Entering only its second year of existence, Mitsubishi's hot-selling outlander sport compact 5-passenger crossover receives numerous beneficial in engineering and safety improvements for the 2012 model year.

Additionally, the Japanese auto manufacturer's state-of-the-art vehicle manufacturing facility located in Normal, Illinois, will soon undergo retooling of the plant to begin production of the popular Outlander Sport crossover right here in America.

New For 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport:

Improved Engine Noise Isolation

In an effort to reduce unwanted engine noise/vibration/harshness (NVH) from entering the vehicle's cabin, Mitsubishi engineers have made numerous changes. These include:

• Thicker sound insulation in the top of the towel
  
  
• Additional insulation to the front fender areas
  
  
• A change of dashboard pad material
  
  
• The addition of a vibration-absorbing dynamic damper to the engine compartment's structure

Recalibration of the Continuously-Variable Transmission (CVT)

The control system for the continuously-variable transmission (CVT) has been overhauled to offer improved performance and driving dynamics in a variety of areas. These include:

• More linear acceleration
  
  
• Better acceleration from a standing start
  
  
• Quicker throttle tip-in response
  
  
• More natural and direct feeling throttle response
  
  
• Quicker downshifts of the simulated gear ratios of the CVT in manual shift mode

Enhanced Interior Trim for the Outlander Sport SE

The SE grade of the 2012 Outlander Sport receives additional chrome accents to the HVAC dials, drive setting dial (2WD/4WD/LOCK) and the tachometer and speedometer gauge surrounds.

Stylish Wheel Enhancements

The Outlander Sport ES gains a new 16-inch wheel cover design while the Outlander Sport SE gets a fetching new 18-inch alloy wheel design.

New Rearview Camera System

The Premium package (available on the Outlander Sport SE) now includes a backup camera with a display screen set within the auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Free Tank of Gasoline

Mitsubishi dealers will make sure a customer's all-new 2012 Mitsubishi outlander sport will have a full tank of gas at the time of delivery of the vehicle to the customer.

The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is offered in two trim levels: a well-equipped front-wheel drive ES model available with either a fuel-efficient five-speed manual transmission or an advanced continuously-variable transmission (CVT), and a more opulently-appointed, CVT-equipped SE version available in either 2WD or with Mitsubishi's exceptional All-Wheel Control (AWC) shift on-the-fly all-wheel drive system.

Efficient and Capable Engine and Transmissions

When it came time to design a fuel-efficient efficient and capable drivetrain for the company's all-new compact crossover vehicle, Mitsubishi engineers elected to use the proven and reliable 4B11 engine that features the company's high-tech MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) continuously-variable valve timing system, along with a sturdy and light weight aluminum block and cylinder head design.

With maximizing the vehicle's fuel efficiency in mind, the Outlander Sport's 4-cylinder engine features smooth-surface camshafts and specialized resin-coated pistons to help reduce friction, as well as an electric - rather than a drag-inducing hydraulic design - power steering system and a higher efficiency alternator. These engine features, along with a best-in-class level of aerodynamic efficiency for the cars attractive exterior design, help the 2012 Outlander Sport to achieve an outstanding EPA-rated 25 mpg city/31 mpg highway (2WD) and 23 city/28 highway (4WD).

The 2012 Outlander Sport ES comes equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission that is operated in an easy and polished manner but also offers the high-tech continuously-variable transmission (CVT) as an option. The CVT is the sole transmission offered on the distinguished SE trim level.

A fine performer on last year's Outlander Sport model, the CVT has received a recalibration of its operating system for the 2012 model that now offers the driver improved throttle response, quicker acceleration from a standing start and overall more natural feel. A feature of the CVT that are sure to be a delight to the enthusiast driver is a manual sports mode that turns the system into a virtual 6-speed gearbox.

The Finer Things: Expansive Standard & Optional Amenities

Every 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport includes a voluminous list of standard features and amenities - including many items that are pricy extras on competing vehicles in the compact crossover segment. Among the entries are a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; rear LED combination tail lights; heated side view mirrors; air conditioning with pollen filter; rear heater floor ducts; color multi-information display that includes a trip computer, service reminder, audio system information and exterior ambient temperature display; a 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible sound system with 4 speakers, Digital Signal Processing (DSP), equalization control, speed-compensated volume, auxiliary audio RCA input jacks, and handy steering wheel-mounted audio controls; and Mitsubishi's FUSE Handsfree Link System™ with a USB port that allows for operation of the audio system, cell phone or iPod® simply by the use of one's voice, plus much more.

The SE trim level further elevates the included features and amenities with the addition of automatic climate control with pollen filter; a stylish new 18-inch alloy wheels; helpful Super-wide range high intensity discharge (S-HID) headlamps; FAST-key passive entry system; One-touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch; steering wheel-mounted operation of the cruise control; and magnesium-alloy paddle shifters.

Luxury accoutrements available on the 2012 Outlander Sport include a thunderous-sounding 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate® audio system with 9 speakers and a booming 10-inch tool-voice coil subwoofer with Punch® control; a 40 GB HDD navigation system with music server and real-time traffic; an incredible panoramic glass roof with adjustable LED mood lighting; and the convenience of a 6-disc in-dash CD/MP3-compatible changer.

Safety First

The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is outfitted with a variety of cutting-edge safety technologies and design features that provide not only maximum protection for both the driver and passengers alike but also smartly helps to reduce injuries to pedestrians as well.

Thanks to an energy-absorbing front bumper and specially-designed flexible plastic front fenders, potential injury to pedestrians is reduced as these design elements help to cushion the blow somewhat in the event of a collision.

The Outlander Sport also features Mitsubishi's next-generation Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body design technology. RISE helps to protect the vehicle's occupants by minimizing body distortion as well as safeguarding the fuel system in the event of a rear end collision. The RISE system also aids with energy dissipation to help protect the passenger compartment should the car be hit from the side or the rear.

Other standard safety features on all 2012 Outlander Sport models include a front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) including front side impact air bags and air curtains, driver's seat position and passenger weight sensors, active front seat headrests, a driver knee air bag, 3-point seatbelts for all 5 seating positions with front seat belt pretensioners.

Dynamic driving aids include anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Active Stability Control (ASC), Traction Control Logic (TCL), Hill Start Assist (HAS) and a brake override system that will slow the vehicle to complete stop should both the accelerator and brake pedal be engaged at the same time.

Exceptional Crossover, Exceptional Warranty

The 2012 Mitsubishi outlander sport comes with a comprehensive warranty that includes a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, a fully transferable 5-year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty, 7-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty and a 5-year/unlimited miles roadside assistance program.