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Mitsubishi Revives Lancer Evo Spirit with Electric SUV, Pajero Makes a Comeback

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Mitsubishi is committed to preserving its high-performance automotive heritage, even in the absence of the Lancer Evolution from its current lineup. The company aims to keep the essence of its renowned rally-inspired vehicle alive through a distinctly different offering: the electric ASX VR-e. This innovative move signals a new direction for the brand, blending its celebrated past with future-forward electric mobility.

The ASX VR-e, Mitsubishi's new electric SUV for Australia, is built on the Foxtron Bria platform, developed by Foxconn's automotive division. Although Foxconn is primarily known for electronics manufacturing, its foray into electric vehicles has provided Mitsubishi with a foundation. This crossover features chassis tuning specific to Mitsubishi and integrates performance badging reminiscent of its rally history, demonstrating Mitsubishi's intent to uphold its legacy through modern collaborations.

Mitsubishi's local executive, Shunichi Kihara, conveyed the company's dedication to maintaining the Lancer Evolution's spirit in some capacity. The electric ASX VR-e stands as an early testament to this commitment, offering dual-motor all-wheel drive and acceleration that would impress even during the Evo's peak. The flagship ASX VR-e GSR can achieve 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in merely 3.9 seconds, with 459 hp and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque, outperforming many past Lancer Evolution models. The VR-e and GSR designations further connect the electric crossover to Mitsubishi's performance lineage, including the Galant VR-4, with the Sport mode's rear-biased torque distribution adding a dynamic driving experience. While Mitsubishi acknowledges its desire to fully resurrect the Lancer Evolution, current priorities and market conditions suggest a genuine Evo XI is not imminent. However, the return of the Pajero, developed independently by Mitsubishi on the Triton pickup truck's ladder-frame platform, offers a fully in-house effort to revitalize another of the brand's cherished models.

Embracing innovation while honoring a rich heritage is crucial for automotive manufacturers. Mitsubishi's strategy of reinterpreting its legendary performance models through new technologies like electric SUVs, alongside the revival of traditional rugged vehicles, showcases adaptability and a forward-thinking approach. This blend of past glory and future potential allows the brand to remain relevant and exciting, proving that true spirit transcends mere vehicle type.

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Jeep Gladiator 35-inch Tire Launch Edition Enhances Off-Road Capability

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Jeep has introduced a factory-installed upgrade long desired by enthusiasts: the 2027 Gladiator 35-inch Tire Launch Edition. This specialized package integrates 35-inch all-terrain tires directly into the vehicle's production, eliminating the need for aftermarket modifications. Offered for a limited time on the Willys, Rubicon, and Rubicon X models, this edition combines distinctive bronze-accented aesthetics with robust off-road mechanical enhancements. It signifies Jeep's commitment to delivering enhanced capability straight from the assembly line, catering to customers who seek superior performance and a rugged appearance for challenging terrains.

This new offering dramatically elevates the Gladiator's off-road capabilities. With a 1-inch factory suspension lift, heavy-duty Dana axles, and upgraded performance brakes, the vehicle is engineered to handle demanding conditions with remarkable stability. The integration of a full-time 4:1 transfer case ensures a finely calibrated system, providing a seamless and optimized driving experience on diverse landscapes. Furthermore, the increased ground clearance and improved approach, breakover, and departure angles position the Gladiator ahead of its competitors, reinforcing its status as a top-tier off-road pickup while retaining its iconic removable doors and open-air versatility.

Enhanced Off-Road Performance and Design

Jeep's latest offering, the 2027 Gladiator 35-inch Tire Launch Edition, transforms a popular aftermarket modification into a factory-installed option, responding directly to customer demand for greater off-road capability. This limited-edition package is available across the Willys, Rubicon, and Rubicon X trims, providing a comprehensive upgrade that includes 35-inch all-terrain tires paired with bronze-accented 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. Beyond aesthetics, the package significantly boosts the Gladiator’s performance with a 1-inch factory suspension lift, heavy-duty Dana axles, and performance brakes, ensuring robust handling and stability on challenging terrains. The inclusion of a 4.56 final-drive ratio and a full-time 4:1 transfer case means the vehicle is specifically calibrated for these larger tires, offering a cohesive and superior off-road experience compared to a mix of aftermarket components.

The mechanical and visual enhancements of this Launch Edition result in a substantial improvement in the Gladiator’s off-road metrics. Ground clearance is elevated to an impressive 12.9 inches, while approach, breakover, and departure angles are optimized to 46.7, 23.3, and 26.7 degrees, respectively. These figures place the Gladiator in a leading position against rivals running similarly sized tires, such as the Ram 1500 BackCountry and Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison. Additionally, the exterior receives highline fender flares, wheel-flare extensions, and distinctive bronze badging, tow hooks, and unique graphics on the hood, sides, and tailgate. Rubicon and Rubicon X models further differentiate themselves with specific hood and vent graphics, along with a performance hood and its own decal, underscoring the exclusivity and rugged appeal of this factory-enhanced Gladiator.

