Mitsubishi Motors new "MITSUBISHI Concept-RA" to receive global premiere at 2008 Detroit Motor Show
MITSUBISHI Concept-RA (design sketch)
MITSUBISHI Concept-RA (design sketch)
Tokyo, November 27, 2007 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. (MMNA, based in Cypress California) will premiere MITSUBISHI Concept-RA to the world at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS or the Detroit Motor Show). MITSUBISHI Concept-RA fuses a passion for dynamic, exciting driving with a heightened sensitivity for the environment thanks to clean, efficient high performance diesel power. The 2008 NAIAS runs from January 13 to 27 at the Cobo Center in Detroit and opens to the general public on January 19.
MITSUBISHI Concept-RA shows that thrilling performance and environmental responsibility need not be mutually exclusive concepts. This coupe concept features the Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics control system driveline and the Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission used in Lancer Evolution*1, is powered by a new high-output, high-efficiency clean diesel engine.
*1: Lancer Evolution X in Japan
The MITSUBISHI Concept-RA S-AWC driveline adds Active Steering and Active Damping control to the ACD*2, AYC*3, Sport ABS*4 and ASC*5 component systems that comprise the system used on Lancer Evolution. S-AWC integrally manages all of these systems to realize advanced levels of control over drive torque and braking, thereby upgrading traction, cornering and vehicle stability. All this adds up to intuitive, on-demand vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver intent under all driving conditions, from everyday use to emergency avoidance situations.
MITSUBISHI Concept-RA is powered by a new high-efficiency, low-emissions 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbodiesel engine with MIVEC*6 continuously variable valve timing control. With piezoelectric injector common-rail direct fuel injection that allows a lower compression ratio and with a VD (Variable Diffuser)/VG (Variable Geometry) turbocharger, the clean diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 150 kW (204 PS) and maximum torque of 420 Nm (42.8 kg-m). For compliance with U.S. emissions standards (Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations), the engine relies on a new catalytic converter system that brings together diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies. The new diesel engine will deliver exciting driving manners with a high degree of fuel efficiency.
For improved crashworthiness and to reduce vehicle weight MITSUBISHI Concept-RA features a new body structure using an aluminum space frame made from extruded aluminum sections and die-cast aluminum members, as well as engine hood, fenders and other outer panels made from high impact-resistance and easily recyclable plastic resin.
*2: Active Center Differential
*3: Active Yaw Control
*4: Sport Antilock Brake System
*5: Active Stability Control
*6: Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system
Mitsubishi Motorsport
A MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER ON THE 2008 DAKAR...
Outlander's unique blend of power, styling and versatility makes it an ideal choice for modern, active families. Thanks to a long list of Mitsubishi technical innovations, it adapts effortlessly to all types of conditions and terrain. It is for this reason that Mitsubishi Motors has decided to enter an Outlander 2.2 DI-D as a Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart service vehicle on the 2008 Dakar.
Outlander is one of the symbols of the renewal of Mitsubishi Motors's line-up and the brand's first car to be built on Mitsubishi's Project Global architecture, together with the new Lancer family (incl. Lancer Evolution) and Delica D:5. Outlander is also packed with Mitsubishi's acclaimed expertise in the realm of four-wheel drive technology and is powered by a choice of 2.2 DI-D 156ps, 2.0 DI-D 140ps, 2.4 MIVEC 170 ps and 3.0 V6 220 ps engines.
Although the route for service vehicles on the Dakar will not cover the same challenging terrain as that faced by competing cars, it will still be necessary to have a certain degree of off-road ability to cross the region's vast, sandy and rocky expanses and possibly come through the odd complex predicament...
Like the Delica D:5 service vehicle which took part in the 2007, the 2008 Dakar Outlander has been built in compliance with ASO's safety regulations and features four bucket seats with harness belts, a safety roll-cage, an additional fuel tank, underbody protection, Bose dampers, navigational equipment, etc.
Outlander's carefully penned styling combines elegance with sporty lines which have contributed to making Outlander a genuine best-seller in Europe, and there is no doubt that its colourful livery will turn heads since it is identical to that of the competition Pajero/Montero Evolutions.
