Wednesday, November 21, 2007

A Mitsubishi Outlander in the 08 Dakar

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

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

This SUV must have a shock absorber to keep its wheels firmly on the trail especially during outdoor adventures!

Anonymous said...

OUTLANDER is simply the best for that kind of terrain... but remember to equip off road tires if you plan to do the same thing what they did here.

Admin said...

One of the best, Description about>>> Rocky 2000 Driver