The 2011 Lancer is available now at our dealership and we’d like to show you why it’s a sedan certainly worth a test drive and hopefully a purchase!

Trims Galore

It’s no secret that a car that comes in many trim options is a very nice thing.  Every driver is different and certain styles are preferred for various reasons.

1. Four-door sedan- includes the ES, DE, GTS and Ralliart
2. Five- door hatchback- also called a “sportback” design and includes a new trim, the ES.  This is in addition to the GTS and Ralliart options. 

Right now, the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer, Bloomington, IL residents can see at O’Brien Mitsubishi of Normal, is sold in many of these trims, each offering a potential owner a lot of great features.

Differences Across Trims

The base Lancer for sale now at the dealership comes with a very long list of standard features.  You get a stylish exterior that has a very sporty look, even for a trim that isn’t a sport enhanced model, as the GTS and Ralliart are designed to be.  Also, the gas mileage numbers are very good, 24 for the city and 33 for the highway.  Less time at the pump will hopefully leave you with some extra cash to use for more enjoyable events. 

Engine choices are also different, depending which trim you decide on.  The ES and DE versions are made with a 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engine that offers a nice ride.  If you want to step things up a bit, the GTS has an increase in horsepower and a 2.4 liter engine.  If you want to drive a Lancer with a CVT (continuously variable transmission), this car offers performance enhancements thanks to six gears and high-tech paddle shifters.

Perhaps you will be searching for a little more cargo room when you visit your Normal car dealer for Mitsubishi models?  If the answer is yes, the five-door hatchback Lancer has a bit more of this.  You’ll be able to fold down the backseats, which adds room for transporting larger items.

Whatever your reasons for driving a 2011 Lancer, it’s a really nice car with an affordable price tag.  Come in and see it today!

Driving is a daily part of most of our lives and we don’t think twice about coming and going.  If you encounter a stressful situation while behind the wheel, such as a stalled car, do you have the appropriate items with you to hopefully help remedy the situation?

We’d like to share some suggestions of things that will seem like lifesavers in the event you need them

1. Gloves, hand cleaner, and clean/dry rags:  If you have to do any type of auto work, such as change a tire, you’ll probably get dirty.  These items will  enable you to clean up a bit, keep your clothes cleaner, and car interior as clean as possible.
2. GPS Navigation System:  If you are traveling a longer distance in your Mitsubishi Lancer, Bloomington, IL drivers can view now at O’Brien Mitsubishi of Normal, or driving to unfamiliar territory, this will keep you on your intended path, which is better than being lost, which can double the stress if you also have to deal with car trouble. 
3. Warm Items:  We’re still going to have cool weather for awhile, so make sure you have items to keep you warm in case your car stalls.  Coats, blankets, gloves, hats and the like are a necessity, especially if traveling with a small child or an elderly person as they are more sensitive to colder temperatures.
4. Cell Phone, Charger and apprpriate numbers: Most everyone has a cell phone attached to them nowadays, so this should be a given.  Make sure you also have your charger with you, nothing worse than a dead battery, a stalled car, and the middle of the night combined!  Also, keep roadside assistance numbers handy to call.  They will help locate the closest help point to get to you the assistance you need.
5. Extra cash- Small bills and change should be kept for those tricky situations where a few bucks might make all the difference.

If you have any questions about additional supplies you should carry, contact the staff here at your favorite Normal car dealer. We want you to be safe and stress-free during your travels!

There’s big news concerning the future of the Mitsubishi Evolution. Recently, the automaker confirmed that the 2013 Evolution is going green with a hybrid powertrain. Boasting plug-in capabilities and a short-distance EV mode that operates without the gasoline-fueled engine, this new Evolution promises to be the best one yet.

Customers at a Bloomington car dealership might recognize the hybrid technology since it matches the platform in the PX-MiEV concept model, which Mitsubishi unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show back in October 2009. Using this technology, the 2013 Evolution’s primary power source will be the electric motor, which drives the front wheels. While the gas engine, when needed, will power the back wheels. The hybrid system is powered by lithium-ion batteries.

This update guarantees the 2013 Evolution will be more fuel efficient and produce significantly less CO2 emissions. However, many fear these environmental benefits will sacrifice engine strength and horsepower. Mitsubishi understands these concerns and reassures buyers at the Normal car dealer that their worries are unfounded.

In the 2013 Evolution, the electric motor will be an upgraded version of the one featured in the PX-MiEV concept. The improved 2.0 liter engine will generate around 320 horsepower. The current Evolution model only offers 291 horsepower. Speculation suggests the engine’s target acceleration rate might be approximately 0-60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds. Going green was never faster!

For all the car aficionados at Bloomington car dealerships, the new handling upgrades, which weren’t completed for the Mitsubishi Evolution X, will be incorporated in the 2013 Evolution XI. These upgrades include Active Steering and Roll Control Suspension in addition to the electronically-controlled Active Yaw Control system that regulates torque distribution between the two rear wheels.

Should Mitsubishi deliver on each of these promises, the 2013 Evolution will represent the complete package: a perfect union between speed and environmental benefits with an added helping of cutting edge technology. The automaker will have consumers rushing to the Normal car dealer for a test drive.