Indeed, in the light of Outlander's global success, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has decided to transfer the production of all European specifications Outlanders to its NedCar production hub in the Netherlands. Effective during the course of 2008, this move will consequently freed up capacity in Japan to meet the very high demand for Mitsubishi Motors newest products such as Outlander or Lancer in world markets.
Outlander's overall dimensions are smaller than those of comparable vehicles, while its versatility is enhanced by the availability of five-seater and five+two versions, plus a carrying capacity of up to 1,691 litres. Its modularity also means that the four Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart team members and their luggage will be able to travel in comfort and safely throughout the two-week event.
MAIN TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (standard Outlander 2.2 DI-D)
* 156 ps (115 kW) @ 4,000 rpm and 380 Nm @ 2,000 rpm,
* From 7.2 l/100 km (combined cycle)
* From 191 g/km (combined cycle)
* 0-100 km/h: 9*9
* 200 km/h maximum speed (where legal)
* AWC (All-Wheel-Control),
* 6-speed manual gearbox,
Active mode
Although Outlander is happy to leave the role of out-and-out 4x4 to the Pajero/Montero, it still stands out as an uncompromising solution for drivers looking for a different kind of leisure vehicle.
It makes full use of the adaptability that has been dialled into the new MMC Project Global platform and offers a standard of active safety and driving pleasure equivalent to that of a saloon. This has been made possible thanks to features such as active control of the four driven wheels, fully independent suspension, high performance brakes and a low centre of gravity which has been obtained, in part, thanks to an aluminium roof which employs technology tested on Lancer Evolution IX.
Outlander calls on All-Wheel-Control technology, the Mitsubishi-developed electronic 4x4 control system which permits drivers to choose between three modes to match the level of traction control to individual preferences and/or road conditions.
The rear-mounted (but centrally operating) differential incorporates an electronically controlled coupler which uses predictive control to determine the optimal torque split between the front and rear wheels based on data received from the butterfly valve sensors, the vehicle's speed, the conditions, the type of road and driving style:
* In 2x2 mode, torque is delivered exclusively to the front wheels to ensure agility and enhanced fuel economy.
* In 4x4 AUTO mode, torque transfer is controlled to permit progress and steering on unsealed roads or in unfavourable road conditions.
* Finally, in 4x4 LOCK mode, torque is immediately available to the rear wheels which receive approximately 1 1/2 times more torque than in the normal 4x4 mode with a view to optimizing performance in very slippery conditions (ice/snow) or on dirt roads and tracks.
Changing from one mode to another is extremely simple and practical: all the driver has to do is turn the illuminated, easy-to-manipulate dial located between the front seats.
....OFFICIAL PHOTOS WITH LIVERY TO FOLLOW, STAY TUNED, CHECK BACK OFTEN....
-MMSP
NATIONAL GRID CHOOSE L200 FOR NEW HI-TECH FACILITY
Mitsubishi’s award-winning L200 pick-up has again come out on top for its versatility and value by being chosen ahead of its rivals by National Grid.
Six L200 4Work Club-cab pick-ups were handed over last week at the energy transmission provider’s cutting-edge new liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility on the Isle of Grain near Rochester in Kent.
The vehicles will be used by the site’s supervisors to oversee the current construction work and subsequent operation of National Grid’s innovative new LNG import terminal, which will be able to meet 20 per cent of the UK’s future demand for imported liquefied natural gas by 2010/11.
After assessing vehicles from several manufacturers, National Grid concluded that Mitsubishi’s L200 offered the best solution to the varied demands likely to be encountered. This latest order adds to the company’s existing fleet of more than 100 Mitsubishis already in service, which includes more than 80 L200 pick-ups and 20 Shoguns.
On taking delivery of the new vehicles at the Isle of Grain site, Fleet Manager for National Grid Alistair Patterson said:
“Our LNG terminal is at the forefront of Britain’s future energy needs and the L200 is ideal to help our supervisors at this important stage in the development of this state-of-the-art facility. With four-wheel-drive it’s a versatile vehicle and capable of carrying engineers and their equipment across the varying terrain of the site.”
