Mitsubishi Roadest

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander Roadest - click for high-res gallery

Normally when an automaker updates a model, even if it's just a quick cosmetic change, the earlier version is treated like cheek meat – nobody wants it unless it's a real good deal, and the dealers just want them gone. Mitsubishi evidently thinks its home-market will be kinder to the compact crossover-ute-thing we know and love as the Outlander.

While a new Evo-esque beak has been grafted onto our Outlander for 2010, the softer, older version will continue to be offered to JDM buyers alongside a more cosmetically aggressive model. To avoid confusion, a country-specific rhinoplasty-enhanced model will be branded Outlander Roadest (note that the fascia and, grille and foglamps are all distinct from the U.S. model), while the older bodywork model will continue on as just plain "Outlander." Regardless of the looks, both iterations will get a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as standard, good for 148PS (about 146 horsepower). The offal-likeness is in play with pricing as well, with the new-old Outlander selling for just ¥1,995,000 (about $22,000) while the Roadest will command ¥2,475,900 ($27,100).

Mitsubishi Roadest

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The tuner has also considered the S5’s handling and enhanced

Konigseder’s new kit for Audi S5 Coupe proves that you can improve on perfection! The S5’s discrete and classy body is now sporty and aggressive as well thanks to the tuner’s modified new bumper,sport wheels and new exhaust with those magnificent tailpipes. The only criticism is the side skirts which are unnecessarily big!

Audi S5 has also received a new set of exhaust system from Konigseder which improves its V8 rumble (well if you buy the V8 model! which you should). And there a pair of twin tailpipes which again, are quite big, but kinda cool.

The tuner has also considered the S5’s handling and enhanced it by using new suspension components which lower the ride height. Alternatively you can choose the H&R adjustable system. That is capable of lowering the car for 60mm!

The car also comes with Brembo braking package with bid discs and 6-piston calipers. These discs are nicely placed inside the new 20-inch Competec C01 wheels. These 10-spoke rims come in a matte black finish and are wrapped in 245/30 tires at front 285/25 for the rear.

In the real world of asphalt and hydrocarbons

Digimods Subaru Impreza - Click above to enlarge

In the real world of asphalt and hydrocarbons (yes, that's possibly redundant), the Subaru WRX STI is a common target for zealous mods. While much tuning can go on under the stock skin, which isn't exactly subtle on a Rex, it's de rigeur to go at the exterior with pieces of thermoplastic and visions of reshaping dancing in your head.

If you're not deft enough to translate inspiration to metal, or you don't have a WRX, or you just want to avoid getting gunk under your fingernails and cutting your hands all up while trimming out big pieces of sheetmetal, you can do it with bits and bytes instead. Of course, a digital mockup is a good way to test out ideas before taking the nipper to the roof, too.

Pete from Digimods has decided that the WRX could really use a rear-mounted engine, plenty more scoops, and a giant roof duct to supply air to the engine, and drown it if it gets taken out in the rainy season. It's a very nicely done rendering. Some will love, some will hate, all will likely have something to say. Have at it, kids!

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne presents 5-year business plan

Chrysler LLC has concluded its 7-hour-long marathon presentation of the business plan (read our Live Blog of the event here) that will see it through the next five years, and what we're left with is a little confusing. It's almost as if the automaker's new executives, amidst apologizing for the company's past and promising to do better in the future, were hoping we'd all fall asleep or get lost in the details. Well, we didn't fall asleep or get lost, and below you'll find a breakdown of what we learned while spending the day hip deep in Chrysler's future product. You can also check out the slides from Chrysler's presentation relating to product in the gallery below.


Models On Their Way Out

• Jeep Patriot (end of 2012)
• Jeep Compass (end of 2012)
• Jeep Commander (end of 2010, may continue being sold internationally)
• Chrysler PT Cruiser (end of 2010)
• Dodge Dakota (mid 2011)
• Dodge Caliber (mid 2012)
• Dodge Viper (mid 2011, may return in 2012)

