Thursday, 2 October 2008
MITSUBISHI MOTORS AT THE 2008 PARIS AUTO SHOW
~ Press Days: Oct. 2nd & 3rd / Public Days: October 4th-19th ~
Introduction
At the 2008 Mondial de L’Automobile1, Mitsubishi Motors will confirm the evergreen nature of its sporting spirit through a completely new family of sports saloons and sports hatches, all well tailored for Europe:
* Next Generation Colt (World premiere),
* Next Generation Colt Ralliart (World premiere),
* New Lancer Sportback (World premiere),
* New Lancer Ralliart (European premiere),
At the same time, the Three-Diamond brand will show that green credentials don’t have to compromise on motoring enjoyment, proving how the right blend of sporting spirit + engineering skills + awareness can lead to a different take at driving sustainability:
* Next Generation Colt “Clear Tec”,
* 2009 i MiEV 140 km/h2 electric commuter,
* Racing Lancer “Clean Diesel” showcase (…and 2009 Dakar entry!)
Last but not least, Mitsubishi strives to continue improving the environmental impact of its famed 4x4s with a thorough redesign of Shogun’s and L200’s engines for 2009, leading to substantial reductions in CO2 levels.
1 - Next Generation Colt
Following 267,000 units of the first generation Colt Mitsubishi Motors has wished to capitalize on this success and follow up with a grown-up (only ± 35% carry-over parts) but still distinctive product:
* more in line with the brand’s identity (sharper new design & signature “Jet Fighter” grille)
* more in line with its positioning (new 3- and 5-door Ralliart sporty models)
* more in line with the latest market trends (forthcoming 1.1 and 1.3 Clear Tec variants)
* more consistent (less distinction between 3- and 5-door variants than before)
* more mature (perceived quality, cargo flexibility, comfort features, NVH, driving dynamics)
Junior Lancer
In that sense, the next generation Colt gets closer to its sharp Lancer siblings introducing an exterior design thoroughly refreshed by Mitsubishi Design Europe.
Trading the MPV-like high stance of its predecessor for a lower and wider attitude, it first strikes with the adoption of a rather in-your-face full “Jet Fighter” grille together with all-new body panels fore the A-pillar, all contributing to a stronger on-road presence, but also to an improved level of pedestrian safety.
The side view offers a more elongated window line thanks to black sash foils applied on the C- and D-pillars (D-pillar only for 5-door body) and blacked-out sills.
At the back, a wrap-around and slimmer backlight, lower rear combination lamps, a new liftgate stamping and more elaborated bumper design add character whilst visually lowering and widening the car considerably (5-door only).
Signature
In line with Mitsubishi’s brand heritage & positioning, a new Colt Ralliart (150 PS 1.5 turbo) is introduced, available for the first time in 5-door form as well.
Compared to the previous Colt CZT and in addition to a stronger structure, the Colt Ralliart suspension has been amended in eight different points for sharper driving dynamics, including reduced body roll thanks to a thicker front stabilizer bar.
Clear Tec
In parallel to the existing petrol engines (1.1 / 75ps, 1.3 / 95ps, 1.5 / 109ps), Mitsubishi will introduce new “low CO2“ variants of the next generation Colt, under the umbrella name of “Clear Tec”.
They will feature - amongst others - “Automatic Stop & Go” (AS&G) and regenerative braking technologies, leading to an improvement of over 10% in terms of CO2 emissions (according to variant/engine - figure subject to final homologation).
A dedicated “Flex Fuel” (FFV) variant will also be part of the Clear Tec program for Colt.
Considering the rather low volume of Diesel Colts sold since 2004 (only 13% of the mix) and the ever increasing retail price of Diesel fuel eating away most of the cost benefits to the customer, Clear Tec packages will replace the previous Diesel powertrain in the Colt range.
