Yet another manufacturer is positioning itself to become a player in the EV game, and that company is ... Mitsubishi?

Yep, Mitsubishi plans to more than triple the production of its electric car over the next three years. To meet an anticipated demand, the company known best to young rally car enthusiasts will put out 9,000 of its zero-emissions i-MiEV electric in the fiscal year starting April 1, followed by a production run of 18,000 the following year, then bumped to 30,000 the next.

The i-MiEV went on sale last year in Japan, where it sold 1,400 units between April 2009 and March 2010. About 250 units were sold abroad during that same time frame, though not in the U.S. -- the i-MiEV will not go on sale here until April, 2011. 

Chrysler has just started production on a new V6 engine that should find its way into just about every model the company currently produces. The power plant is a completely new design, and as a result, boasts more horsepower and fuel efficiency compared to outgoing 6-cylinders. While the release of a single engine isn’t nearly as exciting as a completely new model, the news comes as a first tangible step in Chrysler’s resurrection from bankruptcy. What’s more, the engine’s fuel efficiency numbers show that the smallest of Detroit’s Big Three is finally giving serious credence to one of the largest concerns of everyday buyers. 

As Jalopnik says, "all you have to do is bitch."

Complain, that is, about the "operation and/or the feel" of the replacement metal stints used to fix the sticky accelerator pedals.

Toyota -- as you can see in the paperwork included after the jump -- instructed dealers that "accelerator pedal replacement is based on specific customer request only," and that "dealers are not to solicit pedal replacements."

If, however, you get the stint replaced per the original plan, then complain as instructed above and specifically request a new pedal. Toyota will fix it -- for free. 

The Lexus CT200h -- the slick-looking premium hatchback hybrid that debuted earlier this year in Geneva -- will head to the U.S. in early 2011, according to a media alert released by the automaker this afternoon.

If that schedule holds, it will be the only dedicated hybrid in the compact luxury segment.

From the company's press release:

"The CT 200h’s Lexus Hybrid Drive technology features two motor generators. Each performs specific functions and can operate as both a motor and generator. The engine-driven generator can charge the battery pack or provide additional power to the drive motor as needed. The drive motor is driven by electrical power from the hybrid battery pack or generator and provides motive force for the front wheels. The hybrid battery pack is located under the rear cargo area within the wheelbase for optimized balance."

 

The CT200h will also have four drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV.

 

Soon after Fiat/Chrysler introduces a State-side version of the Fiat 500 (scheduled to appear later this year), the company will roll out an electric version.

The EV version of the 500, which, like its gasoline counterpart, will be built in Mexico, will roll out sometime in 2012. Actual specs are scarce -- the company hasn't announced the vehicle's electric range, for example -- but the car will nonetheless be the first EV manufactured by the corporate pairing.

The company also reiterated plans to produce a 140-vehicle test fleet of plug-in electric Dodge Ram trucks. 

Looks like Ford has finally listened to that subset of drivers who have been clamoring for the type of speedy, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive models that the manufacturer has long offered in Europe but kept off American lots.

On the heels of its success with the zippy, fun-to-drive Fiesta, Ford will position itself to steal youth market share from the likes of Honda and Subaru, who already offer smaller sporty and affordable models such as the Civic and Impreza. Offering enthusiast drivers affordable performance when they're young, the thinking goes, will create loyal customers for years to come.

The upcoming performance line could touch any given model in Ford's current or upcoming lineup, from the Mustang to the Ford pickup truck. 

It's the end of the day on Friday -- let's wrap things up with a quick view out over the automotive horizon, shall we? Yes? Good, let's go.

First up: Ford potential deal to unload Volvo to Geely Motors has hit a snag, at least according to the Geely side of things. They won't say what the problem is, exactly, but insist that A.) It's Ford's problem, and B.) They still expect the deal to get done. [Via Automotive News.]

Warm weather and crazy incentives have driven car sales up in March, to a point not surpassed since Cash for Clunkers. [Via Detroit Free Press.] Meanwhile, some are warning that Toyota's incentives (otherwise known as "here's some free stuff, please stop hating us now") might spark an incentive war among manufacturers... which, really, is only a problem for manufacturers, and quite a good thing for anyone looking to buy a car. [Via Automotive News.] 

Remember that video we showed awhile back from the short film "The Fast and the Famous," of Jay Leno driving the Sunset Boulevard-Mulholland Drive-Coldwater Canyon loop, which he called Los Angeles' Nurburgring? He was in a cherry-red Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, and he pontificated on some of the driving history of L.A. and about that time way back when he used to be funny?

Well, much like late-night comedy, someone has done something similar to Leno, but made the whole thing way more entertaining.

Pro driver Tanner Foust of the Formula Drift circuit, in conjunction with Scion Racing and Rock Star energy drink, have put together a mind-blowing video of Foust absolutely killing Mulholland Drive, drifting that treacherous stretch of asphalt like it was made just for him and no other.

Words don't do it justice: Check it out (especially the final part, at 3:19), after the jump.