Friday, December 3, 2010

Body Kit Buyers Guide

Body Kit Installation Information
All body kits should be test fit on the vehicle prior to any painting or paint preparation.  When dry fitting the parts your installer will be able to gauge the fitment and whether or not any additional labor will be required.  Once fitment has been confirmed as paint ready the parts can be pulled off the vehicle to be prepped for color and clear coat.  Once the items have been painted they can be installed on the vehicle for final installation.  On complete bumper replacement kits we suggest that the installer fabricate some additional support brackets to better support the bottom of the bumpers as they are lower than a stock bumper and not all of the original bumpers hardware will be compatible.  Keep in mind when purchasing a body kit that the parts are not OEM from the vehicle manufacturer and may require slight modifications to achieve an OEM quality installation.  When selecting a body shop to do your installation and paint work make sure to shop around and find which shops in your area are doing the local area custom car work.  Collision repair shops are often the last place to contract to do this type of work as they are accustomed to OEM parts and use strict labor time guidelines allocated per job.
Fiberglass Body Kits
Fiberglass body kits typically take the most amount of labor to fit to the vehicle as well as painting and finishing.  Fiberglass parts usually require some amount of trimming and filling as well as block sanding the entire surface to make sure that it is perfectly flat as a wavy finish will reflect in the painted finish.  The more time spent on the preparation the better the paint job will be.

Premium Fiberglass Body Kits
Premium Fiberglass body kits such as Duraflex, AIT Racing, VIS Racing, and VFiber offer additional properties that bring the quality up from a standard fiberglass kit yet retain the low price and value associated with fiberglass manufacturing.  These brands introduce properties not found in standard fiberglass manufacturing such as high flexibility and impact resistance.  Traditional fiberglass is prone to cracking when twisted as well as shattering upon impact.  Installation procedure will be comparable to fiberglass and will still require some amount of body work and fitting.

Urethane Body Kits
Urethane body kits are highly flexible and extremely durable for daily driven vehicles.  The downfall to urethane products is the expensive price typically 60% more than a fiberglass based product, as well as the small selection, and the heavy weight of the parts.  Installation of urethane parts is typically a straight bolt on procedure but may require that additional brackets are added to eliminate sag.

ABS Body Kits
ABS body kits are usually reserved for add on lip kits and spoilers.  These parts are comparable with urethane in cost but are not nearly as heavy and have properties comparable to plastic household items.  Installation typically just requires that the parts are lightly sanded and then can be primered and painted and then installed on the vehicle.












Thursday, December 2, 2010

What Is The Mitsubishi Evolution 10




What Is The Mitsubishi Evolution 10

After nine generations, the Mitsubishi Lancer has proved the theory of evolution! Ever since the first Evo was launched in 1992, the Japanese firm's performance flagship has become the devastatingly fast saloon we know and love - but a quantum leap is just around the corner.

Is The Evo 10 A Supercar

The Evo has always been a superstar in the high performance car world, and the next incarnation looks set to elevate its already lofty status. On the basis of our test, it will have the ability to make even novice drivers feel like rally champions. An all-wheel-drive system, along with up rated brakes, will ensure the Mitsubishi is a match for the all-new Impreza.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X Starts at $34,000

