Saturday, June 20, 2009

Mitsubishi Evolution X

First previewed in 2007, the all-new tenth-generation Lancer Evolution was introduced by Mitsubishi for the 2008 model year, continuing the nameplate's tradition of high performance in a small-displacement four-passenger sedan.

The Evolution X is offered in two trim levels. The entry-level GSR is offered with a five-speed manual transmission, Recaro Sport seats and Enkei wheels, as well as optional spoiler, HID headlights, and upgraded sound system.

The upgraded MR includes Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST), Eibach springs and Bilstein shock absorbers, lightweight brake rotors and BBS forged-alloy wheels, and extra sound insulation, as well as optional navigation, upgraded audio with Sirius Satellite reception, and leather seats.

Both trim levels feature the new all-aluminum 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder MIVEC4 motor producing 295 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque and Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) drive system.

The S-AWC system, which regulates torque and braking at each wheel includes a bevy of acronyms: ASC (Active Stability Control), ACD (Active Center Differential), AYC (Active Yaw Control) and Sport ABS, an ABS system designed for aggressive driving. The biggest difference over the outgoing car is the large number of yaw sensors included in the system, all designed to keep the Evo X on its intended path. The S-AWC system can be set for three different road surfaces: tarmac (standard), ice and gravel

The Twin Clutch SST on the MR appears similar to Audi/VW's DSG system; even and odd gears are on separate clutches for rapid-fire shifting and no torque loss between gears. Shifting of the TC-SST is controlled by alloy paddles on the steering wheel or the gear shift lever when in manual mode, and by the engine computer in automatic mode. The system has three modes: Normal, Sport and S-Sport, the latter providing the most aggressive, fast shifts.

Safety measures include the Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) unibody system to disperse energy in front and side impact collisions and protect the fuel system from rear impact, and front and side impact air bags, plus a driver's knee air bag.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Lexus RX 350

MECHANICAL
3.5L DOHC SFI 24-valve V6 engine -inc: dual variable valve timing w/intelligence (VVT-i)
6-speed sequential-shift automatic electronically controlled transmission -inc: OD, snow mode
Front wheel drive
Independent MacPherson strut front suspension w/coil springs
Independent double wishbone rear suspension w/coil springs
Front/rear stabilizer bars
Pwr rack & pinion steering w/pwr assist
Pwr front ventilated & rear solid disc brakes
Tool kit

EXTERIOR
8" x 7.5" 5-spoke alloy wheels
P235/60R18 tires
Compact spare tire
Integrated rear spoiler
Automatic on/off headlamps w/delay-off feature
Integrated front fog lamps
LED brake lamps
Pwr heated mirrors w/built-in LED turn lamps
Acoustic noise-reducing windshield glass
Water-repellent front door glass
UV ray-reducing window glass
Privacy glass
Variable intermittent windshield wipers
Intermittent rear wiper
Chrome door handles

INTERIOR
Cloth seat trim
10-way pwr front bucket seats -inc: pwr lumbar, adjustable headrests
Driver seat easy exit -inc: auto away/return
Reclining/sliding rear 40/20/40 split fold-down seat -inc: adjustable headrests, 1-touch fold levers
Center console -inc: storage bin, cupholders
Rear center armrest -inc: cupholders, storage box
Cut pile carpeting
Carpeted front/rear floor mats
Pwr tilt/telescoping steering wheel w/audio controls
White LED instrument cluster display -inc: maintenance indicator
Front seat belt warning light
Pwr windows -inc: 1-touch auto up/down, jam protection
Pwr door locks -inc: anti-lockout feature
SmartAccess remote entry system -inc: multi-function remote, remote window down, volume-adjustable confirmation tone, rolling code technology
Lexus personalized settings
HomeLink programmable garage door opener
Pwr fuel door release
Vehicle theft-deterrent & immobilizer system
Automatic dual-zone climate control -inc: dust filter, pollen filter, deodorizing air filter, rear seat heater ducts
Rear window defogger
Wood trim -inc: center console, switch plates, doors
Metallic accents -inc: center instrument panel
Chrome inside door handles
Front door map storage pockets
Dual sun visors -inc: adjustable-illum vanity mirrors, slide extensions
Dual front/rear assist grips
Lighting -inc: LED glove box, center console box, incandescent dome light w/white LED spot lights, incandescent foot lights, door courtesy lights, front cupholders, front/rear map lights, cargo area
Front seatback pockets
Coat hooks
(2) 12V auxiliary pwr outlets -inc: rear of center console box, cargo area
Rear storage compartment under cargo area floor
Auto-retracting tonneau cover

SAFETY

Wheelanti-lock braking system (ABS) -inc: brake assist
Vehicle stability control (VSC) w/cutoff switch
Traction control (TRAC)
Side-impact door beams
Enhanced side-impact protection
Daytime running lights
Dual front advanced airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) -inc: crash severity & occupant detection sensors
Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags
Front/rear side-curtain airbags w/roll sensor
Dual front knee airbags
Dual front seat active headrests w/whiplash protection
3-point front seat belts -inc: pretensioners, force limiters, anchor height adjusters
3-point rear seat belts -inc: pretensioners
All-outboard seating emergency locking retractor (ELR)
Front passenger and rear outboard seating automatic locking retractor (ALR)
Child safety rear door locks
Tire pressure monitoring system
Impact-dissipating upper interior trim
Brake pedal regression prevention
First aid kit