- Yesterday – Today - Tomorrow -
Celebrating 90 years of creative engineering
Introducing the full Outlander line-up
Previewing next generation Lancer Evolution
A few weeks after the successful world premiere of the Lancer sports sedan at the Detroit Motor Show, the 2007 Geneva will be another occasion for celebration at Mitsubishi Motors.
From March 6th to March 18th in Geneva, the automotive arm of the Mitsubishi group of companies will demonstrate how vision took it to car production exactly 90 years ago with Model-A in 1917, how its talent for engineering continues today bringing to the market innovative solutions like those proposed by the all-new Outlander and ultimately, how such a commitment will continue to fuel the passion with red-hot Prototype-X.
Yesterday with Model-A
The Mitsubishi Motors stand at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show will be graced by a very red machine – an exact replica of the 1917 Model-A - but of a very different nature than the expected Lancer Evolution… Different, but sharing the same culture over the last 90 years.
The history of Mitsubishi Motors as an automobile manufacturer began long before the Motor Vehicle Division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. was incorporated as “Mitsubishi Motors Corporation” in 1970 and even longer before its return to the Mitsubishi family in 2004.
Mitsubishi’s first vehicle was Model-A, Japan’s first attempt at series production of passenger cars which rolled off the line in August 1917. After a 4-year run, production of Model-A’s was stopped in 1921 when aircraft manufacturing took precedence over cars at Mitsubishi. No matter what, this vehicle was then a pioneer and Mitsubishi has been an innovator ever since.
In these early years, the cars were manufactured by the ship and aircraft building arm of Mitsubishi. Therein lies the origin of Mitsubishi Motors’ dedication to creative engineering and resultant reputation for precision, reliability, quality and all-round performance of its vehicles, on-road, off-road, touring or racing.
Today with Outlander
Backed by these 90 years of in-house engineering expertise but also 70 years of 4x4 technology and 45 years of motor sports success, the new Outlander is a very legitimate SUV, challenging an increasingly crowded and predictable segment with design, technology and features to suit.
Leaving the role of authentic off-roader to the next generation Pajero, Outlander is a no-compromise solution for a different type of recreational vehicle. Using the in-built adaptability of MMC’s all-new global platform (see below), it brings passenger car-like levels of active safety and driving pleasure, thanks to its All Wheel Control drive-train, 4-wheel independent suspension, high performance brakes and low center of gravity. The latter is helped by an aluminium roof panel, using a technology tested with the Lancer Evolution IX.
Clearly inspired by the Pajero Evo 2+2 concept presented, Outlander’s front design blends into the muscular fenders with flared wheel arches and sharp lines, leaving no doubt about its character and dynamic abilities.
More so, in its Outlander V6-Concept livery (matt metallic grey with white roof and white accents) similar to that of Pajero Evo 2+2, Mitsubishi Motors’ “desert GT” presented exactly 5 years ago at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show.
Appropriately dressed, this show car version of a potential more potent Outlander will showcase Mitsubishi Motors’ all-new 3.0 l V6 MIVEC engine. Market conditions and customers’ feedback permitting, it could be launched at a later stage in Europe (4).
This variant could then top a full range of Outlanders including:
- 2.0 Diesel pump-jet - 140 ps and 310 Nm - launched during the first quarter of 2007 (1).
- 2.2 Diesel common rail* – 156 ps and 380 Nm - to be launched end of 2007 (2).
- 2.4 l Petrol* - 170 ps and 226 Nm - to be launched during the fourth quarter of 2007 (3).
- 3.0 l Petrol* - 220 ps and 276 Nm, under study (4).
(1) VAG-sourced
(2) PSA Peugeot Citroën-sourced
(3) Mitsubishi Motors’ own
(4) Mitsubishi Motors’ own. Already available in the US, as well as in Euro-3 form in Russia and in the Ukraine.
* All data subject to final homologation.
Tomorrow with Prototype-X
With cars like Outlander, the next generation Pajero or the 2007 Dakar-winning Pajero Evo, the flame is very much alive at MMC’s Okazaki R&D facilities in Japan as well as around the world for all Mitsubishi designers and engineers.
