Well I think I've just had a life changing experience today
...

Today I was travelling along a good bit of country road in the T and as I approached a roundabout in a township a 380 VRX was emerging from the right. Even though I had time to keep going I thought I'd stop and let him go in front so I could have a good look at it. We pulled away from the roundabout and out of the town. The speed of the road increases and gets interesting with a steep hill with 2 sweeping (but bumpy) corners.

The VRX started gaining speed rapidy on approach to the hill and natually I had no trouble keeping pace at this stage. BUT as we started going around the first bend where the road opens up into 2 lanes I thought I'd show him what he couldn't do and it appeared that he could do it...and do it better than I could! He was still gaining speed as I stuggled to get 450NM to the ground - at one stage I had half a turn of opposite lock on. The traction control was limiting SOME of the torque but every time the rear end went over a few bumps it lost traction and I had to correct with opposite lock. In the meantime that bloody 380 just kept gaining speed and appeared to do it with ease.

It was a good ending though.........when I caught up to him going DOWN the other side...lol

So theres a positive 380 story!

Cheers
Matt

W00t!!
Go the 380!
Anyone wanna give me 40k so i can buy one? :D.

imagine what they will do with AWD and turbos next ye... i mean, i dont know of anything :shifty:

hehe nah dunno about next year, but i have heard AWD is in the pipes and they have been testing a turbo engine down at mitsu HQ, hope my dreams come true!

i have heard AWD is in the pipes and they have been testing a turbo engine down at mitsu HQ, hope my dreams come true!

I WILL buy one if they do...

I WILL buy one if they do...

me too.... if i have the cash which i probably won't lol

So long as it's manual

imagine what they will do with AWD and turbos next ye... i mean, i dont know of anything :shifty:

hehe nah dunno about next year, but i have heard AWD is in the pipes and they have been testing a turbo engine down at mitsu HQ, hope my dreams come true!

Interesting. Where did you hear you story? As far as we are aware there is no work being conducted by Mitsubishi on an AWD version of the 380.

FF

The turbo engine is old news. Latest I have heard there are two turbos in test mules. One is RUMOURED to be AWD with a MANUAL gearbox. I cannot confirm it however.

Oh, BTW, this is supposed to be secret within MMAL, and seems the normal factory workers have the least knowledge about this one. There is a separate team working on this project in private and away from the factory. One is Turboing the engine with reliability, power development etc etc. That's the FWD. The AWD version is just for Ball-tearing and seeing how good they can make it handle, and if the AWD can take all the power and torque.

This is from someone who works at close quarters with these projects, although not in them. He know's the vehicle is turbo, but has alot less wheelspin than it's other turbo brother. It also beats the FWD version quite convincingly off the line, "kills it" was the exact quote I got, "it takes off like a rocket, it's gotta be AWD". A 400m time in the 12.3-12.5sec bracket was mentioned. :shock:

I dont think it is a case of one exists, more of a case of:
1) Can we sell enough 380's to stay in business; if yes, THEN
2) Do we release this concept on the public; if yes THEN
3) Can we get enough sales interest or critical acclaim; if yes THEN
4) Can we make a business case for it; if yes THEN
Maybe you'll be able to buy one. :thumbsup:
But that's alot of stuff that has to happen

I actually hope that they get these prototypes going really well, and they get alot of development in, the 380 starts selling, they release some details of these prototypes and then see what happens.

They would have to keep the price within a bee's d*ck of the XR6T price and beat it hands down for performance, handling, looks and interior, and be a true competitor for the Liberty GT..... It would have to win Wheels PCOTY too, and have both magazines raving about it.

I really hope it happens, the pheonix rising from the (near) ashes of Tonsley Park. :pray:

imagine what they will do with AWD and turbos next ye... i mean, i dont know of anything :shifty:

hehe nah dunno about next year, but i have heard AWD is in the pipes and they have been testing a turbo engine down at mitsu HQ, hope my dreams come true!

Yep, they'll need AWD to keep the power on the road, not churning up the tyres... :D

Anything over 180kw in a front wheeler is bad. Take the 380's non-Mivec 3.8 Mitsu motor with headwork, valve work variable inlet manifold, one turbo and tuned exhaust? I reckon 230kw, thereabouts. To be useable and tame on the road. It would need AWD.

It's got the chassis to keep it stuck to the road, as XR6 has just told us. :)

Good to hear :D At first I thought it was yet another silly hypothetical "this" Vs. "that" thread, but this story makes fo a refreshing change.

Head the rumour about the AWD tubo manual 380 just over a month ago from the delear who came for the ride when i test drove a 380. I dismissed as bragging by someon wanting to generate more interest in the car, maybe i shouldnt have been so hasty :shock:

I've already got my number plate ready for an AWD 380 so they'd better not disappoint!!