The TV spot is centered around a comedic misinterpretation of the phrase "Dad, where do I come from." See, Dad thinks sonny-boy has asked him about the birds and bees, and thus busts out "the big talk" on the ride home. On the way, we're beaten over the head with innuendo-tastic images like a guy manning a jackhammer, dad imitating masturbation, a water fountain, and exploding fireworks. As the father-son duo pull into the driveway, sonny says something that we've interpreted as either "that's on cool Dad, cause Jimmy Johnson only comes from Scotland" or "Cuz Jimmy Jones and Arnie comes from Scotland." Whatever the case, we get the joke they were aiming at, but what kid this age doesn't know where they were born?

The combined power of a tired joke and mealy-mouthed kid delivering the punchline have us shaking our heads in disappointment. Jimmy Johnson only comes from Scotland indeed. The worst part? This press release accompanying the ad.

MITSUBISHI’S NEW ‘BIRDS AND BEES’ TV AND CINEMA AD CAN ONLY BE SHOWN AFTER 9 PM

Mitsubishi’s latest TV ad only to be shown after 9 o’clock watershed
Light-hearted innuendo could be inappropriate for younger viewers
Never Too Shy To Turn Heads

Mitsubishi has never been shy of turning heads. Drive down any street and its distinctive products – like the new L200, Lancer Evolution X or the next generation Colt super mini – are sure to attract admiring glances from pedestrians or other road users. Even its vehicle names have caused a stir, such as the yes-it-does-mean-what-you-think ‘FQ’ badges to be found on the ‘very fast’ Lancer Evolution range.

Well, now its new TV advertising campaign due to be launched on Monday 9th February 2009 is set to attract attention as Clearcast, the company responsible for the pre-transmission examination and clearance of television advertisements, has not approved it to be shown on TV before the 9 o’clock watershed.

Where Did I Come From?

The campaign features a conversation between a young boy and his Dad as they take a drive in the stylish new Lancer. The boy simply asks “Where did I come from?”, which instantly sends his father into that place of fear and trepidation… how to explain the ‘birds and the bees’ to your child for the first time.

The rest of the advert focuses on the father’s description to his son from outside the car, but as they journey home progresses, each explanation inside the car is mirrored by events outside.

Lance Bradley, Mitsubishi’s Director of Sales and Marketing said that, “Clearcast thought that the light-hearted innuendo throughout the ad could be seen as inappropriate – especially for younger viewers. We are happy to have the TV ad shown after the 9 o’clock watershed and will also be making the ad available through our website at www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/features/tv.asp too.”

We're told to expect two versions of the five-door hatchback to be launched initially in Europe. The base Lancer Sportback will be powered by a choice of 1.5- and 1.8-liter gasoline engines, or a 2.0-liter turbodiesel. The base model will send power to the front wheels, but the Ralliart version will get the all-wheel-drive system from the Evo IX, the new dual-clutch gearbox and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-banger rated at 235 HP and 253 lb-ft of torque. Expect to see the sportback's hit European showrooms starting this fall, and we're even hearing we'll be seeing the Sportback bringing sexyback stateside. After driving the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, we can conclusively say the thought of a bit more storage thanks to a bit bigger of a rear end makes us happy as can be. [via NetCarShow]

While this is just rendered speculation, those same sources claim the new Lancer Sportback will be entering markets by 2010, but no official word-on-high places the vehicle on US shores yet. However, the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback will be tempting us from afar when it debuts at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. [Carscoop]

Mitsubishi Motors unveils Lancer Sportback at Paris Motor Show — Lancer Ralliart 4WD sports sedan also on display —

Tokyo, June 11 2008 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil, for the first time at an international motor show, the Lancer Sportback at the Le Mondial de l'Automobile 2008 (Paris Motor Show 2008 ) being held in Halls 1-8 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from October 2 (October 4 for the general public) through October 19. The Lancer Sportback will have its European launch this fall with a phased introduction into the various countries in the region.

The company will also be displaying the Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models that are based on the Lancer*1 sports sedan and Lancer Sportback. These models are powered by a turbocharged engine mated to Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) and delivering power to all four wheels through an Active Center Differential.

*1 Named the Galant Fortis in Japan

With its inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille that defines the Mitsubishi Motors design identity the sporty Lancer Sportback is a 5-door sport hatchback, a body type that is very popular in Europe. The model is available in versions powered by 1.5-liter (109PS) or 1.8-liter (143PS) gasoline engines or by a 2.0-liter (140PS) turbo diesel engine. The Lancer Sportback offers an "auto-folding function" which enhances luggage compartment convenience through adjustable rear floor height and rear seatbacks that can be tipped forward via a lever located in the luggage compartment. The series is due to be joined by a model powered by Mitsubishi Motors' new diesel engine in spring of 2009.

The Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models use a new turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC*2 engine [maximum output 177 kW (240PS), maximum torque 343 Nm (35 kgm)]. This is mated to Mitsubishi's high-efficiency Twin Clutch SST transmission with an Active Center Differential, for extremely responsive steering and traction through tailoring the amount of torque fed to each wheel to optimally suit driving conditions. Also helping to significantly raise the basic performance attributes of these cars over the Lancer base model are 2-pot caliper front brakes and a larger brake master cylinder.

*2 Mitsubishi Innovative Valve lift and timing Electronic Control system

[via NihonCar]