Mitsubishi's MRX09 "Racing Lancer" Competition Debut

2009 DAKAR RALLY

22 August 2008

TEAM REPSOL MITSUBISHI RALLIART IS TARGETING NOVEMBER'S BAJA PORTALEGRE / PORTUGAL FOR THE COMPETITION DEBUT OF MITSUBISHI'S LATEST CROSS-COUNTRY RALLY CAR, THE TURBODIESEL "RACING LANCER"
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and its motorsport unit MMSP have developed a new cross-country rally car, the turbodiesel "Racing Lancer" which will be entered Baja Portalegre / Portugal.

The team's 2008 calendar also features selected rounds of the inaugural Dakar Series, the FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup and the FIA international Cup for Cross-Country Bajas with the tried and tested Pajero/Montero Evolution.
In parallel to its competition activities, Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart is also furthering the development of the new "Racing Lancer" with the clear objective of winning the Dakar in 2009.

As officially revealed, the team's latest cross-country rally car will be powered by a new turbocharged diesel engine which has already been put through its paces in a specific version of the Pajero/Montero Evolution on the following races: the Central Europe Rally (the first event of the newly-created Dakar Series), the Rali Transiberico (second round of FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup) and the Baja Espana (round three of the FIA International Cup for Cross-Country Bajas).

Competing at rally speeds against the sport's leading teams has enabled the team to gather a vast amount of valuable data which could not have been obtained through testing alone. Hiroshi Masuoka (Japan) has competed twice with the turbocharged Pajero/Montero Evolution and is typically enthusiastic about the newcomer's potential: "The diesel version is overwhelmingly easy to drive thanks to its tremendous torque which is available over an even broader rev-band," says Masuoka. "It outperforms the petrol-powered car in terms of controllability over challenging terrain, as well as when accelerating out of corners and along high-speed straights. With the right set-up it would be comfortably faster."

Joan 'Nani' Roma (Spain) drove a Pajero/Montero Evolution, with the new turbodiesel grafted into it, on the Rali Transiberico. He reported that he had to adapt his driving style to the new engine's torque characteristics. Roma succeeded in posting three fastest stage times on the Portuguese event and actually led at one point, speaking volumes for the potential of the new engine.

This experimental car covered more than 8,000km in testing and competition, and the engineers in charge of the program have profited from this opportunity to develop a new suspension geometry designed to cope with the different weight distribution and torque characteristics associated with the new turbocharged diesel engine. They have also worked on a new engine compartment layout which is aimed at ensuring better cooling for the engine and auxiliary components. Technical improvements to the turbocharger have produced improved response at low revs, as well as more power at high engine speeds, while reliability has also been enhanced.

The "Racing Lancer" took part in two one-week test sessions in Spain and Morocco towards the end of June following its unveiling earlier in the month. With the basic performance package now confirmed and initial teething problems cured, the team is taking advantage of the considerable experience obtained with the Pajero/Montero Evolution to accelerate the new vehicle's development.

Continuing the build-up to the 2009 Dakar, the team has entered three petrol versions of the Pajero/Montero Evolution for Portugal's PAX Rally, the second event of the newly-created Dakar Series (Tuesday September 9 - Sunday September 14). The three cars will be driven by Stéphane Peterhansel (France), Luc Alphand (France), and Joan "Nani" Roma (Spain). The outing will enable the team to carry out work on the suspension and tires which will be carried over to the Racing Lancer.

The Racing Lancer itself will undergo further testing in Morocco between the end of August and the beginning of September, as well as over the latter part of October. Each test will last approximately two weeks and the car will cover some 4,000km each time. Following its extensive development program, the Racing Lancer will make its official debut on the Baja Portalegre / Portugal, round six of the 2008 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup (Thursday October 30 - Sunday November 2). The car will be in the hands of Stéphane Peterhansel, the Dakar's most successful competitor with a total of nine outright wins - on two and four wheels - under his belt.