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X Starts at $34,000

08_evo.jpg
Mitsubishi has announced the pricing for the 2008 Lancer Evolution.
The estimated base price for the GSR model is $34,000 and the top of the line MR model will start at $39,000. The MR model is mainly differentiated from the GSR model with its 6-speed dual clutch transmission (TC-SST). Both models are powered by the same 2.0L turbocharged 291 horsepower engine.
Mitsubishi claims that the GSR model will go on sale in February, but the automaker is more vague about the MR model, saying that it will go on sale sometime in the spring of 2008.
Are those prices too high considering the last EVO GSR started at $28,679 and the last MR started at $35,189?
2008_mitsubishi_lancer_evolution_x_image003.jpg 2008_mitsubishi_lancer_evolution_x_image010.jpg 08.mitsubishi.lancer.grille.500.jpg 08.mitsubishi.lancer.gsr.act.f34.1.500.jpg 08.mitsubishi.lancer.gsr.actprf.500.jpg 08.mitsubishi.lancer.gsr.eng.500.jpg 08.mitsubishi.lancer.crg.500.jpg 08.mitsubishi.lancer.gsr.prf.500.jpg 08.mitsubishi.lancer.int.500.jpg 08.mitsubishi.lancer.mr.act.f34.1.500.jpg 08.mitsubishi.lancer.mr.f34.500.jpg 08.mitsubishi.lancer.mr.r34.500.jpg 08.mitsubishi.lancer.seat.500.jpg 08.mitsubishi.lancer.shifter2.500.jpg mitsubishi_lancer_evo_gsr_001.jpg

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Tenth Generation

In 2005, Mitsubishi introduced a concept version of the next-gen Evolution at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show named the Concept-X,[15] designed by Omer Halilhodžić at the company's European design centre.[16]
Mitsubishi unveiled a second concept car, the Prototype-X, at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).[17]
The Lancer Evolution X sedan features a newly designed 4B11T 2.0L (1998cc) turbocharged, all-aluminium inline-4 engine. Power and torque depend on the market but all versions will have at least 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp). (JDM version), the American market version will have slightly more. The UK models will be reworked by Mitsubishi UK, in accordance with previous MR Evolutions bearing the FQ badge. Options for the UK Evolutions are expected to be between 300 hp (220 kW) and 360 hp (270 kW).
Two versions of the car will be offered in the U.S. The Lancer Evolution MR, with 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST). The other version is the GSR which will have a 5-speed manual transmission system. The car has also a new full-time four-wheel drive system named S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), an advanced version of Mitsubishi's AWC system used in previous generations.[18] The S-AWC uses torque vectoring technology to send different amount of torque to any wheel at any given time.
It also features Mitsubishi's new sequential semi-automatic six speed SST twin-clutch transmission with steering-mounted magnesium alloy shift paddles. It has replaced the Tiptronic automatic transmission, hence the SST version replaced the GT-A version (which was used in Evolution VII and Evolution IX Wagon). A five speed manual gearbox will also be available. Mitsubishi claims that the five speed manual transmission has always been preferred in rallying and should be very refined, resulting in a more satisfying drive.[19] New Lancer Evolution will incorporate Mitsubishi's next generation RISE safety body.
The Evolution X went on sale October 1, 2007 in Japan,[20] January 2008 in the USA,[21] February in Canada (as the first version of Evolution in Canada)[22] and in March 2008 in the UK.[23] The Twin Clutch SST version was available in Japan from November 2007.[24] Europe will follow with sales in May, GSR and MR version included premium Package.
The introduction of the 2010 MR-Touring moved the car even further upscale. Leather and a Moonroof became standard while revising the rear spoiler to just a lip spoiler.

[edit] Japanese models

The engine is the 4B11-type 2.0 litre inline-4 turbo engine. Evolution X can get to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. Aluminum is used in the roof panel, front fenders and the rear spoiler frame structure.[25] Launch model's engine was rated 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp)@6500rpm and 422 N·m (311 lb·ft)@3500rpm. Following the repeal of the 276 horsepower Gentleman's Agreement in Japan,[26] engine power was raised to 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp)@6500rpm beginning in 2009 model year.
  • RS - 5 speed manual transmission. 16-inch tires. Driver dual-stage airbag. Standard Engine immobilizer.
  • GSR - Standard rear spoiler. 5-speed manual or 6-speed Twin Clutch SST transmission (magnesium paddle shifters on SST model). 245/40R18 Yokohama ADVAN A13C tire on Enkei 12-spoke high-rigidity cast alloy wheels or optional BBS lightweight alloy wheels. Brembo ventilated disc brakes. Standard S-AWC 4WD system. Driver and front passenger dual-stage airbag. Standard Engine immobilizer with security alarm. Optional Mitsubishi Motors Communication System (MMCS) which comprises a 30Gb hard disk drive audio/navigation system with 7 in (180 mm) LCD screen. Optional Rockford Fosgate premium sound system. Optional keyless remote entry.
GSR can be fitted with following packages:
    • High Performance Package - Bilstein single tube shock absorbers and Eibach coil springs, brembo 2-piece disc brakes, high performance tires with stiffer walls and better grip.
    • Stylish Exterior Package - Chrome finish for the front grille lattice and beltline molding, body color-keyed fender vents, adds fog lamps.
    • Leather Combination Interior - The seats match the color of the exterior.
    • Premium Package - All 3 above packages plus 18 in (457.2 mm) BBS lightweight alloy wheels.

