-MMNA
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Mitsubishi Evolander Concept at 2006 SEMA
Mitsubishi Motors' Evolander Concept Headlines A Strong Display Of Customized And Race-prepped Vehicles At The 2006 Sema Show
All-New 2007 Outlander gets EVO-ived, Race-prepped Raider Pickup debuts prior to competing in Baja 1000
October 31, 2006 -- LAS VEGAS --
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) addresses the tuner market by presenting an exciting new Evolander concept vehicle, the off-road race-ready Baja Raider truck, the Feast Audio "i" minicar, the LOUD-lander by Rockford Fosgate and several new Special Edition models at the 2006 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.
"The Evolander builds upon the reputation that the Lancer Evolution sedan has built among tuners and car enthusiasts. Like the Evo, the Evolander boasts a forced induction engine, electronic all-wheel drive, and a tuned suspension that deliver on its Evo-ness," said Dan Sims, managing director of Mitsubishi Research and Design America. "A vehicle like Evolander, which blends Evolution-style design cues and sport SUV themes, might help inspire tuners to apply their wares to the compact SUV segment."
Evolander
Headlining the marquee of Mitsubishi's SEMA display is the Evolander concept. This unique vehicle, created by the Mitsubishi Research and Design of America (MRDA) team in Cypress, California started life as a 2007 Outlander, which is an all-new addition to Mitsubishi's line-up that goes on sale in November. The creative minds at MRDA sought to infuse the Evolander concept with performance elements and design cues inspired by Mitsubishi's omnipotent, race-ready, super-sedan, the Lancer Evolution. An exploratory concept, the Evolander represents the design and engineering possibilities of what could be an Outlander Ralliart production model in the future.
For the Evolander, the output of the Outlander's 3.0-liter V6 engine (normally rated at 220 hp) swells to 300 hp with the help of an ATI/Roadrace Engineering Procharger system that uses a centrifugal compressor to produce 6 psi of boost. The increased power is fed through a 6-speed automatic transmission that is actuated by the same magnesium-alloy paddle shifters that will be equipped on the next generation performance model. The Evolander puts power to pavement using Mitsubishi's newest electronically-controlled AWD system offering exceptional, rally-car like roadholding in an SUV. The list of Evolander's dynamic enhancements also includes a Roadrace Engineering/Muellerized coilover suspension system that enhances handling to help dice corners with precision and exceptional control. The Evolander rides on lightweight 20-inch OZ wheels wrapped in high performance Yokohama Advan ST performance rubber. Brembo's new 6-piston monobloc-style brakes squeeze massive cross-drilled front rotors, and a set of cross-drilled rear rotors were added to help bring the vehicle to a swift, safe sudden halt.
The Evolander's exterior design follows along an "urban performance" theme, and shares several characteristics with the Lancer Evolution sedan. The Evolander's fascia design mimics that of the Evolution vehicles with its cavernous cooling and brake duct intakes and an aggressively vented hood. The Lancer Evolution also lends its iconic, rally-inspired, box flares to the Evolander, increasing the width of the vehicle at the fenders by 28 mm. The Evolander also features a more aggressive aerodynamic treatment, with lowered side sills, fender vents, a rear diffuser and a Ralliart rear spoiler that add a "sporty urban" look to the SUV.
The Evolander's stylish interior fuses sporting elements of Evolution with the technology features found on Outlander. Recaro Sport form fitting, reclining racing seats cradle and support driver and passenger helping improve a driver's seating position and vehicle control during aggressive driving. The interior still maintains full use of the 2007 Outlander's new 30 GB hard-drive navigation system (with 1200 song music storage capability), as well as the rear DVD entertainment system, and the eardrum-rattling Rockford Fosgate 650 watt audio system.
Baja Raider
The Mitsubishi Motors display at the 2006 SEMA Show also features the Baja Raider, a competition version of the Raider truck campaigned by DXR (Desert Xtreme Racing). The Baja Raider will compete in the SCORE Stock Mini category at the Baja 1000 (November 16th), which closely regulates the modifications that can be made to this relatively showroom-stock class of off-road race truck. For the Stock Mini class, rules require that vehicle's V6 drivetrains remain mostly factory specification while various other chassis modifications are permitted to the truck such as suspension and safety enhancements. Consistent with the class rules, the Baja Raider sports a rugged 3.7-liter V6 under the hood; the engine receives basic induction and exhaust enhancements to improve response. The Baja Raider's transmission and 4WD system relies on the same durable hardware found on a showroom Raider.