Mitsubishi MRX09 "Racing Lancer" Gallery

Mitsubishi Motors at the 2008 Moscow Motor Show [RU]

Mitsubishi Motors lineup at 2008 Moscow Motor Show
Tokyo, August 20, 2008— Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil the new Pajero Sport*1 SUV at the Moscow Auto Salon 2008 (The Moscow Motor Show) to be held at the Crocus Expo in Moscow between August 26 and September 7 (opens to the public on August 29). Mitsubishi Motors will display a total of 15 models at the show. Joining the Pajero Sport on stand will be concept cars including the MITSUBISHI Concept-RA*2 sport coupe concept, the MITSUBISHI Concept-cX*3 compact SUV concept, and the MITSUBISHI Concept-ZT*4 which truly is the embodiment of Mitsubishi Motors' three key value of Driving Pleasure, Safety and Environmental Responsibility - as well as the fast-selling Lancer*5 sport sedan.

*1 Montero Sport in South America, Nativa in Latin America and Challenger in Australia.
*2 Road Alive
*3 Compact + X (cross) over
*4 Z (ultimate) + T (tourer)
*5 Galant Fortis in Japan

1. Pajero Sport (for Russian market)
Features that distinguish Pajero Sport include a new tough and durable "ladder frame" that provides a platform for outstanding performance under the most stringent off-road conditions and Mitsubishi's highly acclaimed Super Select 4WD system, based on the company's All Wheel Control philosophy. Inside, Pajero Sport achieves class-topping quietness while the comprehensive cabin appointments and practical innovations provide a reassuring and comfortable interior space.
(1) Design
Pajero Sport's exterior design was developed around the idea of "Cool & Hot" proportions. Its elegant styling makes it look perfectly at home around about town (cool) while its high SUV stance suggests how capably Pajero Sport can deal with all-terrain conditions (hot). The new design melds together a distinctive off-roader silhouette and dynamic lines crafted to create a form that projects a sense of speed. Front over-fenders accentuate the surface-hugging fat tires and macho rear blister fenders add a dash of muscular tenacity, serving to make the body look wider and impart a reassuring sense of safety.
Inside, Pajero Sport stays true to the "Cool & Hot" concept. A functional and intuitive center panel is centrally located in the dashboard for a sporty and in an expansive structure that adds to a sense of roominess. The use of two-tone coloring tied to the door trim contributes to creating a coherent interior space distinguished by its clean, unbroken surfaces. Features that serve to enhance levels of functionality and quality appearance include the use of soft-touch seat upholstery and a combination of high-tech brightwork and elegant wood-grain inlays.
(2) Packaging
The new Pajero Sport moves one size up over its predecessor with an overall length of 4695 mm (compared with 4620 mm for the old model); overall width of 1815 mm (1775 mm); overall height of 1800 mm (1730 mm); and wheelbase of 2800 mm (2725 mm).
With an approach angle of 36° (against the Pajero Long model's 36.6°), departure angle of 25° (25°), ground clearance of 215 mm (225 mm) and ramp break over angle of 23° (22.5°), Pajero Sport boasts obstacle clearance angles, an indicator of a vehicle's off-road capability, and ride height on a par with the world-renowned off-road icon, the Pajero.
(3) Engine
Pajero Sport is powered by an intercooler-turbocharged 4M41-type 3.2-liter diesel unit using a vibration- and noise-reducing common rail direct injection system. The power unit produces maxima of 120 kW (163 PS) / 3500 rpm and 343 Nm (35.0 kg-m) / 2000 rpm.
Common rail fuel injection system
The common rail direct fuel injection system uses a tube that branches to supply ECU-controlled injector valves which each feed fuel into individual cylinders. The extremely high injection pressures used ensure very high combustion efficiency, thereby reducing NOx emissions and the noise and vibration typically associated with traditional diesel engines.
(4) Transmission and driveline
Pajero Sport comes with a 4-speed Sport Mode automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual gearbox. The model uses Mitsubishi Motors' All Wheel Control-inspired Super Select 4WD driveline, which enjoys high acclaim for its reliability and go-anywhere capability. The system feeds maximum drive torque to the wheels with the most grip, for competence on all road surfaces. Pajero Sport is available with an optional rear differential lock that eliminates the speed differential between the rear wheels to help the driver extract his vehicle when bogged down.
(5) Body
Pajero Sport's body sits on a new ladder-frame chassis that realizes very high levels of body strength and durability while the use of impact-energy absorbing deformation beads in the frontal frame sections and other safety-enhancing elements also improve crashworthiness. Bending and torsional rigidity in the new ladder-frame are 100% and 50% (respectively) higher than before, significantly reducing vibration transmitted to the body. The stiffer frame also improves vehicle's reliability in off-road use as well as improving handling and ride comfort when driving on tarmac.
(6) Suspension, wheels and tires
With a double-wishbone coil spring configuration at the front and a 3-link coil spring arrangement at the rear, Pajero Sport's suspension delivers well-mannered stability and handling characteristics when on tarmac together with maximum tire/surface contact when driving off-road. Pajero Sport is offered with a choice of two sizes of tire: 265/65R 17 (larger) or 265/70R 16.
(7) Brakes
16-inch ventilated disc front brakes deliver sure-footed stopping power and accurate brake feel. The rear wheels use 11.6-inch leading trailing drum brakes.
(8) Utility and interior equipment
The front seatbacks recline fully to provide a flat surface together with the rear seats. The rear seats boast a generous 150 mm slide travel, allowing various configurations for occupant and luggage spaces: either maximum legroom, load carrying capacity or something in between.
Pajero Sport's soft seat upholstery is stain- and water-repellent. This plus its waterproof luggage space floor make it the ideal vehicle for outdoor leisure pursuits as well as for everyday use.
(9) Audio systems
Pajero Sport is available with an audio system that comprises a CD (MP3) player and AM/FM radio tuner, a 420 Watt amplifier and 8 speakers. The tweeters are mounted in specially designed doors enclosures and with punched metal mesh grilles deliver sound of outstanding clarity. Steering wheel-mounted controls allow the driver to operate his audio system without having to take his hand off the wheel.

