an American Lexus (whatever that might mean) isn't clear, but our domestic luxury marques sometimes enjoy a better reputation elsewhere - witness Buick's stature in China (Counterpoint: witness Cadillac's stature in Europe). The newly unveiled MKS is a good weapon to shoot across the globe, sharing platforms as it does with Volvo's S80. We don't think the two EUCD sedans will swipe customers from each other, as they're likely different groups of buyers - so what it really may mean is more potential buyers to snap up Ford's production capacity.

Thanks for the tip, throwback!

[Source: Auto News - sub req]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Outrage expressed over Harry Connick Jr.'s Lincoln ad

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Lincoln


Disaster marketing, as some people call it, is certainly nothing new. We told you earlier in the week about the new ad by Ford's Lincoln brand, which uses Harry Connick, Jr. as a tour guide of New Orleans in his spiffy Lincoln MKX. Ad Age's take on it is that the commercial is another regrettable wade into the muck of capitalist opportunism. In the words of the article's author, "What they are doing is exploiting its victims to advertise luxury SUVs. It is vulgar. It is grotesque. It is disgusting."

Lincoln isn't anywhere near the first company to take such a tack, and this isn't the first time advertising pundits have been taken aback by it. If you read the comments, you'll see that there's quite a range of opinion on the matter. However, since Young & Rubicam is the same agency that put together the same kind of ad effort for Land Rover (another Ford brand), we have to assume that it, uh ... works.

Check out the commercial again after the jump.

[Source: AdAge]Continue reading Outrage expressed over Harry Connick Jr.'s Lincoln ad

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Rendered Speculation: 2009 Jaguar XJ

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Jaguar
Opinions may be split over the execution of the new Jaguar XF that was priced for U.S. consumption yesterday at the LA Auto Show, but the British luxury marque remains committed to its new design direction. That is, at least, what our friends across the pond at Auto Express are saying, and they may not be far off.

The XJ sedan, though arguably a timeless classic shape, is getting a little long in the crooked tooth, and the report suggests that its replacement will follow the XF's lead in taking a more aggressive, modern direction in order to compete with the likes of big German sedans like the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S-Class. Auto Express says the chassis will be an updated version of the current aluminum structure, with a range of updated engines in both diesel and gasoline versions, supercharged and naturally aspirated, six cylinders or eight. (The interesting part is a reported boost to the range-topping supercharged V8 to 500 horsepower for the XJR.)

As with the XF, Jaguar's trademark though arguably unpopular J-gate shifter gives way to a more crowd-pleasing console dial and wheel-mounted paddle-shifters. The rest of the interior is also tipped to follow the XF's modern lead, all decked out in leather, wood and blue mood lighting, while repositioned and redesinged seats promise to optimize interior space.

Follow the link to read more crystal-ball forecasts on the next XJ sedan range, which is anticipated to hit the market in 2009.

[Source: Auto Express]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: BMW recalling 5 and 6-series, X5s due to stalling

Filed under: Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW


The NHTSA has announced a recall of nearly 30,000 2006 and 2007 X5, 5-Series, and 6-Series models equipped with the 4.8L V8 engine due to a stalling issue. The reason for the recall is that low temperatures coupled with dry conditions can create a static discharge in the fuel line, which interrupts fuel delivery. The fix for the problem is both free and easy, as a BMW dealer will install grounding cables to your engine at no charge. BMW may create the ultimate driving machines, but if you've got a vehicle that meets the description above, we'd suggest hitting the dealer for a fix before the cold weather puts a shock in your fun.

[Source: Bloomberg]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: BMW officially accidentally prices 135i at $35,675*

Filed under: Car Buying, LA Auto Show, Coupes, BMW
UPDATE: Kicking Tires has learned that the 128i will start at a much more reasonable $29,375.

Click the image above for more live pics of the BMW 135i.

Our boy Omar over at eGMCartech passed along a tip yesterday that BMW had a plaque standing next to its 135i listing the available options and price of its turbocharged entrant into the sport compact scene. Finally, all the speculation shall come to rest. After weaseling our way onto the show floor before the doors opened this morning, we made a B-line for the Bimmer booth to check it out for ourselves. The 135i sat on its pedestal, but unlike every other model there, the telltale placard was absent. Five minutes of snooping later, we hit gold behind a wall and you can check out the entire pricing and options list after the jump.

Pricing for the 135i starts at $35,675 -- very close to what's been rumored since its unveiling in Frankfurt. While that's certainly on the high side of things, it's not until you start optioning up the coupe that things get out of hand. REALLY out of hand. Tick the box for an automatic, and you're up another $1,275. Want the paddle shifters? Tack on another $100. The premium package boosts it up another $3,300; navigation with iDrive, $2,100. And on, and on, and on. The only thing missing is the price of the rarified air in the cabin, but BMW was nice enough to provide the windshield for free.