Market Impact and Pricing Strategy

The introduction of the 35-inch Tire Launch Edition for the 2027 Jeep Gladiator represents a strategic move by Jeep to capture a segment of the market that previously relied on aftermarket solutions for enhanced off-road performance. While specific pricing details and production volumes have yet to be officially released, the package is already available for order across North America, signaling strong confidence in its appeal. By making this popular upgrade available from the factory, Jeep aims to provide customers with a fully integrated, warranty-backed solution that meets their desire for extreme capability without the complexities and potential compatibility issues of third-party modifications. This approach is expected to resonate well with buyers, particularly those considering the more accessible Willys trim, which gains access to high-performance hardware typically reserved for higher-end Rubicon models, democratizing advanced off-road geometry.

This factory upgrade not only simplifies the acquisition of a highly capable off-road vehicle but also offers a compelling value proposition by extending advanced features to a broader range of Gladiator trims. The ability to equip a Willys model, which starts at an MSRP of $45,635 plus a $1,995 destination fee, with these robust enhancements makes high-level off-roading more attainable for budget-conscious consumers. Furthermore, maintaining the Gladiator's unique attributes, such as its removable doors and open-air configuration, ensures that the vehicle retains its distinctive appeal. This blend of factory-backed performance and iconic design elements, combined with its competitive ground clearance against rivals, positions the 35-inch Tire Launch Edition as a significant draw for enthusiasts seeking a versatile, high-performance pickup truck directly from the manufacturer.

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Tony Stark's 'Avengers' Acura NSX Roadster Concept on Auction

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The Acura NSX Roadster, famously driven by Tony Stark in the Marvel film "The Avengers," is now available for auction. This unique concept vehicle, initially crafted by Acura's design team, is presented as a display item rather than a road-ready automobile. Bidding concludes at the Las Vegas Concours on October 31. This vehicle stands out as a distinctive collector's item, primarily due to its cinematic origins and its specific non-drivable status, making it suitable only for exhibition. Its sale also contributes to a charitable cause, with Acura supporting independent filmmakers through the Sundance Institute.

This exclusive NSX Roadster concept, specifically created for the 2012 "Avengers" film, served as Tony Stark's futuristic ride, predating the actual production of the second-generation NSX. Although it boasts a modern appearance, its underpinnings are derived from an earlier model. The car, a one-of-a-kind creation, is offered with the explicit understanding that it cannot be registered or operated on public roadways. Its value lies in its historical connection to the film and its artistic design, appealing to collectors interested in unique movie memorabilia rather than functional classic cars.

The Movie Car's Unique Origins and Design

Acura's Los Angeles Design Studio meticulously engineered this NSX Roadster exclusively for its appearance in the 2012 film "The Avengers." This bespoke creation allowed Tony Stark to showcase a futuristic two-seater well before the subsequent generation of the NSX even entered production. The vehicle is set to be a focal point alongside Acura's Nexera Vision concept at the Las Vegas Concours, where the auction will finalize. This particular NSX Roadster is explicitly categorized as a singular concept, underscoring its unique nature and its intended role solely as a showpiece.

The terms of sale for this cinematic vehicle clearly state that it cannot be legally titled, registered, or driven on public roads. This restriction means that any aspirations of parking a piece of Marvel movie history in a personal driveway for everyday use or display at typical car events are not feasible. The car is intended as a static collectible, rather than a functional classic. Therefore, potential buyers seeking a drivable piece of Tony Stark's garage would need to explore other options, as this particular model is purpose-built strictly for display purposes. The winning bidder will also have the honor of selecting a charity to receive the proceeds, further amplifying its unique value.

Vintage Engineering Beneath the Futuristic Facade

Despite its advanced exterior styling, the NSX Roadster concept houses mechanical components that are significantly older than its cinematic debut suggests. Acura constructed the vehicle's custom-fabricated body, which emulates the design language of the second-generation NSX Concept, upon the chassis of a 1991 Acura NSX. This makes the car a blend of futuristic aesthetics and vintage engineering, utilizing the framework of Honda's original supercar from its inaugural model year.

Beneath the sleek, movie-ready exterior, the car retains the original hardware of the first-generation NSX. There is no presence of the hybrid V6 powertrain that would eventually define the production version of the second-generation model. Instead, the donor platform is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. These decades-old mechanicals are clad in a shell designed to embody a 2012 superhero aesthetic, complete with its original "STARK 33" license plate, maintaining its on-screen appearance for the auction without any restoration or modification.

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