Mitsubishi Fits Outlander with EVO X’s Twin-Clutch SST Transmission

Mitsubishi has revealed that the Outlander SUV will be offered in Europe with the Lancer Evolution X’s Twin Clutch SST. The new 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox offers faster gear shifts along with lower fuel consumption and emissions versus manual transmissions.

Further specification details are still to be announced, but the European Outlander Twin-Clutch SST models will come complete with paddle shifters, dual mode (Normal/Sport) and Hill Start Assist functions. The Outlander Twin Clutch SST will first be displayed at the Paris Motor Show in early October 2008, before a retail launch during the first quarter of 2009. No word yet on when Mitsubishi will start offering the US Spec Outlander with the dual-clutch transmission.

Mitsubishi Transfers Euro-Market Outlander Production To The Netherlands

Mitsubishi announced today that due to the strong European demand for the Outlander, production of the SUV for the Euro market will be transferred to its NedCar factory in the Netherlands from 2008. Currently, Mitsubishi produces the Outlander at its Nagoya Plant in Okazaki, Japan and the new SUVs for PSA Peugeot Citroën (rebadged versions of the Outlander) at its Mizushima Plant in Kurashiki, Japan. As production of the Euro-market Outlander shifts from Nagoya to NedCar, production of the new SUVs supplied to PSA Peugeot Citroën will be transferred from Mitsubishi’s Mizushima Plant to its Nagoya Plant (both in Japan).

So, to be concise, Europeans will be offered the Japanese branded Mitsubishi Outlander made in the E.U. and the French branded Peugeot 4007 SUV and Citroen C-Crosser SUV made in… Japan! Judging from the mediocre build quality of the cars produced in NedCar (Mitsubishi Colt and until previously, the Smart Forfour) and unless Mitsubishi turns things around at the Dutch factory, we’ll vote French.