Intrepidation

I like the Concept X's round arches but the rear one looks smaller (this is a problem the Avenger concept has), the squared flares are more in line with the current Evo's design, and they eliminate that problem.

So let's see a sketch of a superior minivan interior. Don't forget to include how Stow `n Go and Swivel `n Go work. Put up or shut up.

..is that the Camry's steering wheel has metallic trim and looks better.

I just took a closer look at that hood bulge...man it's hideous...like the car is trying to throw up.

That steering wheel actually reminds me of the `89 Shadow's...not exactly flattering.

I just posted it at dodgetalk

Done. 59 domestic, 51 foreign, 33 other.

Bunnies can't play with fireworks

Update: It's back from the mechanic. he replaced the bolts and cleaned the terminals. No Charge.

The fact that you can call anything on the current Malibu "classy" not only scares me but destroys the credibility of your post Seriously though, I see some of your points (No Nav, no Bluetooth, lackluster rear end, and a bit less hp) but it's still a huge step up and light years ahead in looks and performance over the current ugly piece of crap. Also, I don't understand the interior shrink either if it's on a longer wheelbase.

Personally, I still love it. The fender flares are squared off like the current Evo and WRX, and the front end detailing is a bit different, as are the lights, but it still looks very good, and a vast improvement over the current Evo. Best pic the far (and it is awesome IMHO)

And for direct comparison: Concept X Prototype X

From Inside Line This is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. Though Mitsu has lightly disguised it as the Prototype X concept car for the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, this turbocharged, all-wheel-drive sedan is the Evo X. No doubt about it. We're so sure about it that we'll just refer to the Prototype X as the next Evo X for the rest of this report. Few production cars are as focused or as frenetic as the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Since 1992, the all-wheel-drive Evo has displayed its winning magic not only in the World Rally Championship for which it was created but also on open roads from London to Los Angeles. It's even a must-have machine in the virtual world of Gran Turismo. The Prototype X anticipates the long-awaited introduction of the production 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X at the Tokyo Motor Show later this fall. When the car arrives, it will be the best-looking, fastest-cornering Evo yet. It will also represent a significant shift in the car's personality as it becomes an all-around performance automobile, not just a slightly civilized competition car. No longer business as usual After nine generations, Mitsubishi's cult car has an all-new chassis platform and an all-new engine. Even Mitsubishi's all-wheel-drive hardware has received a high-tech makeover. It takes just one glance at this car's sleek exterior to realize that it's no longer business as usual in the Mitsubishi's design studio. Gone is the souped-up look of a Tokyo taxi and in comes a lean, purposeful shape with great proportions. Though it's disguised by projector-beam headlights and fast-acting LED taillights, this is a new sort of Mitsubishi, far more European in character than ever before. There's plenty of aluminum in the bodywork, including the hood, roof and the distinctive square-section fender blisters. Twin exhausts are an Evo first, and help improve the look. A tall rear wing has quickly become an Evo trademark, so it's no surprise that it continues here (although it's no longer made of carbon fiber). The same goes for the aerodynamic diffuser that peeks out from underneath the rear bumper. The 20-inch wheels seen on this car won't make it into production and will be replaced by 18-inch rims. New turbo engine and trick all-wheel drive The Evo uses the new Mitsubishi Lancer chassis, itself based on a platform originally developed in partnership with DaimlerChrysler. The Lancer is actually 0.6 inch shorter than before, but the wheelbase has been stretched 1.5 inches to 103.7 inches. The car is 2.7 inches wider and 3.8 inches taller. The chassis is more rigid in bending and torsion has improved more than 50 percent, but it's unfortunately also about 200 pounds heavier. Mitsubishi engineers hope that an all-new turbocharged inline-4 will provide enough power to cope with the extra weight. Designated the MB11, this all-aluminum, DOHC 2.0-liter design has symmetrical cylinder dimensions, which should deliver free-revving performance. Mitsubishi's MIVEC variable-valve-timing technology has been applied to both camshafts to broaden the power band. Mitsubishi has also done its best to engineer this aluminum-block, open-deck engine to withstand the stress of turbocharging as well as the former iron-block 4G63 design. Mitsubishi is remaining tight-lipped about power and torque figures from the turbo MB11 for now, but we expect horsepower to increase to 320 hp from 286, while torque will climb to 325 pound-feet from 295. This power should enable the Evo to sprint to 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds. More big news comes from the availability of a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission like Volkswagen's DSG unit. Shift paddles are mounted on the steering wheel, while a switch on the console delivers three different shift modes. For purists, a six-speed manual gearbox option will also be offered. The Evo X's most significant piece of high-tech kit will be the addition of Mitsubishi's Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) technology. It begins with the most elaborate form of the current Evo IX's all-wheel-drive system, which includes Active Center Differential (ACD), Active Yaw Control (AYC) and Active Stability Control (ASC). S-AWC adds active suspension, active braking control and active steering to enhance the Evo's AYC for quicker steering response and faster cornering speeds. Simply superb In April 2006, we sampled an early Evo X prototype fitted with only half of the S-AWC package, featuring upgraded AYC and active braking control. Even then, we noted the clever integration of heightened AYC reaction, and active brake control enabled us to more precisely control power delivery and achieve quicker times through a slippery slalom course. The car felt more composed, as less steering lock was required to cut through the cones, while the rear wheels tucked in nicely and obediently followed the fronts. With the addition of active suspension and active steering systems to the production Evo X, we expect even sharper steering response and a more composed ride. Better still, the steering should feel as natural and progressive as it does in the Evo IX. The new braking setup features a combination of a revised Brembo four-piston caliper with drilled rotors, and the electronic stability system doesn't seem to engage the antilock braking effect until you've exhausted the S-AWC's ability to maintain traction. So the fun zone is even larger than before, yet it's still easy to bring the car under control once you finally scare yourself. Focus on interior, too Inside, the new cabin is a huge improvement over the current model's bland effort. New Recaro seats envelop the driver. (The suedelike inserts in the seat upholstery unfortunately are a feature only of the concept car.) Overall, the materials achieve a higher standard, although the design cues are much the same. A navigation system will be available, while the showcar features a premium sound system with a huge trunk-mounted subwoofer. Improved ergonomics also reward dedicated drivers, as the three-position switch that dials the center differential to different torque distribution settings for pavement, gravel and snow has been relocated from the dashboard to the steering wheel. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi designers have employed soft, orange illumination for the instruments to enhance night vision. Unfortunately the concept car's suede upholstery for the dashboard and door panels won't make it to the assembly line. Bring on the next STI The Evo X is expected to go on sale in Japan in September, with U.S. and European launches slated for early 2008. This new, larger and more sophisticated Evo X might not be the rally-bred car we remember, but its sophisticated all-wheel-drive performance should shame its competitors, whether they come from Europe or Japan.