Bottom line: if you MAX-OUT the 135i, you're looking at over $52,000. Considering that a base 3-series comes in at around $32k (stripped), you'd better be very confident with your decision to be the first on your block to sport BMW's new hotness.

Gallery: BMW 1-Series Coupe

Continue reading BMW officially accidentally prices 135i at $35,675*

Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: IIHS awards 34 models its Top Safety Pick Award for 2008

Filed under: Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released its 2008 Top Safety Pick Award winners, and the number of vehicles listed at the top of the heap has grown from 13 models in 2006 to 34 models this year - a sign that automakers are stepping up their game.

Among the winners this year were the Audi A3, Honda Accord, Subaru Impreza, Honda Odyssey, BMW X3 and X5, Hyundai Veracruz, Saturn Vue, Toyota Highlander and, with the inclusion of pickup trucks for the first time, the Toyota Tundra.

All the winners can be viewed in the press release after the jump.Continue reading IIHS awards 34 models its Top Safety Pick Award for 2008

Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: EXCLUSIVE: Details on the production Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupes, Hyundai

Click the image above for a gallery of the Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe.

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/motorsport/EXCLUSIVE_details_on_the_production_Hyundai_Genesis_Coupe'; After Hyundai's press conference wrapped up Tuesday, we took the opportunity to grill a couple of Hyundai's design and engineering heads about some of the details surrounding the Genesis Coupe Concept and its production counterpart. While its already been revealed that the new coupe won't be coming with a V8, nor will Hyundai nix the front-wheel-drive Tiburon in favor of a strictly RWD sports car lineup, there are still plenty of questions that needed answering. Hit the jump to get the scoop on what to expect for Hyundai's most exciting new product ever.

Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Continue reading EXCLUSIVE: Details on the production Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Like father like sons: Mansell boys sign for Champ Car Atlantic series

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings


History, they say, has a habit of repeating itself. That's certainly the way things have been looking in recent years as some of the greatest racing names in motorsport history have been making a comeback. But instead of the legends squeezing their aging selves into new racing equipment like so many sardines, it's the younger generation that's been hitting the scene lately.

Gilles Villeneuve's embattled son Jacques, it pains this Montrealer to say, may have turned out to be a bit of a disappointment in recent years, notwithstanding his earlier F1 and Indy titles. But Bruno Senna, nephew of the legendary Ayrton, has been working his way up the ranks, as has Freddie Hunt, son of '76 F1 champion James Hunt. Nico Rosberg has already made it into Formula One, following in the footsteps of his '82 world champion father Keke.

The next big thing in racing dynasties, however, is coming with back-up. Nigel Mansell's sons Greg (20) and Leo (22) are boarding the ark two by two to cross the Atlantic for next year. The brothers have been working their way up the racing ladder together, competing in the British series Formula BMW last year after just half a year racing in karts. Like their father who won the CART title in 1993, the pair has confirmed that they're coming stateside to compete in the Champ Char Atlantic Series, joining BMW-backed Canadian driver Kevin Lacroix for a three-car Walker Racing team in 2008. Some good ol' Mansell-style racing is one bit of history we don't mind repeating.

[Source: Auto Week]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: 2008 Subaru WRX STI priced at $34,995

Filed under: Car Buying, LA Auto Show, Wagons/Estates, Hatchbacks, Subaru

Click the image above for more live shots of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI.

The Subaru Impreza STI just made its North American debut, and for those of us here in the States, life is good. Just like the JDM version, the STI benefits from a wider track and a longer wheelbase, but power is provided by Subaru's 2.5-liter boxer four making 305 hp and 290 lb.-ft. of torque. The sprint to sixty will be dispatched in 4.9 seconds, and Subie execs are touting the engine's new torque characteristics as more tractable and effortlessly exciting. Aluminum suspension components partner with inverted struts to keep all four wheels planted and providing motivation, while a redesigned DCCD allows drivers to select six different differential settings.

Pricing has been set at $34,995 and Subaru began taking orders today. Check out Subaru's official press release after the jump and our gallery of high-res live shots below.

Gallery: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Continue reading LA 2007: 2008 Subaru WRX STI priced at $34,995

Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: Lutz and Peper show off Chevy's high efficiency fleet

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Trends, Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, SUVs, Trucks/Pickups, Green, Tech, Crossovers/CUVs, Chevrolet, GM


Promising the best possible fuel economy for whichever type of vehicle its customers choose, GM's Bob Lutz and Ed Peper trotted a full lineup of green vehicles from their arsenal. The Aveo5, Impala E85, Malibu Hybrid, Tahoe Hybrid, Silverado Hybrid, Volt, Equinox Fuel Cell, Beat and Groove were used to show off that Chevy will be the brand carrying the greenish flame most prominently into the future for GM. Lutz talked about having a whole range of options available to meet future trends, from hybrids, to flex-fuel burners, to fuel cells, to electrics like start/stop technology and good old-fashioned economy cars that get great fuel economy.

