Peugeot, the pioneer and 1st worldwide manufacturer of electric vehicles will be launching the ion at the end of 2010. Its performance and 130 km operating range is obtained in particular due to the use of lithium-ion batteries, which will provide an efficient response to the challenges of urban mobility and respect for the environment.

With the ion, which will be presented to the world for the 1st time at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Peugeot is incorporating the latest automotive edition into its model range.

With the 106 produced between 1995 and 2003, Peugeot, the pioneer in electric vehicles, remains to this day the manufacturer having sold the most “zero-emissions” cars in the world.

Supported by this history, the Lion Brand intends to continue as a major player in the new market of electric vehicles. Therefore, from the end of 2010, Peugeot will be amongst the first to launch a new all-electric vehicle in Europe: the ion. Read the rest of this entry »

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 is the fastest and most extreme version of Mitsubishi’s motorsport derived machine. With 403bhp and 387lb.ft of torque on offer from its advanced, lightweight aluminium 2.0-litre turbocharged MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) petrol engine the FQ-400 is able to reach 62mph from standstill in an estimated 3.8 seconds before reaching an electronically limited 155mph – where permitted. Read the rest of this entry »

Previously, Euro NCAP made three separate ratings available for each vehicle. From now on, Euro NCAP will publish a new overall rating for every vehicle that will cover Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection and a new area of assessment: Safety Assist. Under the new testing regime, vehicles are awarded a single overall score from one to five stars. The assessment incorporates all previous aspects and includes the recently introduced Rear Impact (Whiplash) tests. In addition, the availability of ESC and speed limitation devices is considered. The overall rating is based on the car’s performance in each of the four main areas and the scores are weighted with respect to each other. Over the next three years, stricter requirements will be introduced increasing the emphasis on all-round safety performance and demanding higher levels of achievement in each area. Read the rest of this entry »

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today their decision to withdraw from Cross Country Rallying, starting with the legendary Dakar Rally.

In its 26 entries in this event, Mitsubishi Motors won the rally a total of 12 times, including seven consecutive victories. In addition to this unparalleled record the company also gained 4WD technology that informs its production vehicles, most visible in their durability and off road performance.

The sudden deterioration of the global economy made it necessary for the company to focus its resources more tightly, leading to today’s announcement.

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The new Police specification Evolution X has arrived with South Yorkshire Police to the great delight of its drivers, and the chagrin of local villains. The new car will be used alongside the ever present Evolution VIII and IX in the Road Crime Unit where proactive road policing is the mission and officers will be driving the new car in cases involving drug dealers and car thieves. “The Evo X was the car of choice because of its excellent pursuit capabilities and the fact that so much time and effort has been put into maximising performance whilst minimising the risk of accidents” Inspector Slack explained. Read the rest of this entry »

Mitsubishi Motors Corp. pulled out of Detroit’s upcoming North American International Auto Show — the fifth automaker to do so — leaving the door open for Chinese carmakers to finally get a place on the main floor.

“For the time being, we’re redeploying resources to other more customer-focused programs,” Dan Irvin, a Mitsubishi spokesman said Friday. “The decision not to attend Detroit wasn’t an easy one.” The decision also reflects the company’s efforts to conserve cash because of the global slowdown in demand for cars.

Suzuki, Rolls Royce, Ferrari and Land Rover also backed out of the January show. Porsche pulled out last year.

Via detnews.com