I've seen all of 5 of these...maybe...ever. Personally, I always liked the SUV this ugly thing replaced; the QX4

When I glanced at the thread title I thought it was mine

Yeah, Yeah In person, the Extended Cab shot box (in silver) looks not too shabby...but the other configurations...not so much.

Haven't watched the news in a long time XD

That sucks man. We had a `91 Dodge Spirit with an `86 Aries engine in it. It was a fine car save the peeling paint (but no rust). The fuel pump gave out on it, and even though we knew about this the mechanics always got stumped cuz of the different engine. The car was taken off the road and it was never repaired..eventually (stupidly) it was junked. It had had similar problem: the car would start and run fine, but then randomly sputter ad stall. Then it wouldn't start again for a while. Hours later it would start right back up. The car always started up right away until the day it was junked As for my own problems,as mentioned in a thread...the Shadow wouldn't start and left me stranded on my first day of work

The press pictures have large gaps between the dashboard the doors, and the wood trim is misalaign, however it looks light that was fixed for teh auto show.

Yup, just like the M5

Fuel Cells are a nice idea but I prefer BMW's approach: combustion engine that runs on hydrogen (or gasoline).

Now, I have to say...I like the color a lot, and the idea behind it is good...but it looks riced-out. They destroyed what is the most handsome car in the lineup, and one of the most handsome cars in the segment.

From Inside Line At last Lexus has unveiled its much anticipated hot rod, a 400-horsepower version of the current IS four-door sedan. It will be designated the IS-F when it arrives at Lexus dealers in early 2008. The F-code IS is the first-ever true high-performance car from Lexus, and we see it as a legitimate challenger to the forthcoming BMW M3 V8. The IS-F is expected to be quick enough to reach 60 mph in less than 4.9 seconds. The heart of the IS-F is a DOHC 5.0-liter V8 with a dual-intake system to help deliver 350 pound-feet of torque and specially engineered cylinder heads to help achieve a peak output of 400 hp. The V8 is adapted to a sequential-shift, eight-speed automatic transmission controlled by shift paddles located on the steering wheel. The transmission downshifts are accompanied by a throttle blip between gear selections. More important, a tightly calibrated torque convertor lock-up is expected to help deliver crisp throttle response. The IS chassis appears to have been significantly upgraded to match the new V8. New suspension hardware reduces ride height by a full inch. The Brembo brake package includes six-piston front calipers and drilled, 14.2-inch front rotors. The car rides on 19-inch BBS wheels. The Lexus electronic stability control system can be switched off. Lexus hasn't overlooked the appearance of the F-code IS sedan, either. A wildly florid body kit dramatically reshapes the grille and front fenders, while a big rear spoiler is attached to the trunk. Four exhaust tips peek out from beneath the rear bumper. The interior looks different as well thanks to lots of aluminized trim on the dash, aggressive sport seats and an optional white-and-black upholstery treatment. The "F" designation has long been Toyota's internal code for radical, ground-breaking projects, and the IS-F seems as if it's prepared to live up to this heritage when it finally arrives at Lexus dealers in the spring of 2008.

That's too blocky to have much of a resemblance. I'm glad they brought some of the edginess back to the Focus.