Mitsubishi IAA Frankfurt Preview : Mitsubishi new car review 2008

Mitsubishi IAA Frankfurt Preview
by Evander Klum
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has a lot in store for European car fans at the upcoming 62nd International Motor Show (Internationale Automobil Ausstellung, IAA) that will take place in Frankfurt, Germany in September 11.
The Japanese automaker, along with its European arm (Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V.), will showcase an all-new production vehicle and a concept model at the show. Mitsubishi will also present other models as well as some of its latest alternative fuel developments like the Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle (i MiEV).
Mitsubishi will make IAA Frankfurt as the stage for the unveiling of the European-bound Lancer sedan model. The Mitsubishi Lancer comes with an exterior design featuring Mitsubishi Motors' hallmark inverted-slant nose with a trapezoidal grille. The car will be equipped with a new 1.8-liter DOHC MIVEC engine with aluminum cylinder block capable of producing 105 kW (143 PS), coupled with INVECS-III 6-speed Sport Mode CVT or a 5-speed manual transmission. European customers can also choose the 2-liter turbocharged diesel engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and a 1.5-liter DOHC MIVEC engine combined with a 4-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Other features of the European Lancer include SRS airbags (driver and front passenger airbags, driver knee airbag, side and curtain airbags), adaptive front lighting (AFS), rain-sensitive auto wipers, Rockford Fosgate premium sound system, and Cocochi interior.
Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi Concept-cX is expected to draw the attention of European crowd at IAA Frankfurt. This concept is a compact car with characteristics of an SUV or sports hatchback crossover. The Japanese automaker described the Concept-cX as a "crossover that stirs a sense of adventure to "cut a swathe" through the hustle and bustle of urban life."
Like the Mitsubishi Lancer, the Mitsubishi Concept-cX also features the inverted-slant nose with trapezoidal grille. A split tailgate is included to provide customers with a facilitated loading and unloading purposes. Large tires measuring 225/45 R 19 covers the car's wheels and ready for the on and off road challenge.
The Concept-cX is equipped with a new high-output and high efficiency 1.8-liter clean diesel engine with variable geometry (VG) turbocharger to boost its performance. This powerful engine is combined with Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) powering Mitsubishi's electronically-controlled 4WD system. Moreover, Concept-cX is also also equipped with a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the exhaust system for lower exhaust emissions. The engine complies with the stringent Euro 5 emission standards. Other automakers like Isuzu (maker of cars and trucks with quality Isuzu catalytic converter), did not yet announce their participation at IAA Frankfurt.