New Models That Are Coming

• Jeep compact SUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, may be Panda)
• Jeep small CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, replaces Patriot and Compass)
• Jeep Liberty (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
• Chrysler small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
• Chrysler compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat, replaces PT Cruiser)
• Chrysler Sebring (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
• Chrysler midsize CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat)
• Ram midsize unibody pickup (under consideration for 2011)
• Ram large and small commercial van (2012, supplied by Fiat)
• Dodge small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
• Dodge compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat)
• Dodge Avenger (major update 2010, replaced by Fiat product 2013)
• Dodge full-size CUV (2010)
• Fiat 500 (late 2010, convertible 2011, Abarth 2012)

Models Staying, Receiving Attention

• Jeep Wrangler Diesel (2010/2011, not confirmed for U.S. market... yet)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee (all-new 2010)
• Chrysler 300C (all-new 2010)
• Chrysler Town & Country (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)
• Ram 1500/2500/3500 (major update 2012)
• Dodge Journey (major update 2010)
• Dodge Nitro (major update 2011 under consideration)
• Dodge Challenger (refresh 2011)
• Dodge Charger (all-new 2010)
• Dodge Grand Caravan (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)

UPDATE: You can dive whole hog into the plan yourself at Chrysler's website.

With SMS Supercars recently launching the 570 Challenger

SMS Superparts - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With SMS Supercars recently launching the 570 Challenger and with a Mustang and Camaro, it was inevitable it would soon offer many of the parts individually. On the first day of SEMA Steve Saleen and his new company announced Superparts, the aftermarket sales and distribution arm of SMS Supercars. Many of the parts on the 570 Challenger are now available individually, including the SMS 296 supercharger, aerodynamic parts, and suspension, wheel and tire packages.

Also making its debut at the show is the new SMS 296 supercharger for the 2005-2010 Ford Mustang. The system uses many of the same core components from the Challenger kit, but has a few new features specific for the 4.6-liter V8. The most notable feature is the "Duo-Path" induction system that splits the incoming air starting at the throttle body, going around the supercharger housing to the back of the engine where it enters the rear intake of the compressor. Expected power will be in the 475-650 range depending on the package.

Read more on the SMS Superparts announcement after the jump, or opt for the visuals with the '90s-style 2010 Mustang and a 570X Challenger painted in Sour Grape Green in the high-res gallery below.

Honda FF engine demonstrator - click above for high-res image

For 2010, Formula F is getting some fresh blood. The Sports Car Club of America's board of directors has given the thumbs up to Honda's proposal for a new engine in the class. Next year, competitors will be able to swap out their ancient Ford Kent engines for a new 1.5-liter four based on the Fit.

Honda Performance Development created the engine so that it was specifically able to bolt up to many contemporary Formula Ford chassis designs with minimal modification, all while providing comparable performance. The air restrictor and ECU calibrations can be adjusted by HPD to ensure performance parity with the series' existing engines.

The engine's electronically fuel injected engine promises significantly reduced service requirements compared to the Kent, along with better efficiency. The engines will be supplied complete with intake, exhaust and conversion kits. The kit for the Swift DB-1 including the engine and all necessary parts runs $11,750 with deliveries starting February.

Honda Fit FF engine

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Win one of five Sony PSP/Gran Turismo bundles - Day 4

It's Day 4 of our SEMA Sweeps! After giving away three of five limited-edition PSP/Gran Turismo bundles, we're ready to give away our fourth. Yesterday's winner has been randomly selected and contacted, so here's how you can win today.

We're doing this in honor of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and with it, the Seventh Annual GT Awards, so take advantage of our generosity and follow the directions below for your chance to win.

Today we're asking whether you prefer the PSP-3000 or new PSP Go. Your answer won't have any effect on your chances of winning since the sweepstakes winner is drawn at random, so pick your favorite portable Sony system, leave a comment and keep your fingers crossed!

Entering is easy. All you have to do is:

• Leave a comment in this post telling us whether you prefer the PSP-3000 or PSP Go.
• You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the U.S. or Canada (excluding Quebec, désolé!)
• Limit 1 entry per person per day
• This entry period ends at 3:00PM EST on Friday, November 6
  
• At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one PSP/GT bundle (ARV $199.99) that includes a Mystic Silver PSP-3000 system, Gran Turismo PSP game on UMD, a PlayStation Network downloadable voucher for a white Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, PlayStation Network downloadable movie voucher (title TBD) and Sony MusicPass voucher good for 10 downloadable songs.
• For a list of complete rules, click here