DETROIT — Mitsubishi Motor Corp. said on Tuesday that it plans to introduce a turbocharged diesel version of its Lancer in the United States by 2010, joining an ever-growing crowd of automakers anxious to convert Americans to the benefits of the once-scorned engine.
The Lancer will be powered by an engine that the Japanese automaker is developing for the Europe market with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Engine specifications were not available, although the automaker said the diesel will use a lightweight aluminum block and a common-rail fuel-injection system. The variable-diffuser turbocharger on the diesel will minimize turbo lag, Mitsubishi said.
The Japanese automaker is returning to the diesel market after a 22-year hiatus here. Mitsubishi last sold a diesel-powered pickup in the U.S. in 1985. The Outlander is also expected to get the clean diesel engine by the end of the decade.
Mitsubishi, which has been struggling in the U.S. market, also said it wants to increase sales here to 170,000 vehicles by 2010. The company sold about 119,000 vehicles here in 2006.
What this means to you: Mitsubishi must go diesel to keep up with competitors such as Volkswagen.
The Lancer will be powered by an engine that the Japanese automaker is developing for the Europe market with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Engine specifications were not available, although the automaker said the diesel will use a lightweight aluminum block and a common-rail fuel-injection system. The variable-diffuser turbocharger on the diesel will minimize turbo lag, Mitsubishi said.
The Japanese automaker is returning to the diesel market after a 22-year hiatus here. Mitsubishi last sold a diesel-powered pickup in the U.S. in 1985. The Outlander is also expected to get the clean diesel engine by the end of the decade.
Mitsubishi, which has been struggling in the U.S. market, also said it wants to increase sales here to 170,000 vehicles by 2010. The company sold about 119,000 vehicles here in 2006.
What this means to you: Mitsubishi must go diesel to keep up with competitors such as Volkswagen.
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