  • GSR-Premium - Replacement of Premium Package beginning with 2009 model year, but added MMCS and Rockford Fosgate premium audio.
  • GSR Ralliart Edition - The Ralliart version was launched again, this limited edition for Lancer Evolution X is exclusively tuned by Mitsubishi Ralliart Japan equipped with 5 speed manual transmission, Ralliart Wheels 18 inch forged 1-piece black alloy wheels paired with Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD0B tires, redesigned body kit (based on Evo X FQ-400 body kit), advanced rear wing design (Choice of Deck Spoiler or GT Wing), official Ralliart livery, Rockford Fostgate premium sound system with Mitsubishi Motors Communication System (MMCS) which comprises a 30Gb hard disk drive audio/navigation system with 7 in (180 mm) LCD screen. Its 4B11T racing engine has maximum power output of 224 KW (300 bhp/ 304 ps).

[edit] North American models

Engine produces 295 PS (217 kW; 291 hp)@6500rpm and 407 N·m (300 lb·ft)@4400rpm.
  • GSR - Same as base Japanese GSR with small spoiler. (available only with manual 5 speed)
  • MR - 6-speed TC-SST transmission. Suspension with Eibach springs and Bilstein struts. 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels. Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. Color-keyed large rear spoiler. Leather and sueded seating. Electronic keyless entry and starting system. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Bluetooth hands-free cellular phone interface system with voice recognition.
  • MR Premium - MR with a Rockford Fosgate Navigation/Stereo with 9 speakers.[27]
  • MR Touring - (2010) Major differences from the MR are the rear-lip spoiler, heated full-leather seats, upgraded interior trim, and a power-sunroof on a steel roof.
  • SE - (late 2010-11) Is a combination of all three 2010 models some key features are the GSR front grill and interior,MR rear defusers,6-speed TC-SST transmission,and Eibach springs and Bilstein struts. MR touring rear-lip spoiler and heated seats. Only 340 were produced in the United States, A special key fob with the series number and a letter of acknowledgement from Shin Kurihara was given to the purchaser of this trim.
Option packages:
  • (GSR only) Sight, Sound and Spoiler Package - Xenon HID headlamps with manual leveling; large rear spoiler; FAST-Key electronic entry and starting system; 650-watt (maximum) Rockford Fosgate audio system; in-dash 6-disc CD changer; Sirius Satellite Radio with six months prepaid subscription.
  • (MR and MR Touring) Technology Package: Mitsubishi Multi Communication System, GPS navigation with Diamond Lane Guidance; 30GB hard disc drive with Digital Music Server, in-dash DVD/CD player, multifunction 7-inch (180 mm) color LCD touchscreen, 650(710 for 2010 model)-watt (maximum) Rockford Fosgate high-performance audio system, Sirius Satellite Radio with six months prepaid subscription.

