After Japanese Mitsubishi-tuner Ralliart announced early this morning that it would shut its doors for good, Mitsubishi wants to clarify that the closure will not affect Ralliart branded Mitsubishi models sold in the United States. According to PR boss Maurice Durand, Ralliart vehicles will continue to be produced and, “this doesn’t mean there won’t be any future Ralliart vehicles either.”

The reason that the closure won’t have much of an affect, is that the closure only relates to the Ralliart subsidiary in Japan, which produces high-performance parts for street and race cars. In other markets where Mitsubishi licenses the Ralliart name to different companies, only those companies that import official Ralliart Japan products will be affected. According to Durand, in most markets the Ralliart parts are actually re-branded parts from another tuner (like HKS).

The parts used on official Ralliart models sold in the U.S. are developed seperately and so will not be affected.

“While the demise is sad,” says Durand, “this is a part of the economic reality. There just isn’t much of a market for elite high-performance products, especially in Japan right now.”

[*UPDATE*] Since the announcement below, we have talked with Mitsubishi USA PR boss Maurice Durand, who assured us that none of the changes will affect Ralliart products in the United States, or likely elsewhere in the world. Durand explained that the Ralliart subsidiary in Japan that makes high-performance and racing products will close its doors, but that that part of the company is separate from the rest. Mitsubishi licenses the Ralliart name to different companies in different markets and while those markets that rely on the Japanese Ralliart products will now need to find a new supplier, in many markets the Ralliart products were already supplied by other outside tuning companies.

In addition, Durand commented that Ralliart vehicles will continue to be produced and that, “this doesn’t mean there won’t be any future Ralliart vehicles either.”

While the news certainly is sad for hard-core JDM tuners, the decision was an economic one as Durand admits, “There just isn’t much of a market for elite high-performance products, especially in Japan right now.” [*UPDATE*]

Mitsubishi-tuner Ralliart has announced that as of April 1st it will close its doors, effectively ceasing operations. In a statement released on the Ralliart website, company President Masao Taguchi blamed the recent economic downturn.

“Because of the sudden change of economy situation since the year before last, the business circumstance surrounding our company radically became worse and so, this time we have reached the conclusion that we Ralliart Inc., would scale down our business activities as of the end of March 2010. Along with the scale down of our business activities this time, we would cease the following business and operation which we have done so far. We would like to express our sincere apology to all of customers though we would make you much inconveniences.”

Ralliart’s shut down will mean that the tuner, so closely associated with Mitsubishi, and which currently works with Mitsubishi to produce several Ralliart models, will cases supporting its motorsports customers, stop development of new products and terminate communications of new products and news via its website. It is not clear if Mitsubishi will no longer offer Ralliart models or if the Japanese automaker intends to continue Ralliart products as part of a new internal part of the company.

Say it ain’t so.

Official release after the jump:

With Mitsubishi set to bring back the Colt to North America in the near future, we really hope a Ralliart model is also in the plans. While at the Geneva Auto Show we stumbled across such a car and just had to share it.

For starters, it just looks cool, with a big EVO-styled front end that really stands out against the pristine white paint. We even like the decals.

As a front-drive sub-compact, it looks to be plenty of fun thanks to a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder that makes 178-hp. (That’s 180 ps in Europe, hence the Ralliart 180 badges). Other parts involved in making it a Ralliart trim include a stylishly-subtle aero kit, a rear roof spoiler, as well as a set of 16-inch wheels and 205/45/16 tires.

Mitsubishi’s initial plans in bringing the Colt back to the U.S. are to expand its lineup and increase the volume of its sales, helping to grow the company back to what it was just a few years ago. If that plan goes well (which it may not considering how competitive the sub-compact market has become recently with additions like the Fiesa and upcoming Mazda2) perhaps a Colt Ralliart could be offered.

GALLERY: Mitubishi Colt Ralliart

Mitsubishi displayed the new ASX at the Geneva Auto Show. Leaked photos made their way online last week but we’ve got live images of the crossover, expected in North America as the Outlander Sport.