The suspension revisions will allow the Baja Raider to maintain a swift pace over the harsh terrain of the Baja peninsula. The front suspension's travel is maximized and dampened with the help of King Customs 2.5-inch coilover racing shocks and triple bypass racing shocks to help control wheel travel over the harshest terrain. At the rear of the Baja Raider, the truck's solid rear axle is supported by King custom 3" triple-valved race shocks, Deaver racing leaf springs and Mastercraft limit straps.
A tireless attention to detail is evident in the Stock Mini class Baja Raider which is the result of about 1200+ man-hours of preparation. Tireless also describes the behind-the-wheel iron-man effort we can expect to see from DXR's Dan Fresh who will drive the entire length of the Baja 1000 course without a co-driver. With 10 years of competition under his belt, Fresh is no stranger to the rigors of desert racing and has enjoyed several class championships as well as previous success in the Baja 1000. "The Baja 1000 is about as grueling a challenge as off-road racing can offer," said Fresh. "That desert certainly tests equipment, it is also a contest of skill, preparation, determination and guile. There are no easy victories in the Baja, and we feel can be very competitive with the Baja Raider."
LOUD-lander by Rockford Fosgate
Simply put, LOUD-lander is the world's loudest Outlander. Harnessing 2700 watts of total system power through 18 speakers, LOUD-lander practically weaponizes a vehicle's "sound system." Rumor has it that at full song the LOUD-lander's sonic fury is capable of loosening dental fillings and deforming contact lenses. This epic audio system relies on five amplifiers (two 450 watt units and three 600 watt units) to power twelve Rockford Fosgate Punch P162S 6 3/4 inch speakers and six Rockford Fosgate Punch P215S4 15" sub woofers. Both the speakers and the subwoofers are constructed using a molded polypropylene cone mated to a stamped steel frame for improved durability, deep, consistent bass and high performance. The LOUD-lander's awesome power is enhanced with a Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty.2 Interactive Signal Processor that helps provide outstanding clarity and sound definition for this Herculean compact SUV audio system.
FEAST/ ROAR "I"
Direct from Japan to the SEMA show floor, the FEAST "i" minicar shows how exciting the diminutive "kei" class of vehicles can be. The "i" is powered by a turbocharged 660cc, 3 cylinder engine, as specified by vehicle class limitations. Output on the FEAST "i" is estimated at about 70 hp, which is directed to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. It is the unique rear-midship engine placement of "i" that allowed designers to maximize the interior space upon the vehicle's rather long 2550 mm wheelbase. Despite exterior dimensions (3300 mm long by 1400 mm wide) limited by vehicle class constraints, the "i"'s intelligent packaging design affords interior space for four adults with while maintaining class-leading handling, safety and urban manueverability. The innovative design of the "i" minicar has already earned several awards in Japan including the prestigious "Good Design Grand Prize 2006" (awarded by the Japanese minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry) which awards the most significant design across all of Japanese industry, not merely automotive.
The FEAST "i" receives exterior enhancements such as ROAR front spoiler, air dam extension, side sills, and rear air dam. A FEAST designed carbon fiber hood and vinyl decal kit finish off the unique exterior of the "i".
In addition, the FEAST "i " is equipped with a BLITZ dual outlet exhaust system that provides a baritone rumble for this tiny vehicle, and the car's ride and handling is also enhanced for better cornering with the addition of a Blitz Super Flex Suspension kit.
With an interior that looks more like the cockpit of a small spaceship than a passenger car, the FEAST "i" offers drivers a unique and futuristic operating space. The interior surfaces (door panels, center console, etc.) feature a custom pastel interior finish, as well as numerous new speaker locations that are connected to an Alpine audio system. The Alpine head unit is mounted in a custom dashpod and an Alpine equalizer is mounted in a custom center console. A Panasonic center monitor resides in a custom built dash-top mounted centerpiece, and additional LCD monitors are located in a custom-built package tray/speaker enclosure at the rear of the vehicle. A pair of Recaro seats and steering wheel round out the interior enhancements.
