2010 New York Auto Show (2-11 April) Part 4

New Mitsubishi Outlander Sport



Mitsubishi revealed a new variant of the 2011 Outlander at the New York auto show, one that is shorter and lighter overall compared with its full-scale siblings.

Known internally as the Outlander Sport, Mitsubishi deliberately left the name unclear to promote a contest at the New York show to come up with a moniker for the new model.

The entry-level model, which will start at about $19,000 when it goes on sale late this year, offers all of the Outlander features, including an available all-wheel control system that uses electronically locking differentials to save weight compared with hydraulically actuated systems. The new electronic system, which eventually will make its way into all Mitsubishi all-wheel-drive systems--including the Evolution--is equal to the hydraulic setup.

We tested both systems back to back at the Team O'Neil rally school in New Hampshire earlier this year and found the new system extremely capable on harsh rally trails. It will be more than up to the job for on-road drivers, and it won't give up any prowess for those who need extra traction and all-wheel-drive capability in tougher conditions.

The new crossover is equipped with a 148-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission in ES models; a six-speed magnesium paddle-shifted CVT is available in ES models and is standard in premium SE models.

Mitsubishi notes that the "sport" model is compact (it's a foot shorter overall than the standard Outlander) and lightweight--it even boasts plastic front fenders--making its 3,042-pound curb weight as light as the Lancer model with which it shares its platform. The Outlander's light weight and attention to aerodynamics help the CUV reach 31 mpg on the highway.

Next: Scion's New Dynamic Duo


Scion iQ


Scion TC

For the first time since its introduction in 2004, Scion has revamped its sportiest model, the tC coupe. The youthful brand also showed off a production version of its smallest car ever, the iQ, which will go on sale in the United States early next year.

The tC anchors Scion's small-car lineup with the highest level of performance the automaker offers. The new model has been improved - on paper, at least - in pretty much every way possible: Its 180-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine makes 19 ponies more and 11 lb-ft more torque than the engine in the previous version. The suspension has been fine-tuned for better handling dynamics. The wheels (18 inchers) and brakes (16 inches in diameter) are larger. The optional automatic transmission now has six speeds instead of four, plus sequential shift capability. The standard 6-speed shifts better than before. The car even gets better fuel economy.

But what Scion fans will notice first and foremost is how different the new tC looks. The windshield and side glass mimic a racing helmet's visor, a design cue taken from the Scion Fuse concept car that was unveiled at the 2006 New York International Auto Show.

The Scion tC's interior also has a more-premium feel than before. One detail will appeal to racing fans in particular: The steering wheel has a flat bottom like those on race cars and exotic sports cars, which include the feature to ease ingress and egress. The panoramic, sliding glass roof of the previous model carries over to the new one.

It goes on sale this fall.

The iQ
Scion's other new model is the tiny, 2-door iQ. It offers an amazingly versatile interior sure to appeal to urbanites. The company calls it a "3+1" layout, with three full-size seats and a kid-sized one behind the driver.

The rear seats fold flat and Scion says there's enough cargo space for two sets of golf clubs.

With a car this small, safety is a huge concern, so Scion included 10 airbags, including what the company says is the world's first "rear-window curtain airbag."

The iQ is powered by a 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine that puts out 90 horsepower and has a continuously variable transmission.