Mitsubishi launches world's first twin-clutch SUV

By Mike Elwin First Official Pictures 31 March 2008 14:15 Mitsubishi will sell the world’s first SUV with a twin-clutch gearbox this autumn when it launches the Outlander Twin Clutch SST. Previously such systems have been the preserve of sports cars and performance-orientated hatchbacks, and definitely not off-roaders. CAR Online has tested the SST system in the new Evo X and been impressed by the speed and quality of the gearchange.

VW Passat R-Line introduced

The VW Passat R-Line introduced in the new Passat range But the Passat R-Line (which will be available in both saloon and estate versions) is not really an addition to the Passat range, rather a re-working of the current model options. The Passat Sport and Passat SEL are dropped, and the new range now comprises S, R-Line and Highline. But, just as with the Tiguan R-Line, this is not a power upgrade but merely a cosmetic one.

Volkswagen plans return of Microbus

An expanded lineup of Beetle-themed cars are in Volkswagen's future, including a Microbus model that we have seen in various concept forms over the past decade, according to Auto Express. When Volkswagen renews the Beetle in 2019, it will also debut a crossover, coupe and a mini-MPV, all based on the MQB architecture that underpins the new Golf. Even though plans of an MPV rebirth date back to the introduction of a number of concepts in the early 2000s, Volkswagen hadn't pulled the trigger on putting an homage to the Bus (known as the Kombi in most of the world, or Camper in the U.K.) intro production for a number of reasons.