Grown Up
The next generation Colt is also a better / nicer place to spend long hours of driving with changes driven by customer feedback over the past 4 years, including lower level of NVH (Noise – Vibration – Harshness), redesigned dashboard, new higher quality trim, enhanced equipment and revised rear seating flexibility leading to an increased cargo volume (from 854 l for the previous Colt to 1,032 l now)
2 - Lancer Sportback
Essentially a “productionized” version of the acclaimed 2005 Concept-Sportback show car, Lancer Sportback was designed for Europe where the 5-door format is so popular (75% of the C-segment, EU-Top 5 figures), albeit in a sports hatch form that would suit Mitsubishi’ positioning better rather than the traditional and purely functional hatchback shape.
A Lot Of Style + A Bit Of Flexibility
At 458.5 cm (vs. 457 cm for Lancer Sports Saloon), it combines style and presence with (enough) flexibility (adjustable cargo floor height, rear seats auto-folding function,…) rather than pursuing the biggest interior volume (from 288 l – or 344 l when cargo floor is in the low position - to 1,394 l – VDA measures).
Roof Wing
In terms of design, Lancer Sportback introduces a further variation of Mitsubishi’s trademark “Jet Fighter” grille (full shape, matt black finish, chrome surround), whilst at the rear, it follows the same design theme explored in 2005 with Concept-Sportback with a very fast (58°) lift-gate surmounted by Sportback’s characteristic colour-keyed “roof wing” (standard for all variants).
Elongated rear combination lamps widen the stance of the car as they warp around the rear fenders. A feature on their own, they sign a neat bumper/fender shut line that runs exactly parallel to the rear door opening.
Sports Chassis
Using a name first seen on a Mitsubishi Motors product in the United States in 2003, Lancer Sportback is being launched in Europe and equipped with 2 engines (1.8 / 143ps and 2.0 Diesel / 140ps) and 4 gearboxes (5 M/T, 6 M/T, 4 A/T, “stepped” 6 speed CVT).
True to the Lancer name, Lancer Sportback will also feature a finely tuned chassis:
* Front suspension: MacPherson struts, coil springs and flat shaped stamped and highly rigid steel cross member.
* Rear suspension: multi-link independent set-up.
* Available sport-tuned chassis:
* Thicker stabilizer bars (+1 mm, from 20mm to 21mm),
* Different spring/shock damping rates,
* Front tower strut bar to enhance lateral rigidity for precise steering response,
* 18-inch wheels fitted to 215/45 R18 tires (availability according to models & markets).
* Properly weighted hydraulic power rack-and-pinion steering system with the added benefit of a tight turning circle (5.0 m).
* Braking system: 15’’ front discs & 14’’ rear discs, complemented by ABS, EBD, MASTC (ESP + T/C) and Brake Assist (availability according to models & markets).
3 - Lancer Ralliart
In its technology and execution, Lancer Ralliart will sit in-between Lancer Sportback / Lancer Sports Saloon and Lancer Evolution:
* Design: Lancer bodies (steel) & wheels but fitted with a Lancer Evolution aluminium hood, complete with twin vents and NACA duct, saving 7.9 kg.
* Engine: Detuned version of Lancer Evolution’s new 4B11 2.0 l Turbo MIVEC engine: 240 PS @ 6000 rpm and 353 Nm @ 3000 rpm (vs. 295 PS @ 6,500 rpm and 366 Nm @ 3,500 rpm)
* Gearbox: Similar to Lancer Evolution’s dual clutch TC-SST unit but minus the Super Sport mode.
* Chassis: Permanent 4-Wheel Drive system (“AWC”) but of a less sophisticated nature than Lancer Evolution’s (no Active Yaw Control, no Sport ABS).
* Brakes: Upgraded Lancer system with twin pot front ventilated discs, bigger master cylinder,
Available in 4- and 5-door bodystyles, Lancer Ralliart will be launched in Europe during the course of 2009
Lancer Ralliart Gallery
5-door bodystyle
4-door bodystyle
Next to Lancer Evolution (sporting spirit) and Shogun* (4-Wheel Drive expertise), Mitsubishi Motors has decided to assign its unique “i” minicar with the role of green ambassador to the world.
2009 Launch
Announced in October 2006, the electric “i” or “i MiEV” will be first launched in Japan in 2009, with export to international markets being evaluated.
