Mitsubishi has decided to start production of its next generation diesel engine one year earlier than originally planned. It is a 2.0-liter class diesel engine. The car maker said this is to meet the ever growing demand of more fuel efficient engines. Mitsubishi's Kyoto power train Plant will reportedly begin the new diesel engine production in 2009. And, after its European market introduction, the new engine will find its way to the remaining markets. It will meet the new and stricter Euro 5 emission standards.

Being developed jointly with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, where Mitsubishi truck accessories are built, the new diesel engine is a key element in Mitsubishi Motors' efforts to lower carbon dioxide and monoxide, and other greenhouse gasses emitted by the engine. Features contributing to the new engine's class-topping power output and Euro 5 emissions performance include a new high-efficiency turbocharger and high-efficiency combustion characteristics that resulted from the application of own analytic technology of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Motors.

Aside from the inevitable demand of more effective fuel engines, the production of the new diesel engine is aimed at meeting the needs of the growing number of environment-conscious customers. The invention is a core element in the "Mitsubishi Motors Environment Initiative Program 2010" ("EIP 2010"). Along side it is the electric vehicle technology.

Euro 5 standards feature tighter regulation of particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions than the current Euro 4.

Another recent highlight from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is its announcement of two new car models. The U.S.-market Lancer will be renamed "Galant Fortis" for the Japan domestic market. Also, Mitsubishi's rally-inspired, high-performance 4WD sedan will be named "LANCER EVOLUTION X". The latter is the tenth repeat of the Lancer Evolution released on the Japan domestic market.

The term "fortis" comes from the Latin language with a corresponding English meaning of "strong, steadfast, and courageous". The development concept for the new Galant Fortis is tantamount to a new-generation global sedan with world-class levels of safety, environmental performance and comfort. Its distinguishing features include a high-rigidity platform that delivers excellent crashworthiness, a new 2-liter engine with aluminum cylinder block that delivers high power output and returns excellent fuel efficiency; exterior styling that imparts a broad stance and sporty lines, and a spacious, well appointed cabin.

On the other hand, the development concept for the all-new Lancer Evolution X specifies a new-generation high-performance 4WD global sedan that allows all types of driver to enjoy the car's speed and handling with ease and safety. The new model features Mitsubishi's Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) traction and handling system. It integrates the control of drive torque and braking management with the four-wheel drive system helping realize highly responsive and intuitive handling in addition to outstanding vehicle attitude stability.

There are still a lot of examples of Mitsubishi Motors' latest automotive technology to be featured in the new model. One is a new lightweight and high-performance 2.0-liter turbocharged Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control (MIVEC) System engine with aluminum cylinder block. It has the Mitsubishi Motors variable valve system.

Additional to this is a 6-speed automated manual transmission that contributes to exceptional performance with improved fuel economy. The car's performance-driven design makes the car's extreme potential clear, while cockpit design focuses the driver's attention on operating his machine.