New York: Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype gets a EVOplasty snarl

Mitsubishi's Outlander GT Prototype vehicle isn't slated for a reveal until tomorrow morning, but we caught the raced-up crossover lurking uncovered in the darkness as the Japanese automaker was preparing for a run-through of tomorrow's presentation.

As you can plainly see, the concept vehicle is essentially a lowered Outlander that's been given a bit of Evoplasty up front. The new mouth breather look is significantly more aggressive than the current happy-faced model, but changes beyond that are minimal, including OZ split-spoke wheels and a few badges.

While Mitsubishi has yet to announce that this new face will make it to production, the handwriting and spy photos are on the wall for the aggressive new look to become a brand hallmark, what with the recent introduction of the production Lancer Ralliart Sportback sporting a similar front graphic. The fact that this is called a "prototype" and not a concept is a further clue in Mitsu's production intent.

No word yet on what (if any) modifications have been performed under the skin, but a quick peek inside before the press conference rehearsal began seemed to indicate a stock leather-lined interior.

PRESS RELEASE:

Mitsubishi Motors Provides a Sneak Peek of Outlander GT Prototype

April 2, 2009 -- Cypress, CA --

The centerpiece of Mitsubishi Motors' stand at next week's New York Auto Show will be the Outlander GT Prototype. Building on the success of the current Outlander, this sporty compact CUV will make its World debut on April 9.

Dressed in a premium Diamond white hue, the Outlander GT Prototype showcases a host of new technologies, such as Idle Neutral Logic that automatically shifts the transmission into neutral during vehicle standstill, improved performance and fuel economy from its more powerful 3.0-liter SOHC MIVEC V6 engine, and a Super-All-Wheel-Control System offering superior handling and control. Additionally, there is a number of exciting design elements that help distinguish the Outlander GT Prototype, including Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution's signature "Jet Fighter" grille.

Full details on the Outlander GT Prototype will be announced at 9:40 a.m. on April 9 at the Mitsubishi Motors press conference and online immediately afterward at www.media.mitsubishicars.com. Teaser images will be available immediately on the same website.

About Mitsubishi Motors North America:
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 430 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

New York: BMW pulls sheet off X6 M

Here at the New York Auto Show today, BMW is publicly showing the new X6 M for the first time, resplendent in red. For all the questions that were raised about the X6's own reason for being a year ago when it debuted, the same questions are even more boosted with the X6 M. The standard 400-hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 has been boosted to a massive 555 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. Does it make any more sense? Certainly no more so than any other 500-hp vehicle, but that's not what the X6 M is about. As BMW points out, M is about an expression of joy.

Aside from the acceleration, we didn't find the standard X6 all that joyful. We'll have to wait until we get the X6 M on a track in July to see if nearly 40 percent more power can address that. We're just hoping the next M5 gets this engine.

New York: Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition gets called to the carpet

Back in February, General Motors circulated a few studio shots of a new Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition package, but the New York Auto Show is the first time we're coming face-to-face with just such an animal.

Built up from a standard 4LT coupe or convertible, the GT1 CE is essentially a trim-and-tape tribute package designed to celebrate the C6.R's racing successes. As such, it features a graphics package influenced by the racecar's livery, including the skull "Jake" logo, driver flags, a windshield banner, and so on. There's also a ZR1 "style" rear spoiler and chrome wheels to complete the package, although unfortunately no drivetrain bits from the King Corvette will make the scene.

Inside, as you can see in our photographs below, the ebony interior has been done up in yellow stitching, and there's special GT1 embroidery adorning the instrument panel, center console armrest, and seats.

As Chevrolet has plans to build just 600 of these limited-edition models, this could well be the closest any of us ever get to driving one.

New York: Checking out the Hyundai Equus in person

If you think the Genesis sedan is nice, wait'll you get a load of Hyundai's home-market luxu-flagship, the Equus. The automaker has one prominently on display here at the New York Auto Show this week, and while it's supposed to merely be a "Look, this is how awesome we can be" thing (there's no plan for the Equus to be sold here at this time), you can bet Hyundai is taking note of people's reactions. Outside, the Equus is more ornate than the Genesis, with a bright grille, highly-polished wheels and a pedestrian-impaling hood ornament. The sheetmetal details are nice, too. We especially dig the subtle fender bulges over the rear wheels.

While that's all well and good, it's inside the cabin where the Equus shows that it's truly meant to do battle against the likes of the Mercedes S-Class, Lexus LS and BMW 7 Series. All the toys are present: push-button start, a console-mounted control interface for the in-car systems, classy wood accents, upmarket switchgear, and even Grey Poupon snack trays for the rear passengers. Oh, those rear passengers get massaging back seats, as well. It's very impressive looking and it stinks of quality. If Hyundai ever decides to gamble and attack the next price segment up from the Genesis sedan, they clearly have the ammo to do so. The Equus is the real deal.