It's been seven years since the Mitsubishi Diamante was sold in the U.S. During that time, the Japanese manufacturer has lacked any sort replacement with luxury leanings. But if rumors pan out, that void may be filled by a new Diamante based on ...the Infiniti M.
According to Automotive News, these plans are afoot, despite comments to the contrary by Mitsubishi President Osamu Masuko. Masuko adds that the company is downsizing its vehicles since their larger cars simply didn't sell well. Plus, the exchange rate between the Japanese Yen and our Dollar would send its pricetag skyward.
In the end, this rumor may just be that -- a rumor. But the idea does make sense when you consider Mitsubishi can market a car without having to contend with all of that pesky research and development. As resident Photoshop Terrorist, I slapped a Lancer nose and trunk on the Infiniti M pictured above. It's not my best work, admittedly, since I ran out of time to get rid of those bulging wheel arches, but seeing it in this form seems a bit more plausible.
Our gut reaction still puts this mashup in the unlikely column. And even if Mitsubishi does produce a new Diamante, we're not sure shoppers would be that keen to shell out that kind of money in a highly competitive segment.
Or are we off base here?
Mark Takahashi, Associate Editor
93aero says:
07:33 PM, 02/ 4/11
I'm not sure why they'd shift their focus to a luxury car, if they are 1) already pulling out 4 models because of low sales volume. 2) have plans to reneter with small EV type vehicles. and 3) doesn't it seem odd that nissan would be handing over aid in taking sales from their maxima? I'm skeptical. And theres a good point, its a very competitive market; with how far Mitsubishi has fallen off the radar i doubt they could sell alot of them.
altimadude05 says:
09:33 PM, 02/ 4/11
@93aero--Any comparisons of a Nissan Maxima and a car derived from an Infiniti M would be false. While it was true that in its prime the Mitsubishi Diamante was a competitor to the Maxima, the Infiniti M is rear and AWD, is at least a step up the luxury ladder, and in a different price category than the Maxima. If they brought down a car derived from the M to the Maxima level (i.e. FWD), why not base it on the Maxima to begin with?
In regards to the article, I highly doubt, after openly sharing what their future goals are for the export market, Mitsubishi would suddenly do an about face and make a luxury car. Besides, Mitsubishi has no president with sharing with Nissan, only Chrysler.
But, who knows, I may be wrong. Maybe Mitsubishi will be swallowed up by Nissan and become Renault/Nissan's EV division?
roar02ram says:
07:49 PM, 02/ 5/11
Seriously, that photo wasn't worth the effort. Hate to be harsh, but it's awful, & it never should've seen the light of day.
emajor says:
09:04 PM, 02/ 6/11
"Seriously, that photo wasn't worth the effort."
Poppycock. I thought for a minute that Mitsubishi was releasing a new Galant. Though I did wonder why they didn't make it look a little more distinct from the Lancer. The Photoshopping is great. The design of the mash-up itself? Well, if Mitsubishi does make a Diamante I think its safe to say it won't look like that.
albook says:
09:56 AM, 02/ 7/11
There is no way in hell it would happen.....but it would be awesome!