2. MITSUBISHI Concept-RA
Illustrating the fact that fun-to-drive performance and environmental responsibility need not be mutually exclusive concepts, the MITSUBISHI Concept-RA's driveline features the S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system used in the Lancer Evolution*6 together with new Active Steering and Active Damper systems. These systems are integrally managed by the S-AWC system to realize vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects the driver's intent and inputs. MITSUBISHI Concept-RA also uses Mitsubishi Motors' Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission and is powered by a new high-efficiency, low-emission 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve clean diesel engine. With a VD/VG (Variable Diffuser / Variable Geometry) turbocharger producing optimum boost characteristics at all times, the power unit delivers a maximum output of 150 kW (204 PS) and maximum torque of 420 Nm (42.8 kg-m).
For compliance with Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations in the United States and Post-New Long Term Regulations in Japan, the clean power unit uses a new catalytic converter system that brings together diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies.
*6 Lancer Evolution X in Japan

3. MITSUBISHI Concept-CX

The MITSUBISHI Concept-cX mates a high-output, high-efficiency 1.8-liter clean diesel engine to Mitsubishi Motors' Twin Clutch SST transmission to deliver the highest levels of driving and environmental performance. This compact SUV soft-roader concept offers superior levels of utility and practical performance, a driving position that enhances visibility, and the split tailgate already well received on the Outlander.

4. MITSUBISHI Concept-ZT

The Concept-ZT raises the bar both in terms of running and environmental performance. The sedan uses a high-output, fuel-efficient 2.2-liter clean diesel engine mated to Mitsubishi Motors' Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission), and employs MMC's plant-based Green Plastic range of interior trim.
Concept-ZT features an array of advanced active safety technologies, including pre-crash safety and a lane-drift warning system, as well as technologies that actively support the driver in his operation of the vehicle including all-around multi-monitors and a parking assistance system. A pop-up hood also contributes to Concept-ZT's high level of crashworthiness.
With the addition of front E-LSD (Electric control - Limited Slip Differential), ABS and ASC to an electronically controlled 4WD S-AWC system, the MITSUBISHI Concept-ZT which truly is the embodiment of Mitsubishi Motors' three key value of Driving Pleasure, Safety and Environmental Responsibility.