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Hybrids at the LA Auto Show


Gallery: 2008 Chevy Aveo5

Continue reading LA 2007: Lutz and Peper show off Chevy's high efficiency fleet

Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: Porsche Cayenne Hybrid can go 75 MPH on battery power alone

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, SUVs, Green, Porsche

Porsche has been trotting out its prototype Cayenne Hybrid in Europe for much of this year, but yesterday in Los Angeles we got our first look at it on U.S. soil. Porsche management board member Dr. Wolfgang Duerheimer told us about the Cayenne Hybrid, which will go into production toward the end of this decade. In many respects, the parallel hybrid system is fairly conventional with a nickel metal hydride battery pack, although the packaging is fairly unique as the motor's mounted with the rear differential. From a performance perspective, Porsche is aiming for a 30% efficiency improvement on the EU combined cycle with a rating of at least 26 mpg (US). What really sets Porsche's hybrid system apart, though, is the ability to shut off the engine when cruising at speeds up to 75 MPH. The Cayenne can potentially cruise the autobahn on battery power alone for several miles if conditions allow for it. Other hybrid systems only allow EV mode up to about 30 mph. It will be interesting to see how well this works in the real world, and whether or not a light right foot will allow you to accelerate up to 75 MPH on battery power alone.

[Source: Porsche]

Gallery: Porsche Cayenne Hybrid


Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: MINI prices Clubman from $20,600 in the U.S.

Filed under: Car Buying, LA Auto Show, BMW, MINI

The super-sized MINI Clubman has grown only 9.45 inches overall and 3.15 inches between the wheels. That doesn't tell the whole story for the Clubman, though, as its small car charm gains some utility while also adding those neat little French doors in back. Luckily for panting MINI fanatics, the BMW group isn't asking a king's ransom for its famous little wagon. The base Clubman will start at $20,600, and a turbocharged Clubman S will set you back $24,100. For comparison's sake, a base MINI Cooper starts at $18,700 in the U.S. and a Cooper S at $21,850. Thus, the premium commanded by a Clubman over a base Cooper is relatively small. Of course any self-respecting MINI owner knows that the British Marquee's dozens of options and customizations will raise the average price by thousands of dollars, but it's nice to see that base models start in the realm of reality. Check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: BMW Group]

Gallery: 2008 MINI Clubman

Continue reading MINI prices Clubman from $20,600 in the U.S.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: Porsche Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1 is ultimate designer car

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sports/GTs, Porsche

click above image to view more pics of the Porsche Cayman S Porsche Design Edition

Porsche displayed one extra cool looking Cayman S at the LA Auto Show, with a heckuva mouthful of a name. This black on black Cayman S was sporting 997 Turbo wheels and a unique stripe and lettering set, plus a moniker that would cost more than the car if sold by the syllable. Officially known as the Porsche Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1, it impressed us with its surprisingly attractive stripes and its handsome Turbo rims. Very sharp. As we told you back in August, this special Cayman S was built to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Ferdinand Alexander Porsche's original Porsche Design project, their first chronograph. Porsche Design is perhaps best known for its consumer goods, but this 777-car limited edition Cayman shows that they can dress up cars, as well.

Porsche has worked hard to incorporate the Porsche Design look into a Cayman S. The gauge cluster takes on the appearance of a Porsche Design chrono, and the entire car is finished in black inside and out. The body is lowered 10mm and the exterior is further set off by the 19-inch 911 Turbo wheels and matte black accent striping on the doors, hood, roof, and rear deck. Black Alcantara and a special plaque on the instrument panel help trim out the passenger cabin. Each car also comes with a briefcase packed with Porsche Design goodies including a chronograph, pen, sunglasses, knife and keyring. Like the car, these personal items are finished in all black. Porsche Design Edition 1 sales kick off this month in Germany, with US sales following in January of 2008. The price? &euro;58,600 in Germany (&euro;69,942 with the 19% VAT factored in). We presume US pricing will be announced closer to its arrival Stateside and don't harbor any doubts that Porsche will easily sell out the 777-car run.

[Source: Porsche]

Gallery: Porsche Cayman S "Porsche Design Edition 1"


Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: Lexus IS-F gets FiveAxified

Filed under: Aftermarket, LA Auto Show, Tuners, Sedans/Saloons, Lexus

Click the image above for a gallery of the FiveAxis Lexus IS-F.