Eclipse Sport Edition and Endeavor Special Edition
Mitsubishi's SEMA display will features two special trim levels of current models we might see in showrooms in the very near future. The Eclipse Sport Edition is revised with several exterior enhancements such a chin spoiler, a larger rear wing, and a graphic package. With 19-inch wheels and the aero kit, the vehicle displays a more athletic stance. The Eclipse Sport edition's interior has been restyled with a black and terra cotta color scheme.
The Endeavor Special Edition applies "V.I.P.-look" themes to Mitsubishi's mid-sized SUV, the made-in-America Endeavor. A unique billet aluminum grille, a very deep hue of black, deletion of roof rails, subtle use of chrome finish, a rear roof edge spoiler, and larger 20-inch wheels complete the dramatic exterior look of this Endeavor. The vehicle's interior is revised with an upscale treatment thanks to a two-tone, black and cream door panel and seating surface treatment with cream stitching.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, and research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States and Canada. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles and pickups through a network of approximately 540 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.
EVOLANDER
Exterior:
* Urban performance concept
* Aggressive 'evolution' style front fascia
* Ralliart grill w/ polished mesh insert
* Widened fender flares
* Vented hood for underhood heat dissipation
* Fender vents w/ integrated side marker lighting
* Lowered side sill w/ embossed 'EVOlander' logo
* Aggressive rear fascia w/ lower air diffuser and center mount exhaust
* Ralliart rear spoiler
* OZ 20-inch Canyon wheels
* Brembo 6 piston front brakes w/ cross-drilled front and rear rotors
* Yokohama Advan ST high performance tires
Interior:
* Contemporary performance interior concept
* Recaro Sport form-fitting and reclining race seats w/ alcantara
* Seat inserts front and rear
* Mitsubishi SatNav system w/ integrated 30 gig hard drive and 1200 song
* Storage capability
* Sirius satellite radio and Bluetooth compatible
* Chrome accent interior pieces
* Mitsubishi DVD rear seat entertainment system
* Rockford Fosgate 650 watt audio system
Performance:
* 3.0L V6 engine
* 6 speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted 'magnesium'
* Shift paddles
* ATI/ Roadrace Engineering Procharger system
* Tuned center mount exhaust system
* Roadrace/ Muellerized coilover suspension system
* Vehicle tuned to 300hp at 6psi of boost
BAJA RAIDER
Exterior:
* Custom 1" body lift
* Full custom roll cage including engine, bed and cab
* 33" Yokohama racing tires
* ATX Racing Rims
* Custom Front Bumper
Interior:
* 7 Vision X 8500 HIDs
* Custom Center Consol
* Mastercraft 3G Racing Seats
* Mastercraft 5 Point Racing Harnesses
* Kenwood 150 watt race radio
* Lowrance 480c Baja GPS unit
* 4ch DVR with 4 CCV Cameras
* 2 red top Optima batteries
* Mastercraft window nets
Performance:
* 2 Setrab Trans Coolers
* 32 Gallon Fuel Safe Fuel Cell
* Custom Fuel System
Rear Suspension:
* King 3" Triple By-Pass Racing Shocks
* Deaver Racing Leaf Springs
* Mastercraft limit straps
Front Suspension:
* King custom 2 1/2" Triple By-Pass Racing Shocks
* King custom 2 1/2" Coil Over Racing Shock
* Mastercraft limit straps
Mitsubishi LOUD-Lander by Rockford Fosgate
Exterior:
* 20 inch Zenetti Brigade Custom Wheels
* 20 inch Toyo Tires
* Mitsubishi JDM Aero Grille
* Mitsubishi JDM Rear Spoiler
* Custom Vinyl Graphics
Interior:
* Mitsubishi Multi Communication System
* Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty.2 Interactive Signal Processor
* 2 Rockford Fosgate Punch P450.4 amplifiers (450 watts x 4)
* 3 Rockford Fosgate Punch 600.1bd amplifiers (600 watts x 1)
* 12 Rockford Fosgate Punch P162S speakers
* 6 Rockford Fosgate Punch P215S4 speakers
* Custom Installation and Fabrication by Sound Expression
Total system power 2700 watts
i Car
Exterior:
1. Front Half spoiler
2. Front Air Dam Extension
3. Side Under Extension
4. Rear Air Dam
5. Carbon style Pillar garnish
6. Carbon Hood
7. Original Vinyl Graphic Decal
8. Sport Muffler
9. Super Flex Suspension
10. XSA 02C wheels
11. DUNLOP tires
Interior:
1. Bucket Seat SR11
2. Rear Seat Material Change
3. Original Steering Wheel
4. Pastel style interior
5. Audio Visual
6. Center Monitor
* Parts scheduled to be on vehicle at time of writing. For updates please check wheel stands next to car in the Mitsubishi booth.
