The News.

It's no Mirage

Mitsubishi's replacement for the Mirage will debut at the New York auto show in April and go on sale by summer, company officials have confirmed. Although no name for Mitsu's Civic/ Corolla/Jetta-class sedan has been announced, the new small car is expected to be a version of Japan's Lancer and may carry the same moniker here in the United States. Pricing and features are not yet available, but sources say the car will be competitive with others in its class and will be ``substantially improved'' over the Mirage.

Soccermom-mobile no more

Next time you roll to a stoplight next to a Chrysler Town & Country, be wary. Instead of the standard cast-iron, 215-hp 3.8-liter V6, it could be fitted with a 230-hp, 250-lb-ft version of the aluminum 3.5-liter V6 from the 300M.

The biggest difference from the letter car is that the minivan motor loses the electronically controlled manifold tuning valve and 23 associated ponies. If our test drive is any indication, better make room in the passing lane. This hot motor option will be available in the spring on front-drive Town & Country Limited models.

No AutodeltaUSA Alfas yet

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