All New Mitsubishi Outlander XLS AWD

Redesigned Outlander a Step in the Right Direction

OVERVIEW
Like virtually every major auto manufacturer, Mitsubishi offers a car-based crossover vehicle featuring AWD. In and of itself, that fact isn’t exactly a bombshell. In fact, today there are so many choices out there it’s easy to get them confused, especially considering that many of them look a lot alike. Mitsubishi’s entrant in this class is called the Outlander. It was introduced back in 2002 as a 2003 model. This year it gets its first major redesign. And with this redesign, it does something many manufacturers in this segment fear. The Outlander dares to be different.

PERFORMANCE
Okay, so from a straight-line performance standpoint, the Outlander doesn’t reinvent the wheel. I apologize if my lead-in indicated otherwise. It’s acceleration is adequate compared with that of its competition. Another 20-30 horsepower would really improve this aspect of the Outlander’ personality. Despite its lack of brute force, the Outlander does feel sporty. Its aluminum paddle shifters aid in creating a crossover that is quite fun to drive.

HANDLING
The Outlander will cut corners with any of the crossover SUVs I’ve driven. When I hustled through some of my favorite local twisties, I detected limited body roll courtesy of the Outlander’s rather firmly sprung fully independent suspension. I was also a little surprised to find that despite its AWD, the Outlander doesn’t feel sluggish or heavy in transition between corners.

STYLING
I think that the Outlander’s styling is the main area where it distinguishes itself from the bulk of its competition. The exterior is modern, sporty, and bears a slight resemblance to the Nissan Murano. Slide inside, and you’ll find a cockpit that is comfortable and well-appointed. Like the Galant Ralliart and Lancer GTS I recently tested, the Outlander is available with Rockford Audio, which includes a subwoofer. The Outlander also boasts optional third row seating. However, like the majority of the small SUVs making this claim, these seats are mainly fit for small children. Fold down the third row and there is plenty of room for luggage. The Outlander also comes with the Flap Folding Tailgate, which opens close enough to the ground to make loading heavy items a snap.

JUDGEMENT
Mitsubishi’s slumping recent U.S. sales has been due, in large part, to forgettable cars and SUVs. The Outlander is a big step in the right direction. If there is one thing you can say for the Outlander, it’s not forgettable. If you like the Murano, but can’t afford the near $40,000 price tag, take a look at this crossover.

Brand New Mitsubishi Lancer!!!

Brand New Lancer Big Improvement

OVERVIEW
After spending the 2007 model year on hiatus, the Mitsubishi Lancer is back. Engineers for the ailing Japanese manufacturer took last year to create a completely new Lancer with hopes to turn around lackluster U.S. sales. This redesigned version is offered in three trim levels, the DE, ES, and the sport-tuned GTS. The base level DE version starts at $14,615.00, while the GTS tester I had came to $22,615.00. All come standard with an inline 4 cylinder and get the option of a five-speed manual transmission or CVT. Conspicuously missing is the Evolution X trim level. This high performance favorite of sport-compact enthusiasts will return next year.

PERFORMANCE
The standard Lancer engine is a MIVEC DOHC 2.0-liter inline four cylinder. Most states get the standard version, which churns out a less than earth shattering 152 horsepower. If you happen to live in California, in addition to paparazzi induced traffic jams and constant media coverage of Paris Hilton, you’ll also be getting robbed of another nine horsepower. Yep, the emissions friendly version makes 143 horsepower. My tester came with the optional CVT transmission, which because of its lack of horsepower, felt as though it had inadvertently slipped back into neutral. In short, this car needs more power.

HANDLING
Okay, enough of the negative talk. Outside of the Lancer’s lack of power, this is a really fun car to drive. The sport-tuned suspension features a Macpherson strut/ rear multi-link setup. Driving the Lancer over rough city streets, the firm suspension provides surprisingly good ride quality. What’s more, under high speed cornering, it is smooth, predictable, and quite stable in transitions. That, coupled with impressive brakes, make the GTS’s handling a superb bridge between the entry-level DE and what has historically been bone jarring Evolution X suspension.