[edit] UK models

UK cars kept the Evolution X name.
  • GS - Base Japanese GSR with Enkei wheels, 5-speed manual transmission, Stereo radio/CD with MP3 compatibility and 6 speakers.
  • GSR - GS with HDD navigation with radio and music server (MMCS), Rockford Fosgate premium audio, iPod/MP3 auxiliary input port.
  • GSR SST (FQ-300, FQ-330) - GSR FQ-300 with 6-speed TC-SST transmission with SST mode selection (normal, sport, super sport). GSR SST FQ-330 was released in 2009.[28]
Variants:
  • FQ-300 - Engine rated 300 PS (220 kW; 300 hp) at 6500 rpm and 407 N·m (300 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm.
  • FQ-330 - Engine rated 329 PS (242 kW; 324 hp) at 6500 rpm and 437 N·m (322 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm.
  • FQ-360 - Engine rated 359 PS (264 kW; 354 hp) at 6500 rpm and 492 N·m (363 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm. Carbon fibre front lip spoiler, rear vortex generator, gear knob, hand brake. Front leather Recaro seats.
  • FQ-400- Engine rated 410 PS (300 kW; 400 hp) and 542 N·m (400 lb·ft) of torque. It also includes six-piston calipers, upgraded brakes and 18-inch wheels fitted with Toyo Proxes R1R tyres , a new aero kit that includes additional cooling intakes, vents, a larger air intake in the hood and ducts. An estimated 100 vehicles would be made.[29] It accelerates 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds (est.) and has a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited).
    Standard equipment for the range-topping Lancer Evolution X model is comprehensive, the FQ-400 coming with Bluetooth hands-free telephone connection, a CD-tuner with 30 Gig hard drive, DVD satellite navigation and privacy glass. Convenience features like remote central locking, automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers increase the FQ-400’s ease of use. Available from June 2009, the FQ-400 is covered by a three year / 36,000 mile warranty. Cost £49,999 (list price).[30]

[edit] European models

Engine rated 295 PS (217 kW; 291 hp) at 6500 rpm and 366 N·m (270 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm.
  • GSR - 5 speed manual (GSR 5 M/T) or 6-speed TC-SST transmission (GSR TC-SST).
  • MR TC-SST - 6-speed TC-SST transmission. Suspension with Eibach springs and Bilstein struts. 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels. Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. Mitsubishi Multi Communication System.

[edit] Australian / New Zealand models

Engine rated 295 PS (217 kW; 291 hp) at 6500 rpm and 366 N·m (270 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm.
  • GSR - 5 speed manual or 6-speed TC-SST transmission.
  • MR - 6-speed TC-SST transmission. Suspension with Eibach springs and Bilstein struts. 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels, 2 piece front brake, aluminium rear spoiler, auto leveling Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. Mitsubishi Multi Communication System, leather combination seat trim, heated front seats.
  • Bathurst Edition - A factory upgraded/tuned version Evolution X with a rated power output of 336 PS (247 kW) (increase from the standard 295 PS (217 kW)) and 436Nm (up from 366Nm) of torque. The TMR (Team Mitsubishi Ralliart) Bathurst Edition is the most powerful road-legal Lancer Evolution X to be offered in Australia. The Bathurst edition is available with either the standard 5-speed manual or the quick-shifting TC-SST twin-clutch automatic with a limited run of only 500 units.

[edit] Southeast Asian models

[edit] Philippine models

The Philippines received its Evolution X in November 2008, and is a CBU from the US. The trims and specs are almost the same, excluding the MR Touring model from the USDM.
  • GSR- 5-speed manual, and the same specs with the USDM GSR with large spoiler.
  • MR- 6-speed TC-SST gearbox, and the same specs with the USDM MR, excluding the Technology Package.

[edit] Malaysian models

In Malaysia, the Lancer Evolution X is available with only a 6-speed Twin Clutch SST transmission. Front license plates are aligned towards the center of the fascia. In 2009, the Royal Malaysian Police acquired a fleet of Lancer Evolution Xs to be used for high-speed pursuits.
Tenth Generation
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (US)
Production October 2007 - Present
Platform CZ4A
Transmission(s) 6-speed twin-clutch transmission
5-speed manual
Wheelbase 2,650 mm (104 in)
Length 4,495 mm (177.0 in)
Width 1,810 mm (71 in)
Height 1,480 mm (58 in)
Curb weight 1,420–1,600 kg (3,131–3,527 lb)