Mitsubishi Motors lineup at 2008 Moscow Motor Show

Model	No. on display (Press days)	No. on display (Public days)	Remarks
Pajero Sport	1	2	New model. Global unveiling.
Prototype-S	1	1	Show car. Exhibited at 2008 Geneva Motor Show.
MITSUBISHI Concept-RA	1	1	Show car. Exhibited at 2008 Detroit Motor Show.
MITSUBISHI Concept-ZT	1	1	Show car. Exhibited at 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.
MITSUBISHI Concept-cX	1	1	Show car. Exhibited at 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Pajero Evolution	1	1	Show car. 2008 Dakar Series model.
Outlander XL (Dakar Series support car)	1	1	Show car. 2008 Dakar Series support car. Outlander in Japan.
Lancer	1	1	Galant Fortis in Japan
Lancer Evolution	1	1	Lancer Evolution X in Japan
Outlander XL	1	1	Outlander in Japan
Galant	1	1	Built in North America
Pajero	1	1
L200	1	1	Built in Thailand, Triton in Japan
Colt	-	1	Built in Europe
Total	13	15

Mitsubishi Pajero Sports 2nd Generation Gallery

2009 Honda FCX Clarity Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle [US]

Honda unveiled the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show, announcing plans to begin limited retail marketing of the vehicle in the US, starting summer 2008.

The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle based on the entirely-new Honda V Flow fuel cell platform, and powered by the highly compact, efficient and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack. Featuring tremendous improvements to driving range, power, weight and efficiency - and boasting a low-slung, dynamic and sophisticated appearance, previously unachievable in a fuel cell vehicle - the FCX Clarity marks the significant progress Honda continues to make in advancing the real-world performance and appeal of the hydrogen-powered fuel cell car.

"The FCX Clarity is a shining symbol of the progress we've made with fuel cell vehicles and of our belief in the promise of this technology," said Tetsuo Iwamura, American Honda president and CEO. "Step by step, with continuous effort, commitment and focus, we are working to overcome obstacles to the mass-market potential of zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell automobiles."

American Honda plans to lease the FCX Clarity to a limited number of retail consumers in Southern California with the first deliveries taking place in summer 2008.

Full details of the lease program will be set closer to launch, but current plans call for a three-year lease term with a price of $600 per month, including maintenance and collision insurance. American Honda is also developing a service infrastructure that provides customers with the best balance of convenience and the highest quality of service. When the FCX Clarity requires periodic maintenance, customers will simply schedule a visit with their local Honda dealer. American Honda will transport the vehicle to their fuel cell service facility, located in the greater Los Angeles area, where all required work will be performed. At the completion of the work, the customer will pick up their car from the dealer.

How It Works
The FCX Clarity utilizes Honda's V Flow stack in combination with a new compact and efficient lithium ion battery pack and a single hydrogen storage tank to power the vehicle's electric drive motor. The fuel cell stack operates as the vehicle's main power source. Hydrogen combines with atmospheric oxygen in the fuel cell stack, where chemical energy from the reaction is converted into electric power used to propel the vehicle. Additional energy captured through regenerative braking and deceleration is stored in the lithium ion battery pack, and used to supplement power from the fuel cell, when needed. The vehicle's only emission is water.

Honda V Flow Fuel Cell Platform
The FCX Clarity's revolutionary new V Flow platform packages the ultra-compact, lightweight and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack (65 percent smaller than the previous Honda FC stack) in the vehicle's center tunnel, between the two front seats. Taking advantage of a completely new cell configuration, the vertically-oriented stack achieves an output of 100 kilowatts (kW) (versus 86kW in the current Honda FC stack) with a 50 percent increase in output density by volume (67 percent by mass). Its compact size allows for a more spacious interior and more efficient packaging of other powertrain components, which would otherwise be unattainable in a sleek, low-slung sedan.