With L200s playing a major part in fulfilling its transport needs in other areas of its organisation, National Grid is confident that its latest fleet of L200s will offer its users other benefits, such as passenger comfort, reliability and low running costs.
Mr Patterson concluded: “The L200 came out on top for driver satisfaction and, together with Mitsubishi’s three-year/100,000-mile warranty package, represents excellent value for money.”
Commenting on the deal, Toby Marshall, General Manager - National Fleet and Used Car Sales of Mitsubishi Motors UK said, “We’re delighted that a leading British company such as National Grid continues to endorse the all-round abilities of the L200 with this latest addition to its fleet. In back-to-back tests, National Grid has confirmed what other fleet buyers have found, that the L200 is best in class for value, versatility and driver satisfaction.”
MITSUBISHI i CITY CAR – A RUN-AWAY SALES SUCCESS
• Run-away sales success for Mitsubishi’s new i City Car
• First batch of 300 sold out in 2½ weeks – with 50% of second batch already sold
• 83% of sales are conquest business
• Compact size, price, specification, environmental credentials and styling are all top purchase reasons
Mitsubishi’s new i City Car has been a run-away success since it was launched in the UK in July 2007.
The first batch of 300 units sold out within two and a half weeks of going on sale, and over 50% of the second batch have been sold before the vehicles even hit UK soil. Over 1,500 units are already planned for sale in 2008, with more available if sales continue to be strong.
Mitsubishi has conducted extensive research of i’s customers, discovering that 83% of buyers were not previously Mitsubishi owners. They also surveyed the key factors influencing the purchase decision. The vehicle’s compact size was the most important factor, with price and high specification coming second. The car’s environmental credentials and styling were also rated in the top 5 reasons for the vehicle’s sales success.
Town and city dwellers accounted for 76% of buyers, predominantly in the South East of England where the threat of additional tax and Congestion Charges loom on the horizon.
Lance Bradley, Mitsubishi’s Sales and Marketing Director, remarked that “we have proven that Mitsubishi can successfully operate in multiple industry segments. The i has successfully showcased Mitsubishi’s environmental credentials in advance of a range of clean diesel vehicles and even the amazing zero-emission electric i in the next two years.”
New Outlander Special Edition [US]
A second 2.4-liter model, the new Outlander Special Edition arrives in early 2008. The Outlander SE combines the economy of the new 4-cylinder engine and CVT with amenities from the premium XLS model, plus exclusive new interior and exterior features. Driving performance in the Outlander SE is enhanced by Sportronic® shifting with magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters or console shift, as in the Outlander XLS model. Like the XLS model, the Outlander SE is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels. The FAST Key entry system, standard on LS and XLS models, is also standard on the Special Edition.
The Outlander Special Edition excels in onboard entertainment. Offered as standard, the 650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate® Premium Audio system features digital signal processing and nine speakers, including a rear subwoofer. This high-end audio package, which is optional on the Outlander XLS, includes SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with six month pre-paid subscription.
Exclusive to the Outlander 2.4 SE are new interior door panel trim and chrome door handles, chrome-accented exterior door handles and side sills, mesh fabric seats with leather bolsters, and high-contrast instrument gauges. Some Outlander SE features will be available on other Outlander models for 2009.
2007 FIA CROSS COUNTRY RALLY WORLD CUP
ROUND 5: UAE DESERT CHALLENGE
2 NOVEMBER 2007
LEG 5
A SIXTH CONSECUTIVE WIN FOR REPSOL MITSUBISHI RALLIART AS STEPHANE PETERHANSEL TRIUMPHS IN DUBAI
Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart today notched up a record eighth UAE Desert Challenge victory - and its sixth in as many years - as Stéphane Peterhansel/Jean-Paul Cottret (France) took their personal total to four wins on the event with the Mitsubishi Pajero/Evolution since 2002. The French pair overcame the extreme heat of the United Arab Emirates’ desert to take command on the penultimate leg and their perfectly paced run saw them beat Carlos Sainz by 11 minutes 56 seconds after more than 1,500km of competitive action.
