Rumored: Ford Taurus X To Be Cancelled

Jalopnik is confirming that the Taurus X will be cancelled after the 2009 model year. The original 2005 Five-Hundred and Freestyle debuted to a slow sales start and were around until 2007, when the Ford CEO Alan Mulally decided to resurrect the Taurus nameplate on the refreshened 2008 models. Along with their new names of Taurus and Taurus X, each got corporate faces with three-bar grilles as well as the automaker's new 3.5L V6.

Ford must've thought sales would pick up in earnest as the 2008 models were both more interesting to look and more powerful than the vehicles they replaced. But sales didn't pick up and Mulally recently announced another major change for the Taurus: a completely new version for the next year that he calls, "the one we should have made originally." According to Jalopnik's informed insider, the Taurus X model is apparently not included in those plans.

Ford has not officially commented on the cancellation of the Taurus X, but if the rumors are true, we say farewell to the four-year-old CUV from Ford.

Officially Unveiled: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Today Mitsubishi has officially revealed the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, with a complete press release and pictures of JDM version. The trims Mitsubishi specifically announced were the GSR, the standard version, and the RS model, without the giant rear wing.

The new car's engine is lighter, thanks to an aluminum block, and more powerful at 295 HP and 300 ft-lbs. of torque. A new Twin-Clutch SST 6-speed automated manual is available but a 5-speed manual is still optional on the RS.

For more info about the new Evo X in the press release after the jump.