ROCKFORD FOSGATE ECLIPSE
Exterior:
1. Custom paint by Drew Brother Customs
2. 20-inch Urban Racer Type 10 wheels
3. Toyo Proxy 235/35 20 tires
Interior:
1. Four Rockford Fosgate PUNCH(R) 400-watt subwoofers
2. Rockford Fosgate PUNCH(R) front-door speakers
3. Rockford Fosgate PUNCH(R) rear speakers
4. Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty interactive signal processor
5. Rockford Fosgate 300-watt amplifier
6. Rockford Fosgate 400-watt amplifier
7. Enduratex perforated vinyl inserts on charcoal leather with matched dash/door pieces
Performance:
1. Custom intake and exhaust by UMS Tuning
2. Stop-Tech 4-wheel high-performance brakes
3. Tein suspension with high-performance coilovers
* Parts scheduled to be on vehicle at time of writing. For updates please check wheel stands next to car
in the Mitsubishi booth.
-MMNA
Monday, October 30, 2006
New Mitsubishi Delica D:5 mono-box minivan (JP)
Tokyo, October 30 2006— Mitsubishi Motors today announced that its new mono-box minivan will be branded the "Delica D:5" (pronounced "dee five") for launch in the Japan market early in 2007.
Mitsubishi Motors' plans for FY2006 included three new model launches in its domestic market. The first was the double launch of the new eK Wagon and eK Sports in September 2006, and the second was the new Pajero in October 2006. Both have been a big hit with customers, and further success is expected with the Delica D:5, the third of the planned model launches.
The D:5 name derives from this being the fifth generation Delica in a series that began when Mitsubishi Motors led the mono-box market by launching its first model in 1968. The Delica D:5 has been developed to "fuse the comfort of a minivan with the powerful performance of an SUV," in a new model with three specific product characteristics:
- Spacious interior that can seat 8 in comfort, with a wide variety of utility features,
- Strong body structure with comprehensive safety fittings and great environmental performance,
- High all-round performance, on-road and off-road, thanks to a 2.4L MIVEC engine mated to an electronically controlled 4WD system.
-MMC
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Sebastien Loeb wins 2006 WRC Championship
Subject to the official publication of the results by the FIA, Sebastien Loeb has become FIA World Rally Champion for the third year in a row, despite being almost 14 thousand kilometres away from this weekend's Telstra Rally Australia, recuperating with a broken arm. Loeb becomes the first driver run by a privateer team to claim the drivers' title since 1981, when Ari Vatanen did it with a Rothmans Ford Escort run by David Sutton.
After breaking his arm in the days after Rally Cyprus, Loeb gifted Marcus Gronholm an admittedly-slim second chance for the 2006 driver's championship. Gronholm could afford to finish one of the remaining four events third to stand any chance of taking the title but even then, he would have to win the remaining rounds and for Loeb not to score to do it. Gronholm won in Turkey, exactly what was needed but a mistake on the third stage of Telstra Rally Australia meant that the best he could achieve was fifth, eliminating his hopes of a third title.
This year has been an eventful one for Loeb. Not only did he claim the record for the number of rally wins, he either won or finished second on every event he contested; a remarkable achivement. It is not yet known when Loeb will make his return to the championship. However he can rest easy knowing that he will not have to rush back to take the title.
"To win the title is a very nice feeling," Loeb said in a telephone interview with BP Ultimate World Rally Radio at the end of Telstra Rally Australia.
"Luckily for me I had a good number of points before I had my accident," he added. "When you are at home and you know you can't drive and you're watching the rally on the internet, it's very difficult; very frustrating to not be able to fight. It's a good to know that we won the championship.
"For me it was a big challenge to come with Kronos at the beginning of the season, but they gave me a perfect car all season, like it was with Citroen. I would like to be there to celebrate it, but hopefully I'll come back before the end of the season, so we can all celebrate it together."
-WRC.com
Friday, October 27, 2006
WRC Rally Australia
WRC Rally Australia
FIA WRC Rd. 14
26-29 October, 2006
Leg 1
For anyone wanting an easy and predictable day of rallying, Perth was definitely not the place to be today. The first leg of the 2006 Telstra Rally Australia was full of incidents that shook up the order and potentially, could decide the championship.