STYLING
The look inside and out of the new Lancer is a hit. This is a car that was in desperate need of restyling. The 2006 Evolution I had last year looked so dated I could have sworn it came straight from the mid-nineties. It now features a prominent front end, great wheels, and a wing, that while sporty, won’t scare small aircraft flying overhead. Inside, the Lancer is easy to operate and is extremely well appointed for the price. My tester came with the Rockford Fosgate audio with subwoofer and navigation system. This is the first time I’ve seen a tester under $23,000.00 that included these features. Additionally, seating in the GTS features unusually good lateral support.

JUDGEMENT
Add another 25 horsepower and this is one of the best values on the market.

WELCOME EVERYONE

So, this is the first ever Fast Forward blog. I have never written a blog before. So, please bear with me. I'm learning as I go. Let me just take a moment to tell you a little bit about what this blog is and what I intend to do with it. First, the Fast Forward blog is, in part, an online version of my automotive reviews, which appear each week in 15 community papers in the Baltimore area. So, with this space, I'll be posting my reviews of current cars, trucks, and SUV's. Second, beyond giving you my take on each of these vehicles, I want to create an informal online discussion about cars and trucks in general. I'd like to keep this part of the blog as general as possible. While each of us has our own passions, I hope this site will become a meeting place for auto enthusiasts of every kind. So, without further adieu, I'll post one of my recent reviews. Please let me know what you think and what, if any, questions you may have. Happy reading!



SRT8 Adds Real Muscle to Charger

Fast Forward
By Marcus MacFarland

OVERVIEW

One of the largest and most famous mergers of the 1990’s was Daimler Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler. During this partnership, the Dodge division of the Chrysler group flourished with a variety of models ranging from the PT Cruiser to the Dodge Viper. However, a common denominator for many of these popular vehicles has been below average fuel efficiency. As times have changed Chrysler has struggled to keep pace with the many changing consumer demands. This mega-merger ended less than happily, however, when DaimlerChrysler sold the Chrysler group to Cerberus Group, a move that was announced the same week I had one of their more specialized offerings, the Dodge Charger SRT8, which is extraordinarily muscled version of the sedan carrying that hallowed moniker.

PERFORMANCE

This rough and tumble version of the full-sized sedan has enough Hemi-inspired horsepower to make any muscle car fanatic grin with approval. Consider that this 6.1-liter Hemi produces 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. As if that wasn’t enough, this Charger will stop too. Unlike the muscle cars of yesteryear, which might have been better served by a parachute rather than the drum brakes they came with, the SRT8 is outfitted with marvelous Brembo pieces that haul this bruiser to a halt in a hurry.

HANDLING

You want corners? The SRT8 can handle those too. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this 4160 lb. Behemoth didn’t feel nearly its actual size. In fact, not only does it turn in without major understeer, but even with all of that torque, the rear-end remains stable all the way through a corner to the exit point. Also, under normal driving conditions the firmer suspension doesn’t make ride quality suffer, which is impressive considering that it comes equipped with massive 20" rims.

STYLING

The appearance of the SRT8 is consistent with its content. It has an aggressive stance, muscular lines, and looks like it’s going 100 mph even when sitting still. Just looking at it might make the average sedan owner whimper as you roll by. Inside, the appearance of the interior, with its two-tone leather and suede seats, is simple and sporty. The gauge cluster is made to look almost as if it was borrowed from a Nextel Cup car. Slide into the backseat and you realize that practicality ample legroom for most adults.

JUDGEMENT

The SRT8 is one heck of a muscled family car. However, don’t think you’re going to get all of this fun without paying the piper. Not only will the SRT8 set you back about forty grand, you’re also gonna pay at the pump.