Mitsu Evolution bound for Canada
Mitsubishi's 2008 Lancer Evolution, the latest, most sophisticated iteration of the brand's high-performance icon, makes its Canadian debut at the Montreal auto show in January.
The compact sports sedan goes on sale next spring.
The 2008 Evolution – based on the latest Lancer, which bowed for 2007 – is the first to be offered in Canada.
Earlier versions, available in the U.S. and most major markets, were not designed to pass our strict 8 km/h bumper test standards.
The latest Evo features an all-new, 291 hp, turbocharged and intercooled, 2.0 L four.
It also has Mitsubishi's Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) handling and all-wheel-drive system.
The Evolution nameplate began 16 years ago in Japan.
Two Evo models will be offered in Canada: the GSR, with a five-speed manual gearbox, and the MR, with a new, six-speed "automated manual" box with twin internal clutches but no clutch pedal.
The car will battle Subaru's equally lauded Impreza WRX STI, which has been its arch-rival on rally circuits around the world.
Canadian pricing for the Evo has not been released.
NEW BOXSTER HONOURS A LEGEND
Porsche is adding a model to its 2008 Boxster lineup, designed to pay tribute to the legendary Type 718 RS 60 Spyder.
That car was largely responsible for establishing the marque's racing legacy almost 60 years ago.
An RS 60 driven by Hans Herrmann and Olivier Gendebien gave the Stuttgart brand its first major overall victory in the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1960, defeating much larger and more powerful rivals.
The win led to Porsche's race cars being regarded as "giant killers."
The new, limited-edition Boxster RS 60 Spyder evokes the stance and style of that historic mid-engine two-seater race car.
Engine output is boosted to 303 hp, and Porsche Active Suspension Management is standard. Spacer plates move the car's distinctive 19-inch wheels farther out.
The RS 60 make its North American bow at the New York auto show in March and goes on sale in Canada in early spring. Base price: $81,900.
Sales will be limited to 1,960 units worldwide, with fewer than 800 slated for North America.
FORD GEARS UP FOR DURATEC 3.7
Ford is preparing for the launch of its new Duratec 3.7 L V6 by sending assemblers at its Lima, Ohio, engine plant to university.
The University of Northwestern Ohio is providing the workers with a two-day class on how to build a complete engine from scratch, then tear it down.
Although each worker will be responsible for only one or two operations on the line, Ford believes understanding the full assembly process will improve quality.
The Duratec 3.7, which starts production next spring, will be the first of a family of turbocharged, direct-injection, gasoline engines.
It will be used initially in the upcoming Ford Flex wagon, which will be built in Oakville, and Lincoln MKS flagship sedan.
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