Ninety years after Model-A, it powers the Company through all its endeavors, such as “Project Global”, MMC’s new global platform and its most ambitious automotive project ever.
Previewed in October 2005 when the new Outlander was launched in Japan, this 3-million car global platform will be fully deployed from 2007 onwards through the launch of a new family of C-segment sedans (Lancer sports sedan and its derivatives) which share their stunning design language with the much-acclaimed 2005 Concept-X and Concept-Sportback concept cars.
With this platform, Mitsubishi Motors confirms its strategic decision to focus its product development over a limited number of intelligent platforms (from 14 to 6), i.e.: with the built-in flexibility needed to accommodate regional needs and regulations as well as market trends and new customer demands.
“Project Global” will also be the next best tool to fuel the passion and in Geneva like in Detroit, Mitsubishi Motors will hint at the next generation of its iconic “super-car”, the much anticipated and all-new Lancer Evolution through the Prototype-X show car.
Prototype-X will also demonstrate to the European public the depth and breadth of the forthcoming Lancer sports sedan family, ranging from entry model (1.5 l in Europe) right up to the all-new Lancer Evolution, the range topping “super-car”.
As Prototype-X indicates, Lancer Evolution will soon make perhaps the largest leap in overall capability seen between two generations of this model. The next Lancer Evolution will offer major gains in handling dynamics and technology while maintaining the kind of thrilling turbo engine performance that has made the model a legend around the world. This will start with a turbocharged version of the all-new aluminum 4B11 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC powerplant used in the 2008 Lancer sports sedan, yielding the highest power rating ever in a Lancer Evolution model. Stay tuned…
Mitsubishi Motors’s press conference will take place at 10h30 on March 6th, 2007 on its stand at Palexpo exhibition center.
Note: “Pajero” is “Montero” in Spain and “Shogun” in the UK.
Gallery:
Mitsubishi Outlander Concept (EU/UK)
Mitsubishi Outlander Concept (EU/UK)
Mitsubishi Outlander Concept (EU/UK)
Mitsubishi Prototype-X
Mitsubishi Prototype-X
Mitsubishi Prototype-X
Mitsubishi Prototype-X interior
-Mitsubishi Motors
Mitsubishi Motors lineup at Paris Motor Show
— World Premiere for "Global Standard All-round SUV" New Pajero —
Tokyo, September 28, 2006 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today gave the new "global standard all-round SUV" Pajero*1 its world debut at Le Mondial de l' Automobile 2006 (Paris Motor Show 2006) being held in Halls 1-8 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from September 28 (September 30 for the general public) through October 15. Also on display are the Outlander Concept, based on the Japanese market Outlander on-road SUV with styling and powertrain tailored to the European market, and debuting alongside the new Pajero is the new Pajero Evolution which the company plans to enter in the 2007 Dakar Rally. The company is showing a total of 13 vehicles (18 when the show opens to the general public).
Features distinguishing the new Pajero (European market specification) include: a similar all-round SUV specification (approach and other ramp angles, ground clearance) as its predecessor; the Super Select 4WD II driveline developed to Mitsubishi Motors' All Wheel Control (AWC) concept to deliver outstanding go-anywhere all-terrain performance; Active Traction & Stability Control (ASTC) system that has been upgraded to allow the installation of and to work with a new rear differential lock; a classy uptown interior design; and a Rockford Acoustic Design Premium Sound System™.
Outlander Concept is tailored to the European market through a number of changes to the Japan market model. It is powered by a Volkswagen 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC direct-injection intercooler-turbocharger diesel engine that is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. In its styling Outlander Concept sports the Mt Fuji-style front grille that serves as one of the design identity elements for Mitsubishi brand models in Europe.
The Pajero Evolution rally machine has won the Dakar Rally four times in a row since its debut in the 2003 event. Now in its fifth year, the latest iteration features improvements to the suspension and driveline and, as on the new Pajero regular production model, features a redesigned front visage with the underside of the headlights swept up to serve as a motif for the eyes of a wildcat (from which the model derives its name).
