Mitsubishi has announced a 2009 model year update to its Lancer small car line-up, including the introduction of a new, range-topping 2.4-litre 'Aspire' sedan. Mitsubishi thinks that the Lancer Aspire will appeal to those who are downsizing from mid-size or large cars and are searching for a more economical daily driver that still has a little bite.

Mitsubishi has released more details about its second major debut planned for August's Moscow Auto Salon, the all-new Mitsubishi Challenger seven-seater mid-sized SUV. The Mitsubishi Challenger, as it is known in the Australian market, will carry a different name in other markets: it is known as the Montero Sport in South America, the Nativa in Latin America and the Pajero Sport in other non-Spanish speaking markets.

Subaru will display three new special-edition Impreza WRX vehicles at this week’s London Motor Show, with the cars on show led by a brand new concept dubbed the WRX STI 380S. Two of the three models have already been green-lighted for production (the 190kW WRX-S and the 243kW WRX STI 330S), with the hottest of them all, the STI 380S concept, being considered for a limited production run based on the public's reaction to the car at the show.

Mitsubishi’s replacement for the midsize Challenger SUV will make its debut at the Moscow Motor Show next month, shortly before it's scheduled to hit dealer lots around the world and eventually Australia. Available in a variety of seating and trim configurations, the new and slightly larger Challenger will slot in between the current Outlander and Pajero models and will be named ‘Pajero Sport’ or 'Montero' in other markets.

Mitsubishi is expected to be one of the first major carmakers to launch an all-electric vehicle when its compact i-MiEV enters mass production next year. The car was originally slated to be leased on a small scale to government and business groups next year, with public sale beginning in 2010. Latest reports indicate the car’s retail launch has been brought back a year in light of smoother-than-expected preparations for mass production and the favourable sales conditions created by rapidly increasing fuel prices.

The all-new Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, or Galant Fortis as it’s known in its home market, was unveiled today in Japan. Named for the company’s in-house tuner arm, the Ralliart offers significantly upgraded performance over its predecessor thanks to the addition of all-wheel drive and many other bits of high-tech gear. This places it firmly in contention with Subaru's WRX - something the old model could never claim. With its expected low starting price, it could be one of the performance bargains of the year.

The popular Concept-cX from last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show was today confirmed for production by Mitsubishi. The new compact crossover model will be positioned below the company’s popular Outlander 4WD, and will feature a full-time all-wheel drive system. It will also be the showcase for Mitsubishi’s coming environmental awareness technologies, including a family of Euro-5 clean diesel engines.

After a painfully long wait, the next generation of Mitsubishi's giant-killing Lancer Evolution series arrives on Australian shores this month.

Now, in its 10th generation, the new Evo X has been driving fans and enthusiasts crazy with anticipation, but on July 21, the first cars will be available for purchase across the country.

Despite the closure of its local manufacturing operations and the end of 380 production, Mitsubishi is still moving forward in the global market and the expanding Lancer range is a central element in its strategy.

The latest variant of the Lancer, the Sportback, could be especially important for its Australian sales as fuel prices rise and more buyers shift toward small sedans and hatchbacks.