There’s a possibility a new vehicle may appear on the lot at your Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer?  Mitsubishi Motors is looking into manufacturing and selling the Triton, a pickup truck,  here in the United States.  This is coming after slipping sales for the company.  In 2009, sales fell nearly45%.  In an economy where most businesses are struggling to stay afloat, this is not good news.  However, Mitsubishi Motors is not giving up!  Kudos for that, as Mitsubishi cars are great!

The car company has one manufacturing plant in the United States, in Normal, IL.  They too have felt the effects of lowered sales.  Last year, the plant made approximately 18,000 vehicles and their capacity is stated to be 135,000.  But, years ago when the plant was a joint project with Chrysler, around 240,000 autos came out of the center.  If the Triton could be made there and sales for it would be profitable, this would be a great thing for the Normal car dealer.

So, you must be thinking, what are some features of the Triton?  This truck is a big hit in Australia, for example.  So much so, that in summer 2009, inventory was running low in the country from high sales the month of June.  The Triton is both heavy duty and rugged, while at the same time a reliable family vehicle.  What a great addition it would be at Bloomington IL car dealers.

The 2010 Triton’s come with quite a few safety features.  For example, driver and passenger front side airbags come standard, as do child restraint points.  Electronic brakeforce distribution is also on this truck.  This system helps evenly apply brake pressure, based on varying surfaces, vehicle load, etc.  Your Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer is hoping to carry this durable, yet safe, truck!

What type of engine and driving system is found in this truck?  Several four wheel drive options are available (overseas, only, right now!).  There is a new turbo diesel high performance engine in the 2010 models.  One 4WD option has a 2.5L engine that gives 131 kw of power.  The fuel economy on the possible Normal car dealer truck has been improved approximately 9%.

It would be great if production could come to the Normal plant.  This may help generate new or keep current jobs and maybe improve the company’s overall sales?  In the meantime, visit your Bloomington IL car dealers for great deals!

Mitsubishi has released a new concept car at the Tokyo auto show with some incredible new technology. The concept PX-MiEV boasts a range of developments from changing between front and four-wheel drive due to conditions to an alertness monitor that produces an odor to warn drivers to pay attention to the road. Mitsubishi PX-MiEV is an automobile many, including Normal Mitsubishi dealer, await with great anticipation.

The PX-MiEV is a plug-in hybrid crossover with two electric motors and as well as a gasoline engine. This automobile’s battery system also has the capability to be programmed to force power back to your home rather than draining from it. While this is still a concept car it is not too early to ask your Normal car dealer for information about these new developments.

The interior details of the PX-MiEV are so revolutionary drivers are almost certain not to be concerned by the conservative exterior. Features include a humidifier and oxygen regulator, anti-aging UV-A-filtering window glass, and odor and bacteria deactivating seat upholstery. It seems this automobile practically cleans itself if not eliminates the need to be cleaned entirely. While Normal used cars have seen nothing of this quality of interior accessories before, vendors are confident these features will be incredibly useful to consumers.

These innovative qualities developed by Mitsubishi may be seen by some as creature comforts, yet no one can argue with the benefits of the 117 mile per gallon fuel economy of which the PX-MiEV is said to be capable. Once it moves beyond the concept stage you can check out the PX-MiEV at your Normal Mitsubishi dealer.

Mitsubishi not only develops technology to benefit the environment as well as the economy, we also address the comfort and quality of our customers’ experiences. The concept PX-MiEV demonstrates our company’s innovative capability as well as our dedication to Mitsubishi car owners.

It had finally come time to purchase my first brand new car- with my own money. Fresh out of college, I wanted to invest in a car that will be able to last me for the next five to seven years or so, be incredibly reliable and fuel efficient. I also knew I wanted a sportier car, preferably a coupe, and one on the more affordable end.

Shortly before I embarked on the car search, I became much more in tune to the different models I saw on the road. I was drawn to four specific ones: the Nissan Altima Coupe, Honda Civic Coupe, Honda Accord Coupe and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe.

After doing some comparisons, I eliminated the Altima and the Accord, and decided to test-drive the other two to make the final decision. First, I stopped in the Honda dealer near my home and took the Civic for a little 5- minute cruise. In like, but not in love, I headed to the local Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer to test drive the Eclipse Coupe.

When I slid into the leather seats, I immediately felt comfortable. After pulling out of the lot, I realized not only was I physically comfortable, but I felt a sense of comfort in the control I had of the car (and for the first time driving it, it was a good feeling). The dash was very user-friendly, clean and efficient and the wide windshield gave me a great view of the road.

In terms of performance, I was impressed by its 2.4L, four-cylinder engine and its 5-speed manual transmission (but chose to go with the 4-speed automatic) during my Bloomington Mitsubishi test drive. I was also pleased to find out the Eclipse Coupe achieves a fuel economy of 28 mpg highway and 20 mpg city. Its standard features were the 17” alloy wheels, AC, front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, keyless entry and an engine immobilizer.

I wasn’t going to pass this one up, especially with the $20,000 starting price. So that day I drove off the lot in my black 2010 Bloomington IL auto Eclipse Coupe. Of all the optional features, I chose to dress mine up with heated front seats and temperature and cardinal direction displays. It’s been a month so far and every day I’ve looked forward to getting in my new coupe.

Visit O’Brien, the only Normal car dealer for top-of-the-line Mitsubishi models, to test-drive a new 2010 Eclipse Coupe or any other members of the Mitsubishi lineup. You won’t be disappointed.