The FCX Clarity boasts numerous other significant advances in the performance and packaging of Honda fuel cell technology, compared to the current-generation FCX. These include1:

· a 20-percent increase in fuel economy - to the approximate equivalent of 68 mpg2 combined fuel economy (about 2-3 times the fuel economy of a gasoline-powered car, and 1.5 times that of a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle, of comparable size and performance);

· a 30-percent increase in vehicle range - to 270 miles;

· a 25-percent improvement in power-to-weight ratio, in part from an approximate 400-pound reduction in the fuel cell powertrain weight, for superior performance and efficiency despite a substantial increase in overall vehicle size;

· a 45-percent reduction in the size of the fuel cell powertrain - nearly equivalent, in terms of volume, to a modern gas-electric hybrid powertrain;

· an advanced new lithium-ion battery pack that is 40 percent lighter and 50 percent smaller than the current-generation FCX's ultra-capacitor; and

· a single 5,000-psi hydrogen storage tank with 10 percent additional hydrogen capacity than the previous model.

FCX Clarity Design
More than just a fuel cell vehicle - the FCX Clarity speaks to Honda's vision of the future of automobile design and performance freed from the constraints of conventional powertrain technologies. The FCX Clarity's four-door sedan platform features a short-nose body and spacious cabin with comfortable accommodations for four people and their luggage. Major powertrain components - including the electric motor, fuel cell stack, battery pack and hydrogen tank - have been made more compact and are distributed throughout the vehicle to further optimize space, comfort and total vehicle performance.

Advanced Materials and Components
In keeping with its theme as an environmentally-advanced automobile, the FCX Clarity features seat upholstery and door linings made from Honda Bio-Fabric - a newly-developed, plant-based material that offers CO2 reductions as an alternative to traditional interior materials, along with outstanding durability and resistance to wear, stretching, and damage from sunlight.

Designed to appeal to forward-thinking customers seeking the ultimate in zero-emissions, alternative-fuel vehicle performance, the FCX Clarity is also equipped with a full compliment of advanced safety, comfort and convenience features, including a state-of-the-art navigation system with hydrogen station locations, backup camera, premium audio, climate-controlled seats and Bluetooth™ connectivity.

Other improvements, such as shift-by-wire, electric power steering (EPS), and a newly-designed instrument panel with an easy-to-read hydrogen fuel-consumption display, further improve its customer appeal and ease of operation.

CO2 Emissions
The FCX Clarity's only emission is water. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions come only from the production of hydrogen, which varies by source; however, well-to-wheel CO2 emissions using hydrogen reformed from natural gas - the most widely used method of production today - are less than half that of a conventional gasoline vehicle. With the production of hydrogen from water by electrolysis, CO2 emissions can be further reduced and ultimately approach zero if the electricity used for electrolysis is generated using solar, wind, water or nuclear power.

Honda has developed its own solar cells, with half of the CO2 emissions in the production stage compared to conventional crystalline silicon cells; and has begun mass-production and retail sales of this technology in Japan for both commercial and residential use.

Fuel Cell Leadership
Based on its vision of, "Blue Skies for our Children", Honda has worked for forty years at reducing the environmental impact of the automobile, including efforts to reduce emissions, boost fuel efficiency and, now, many industry-leading efforts to advance the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle - a technology and fuel that Honda believes may hold the ultimate promise for a clean and sustainable transportation future. Honda's pioneering achievements in this area include the first EPA and CARB certification of a fuel cell vehicle (2002); the first lease of a fuel cell vehicle (2002); the first fuel cell vehicle to receive an EPA fuel economy rating (2002); the first cold-weather customer (2004); the first and still only individual retail customers (2005, 2007); and the first and still only fuel cell vehicle to be eligible for a federal tax credit.

K. Taguchi's Group N Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X for 08 Rally Japan

Katsuhiko Taguchi's Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Group N Specs

Pending final homologation, K. Taguchi's Group N Evo X was displayed to the public following the announcement of the new Rally Japan sponsor, Pioneer carrozzeria. The Group N Evo X also served as course cars in last year's Rally Japan. After final homologation, these rally machines will be in official competition.

BRR's Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Group N Spec

BRR's Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Group N Spec

BRR, a company in Austria that prepare cars for rally competition, has published pictures of their Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Group N Spec rally car. Enjoy the Gallery...

Mitsubishi i MiEV Gallery

Mitsubishi i MiEV Gallery