The event began with the traditional double-blast around the superspecial stage in Gloucester Park on Thursday evening. However, as usual, the rally proper began on Friday morning, as the crews headed south from Perth to the fast gravel tracks in the forests.
Running first on the road, Marcus Gronholm knew that to keep his driver's title hopes alive, he needed to win. He'd said before the event that he would look at the positives and not be fazed by the prospect of sweeping the road clean for following drivers.
However, five kilometres into the first stage, it all went horribly wrong. He clipped a rock in a ditch and rolled off the road. He got going again but not before losing ten minutes to the front runners. He struggled through the following four stages before service with a sick car gradually filling with dust and finally arrived 12 minutes behind the leader.
Top of the leader-board to begin with was Chris Atkinson's, the Australian clearly revelling in his Subaru Impreza. He set the fastest time on each of the day's three stages and was looking good for upholding the team honours.
Behind him was a great scrap between Petter Solberg and Mikko Hirvonen; Solberg was complaining that the car was not set-up as he wanted it but the times were still coming in. Hirvonen, on the other hand, said he was suffering from running early on the road and was taking a cautious start. However, he still managed to claim second from Solberg on the second of the day's stages.
Another early casualty was Dani Sordo, whose Citroen Xsara lost all its gears just a few metres into the first of the day's stages. Matthew Wilson was another driver to fall foul of Gronholm's rock, bending a steering arm and ending his day's driving. His team-mate, Luis Perez Companc's day came to an end on the following stage, as he also rolled off the road and came to rest against a tree.
Atkinson's run of success was to be short-lived however, as he slid off the road and got his car beached in soft soil. The hot underside caused a small fire on dry undergrowth and by the time it was extinguished, he was out of the leg but would return for leg two.
Henning Solberg's event was also cut short, when he had a high-speed excursion after putting a wheel onto the loose gravel at the side of the road. When his car was returned to the service park, it was found that the 180kph impact with a tree had chipped the roll-cage and therefore, he would not be returning under SupeRally.
Atkinson's retirement handed the lead to Mikko Hirvonen, which he maintained to the end of the day over Solberg. However, the man on a mission after the lunchtime service was Marcus Gronholm, clearly not acknowledging first on the road as a disadvantage. In fact, for the last forest stage, it was a positive benefit, as dust clouds kicked up by the cars got progressively worse. In fact, he took almost a minute of the time he lost to the other WRCars back on one stage alone.
Xevi Pons enjoyed a clean and tidy first day, rewarding the faith the Kronos Total Citroen team put in him, to return to Perth in an excellent third place. Manfred Stohl is fourth, despite a difficult day where he was unable to get confident in the car or its handling.
Leg 2
The second leg of this weekend's Telstra Rally Australia was a much more drama-free affair than yesterday. Mikko Hirvonen and Petter Solberg enjoyed a huge scrap, the pair never more than fractions of seconds apart in terms of stage times, with Hirvonen maintaining control of the event and with it, the overall lead. Manfred Stohl consistently out-performed Xevi Pons throughout the day and ends leg two third.
The day began with five stages in the Bannister forestry complex, formerly known as Bunnings. All five stage wins went to a Ford, three to Hirvonen and two to Gronholm. However, so close were Hirvonen and Solberg that the gap between them changed by just 0.2 seconds over the five stages and 75Km. Gronholm began a steady climb back up the leader-board, heading back to Perth for the lunchtime service in 12th overall.
Manfred Stohl and Xevi Pons were also fighting for third place but the OMV Peugeot Norway driver began to demonstrate a distinct advantage, as Pons complained that he was finding it difficult to get the right feeling with the car. Stohl eventually headed back towards Perth for the first time today with an 11.4 second margin over Pons.
Behind them, there were four drivers returning under SupeRally regulations. Dani Sordo realised that there was absolutely no pointy in taking any big risks with the time lost on the first leg, missing each of the nine forest stages. So he spent the second day gaining experience, refining his pace notes and developing his Citroen Xsara ready for the following round in New Zealand.
In a similar vein, Chris Atkinson was putting in consistent times, working on his Subaru's set-up for the next round, explaining that the team were finding steps forward all the time.
