http://www.drive.com.au/editorial/ar...vf=2&bg=1&pp=0 Mitsubishi's big gamble
The Age
Wednesday September 28 2005
Mitsubishi Australia's future as a car manufacturer rests on the 380, its replacement for the Magna. Mitsubishi is convinced it has a winner. ANDREW HEASLEY reports.
After one of the most difficult gestation periods in the development of a new, locally produced large car, the moment has arrived for the unveiling of Mitsubishi Australia's great automotive hope, the 380.
It's a V6-powered, four-door sedan that will pitch its credentials against the entrenched (but ageing) stalwarts of the Australian large-car scene, Holden's Commodore and Ford's Falcon, and against suave imports in the medium-sized car market such as the Mazda6, Honda Accord Euro and Subaru Liberty.
Source: Drive.com.au
..and:
http://carsguide.news.com.au/news/st...E21822,00.html Covers come off 380
Mark Hinchliffe
28sep05
The Magna is dead and Mitsubishi hopes the "grey cardigan" image has gone with it.
In its place is the 380, a sleek four-door sedan with a coupe-like swooping roof.
Source: Carsguide.com.au
Don't know what you guys will make of it, but it's quite relevant to Australians. No, it's not an 8-litre engined 3 series, but Mitsubishi's all new family car. Or should I say, almost all new - it's based on the US market Galant, but there have been substantial modifications. It looks good enough, but already there's plenty of speculation that the large family sedan market is shrinking.
Looks wise, it's not entirely bad. Certainly a lot better than the US Galant. Quite sleek, will have to check it out in person at the upcoming Motor Show. The interior reminds me of the latest Honda/Acura Legend, which isn't such a bad thing, although in that version the beige steering wheel has to go. It'll be black before long.
I hope it does well - Mitsubishi's local manufacturing efforts depend (solely?) on it. But I'm not holding huge hope. Likely there'll be more news tomorrow.