Mitsubishi Motors shows new Lancer Evolution
at Beijing International Motor Show -- launch slated for this fall.
-- Electric vehicle i MiEV unveiled for first time in China --
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X - China specs
Tokyo, April 15, 2008 -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces today that it will be showing the new Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evolution X in Japan market) high-performance 4WD sedan, which is to be launched on the Chinese market this fall, at the Beijing International Motor Show. The show opens for the press on April 20 and for the public on April 24 at the Beijing International Exhibition Center. Also on display will be the MITSUBISHI Concept-RA*1, which embodies the fun-to-drive and heightened sensitivity for the environment that lie at the heart of Mitsubishi Motors' car building activities, and the Prototype-S sport hatchback concept, both of which are being unveiled in the Asia region for the first time. Joining these on the Mitsubishi Motors stand in a lineup of 13 models is the i MiEV electric vehicle, currently being developed as a symbol of the company's approach to environmental issues and with a view to introduction on markets outside Japan.
*1 : Road Alive
In Mitsubishi Motors' new Step Up 2010 mid-term business plan announced on February 29 the company designates China one of its "focus" markets for the coming years, partly because of rapidly growing demand for automobiles in the country. The company plans to introduce six new models into the market over the next three years, including some built locally.
The Lancer Evolution, to be announced at the Beijing Show, will be the first of these new models. Featuring Mitsubishi Motors' own S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) vehicle dynamics control system, Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) and other new technologies; this is a new-generation high-performance 4WD sedan that allows drivers of all abilities to enjoy the highest levels of fun-to-drive performance safely and with confidence.
Lancer Evolution was very well received at its Japan launch last October, and the company has subsequently introduced the model on the North American, European (including Russia) and Australia markets. Its forthcoming introduction in China means that the model will be on sale in all of the world's major car markets.
The Mitsubishi Motors press briefing will be held from 1:00 pm on April 20 at the Mitsubishi Motors stand.
DAKAR SERIES 2008
CENTRAL EUROPE RALLY
20-26 APRIL 2008
PREVIEW
REPSOL MITSUBISHI RALLIART READY FOR EXCITING NEW CHALLENGE WITH DIESEL POWER IN 2008
Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution MPR14
The team has also taken significant measures to make its competition programme even more environmentally aware thanks to the introduction of a range of Mitsubishi Technology initiatives involving close collaboration with its partners Repsol, Valeo and BFGoodrich.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and its motor sports unit MMSP have established the team's objectives for the coming season, as well as for the 2009 ‘Dakar’, which breaks new ground with a start, and finish in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a rest-day in Valparaiso on Chile's Pacific coast.
Meanwhile, the major new feature of the team's 2008 programme is the introduction of a turbo-diesel version of the highly successful Pajero/Montero Evolution, cross-country rallying's most successful car with a record 12 Dakar wins to its name since 1985. The new 2,997cc V6 powerplant benefits from Mitsubishi's longstanding expertise in the field of advanced diesel technologies, ranging from low compression ratios to high-pressure fuel injection. Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart has also decided to take a lead by enhancing its environmentally responsible approach to its competition activities in association with its key partners, Repsol, Valeo and BFGoodrich, all of whom stand out as pioneers in their specific domains when it comes to protecting the planet. "Now, our motor sports activity has taken a step up to establish the environmentally-friendly engineering strategy of Mitsubishi Motors" underlines MMSP SAS's new president, Osamu Nakayama.
Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution MPR14
And the Michelin Group – which owns the BFGoodrich brand – has always stressed that the transfer of technology between its motor sports activities and road tires is by no means unilateral, and cites its ongoing research into low rolling resistance as one area in which production tires have benefited the competition programmes of partners such as Mitsubishi. The 1990s saw the Michelin Group take a valuable lead in this domain with the launch of the first green car and truck tire range which has gone on to see the advent of products such as the current award-winning Michelin Energy Saver tire.
MPR14 Crew for 08 CER: Hiroshi Masouka and Pascal Maimon
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X - China specs