To that purpose, a fleet of 12 cars will be dispatched to Europe end of 2008 to evaluate the market potential and the feasibility of such a project.
Batteries will be supplied by Lithium Energy Japan, a joint-venture set by GS Yuasa, Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.
Beginning in early FY2009, annual production of 200,000 cells for the company’s “LEV50 (cell capacity 50Ah)” lithium-ion batteries will commence. The batteries will be for use in electric vehicles, and the annual production target will power 2,000 of the Mitsubishi i MiEV during their first year in the market.
Quiet And Very Fun To Drive
i MiEV is based on the “i” minicar platform where the rear-midship conventional petrol engine and floor- mounted fuel tank are replaced with a lithium-ion battery pack, the motor, the inverter and other EV components.
An on-board charger allows the vehicle to be changed ordinary electric outlets. In addition to the high practical values and lower emissions, i MiEV proves to be more efficient than the base model in significant categories such as: better performance (31% quicker in 40-60 km/h passing acceleration than a conventional minicar) stronger torque (180 Nm vs. the 94 Nm of the 660 cc turbo-charged petrol “i”), quietness (5 dB less) and lower level of vibrations, which are all natural advantages of electric vehicles.
144 KM Range
EV batteries must have high energy density. For that purpose, i MiEV utilizes a high density lithium-ion battery pack, each consisting of 22 modules with 4 cells per module. Each high capacity battery module can fit under the floor, both vertically or transversally.
The target range with a single charge was of 160 km for fleet test vehicles in 2007 following the 10-15 modes Japanese driving pattern, or 144 km following the European pattern. Top speed for the 47 kW i MiEV is of 140 km/h (where legal).
In terms of emissions (well-to-wheel), i MiEV compares very favorably with its gasoline sibling:
* i MiEV: ± 41g/km (0 g/km drive-time)
* i : ± 145g/km (125 g/km drive time)
Dual Charging
i MiEV accepts 2 types of battery charging systems:
1. The Household Charging System (100V, 200V) for charging at home or at a parking lot.
i MiEV can be charged from an ordinary electric outlet via the household charger plug located on the right side of the vehicle.
Using less expensive night-time power, i MiEV can be re-charged economically in 7 hours in 200V configuration (14h in 100V).
2. The Quick Charger System for speedy charging. Here, the car can be charged via the Quick Charger plug located on the left side of the vehicle.
Using the three-phase 200V 50 kW Quick Charge System, i MiEV can be charged to 80% peak in about 30 minutes.
Translating this into economical terms, i MiEV’s running costs in Japan (¥/km) are 1/3 of those of a petrol-powered minicar (daytime charging) or 1/9 (nightime charging).
5 – 2009 SUV Update
Today, as the current economic environment shift sales from full-size recreational vehicles towards compact and mid-size 4x4s, Mitsubishi Motors has decided to tackle these challenging conditions with updated products:
* On the off-roader side, both Shogun and L200 see thorough powertrain re-design developed by Mitsubishi Motors R&D Centre (Okazaki – Japan) for (mainly) European customers
* On the cross-over side, New Outlander refines its look, ahead of the forthcoming introduction of the sophisticated Twin Clutch-SST gearbox next year.
Engine & Gearbox Re-Design For Shogun
With re-design affecting bearings, cylinder heads, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, valve-train, turbo-charger, oil pump, injection system and ECU, the 2009 Shogun 3.2 Di-D can now claim:
* 200 PS @ 3,800 rpm (+ 25% for M/T or + 18% for A/T)
* 441Nm @ 2,000 rpm (+ 16% for M/T or + 18% for A/T).
In parallel to the thorough re-design of the engine, the 2009 Shogun 3.2 Di-D also benefits from new 5-speed automatic gearbox.