We've berated the styling of the Lexus IS-F at length, but throw the Southern California team over at FiveAxis into the mix and we're ready to drive it out the front doors of the LA Auto Show. The combination of a custom six-inch wide body kit, Satin Black Pearl Paint and Satin Bronze accents make this IS-F a sports sedan we'd be happy to roll in. The installation of FiveAxis' own custom 20-inch wheels (20x8.5 in front and 20x10.5 out back), swathed in the same bronze hue as the ducting, diffusers and exhausts, ties everything together, and the lowered ride height provided by the Tein adjustable coilovers brings it all down to earth, literally.

Performance is aided by a custom exhaust system and what FiveAxis is calling a "Stage 2" engine package. What that means is beyond us, but we're sure it's got potential. Slowing those undefined extra horses is a set of Brembos at all four corners: 380 mm discs with six-piston calipers up front and 345 mm plates grabbed by two-piston calipers in the rear.

Gallery: FiveAxis Lexus IS-F


Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: Volkswagen Tiguan priced to sell at $22,490

Filed under: Car Buying, LA Auto Show, SUVs, Volkswagen

Click on the image above to view in high resolution

The new Tiguan cute-ute factored big into Volkswagen's press conference at this year's LA show. And no wonder, as Vee-Dub is hoping its new small sport-ute sells big, especially in the all-important US market, and especially in California where nobody needs a truck yet everybody has one (and parks it next to their Prius).

Volkswagen of America revealed that Tiguan is priced to sell with a starting MSRP of just $22,490. With just two sport-utes in its lineup, that gives VW a huge price-point spread that stretches all the way up to $68,320 for the bigger Touareg 2 with the jumbo-jet-pulling V10 TDI.

Volkswagen is evidently hoping that the Tiguan will become the Golf of the sport-ute market after it hits US dealers this coming summer. Check out our gallery of the US-spec Tiguan below, and VW's official press release after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Gallery: LA 2007: Volkswagen Tiguan

Continue reading LA 2007: Volkswagen Tiguan priced to sell at $22,490

Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: Surf's up! Suzuki SX4 Makai concept

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Suzuki

Click above image for high-res gallery of the Suzuki SX4 Makai concept

Suzuki was obviously trying to tap into the So. Cal. culture of the LA Auto Show when it tasked Andry Specialty Vehicles to create the SX4-based Makai concept. After lopping off the roof, shaving the door handles and adding a NACA-like duct in the hood, they sprayed down the sedan in orange paint and accented it with the silver rollover hoop that provides another mounting point to attach a set of surfboards. LED running lights add some subtle flavor and 19-inch CEC wheels fill the widened wheel arches that frame four-wheel disc brakes with Rotora calipers.

Although the exterior appointments are cool enough, our favorite feature is inside. Instead of fitting the concept seats - normally an ergonomic disaster - it looks like Suzuki made a trek to their corporate pool, plucked the chairs from around the frosted glass table and welded them inside. The results are equal parts style and functionality that give soaking surfers a place to rest without mucking up the standard cloth seats. It certainly won't score any points in the safety department (nor will the lack of seatbelts), but we'll give them a 6.2 for originality.

Gallery: Suzuki SX4 Makai concept

Continue reading LA 2007: Surf's up! Suzuki SX4 Makai concept

Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: US-spec 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution lands (VIDEO)

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Mitsubishi
UPDATE: Another high-res gallery of photos from Frank Filipponio added

click above link for high-res gallery of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Mitsubishi pulled the covers off the US-spec 2008 Lancer Evolution X, and the differences between your red, white, and blue steed and the one from its homeland are: the steering wheel is on the left, versions with the 6-speed SST auto 'box are called the MR (the 5-speed manual is the GSR), and the seat cushions are longer in order to fit longer American bodies.

The stripper RS model is not on offer here -- that's the one without a radio and power options. The differences between our GSR and the MR aren't many, but depending on your preferences they might not be minor. The standard GSR has a radio and power accessories, but does not come with a wing -- that would get added in the Sight, Sound, and Spoiler package, which throws in HID headlamps and a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate system. The optional package for the MR is the Technology Package, which adds goodies to the stereo system (like a subwoofer and hard drive), Bluetooth, navigation, and the Fast Key entry system.

When it comes to inner workings, the GS rides on 18-inch Enkeis. The MR gets 18-inch BBS forged alloys, as well as Bilstein shock absorbers, Eibach springs, and 2-piece rotors. Voila. Lancer Evo X pricing according to one source will be around $30,000 for the GSR, and $36,000 for the MR. Follow the jump to read the full press release and options, and check out our live shots of the car's reveal in the gallery below. Video of the live introduction is also available after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution


Gallery: 2008 Mitsubishi EVO X

Continue reading LA 2007: US-spec 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution lands (VIDEO)

Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> </img>

More...