Team-mates Luc Alphand/Gilles Picard (France) challenged constantly for the lead during the early part of the event. At the end of the third day, they emerged in front at the end but then retired with two stages remaining when they damaged their front-right suspension in a treacherous pothole on Thursday morning. Meanwhile, Joan ’Nani’ Roma/Lucas Cruz (Spain) were eliminated when the Spanish driver fell ill shortly after the start of Tuesday’s test and was unable to continue any further.
Stéphane Peterhansel believes much of his success today in Dubai was due to finding the ideal pace from the start and he steadfastly refused to be drawn into taking risks by trying to match the speed of his principal rivals. "We succeeded in keeping to the plan we adopted before the start and it ended up paying dividends," observed the Frenchman who has also won this event on two-wheels in addition to his four victories with Mitsubishi. "If you drive hard all the time, there’s obviously a chance that you can pull out a big lead but it automatically exposes you to greater risks, too. We were also helped this week by our Pajero/Montero Evolution. The MPR13 is a strong, well-sorted car that enables you to push as much as you like, even in the sort of heat we’ve had here all this week. It’s great to have won and today’s result is clearly a morale booster for the Dakar but nobody in the team has lost sight of the fact that the Dakar promises to be a long, tough event..."
In today’s slightly cooler and cloudier conditions, the objective of the French pair - who eased into the lead after Thursday’s drama-filled stage - was to control their cushion of more than nine minutes by staying on the heels of Nasser Al Attiyah while at the same time keeping a vigilant eye on their closest chaser Carlos Sainz who was running behind them in the order. "On today’s first 123km stage, the pace was still very fast and clearly nobody had any intention of giving up the fight. It wasn’t easy to find the ideal pace because there were still 287km of stages to complete and, as we saw on Thursday and Friday, nobody could afford to take anything for granted," explained co-driver Jean-Paul Cottret. "The first test went well though, so we kept to the same tactic for much of the final stage which was slightly longer; just over 160km. When we saw Nasser stopped at Km128, however, we decided to lift because even if Carlos managed to pass us there was little chance he could bridge the gap"
After completing the final stage of the six-day, 2,210km event, which was essentially based in the southern part of the United Arab Emirates desert, close to the border with Saudi Arabia, Stéphane and Jean-Paul covered the short road section for this afternoon’s official prize-giving ceremony at the Dubai International Marine Club.
Mitsubishi L200s take leading role with BAA
Mitsubishi L200 "Triton"
Britain’s largest UK airport operator BAA has recently chosen Mitsubishi’s award-winning L200 pick-ups as its ‘leader vehicles’ for Heathrow airport, where they can be seen carrying out a variety of duties on the airfield perimeters and runways.
Operated by Heathrow’s airside operations department, the L200’s primary role is to escort aeroplanes to and from the runways to their stands. The vehicles are also intended to enable staff to carry out various airfield checks, such as observing surface conditions and collecting debris.
The vehicles are likely to be in use almost around the clock and, to ensure high visibility, all have been painted bright yellow and had light bars fitted to the roof.
A spokesman for Heathrow said: “After considering a number of vehicles, the Mitsubishi L200 was chosen primarily because it is available with an excellent automatic and four-wheel-drive transmission system. We have tried using other manual gearbox vehicles before, but these have proved to be unreliable.”
He added: “As each one covers approximately 25,000 miles per year – with different drivers – reliability is a very important factor for us, as vehicle down-time can be very disrupting to the operation of the airfield.”
In addition to the mechanical capabilities of the L200, BAA were also impressed with the fuel consumption and emissions achieved, which was another key feature in its decision to purchase Mitsubishi pick-ups.
This latest order brings the number of Mitsubishis in operation at Heathrow, by far the most demanding of all UK airports, up to 45. Toby Marshall, General Manager – National Fleet and Used Car Sales for Mitsubishi Motors UK said:
“This recent deal with BAA is a great endorsement for Mitsubishi. This now means we have vehicles operating at every major commercial airport in the UK – you could say that Mitsubishis have really taken off with the airport industry.”
BAA has found the L200s so ideal for its airside operations, it has just ordered another six.
MITSUBISHI Concept-RA (design sketch)
MITSUBISHI Concept-RA (design sketch)