As a result, fuel consumption & CO2 level have been significantly reduced (Shogun LWB A/T Closed Flow DPF):
═════════════════╡Fuel Consumption╞═══╡CO2 Level╞═══════
2006-2008 Shogun.................10.3 l.........................271 g/km
2009 Shogun.........................9.3 l (- 9.7%)............247 g/km (- 8.9%)
New Design For The 178 PS “High-Power” L200
Just as for the 2009 Shogun, Mitsubishi Motors’ engineers of the Okazaki R&D Centre have applied their skills to a similar upgrade for the 2009 L200 pick-up to develop a new High-Power 2.5Di-D engine developing 178 PS, to be made available next to the current 136 PS Mid-Power engine.
As a result, the new 2009 L200 2.5 Di-D High-Power can claim:
* 178 PS @ 4,000 rpm (+ 29% for M/T and A/T vs. Mid-Power)
* 400Nm @ 2,000 rpm for M/T versions (+ 27% vs. Mid-Power)
* 350 Nm @ 2,000 rpm for A/T versions (+ 11% vs. Mid-Power)
* 223 g/km and 8.5 l / 100 km (similar values as for the tamer 136 PS Mid-Power)
Overall Refinement For All
Next to the engineering efficiencies, all three Mitsubishi 4x4s have benefited from subtle but significant safety, comfort and styling upgrades:
* Shogun: New 17” and 18” alloy wheels, improved Mitsubishi Multi Communication System
* L200: lower NVH, side airbags for Club Cab, side and curtain airbag for Double Cab, new front seat design with improved cushion/side support
* Outlander: New chrome pack incl. grille frame, side window line and tailgate (Instyle), new & more substantial side airdam, improved Mitsubishi Multi Communication system
6 - Racing Lancer
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and its motor sports unit, the Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart team, in association with its partners Repsol, Valeo and BFGoodrich – will enter the new, turbo-diesel 'Racing Lancer' in next year's Dakar Rally which will take competitors through Argentina and Chile from Saturday January 3 until Sunday January 18, 2009.The Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart team is poised to kick off its first full season using turbocharged diesel power with a four-car entry on the 2009 Dakar. The team's bid will be spearheaded by its latest cross-country rally car, the new Racing Lancer.
The four-car driver line-up is the same as that which has represented the team on this annual cross-country rally since 2005, namely Stéphane Peterhansel (France), Hiroshi Masuoka (Japan), Luc Alphand (France), and Joan 'Nani' Roma (Spain).
Diesel Power
This offensive will double as the framework for Mitsubishi’s mid-term passenger car strategy for Europe - bringing sporting heritage together with green designs – under the unusual banner of “One segment / One (green) solution”.
Just as unusual will be Racing Lancer role as MMC’s ambassador for Diesel technologies, the green solution elected by the Corporation for the C/D segment where Lancer operates.
From the all-new 4N13 Euro V 4-cylinder to be launched in 2009 first with Lancer, to Racing Lancer’s 3.0 l turbo-charged V6 race engine, all will share the same fundamental know-how and the same essential green benefits of Diesel technology, namely low fuel consumption and low emissions.
Jet Fighter
Mitsubishi Motors's design department was responsible for the body whose carbon panels are based on the design of the Lancer Sportback, from Mitsubishi’s trademark “Jet Fighter” grille to the fast back. The design was finalized after validation of the new car's aerodynamic performance in a wind tunnel.
In terms of chassis:
* Both the front and rear suspension systems feature extensively revised geometry and are both based on a double wishbone layout with coil springs, anti-roll bars and uprated BOS dampers which can be adjusted through a broader range.
* The car runs on BF Goodrich's new low-energy 245/80-16 cross-country rally tires and OZ aluminium alloy wheels (16x7JJ).
* The vented 16-inch brake discs are coupled with six-piston Brembo callipers.
In the area of powertrain:
* Racing Lancer’s powerful 3-liter V6 turbo-diesel engine features a two-stage turbocharger which positions a small and large turbine configuration on each side of engine, working with both the small and large turbine according to engine revolution and load.
At this stage, peak torque is 66.3kgfm (650Nm), while maximum power currently stands at 280ps (206kW).
* The V6 engine is fed through a manual Ricardo five-speed sequential gearbox engineered to cope with the high torque delivered by the powerplant.
* The permanent four-wheel drive transmission features the same self-locking differential as that used for Shogun/Montero Evolution.