Both of the Stobart VK Ford M-Sport drivers, Matthew Wilson and Luis Perez Companc were learning the event itself, each taking part for the first time. Perez said he was happy and enjoying the stages, while Wilson was happy to get to the end of the day's stages, having been first on the road in the Bannister complex and suffering with very little grip.
As the crews arrived at Perth for the service then, a rainstorm passed over and headed for the remaining two forest stages of the day. These were also the same two stages as yesterday afternoon, the second of which had caused so many problems with the dust. Many predicted the rain would help dampen down the problem, which the organisers had already resolved by introducing three minute gaps between cars.
As it transpired, the roads were not as damp as the drivers had thought. There were no major shake-ups in the standings, although both Xevi Pons and Petter Solberg said that they had taken soft tyres in anticipation of wetter stages.
So after two days, Hirvonen leads from Solberg, with Stohl in third and Pons fourth. However, at the end of the day, Marcus Gronholm had climbed up to 7th overall, just 45 seconds away from fifth place and the first group N car in the Production car World Rally Championship. At this rate, he will find himself in fifth within one or two stages on the final leg but will need at least two of the World Rally Cars ahead of him to drop at least nine minutes or retire to prevent Sebastien Loeb, undoubtedly watching the event from home with keen interest, to become the 2006 FIA World Rally Champion.
Leg 3
The final day of the last Telstra Rally Australia to be held in Perth was a relatively calm affair, with the manufacturer drivers remaining relatively static in the standings as they all drove with specific strategies in mind.
Mikko Hirvonen and Petter Solberg continued to swap stage times just as they had done throughout the event; they were never more than a few seconds apart, over the 100kms that made up the final leg. Had it not been for the time Solberg lost in the dust on the ninth stage of the event on Friday, the final result may well have been closer. As it was, the gap changed by just 4.8 seconds during the final day, culminating in a 37.1 second lead for Hirvonen.
The young Finn was understandably delighted to take his maiden FIA World Rally Championship win; "It's been a fantastic weekend," he said. "We got the lead early but the pressure was constant, from Petter and also to bring the car home and score points for the manufacturer's championship. I must say a big thank you to Jarmo [Lehtinen, co-driver] and the team. After the problem I had at shakedown, the car has been absolutely perfect. So now, my next challenge is to beat Marcus!"
Team-boss Malcolm Wilson was full of praise for Hirvonen; "This is brilliant, a dream result; for Mikko and his first WRC win and for the team. Mikko has been confident all weekend and has controlled the rally all the way through. We've seen him mature during the course of this year but to withstand the pressure that Petter was putting on him this weekend is fantastic."
Solberg was pleased with second, demonstrating the progress the Subaru World Rally team has made with the Impreza. He had been consistently on the pace throughout the rally and kept the pressure on Hirvonen for the full three days. It was only a loss of time in dense dust on the last forest stage on Friday that prevented him from realistically challenging for the win, despite maintaining the pressure. "I'm so pleased with this result. It shows that we're moving in the right direction. We still have some way to go but to get this result towards the end of such a year is very pleasing."
Austrian Manfred Stohl maintained the third place he held for the majority of the event, having got the advantage in a fierce battle with Xevi Pons on the first leg. His confidence grew steadily throughout the rally following what he admitted was perhaps too cautious a start. However, in hindsight, perhaps it was the perfect way to approach the early stages, with four drivers retiring on the first leg and Gronholm rolling. This is Stohl's second Australia podium in a row and is a fitting reward for the Bozian Racing organisation that runs the car, as his is the team's 100th WRC entry. It is also co-driver Ilka Minor's 50th WRC event, so plenty to celebrate for the OMV Peugeot Norway team in Perth tonight.
Pons put in an excellent performance to finish fourth, easily justifying Kronos Total Citroen's decision to nominate him as number one driver, to keep its manufacturer's title campaign alive. This is his third Rally Australia and he enjoyed a trouble-free event, driving carefully and with team goals in mind.
Marcus Gronholm finished fifth, a remarkable achievement considering the time lost on the opening forest stage, when he rolled and dropped to 56th and last overall. However, it was not enough to keep the fight for the drivers' title alive; he needed to finish third to take the fight to the next round. With a gap of more than eight minutes between him and Stohl, it would have taken a miracle. Sadly, none was forthcoming and so, subject to the official publication of the results by the FIA, Sebastien Loeb becomes 2006 FIA World Rally Champion without even being in Australia.
-WRC.com
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