At its press conference held on September 28 at the Paris Motor Show, the company introduced the four drivers expected to be representing Mitsubishi Motors in the 2007 Dakar Rally: Japanese ace pilot Hiroshi Masuoka, 2006 overall champion and former alpine ski champion Luc Alphand (France), overall champion two years running in 2004 and 2005 Stephane Peterhansel (France) and the young rising star Nani Roma (Spain).
*1: Montero in Spain / Shogun in the UK
1. Product features: New Pajero (European market specification)
* New Pajero is offered in 7-seater long and 5-seater short body types to accommodate diverse customer needs and lifestyles.
* Diesel models are powered by a 3.2-liter common-rail direct injection diesel engine that clears Euro-4 emissions regulations and is 15% quieter than its predecessor. (Maxima: A/T models 125kW(170 PS) / 373 Nm; M/T models 118kW(160 PS) / 381 Nm). Gasoline models are powered by a 3.8-liter V6 SOHC MIVEC engine that produces a maximum power output of 250 PS.
* The engines are mated to a 5-speed manual or to the INVECS-II 5-speed automatic transmission.
* The new Pajero uses the electronically-controlled Super Select 4WD-II driveline well-received on its predecessor for the superior off-road capabilities it delivers. The driver can select from four drive modes to match surface conditions and his driving preferences: the 2H 2WD mode and three 4WD modes (4H, 4HLc and 4LLc).
* The Active Traction & Stability Control (ATSC) system that regulates drive and braking force at each wheel on an individual basis to achieve superior handling stability and off-road performance has been upgraded to accommodate and work with a rear differential lock and extend the Pajero's capabilities over unmade surfaces.
* The new Pajero retains the independent double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension configuration of its predecessor. The use of different spring constants and overall tuning of the suspension have reduced roll by 25% and more to improve handling and stability at all speeds and to make for a flatter and more comfortable ride.
* Long body models are fitted with a third row of seats that fold away under the floor when not required, a feature which proved popular on the previous Pajero. The head restraints also stow neatly under the floor.
* Built into the tailgate is a generous two-tier storage box: the top section provides free space for stowing a first-aid kit or tissue box while the bottom section holds the emergency triangle.
* The new Pajero sports a new Rockford Acoustic Design Premium Sound System™ comprising a 860 Watt amplifier, 12 speakers, a digital signal processor (DSP) and a 5.1 channel theater surround system that creates a soundstage with soulful heavy bass and a high acoustic energy flow.
* Mitsubishi's on-board navigation system houses a 30GB hard disk drive with a 7-inch LCD display and uses dedicated LSI circuitry to provide ultra-fast search and route finding capabilities.
2. Product features: Outlander Concept
* Outlander Concept sports an eye-catching Red Metallic body finish using silver accent coloring for the grille, roof rails and other elements to give a sporty dash to the overall appearance. The car rides on 20-inch 6-spoke alloy road wheels that give the lower body a tauter look as well as leaving no doubt as to Outlander Concept's on-road SUV personality.
* The powertrain mates the 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC direct-injection diesel engine that produces maxima of 103 kW and 310 N-m and powers the Europe-market Grandis sedan to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Outlander Concept uses a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to meet Euro-4 emission standards.
* The driveline uses an electronically-controlled 4WD system developed from Mitsubishi Motors' All-Wheel Control (AWC) approach to deliver optimum drive torque for any particular situation or driving conditions and realize economy and go-anywhere performance that do justice to an all-round SUV.
* All-round independent suspension delivers responsive and accurate handling with a pliant ride. The aluminum engine hood, as used on the Lancer Evolution, reduces roll to improve road holding and increase stability.
* In-car entertainment is provided by the same 650 Watt 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate Premium Sound System™ acoustically tuned to the interior of, and well-received on, the Japan market Outlander.
* Outlander Concept uses the same split tailgate as the Japan market model with separate upper and lower sections that facilitate loading or unloading of different sizes and weights of luggage. It also uses the same fold-and-tumble second row seats and occasional-use third row seats, normally stowed under the floor, to produce a cavernous luggage compartment or to provide seating for seven as required.
Gallery (click image to enlarge):
Pajero (European market specification)
Outlander Concept (Show car)
-Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
