Future Cars: Other (Asian) Makes

[Infiniti Z350]

MITSUBISHI

Though Mitsubishi is in the direst straits in North America, the introduction of the new Eclipse coupe may give the beleagured company some reason to cheer. The dramatic coupe shape will be offered in GS and GT flavors, the GT with the most powerful V-6 in the class, Mitsu says - a 3.8-liter V-6 with 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The base engine is a 162-hp, 2.4-liter four coupled to either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual. ABS, curtain airbags and 17-inch wheels and tires are standard on the GS, as are power features and a 140-watt AM/FM/CD player with six speakers. The GT adds on a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic, plus 18-inch wheels and a premium Rockford Fosgate audio system. The new Eclipse goes on sale later this year.

Later in the year, Mitsubishi gets a V-8 version of the Dodge Dakota to sell as the Raider. The Raider will come in extended-cab and double-cab versions, outfitted with either two- or four-wheel drive. The stock engine is a 210-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 with 235 lb-ft of torque, mated to either a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. The V-8 engine is a Chrysler-sourced powerplant with 230 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. Air conditioning, a CD player and cargo-bed tiedowns are standard on all versions; Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and a six-disc, in-dash CD changer are options.

COMING: Mitsu promises it will have an Eclipse Spyder for the 2007 model year. Pictures of a revamped Outlander are circulating on the 'Net, with a distinctly Pontiac Vibe vibe, but it's not known when or if the vehicle will emerge.


SUBARU

Subaru's 2006 model year will bring a new Tribeca seven-seater SUV. But it also brings updated versions of the mainstay Forester wagon, which continues in the '06 model year in 2.5X, 2.5 XT turbocharged and L.L. Bean configurations. Revised styling with a more prominent front grille marks the new models, as do power bumps for both available engines. The non-turbo models now produce 173 horsepower, an increase of 5 percent, while the turbocharged XT models get 20 more horsepower for a total of 230 hp.

COMING: New versions of the Impreza/WRX are next up in the lineup, likely in the 2007 model year. The Impreza will likely get a new name, while the WRX may switch to a hatchback bodystyle.



SUZUKI

After more than a year of consecutive months of rising sales and the launch of four all-new vehicles in less than 24 months, Suzuki will get a production version of the Concept-X2 it displayed at this year's auto shows. The X2 comes equipped with a V-6 DOHC engine with a five-speed automatic transmission expected to deliver 185 horsepower. The Concept-X2 also offers up full-time four-wheel drive with a locking center differential and a four-wheel independent suspension. Four separate 4x4 traction modes - high-range, high-range lock, low-range lock and neutral - enable the vehicle to match its off-road capability to any terrain. Other key features include dual front and side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, ABS and stability control. Optional features include a keyless start system, AM/FM/XM CD stereo with seven speakers, HomeLink® wireless remote control system and automatic climate control.

Link: http://www.thecarconnection.com/Enth...283.A8374.html