Europeans will have the option of a 150-hp 1.8-liter turbo-diesel engine (the first with variable valve timing), and a 116-hp 1.6-liter gasoline engine for the ASX. The diesel model also gets a variable turbine geometry turbo, as well as a start-stop system, regenerative braking, low rolling resistance tires and electric power steering. Both versions will be available in front- and all-wheel drive.

The North American model, which will be known as the Outlander Sport, will likely debut at the New York Auto Show at the end of March.

Gallery: Mitsubishi ASX / Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Images and details of the new Mitsubishi ASX (to be called the Outlander Sport in North America) have leaked online before the car’s Geneva Auto Show debut next week. Several images of the Japanese version of the car have already appeared online (with the ASX called the RVR in Japan), but these photos clearly show a European model.

In Europe, the ASX will be offered with both a 150-hp 1.8-liter turbo-diesel engine (the first with variable valve timing), and a 116-hp 1.6-liter gasoline engine. The diesel model also gets a variable turbine geometry turbo, as well as a start-stop system, regenerative braking, low rolling resistance tires and electric power steering. Both the gasoline and diesel engines will be offered with either front-drive or all-wheel drive.

These ASX photos give us an even closer look at what the North American spec Outlander Sport will look like when it reaches out shores – likely debuting at the New York Auto Show at the end of March. At that time, we expect Mitsubishi to announce the engine for North America will be the company’s 168-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, although we’re hoping for something a bit more exciting.

We’ll bring you more on this car with full coverage of the Geneva Auto Show starting March 1st.

Click here for AutoGuide’s live 2010 Geneva Auto Show coverage starting Monday, March 1st.

GALLERY: Mitsubishi ASX

[Source: Minkara via Peter McMutry Car Blogs]

Thanks to a tip from AutoGuide reader Peter Ms we have plenty more photos and some additional information on Mitsubishi’s upcoming compact crossover. The new model will debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March and is expected to arrive shortly thereafter in North America, slotting in underneath the Outlander in the Japanese automaker’s lineup. A leaked brochure for the new CUV, called the RVR in Japan and the ASX in Europe, gives a more detailed look at the CUV.

The car’s interior is typical Mitsubishi, and we can see from the brochure that it comes with a push-button ignition, a large panorama sunroof and there’s even an optional navigation system.

Cargo room doesn’t exactly look plentiful, however, with just around 15 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

We like the little Mitsu’s EVO-style look, but have to admit we’re puzzled about the snorkel on the driver’s side front fender.

In Europe the ASX will be sold with a turbocharged 1.8-liter diesel engine. It is expected to be powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder when it debuts in North America.

GALLERY: Leaked Mitsubishi RVR Brochure

[Source: Ameblo via Peter McMutry Car Blogs]

Mitsubishi aims to double its sales in the U.S. in the next three years, says Mitsubishi North America Executive VP John Koenig. Last year the Japanese automaker sold just 53,986 vehicles in the U.S., down alarmingly by 44.5 percent compared to 2008. While the recession did hurt the automaker considerably, Koenig believes that much of the loss can be attributed to a heavy focus on fleet sales and a perceived brand instability, with reports that the company would pull out of the U.S. market.

Mitsubishi isn’t just hoping either, but has put together an extensive plan for the brand, which started by redesigning vehicles to look more like the stylish Lancer and continues with the launch of the new 2010 Outlander.

The next step, while still unconfirmed by Mitsubishi, will include the introduction of two new models to the marketplace, a smaller crossover (aimed at the likes of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4) as well as a new subcompact model to slot in underneath the Lancer. The compact crossover market has grown considerably over the past few years and Mitsubishi’s Outlander grew in size during that time, leading compact CUV buyers to look elsewhere. A sporty new crossover like the ASX (also called the RVR), which is headed to its debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March, is just what the automaker needs. Mitsu has also targeted the emerging sub-compact market, with rumors that the Colt will return to take on the likes of the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, as well as newcomers like the Ford Fiesta and Mazda2.

