Anyone who has been to/has good info on dealer meetings comment on:

1) 6-spd for 2004
2) when 2004 coming out
3) possibility from cruise control

Hard info to come by, but if you have it, don't hold out

 

From previous post...

1) No 6spd. 2004 model exact same as 2003.
2) Feburary->March
3) No. It's a race car. Race cars don't have cruise.

All been confirmed.

 

Cruise control is ok. I dont see the point about waiting to buy a car for cruise control. Ive used cruise control all of 10 times in the 8 years that ive had my car.

 

Thanks, If their is no change, I may go ahead - only reason to wait is for resale of 2004 then;

race cars don't have power windows and doors either - I do alot of commuting and it seems a bit wasteful to me to have 2 cars for myself

 

To be displays at the upcoming 37th Tokyo Motorshow, the new Evolution VIII MR (MR=Mitsubishi Racing). Can we say E8.5?!?!, MMC has announces this is the model they will use for next year's WRC. A few changes they spoke of were the use of aluminum Bilistein damper, forge aluminum wheels, minor chang to the 4WD system + ADC & Super AYC+ sport ABS. But noticably the improvements to the 4G63, with even more increase in torque and higher rpm.


http://www.carview.co.jp/tms/2003/ch...mitsubishi.asp

edit: opppsss didn't see it was already been posted.

 

I agree,Do not get on a 6spd bandwagon, there is not of reasons ,on the street to need one

 

But on the track, as used for a weekend toy, 6th can help a lot, since the gap from 4th to 5th is huge. 6th geared maybe just a bit taller than 5th is now and stick 5th in a better place in between where 4th and 5th is now and it would be great, just as they did with the 6speed in japan. the gear ratios for the 5 and 6 speeds are on their site and the 5 speed looks like a 6 speed with the 5th gear removed., and thats why 4th to 5th has such a huge gap.

 

That gray is sexy as hell.

 

lol SMT is something reserved for the big dog car companies who can do it right without it being a piece of junk that will just be another headache if it was done by Mitsu. If you want SMT get a Porsche, BMW, Lambo, or Ferrari.


Anyway clearly what Mitsu should do if it has a clue is:

Evo8 at $28k with everything the current one has except remove the radio and give it an aluminum roof and cruise control.

Evo8 higher-end version at $33k with everything the base Evo8 has plus a QUALITY radio, 6disc in-dash like most cars have these days (Evo is only single disc right?), Active Yaw Control, 320hp/310tq stock, and the 6speed transmission.

If they want to release a special stripped version specifically for the race track, the price is irrelevant since it'd be bought by semi-pro and pro teams for racing. It would have all power features removed, no radio, no A/C, no sunroof option, lightweight forged wheels, body strengthening supports and butressing, all aluminum and/or cf body panels, the 6speed or 5speed trans (customer choice when ordering the car), AYC and ACD, and possibly no rear seats. 320hp/310tq like the higher-end version of the Evo8. Price easily $36k for cost of revised paneling, AYC, ACD, wheels, body stiffening supports, and transmission options.

 

magine if Toyota had an infomercial on its MR2 Spyder. Joe Fowler would be the host, and it would likely go something like this: "So how much would you pay for this mid-engine, low-production sports car? Other cars like this can cost $150,000 or more and have massive repair bills! But wait! We'll also throw in a sequential-shifting manual transmission, leather seats and floor mats! All of this can be yours for the low low price of just $25,726! Not only that, but be one of the first 20 people to call and receive a cake mold shaped like the state of Kansas, absolutely free! Now here are Christie Brinkley and Chuck Norris to talk more about their MR2s!"

Toyota has SMT < $1000 option, so does BMW on the M3 for more. Audi is now offering it as well. and Jaguar is supposed to be offering it soon, which will trickle down to other fords in a few years. It just isn't demanded enough. It's not that difficult to manufacture or that expensive. Usually the more expensive SMTs, as with cars, just get faster. For a 270hp car a decent $2000 SMT is suitable.

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadt...5/article.html

http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/n...x.cfm/id/37494

Saying it's too expensive is really spouting of a lot of misinformation.

 

NGT might be a bit too expensive for mainstream right now. but I would figure by 2010, NGTs will be the best choice. 7 speeds, in a lighter smaller casing, lightening fast, and more capable with greater torque capacities.

http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/ed...206scc_techno/

 

I wouldn't say it's too expensive. I'd say it's beyond Mitsubishi's ability to do it well... you know, considering they can't even rust proof the car right.

 

SMTs need to be brought up more frequently to manufacturers. They simply need to be made aware of what enthusiasts are willing to pay for.

Best thing is it is a great option for the mainstream and the enthusiast. It gives them more power for the commute - nothign sapped by a torque converter, and the ability to have quick on demand shifts, with all the cons of missing a shift or grinding a gear removed. It's a win win for manufacturers and consumers and a very reasonable price.
http://www.acura-tl.com/forum/archiv...c/60297-1.html

 

Mitsu has an incredible drivetrain and motor, the rust issue is more an assembly line or QC issue than a development inadequacy. They can do, They should do it, They just need to know we want it and are willing to give them an extra $2500 or so for it!

 

I certainly wouldn't buy the first year of that model