We are only a couple of months away from debuting the all new “i” that Mitsubishi is highly anticipating.  It is set to roll out to dealerships sometime in November.  Over the course of this year, we’ve been bringing you some information on why going the electric vehicle route might be a great option.

With the cost of gas remaining high in many areas, a lot of people you know might agree that they are cutting back when it comes to driving, or being more mindful of driving practices that help conserve gas use, as well as overall wear and tear on your car, which can also cut into an automotive budget.  Switching to a vehicle like the EV “i” might be a wise investment over the course of several years if you consider many different factors.

Price

One big factor in moving to an electric vehicle, especially if you are new to this type of auto, is the cost.  Can I afford it?  Will the cost justify itself in the long run?  These are just a few of the many questions we know you probably have.  The staff at your Normal Mitsubishi dealer are here to help with any questions or concerns you might have. 

We’d like you to know that the Mitsubishi ‘i’ is the most affordable “mass-market electric car” that you’ll be able to test drive and purchase very soon.  The MSRP for an entry level ‘i’ will run you around $21,625 after the federal tax credit comes into play.  If you opt for the premium SE trim, you see a cost of around $23,625, again, after the tax credit is figured in.  The current figure for the federal tax credit on EV vehicles is at $7500.  To find out more about this new car price, Bloomington IL area drivers can contact O’Brien Mitsubishi of Normal. 

The ‘i’ is a car with a lot of potential that we are excited to offer.  Stay tuned for even more details that are sure to come up closer to its release later this Fall.

If you are a follower of our blog, you’ve most likely read about some changes Mitsubishi is planning to make over the next few years.  They are working on their Jump 2013 plan, where the auto maker would focus on producing autos that could also be popular in markets outside of the US.  Other plans include a gradual phase out of some models to replace them with more hybrid options.

One thing is for sure, Mitsubishi will be keeping the manufacture of the Outlander Sport local.  This is a really great thing for Central Illinois. 

History of the Normal Plant

It opened it’s doors in 1988 and over the years has been a major employer of area communities such as Bloomington-Normal, Peoria, Champaign, Pontiac and much more.  The original name was Diamond-Star Motors, coming from a joint venture between Mitsubishi and the Chrysler Corporation.

In 1995, the plant was renamed to reflect Mitsubishi’s sole ownership, which became effective in 1991, only three years after opening its doors.  Even after Mitsubishi took over the market share for the manufacturing site, Chrysler vehicles were still involved due to contract work and other joint projects over the years.

Currently, the Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) Manufacturing Division manufactures the following models that are sold at an affordable new car price Bloomington, IL residents can take advantage of now at O’Brien Mitsubishi of Normal:

• Galant
• Eclipse
• Eclipse Spyder
• Endeavor

Over the years, thousands of these models have rolled off production lines and into the hands of buyers.  These models offers the variety of a sedan, sporty coupe/convertible, and SUV. 

Outlander Production

The Outlander Sport is scheduled to begin production at the Normal plant in 2012, which is just around the corner.  The announcement was made in February, and those employed there are very excited to begin this next venture.  The plant currently employs over 1,000 people, a majority of them are part of a union.

The production is being made possible in part by $29 million in tax incentives the plant will be given by the State of Illinois at the onset of Outlander models being made there.

Stay tuned for more information, and stop by O’Brien Mitsubishi of Normal, a new and used car dealer Springfield, IL area drivers can easily visit today!

It’s not often customers experience the best of both worlds. In fact, when manufacturers even attempt this feat, it frequently ends in disaster. However, Mitsubishi appears to have perfected the balance with the 2010 Lancer Sportback.

Don’t believe it? Well, the car is available to test drive at any Bloomington car dealer. After one cruise around town, you’ll agree it’s the perfect blend between sporty styling and the versatile functionality of a hatchback.

The 2010 Sportback bears little resemblance in either feature or function to the 2004 Sportback, which was essentially a wagon version of the year’s Lancer model. Instead, the 2010 version cultivates a unique look among hatchbacks: its hatch is raked forward, and it sports a standard rear-window spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels. Each addition contributes to the Sportback’s updated, sporty appearance.

Customers at a Bloomington car dealer realize recreating the true sports-car experience involves more than simply tightening a car’s suspension. Therefore, to ensure the Sportback embodied the first half of its title, Mitsubishi focused on fine-tuning the overall ride comfort to guarantee an entertaining, enjoyable driving experience. The Sportback’s suspension is perfectly balanced, and the steering responds quickly and effortlessly. Both pedals are responsive, matching the car’s overall perfect calibration. Even the brake pedal’s distance was increased to allow the driver greater control.

In addition, the Sportback provides a powerful helping underneath the hood. It boasts a 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which should satisfy most drivers. However, for those craving more power, Mitsubishi offers a Ralliart edition that’s equipped with a 237-horsepower, turbocharged engine.

According to the EPA, the estimated gas mileage is 20/27 miles per gallon city/highway for manual transmission. For automatic, the numbers shift slightly to 21/27 miles per gallon for city/highway.

The Sportback is affordable, too. In Bloomington IL., new car prices are kept competitive. The vehicle retails between $19,190 and $27,590. With a starting price like that, Mitsubishi is hoping everyone might experience this car’s unique merging of sporty styling and functionality. Thus, never again will consumers struggle between these two considerations.