A mini-car called the iMiEV is also set for the U.S. market, with Mitsubishi still deciding on if it will offer both a gasoline and electric version. Sales of this model, however, aren’t expected to be significant.

One area where Mitsu also needs to improve is with the Galant mid-size sedan, which is in desperate need of replacement. Koenig admits that one reason for a decline in Galant sales is a reduction in demand by rental car agencies – a strong sign that the car isn’t popular with consumers.

Mitsubishi’s plan isn’t as optimistic as it sounds and might just be an easily achievable goal, as with a lineup similar to the current one, Mitsu sold 128,993 units in 2007. And while the automaker has continued to slide in recent years back in 2002 it managed to move a significant 345,111 models

Along with a new list of products Mitsubishi is also looking to get more heavily involved in advertising and has already purchased numerous spots on network TV. Mitsubishi’s public relations head Maurice Durand commented that when it comes to the high-volume models like the Outlander and Lancer, “We have to work hard to enhance their perception and desirability.”

[Source: Ward's Auto via Autoblog]

Mitsubishi’s next generation EVO will be a plug-in hybrid. Yup, according to a recent report by Motor Trend, a source inside the company has confirmed the rumors that the EVO XI is going green.

This news will most likely have EVO enthusiasts about ready to jump ship to Subaru, but worry not says the report, Mitsubishi isn’t building a Prius. The EVO XI will ride on the same AWD platform as the Concept PX-MiEV (above) – itself a plug-in hybrid. A 2.0-liter MIVEC engine from the current Japan-spec Galant will be used, along with lithium-ion batteries and an electric motor donated from the dorky-looking i-MiEV electric city car.

Interestingly, the main power source will be the electric motor, driving the front wheels for optimum fuel economy. When required, the gasoline engine will kick in to power the rear. The electric motor is expected to be a more powerful version of the i-MiEV’s, which already makes 63-hp. As for the gasoline engine, it should pump out roughly 320-hp, a 29-hp improvement over the current EVO. In total this could mean as much as 350-hp. Mitsubishi engineers have apparently targeted a time of 4.5 seconds to 60 mph as their goal.

In addition, the Motor Trend reports suggest added handling capabilities will help to win over enthusiasts. Expected to be included on the EVO XI are Active Steering and a Roll Control Suspension, as well as a new electronically controlled active yaw control system (E-AYC).

The biggest problem Mitsubishi engineers face is the added weight of the electrical components, especially after the EVO X already gained 250-lbs on the previous generation model.

[Source: MotorTrend]

Mitsubishi has announced that it will officially introduce an all new compact crossover at the Geneva Auto Show. Called the ASX for the European market, it will be sold as the RVR in Japan and is expected to be offered in North America in late 2010 as a 2011 model, slotting just below the recently redesigned Outlander.

Like the Outlander, the ASX is based on the Lancer’s platform, but with the Outlander always being big for its class, Mitsu is now referring to it as a mid-size crossover. The ASX will now fill a spot in the compact crossover segment – which continues to grow.

In Europe it will be sold with a turbocharged 1.8-liter diesel engine. It is expected to be powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder when it debuts in North America.

As for the design of the compact crossover, we have to say it is very much in keeping with the Concept xC that Mitsubishi first showed at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2007.

GALLERY: Mitsubishi ASX

Official release after the jump:

HKS Kansai Service, a workshop in Japan that is part of the HKS group, had an impressive display of vehicles and products showing off their tuning prowess. Included among them were a previous-generation Skyline R34, a brand new R35 GT-R and EVO X. And let’s not forget the least of the cars on display, a tricked-out Suzuki Swift. HKS is sure to be planning parts for subcompacts like this, with news that Mitsubishi is planning to bring the Swift to North America.

We were surprised to see that tuning Japanese car’s isn’t just a one way street with Japanese tuners buying only made-in-Japan parts. In fact, many of these HKS cars sported carbon fiber aero kits and accessories from SEIBON North American.

GALLERY: HKS Kansai Service display at 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon