New Evo X Technologies: Twin Clutch SST

Twin Clutch-SST (Sport Shift Transmission) systematic
July 12, 2007 -- Cypress, Calif. --

* What Twin Clutch-SST aims to achieve
Twin Clutch SST aims to combine the economy and dynamic driving of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic transmission.

* Features
1. Slick, sporty gear changing with no clutch pedal.
2. Quick response and smooth shifting.
3. High power transmission efficiency and low fuel consumption.

* System configuration




* Twin clutch SST benefits





-MMNA

MMNA announces details for 08 NA manufactured vehicles

Mitsubishi Motors North America announces details for 2008 North America manufactured vehicles



2008 Eclipse Coupe



For 2008, Mitsubishi's affordable exotic, Eclipse, continues as a thrilling model that boasts an athletic, innovative style and outstanding performance. This fourth generation Eclipse is a fun-to-drive sporty coupe that offers a high degree of content and a tremendous value. For 2008, the Eclipse line-up adds the SE trim level for both the 2.4-liter and 3.8-liter V6 engines. The Special Edition package includes cosmetic and functional enhancements such as a dark charcoal leather and terra cotta interior, front chin spoiler, rear deck lid spoiler, 18" sword silver finish wheels, and SE body graphics. The 2.4-liter version of the SE also adds the Eclipse GT suspension components and firmer tuning, while the 3.8-liter SE is equipped with Active Stability Control (ASC).

Lineup:



Changes for 2008:

Exterior:
* Three new colors: Optimist Green, Rave Red, and Northstar White
* The sporty 18" wheel is now standard on all GT models; has Sword Silver finish on SE
* SE models add chin spoiler, rear deck lid spoiler, and SE body graphics

Interior:
* Available Charcoal and Terra Cotta leather covered seating surfaces
* Unique logo floormats for SE model
* Aluminum scuff plate for SE models

Safety:
* Active Stability Control on SE with V6
* Tire Pressure monitoring system



2008 Eclipse Spyder



The 2008 Eclipse Spyder convertible continues to offer eye-catching exotic styling and an abundance of available features not often found in this price range. Introduced for the 2007 model year, changes to the Spyder are minimal in its sophomore season.

Lineup:



Changes for 2008:

Exterior/Interior:
* Three new colors: Optimist Green, Rave Red, and Northstar White
* 18" alloy wheel now standard on all GT models
* Sword silver finish 18" wheel on GT Premium package
* Aluminum scuff plate on GT Premium package

Safety:
* Tire pressure monitoring system standard on all models



2008 Endeavor



The 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor continues to add popular premium features. The 2008 Endeavor's standard features list now includes Anti-lock Braking System, Active Skid & Traction Control, and a power steering oil cooler usually found on high performance or specialty vehicles. Building upon the equipment first offered in the 2007 Endeavor Special Edition, a new 2-tone leather interior will be available in November. Additional interior enhancements for Endeavor include a black center dash panel, updated door trim, and accent stitching added to the leather shift knob & steering wheel.

Lineup:



Changes for 2008:

Exterior:

* Rear glass no longer opens independently of rear hatch on LS model
* Three new colors: Rave Red, Quick Silver, and Canyon Beige
* New exhaust finisher

Interior:
* Two-toned leather seating surfaces for SE trim level; Suki beige with black bolsters
* Leather covered steering wheel and shift knob now trimmed with Suki beige stitching

Safety:
* Active Skid and Traction Control standard on all 2WD and AWD Endeavors

Additional Mechanical or Content Enhancements:
* The 2WD and AWD Tow packages now include a power steering fluid cooler



2008 Galant



The 2008 Galant continues to offer a tremendous mid-sized car value with a plethora of features available throughout the trim lines. To make ordering easier, the GTS has been removed from the line up, and its feature content spread throughout the remaining trim levels. All of the great features of the Galant line up are still found in DE, ES, and Ralliart. In addition to the Galant's highly acclaimed safety features, every Galant (including DE) now has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Lineup:



Changes for 2008:

Exterior:
* GTS trim level eliminated
* Two new colors: Rave Red and Northstar White

Safety:
* Tire pressure monitoring system standard on all models

-MMNA

4 Lancer WRC05 in 07 Rally Finland, Mitsubishi's biggest outing

Neste Oil Rally Finland (August 3-5) will mark a landmark event for MMSP, Mitsubishi's UK-based world championship competition department - four of its cars will go over the start ramp!

Heading the assault will be Finn Juho Hanninen, on his third World Rally Car outing, followed by veteran Finnish driver Kristian Sohlberg, Urmo Aava from Estonia and Kaj Kuistila. Kuistila runs RRE, the Mitsubishi preparation specialist, and enters the Jyvaskyla event for the 10th time.

Hanninen is hoping for better luck this year; last year his World Rally Car debut drive was wrecked when he was excluded for not wearing the correct safety underwear.

John Easton, MMSP's Operations Manager, said: "This is the biggest WRC challenge that MMSP or even the old Ralliart team has made, even going right back into history."

-WRC News

Mitsubishi Motors develops S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system & Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission

Mitsubishi Motors develops S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system & Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission


S-AWC system
(* Chassis-mounted components on current Lancer Evolution)

Tokyo, July 10, 2007 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has developed two new component systems that are expected to feature in the new Lancer Evolution*, due to be launched this autumn. S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) is an advanced vehicle dynamics control system that regulates drive torque at each wheel. Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) is an automated manual transmission that delivers slicker shifting through the gears while freeing the driver from the need to operate the clutch.

In line with its corporate philosophy, Mitsubishi Motors strives to deliver a dynamic driving experience while making advances to keep drivers safe. Twin Clutch SST and S-AWC do so by making driving more intuitive. Both the systems work to efficiently distribute power appropriate to road conditions, and deliver outstanding control and stability maintained by an "intelligent" system that reads and reflects driver intent in real time.

S-AWC:
The system now adds an ASC*1 (Active Stability Control) feature to the ACD*2 (Active Center Differential), AYC*3 (Active Yaw Control) and Sport ABS*4 (Sport Antilock Brake System) components that have proven themselves in the Lancer Evolution series. Integrated system management of these four components allows regulation of torque and braking force at each wheel. S-AWC also now employs yaw rate feedback control. This allows the system to control each wheel under a wide range of driving conditions, thus realizing vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver inputs and allows drivers of all abilities to enjoy sporty motoring with confidence.


S-AWC

Twin Clutch SST:
MMC's new automated manual transmission employs dual clutches to realize power transmission efficiencies on a par with a normal manual gearbox while also allowing slick and swift shifting. Allowing drivers of all abilities to shift rapidly up and down through the gears, Twin Clutch SST delivers satisfying acceleration while also returning superior fuel mileage thanks to its high-efficiency power transmission mechanism. The new transmission also features three operating modes tailored to different situations: from around-town drivability to instant-response and follow-the-line sporty motoring on the open road.

*1, *2, *3, *4: see following for details
1. S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control)

(1) System overview
The S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system integrates management of all its AYC, ACD, ASC and Sport ABS components (see below) while adding braking force control to Mitsubishi Motors' own AYC system. As a result S-AWC elevates drive power, cornering performance as well as vehicle stability under all driving situations, from everyday motoring to emergency evasion maneuvers.

(2) ACD (Active Center Differential)
The Active Center Differential incorporates an electronically-controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch. The system optimizes clutch cover clamp load for different driving conditions, regulating the differential limiting action between free and locked states to optimize front/rear wheel torque split and thereby producing the best balance between traction and steering response.


ACD (Cut-away)

(3) AYC (Active Yaw Control)
AYC uses a torque transfer mechanism in the rear differential to control rear wheel torque differential for different driving conditions and so limit the yaw moment that acts on the vehicle body and enhance cornering performance. AYC also acts like a limited slip differential by suppressing rear wheel slip to improve traction. The first component of its type, AYC was first used in the Lancer Evolution IV launched in April 1996. It then took an evolutionary step forward in the Lancer Evolution VIII launched in January 2003 as the Super AYC when it switched from the use of a bevel gear to a planetary gear differential, thereby doubling the amount of torque it was able to transfer. In comparison to the system used in the Lancer Evolution IX, AYC now features yaw rate feedback control using a yaw rate sensor and also gains braking force control. Accurately determining the cornering dynamics on a real-time basis, the system operates to control vehicle behavior through corners and realize vehicle behavior that more closely mirrors driver intent.


AYC (Cut-away)

(4) ASC (Active Stability Control)
The ASC system stabilizes vehicle attitude while maintaining optimum traction by regulating engine power and the braking force at each wheel. Taking a step beyond the previous generation Lancer Evolution, the fitting of a brake pressure sensor at each wheel allows more precise and positive control of braking force. ASC improves traction under acceleration by preventing the driving wheels from spinning on slippery surfaces. It also elevates vehicle stability by suppressing skidding in an emergency evasive maneuver or the result of other sudden steering inputs.

(5) Sport ABS (Sport Anti-lock Braking System)
ABS allows the driver to maintain steering control and keeps the vehicle stable by preventing the wheels from locking under heavy braking or when braking on slippery surfaces. The addition of yaw rate sensors and brake pressure sensors to the Sport ABS system has improved braking performance through corners compared to the Lancer Evolution IX.

(6) S-AWC control system
The use of engine torque and brake pressure information in the regulation of the ACD and AYC components allows the S-AWC system to determine more quickly whether the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating. S-AWC also employs yaw rate feedback for the first time. The system helps the driver follow his chosen line more closely by comparing how the car is running, as determined from data from the yaw rate sensors, and how the driver wants it to behave, as determined from steering inputs, and operates accordingly to correct any divergence. The addition of braking force regulation to AYC's main role of transferring torque between the right and left wheels allows S-AWC to exert more control over vehicle behavior in on-the-limit driving situations. Increasing braking force on the inside wheel during understeer and on the outer wheel during oversteer situations, AYC's new braking force control feature works in concert with torque transfer regulation to realize higher levels of cornering performance and vehicle stability.

Using integrated management of the ASC and ABS systems allows S-AWC to effectively and seamlessly control vehicle dynamics when accelerating, decelerating or cornering under all driving conditions. S-AWC offers three operating modes: TARMAC for dry, paved surfaces; GRAVEL for wet or unmade surfaces, and SNOW for snow covered surfaces. When the driver selects the mode best suited to current road surface conditions S-AWC operates to control vehicle behavior accordingly and allow the driver to extract the maximum dynamic performance from his vehicle.

2. Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission)

(1) The mechanism
Twin Clutch SST puts odd (1st, 3rd, 5th) and even (2nd, 4th and 6th) gears on separate input shafts, each connected to an individual clutch. With both clutches under precise system control, this arrangement allows lightening-fast, smooth and lag-free gear changes with no interruption in power delivery. Using clutches instead of a torque converter to transmit power makes the Twin Clutch SST simpler in structure and reduces power transmission losses for higher transmission efficiency that leads to improved fuel mileage.

(2) Drive modes
Twin Clutch SST allows the driver to switch between three shifting programs — Normal, Sport and S-Sport — to cover the full range of driving situations, from town use to sporty motoring on open roads.

a. Normal mode
For use around town and other normal driving situations, Normal mode scheduling uses relatively low-speed shift points to deliver unobtrusive shifting for maximum comfort together with optimum fuel economy.

b. Sport mode
For use when driving in the mountains or when engine braking is required, Sport mode scheduling uses higher shift points and quicker shifting to deliver instant throttle response that instills in the driver a closer man/machine relationship.

c. S-Sport mode
Compared with Sport mode, S-Sport mode scheduling keeps the engine turning at higher revs while allowing lightening-fast shifting.

-MMC Japan

The All-New Outlander 2nd Gen arrives in the Philippines

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines has begun importing the All-New Outlander from Japan. Powered by the same 3.0L V6 engine that powers the 07 Outlanders sold in the US, AU, and other markets, the new Outlander offers plenty of power while being fuel efficient. Currently offered in two trims, the GLS and GLS Sport, with the Sport being equipped with the Rockford Fosgate Sound System. The MMCS, and consequently the Navigation, will not be offered, although this may be added, but as a caveat, this version might not be prewired for MMCS. The MMCS unit won't come cheap though. It is estimated to cost 131,000 PhP.

If you're interested in the new Outlander, please join our growing community of enthusiasts at http://outlander.freeforums.org and share topics, pictures, and stories about the Outlander.

EU Launch of All-New Lancer at Frankfurt Motor Show

Mitsubishi Motors Europe @ 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show
Preview # 2
- All-new Lancer Sports Sedan -

Mitsubishi has embarked upon its most ambitious automotive project ever through the launch of its first global platform.



Known as “Project Global” within MMC, and already successfully previewed with the second generation Outlander, this new global platform will next be rolled out to the European public at the 2007 Frankfurt Show (IAA), underpinning the all-new 4-door Lancer Sports Sedan.
Global

Representing a multi-million dollar investment, the “Project Global” platform will support the launch of several new Mitsubishi vehicles over the next few years, including (as of now) the all-new Lancer family, the second generation Outlander or the recently unveiled – and very successful – Delica D:5 minivan / SUV crossover.



Designed from the outset for world markets to accommodate various regional needs and regulations as well as changing market trends and customer demands, “Project Global” generates economies of scale through built-in flexibility and synergies in design, engineering and manufacturing.
Credentials

Designed at Mitsubishi Motors’ European design studio in Trebur, near Frankfurt (Germany) for world markets, Lancer Sports Sedan shares its stunning design language with the much-acclaimed Concept-Sportback (2005 IAA) and Concept-X (2005 Tokyo) concept cars, also created in Europe.

Its low stance, long bonnet / short deck proportions, wide track, trademark “Jet Fighter” grille (with a chromed upper grille in this European market application) and distinctively deep set “eyes”, all bring a new meaning to the concept of sports sedans.

Very much in line with Mitsubishi’s inspiring “Japanese Modern” design philosophy, this theme is also evocative of Lancer’s peerless motor sports credentials covering 35 years of racing, from the original 1973 Lancer 1600 GSR winner of numerous long distance 70s rallies in Africa and Australia (East African Safari, Bandama, Southern Cross,…) to the very hot 1980 Lancer EX 2000 Turbo and today’s Lancer Evolution.
Family



To be launched progressively in Europe from the end of 2007, the (4,570 mm long x 1,760 mm wide) Lancer Sports Sedan will provide Mitsubishi Motors in Europe with a full family of offerings ranging from 1.5 litre petrol entry models to mid-range 1.8 litre petrol and 2.0 litre Diesel versions (availability according to markets), right up to the all-new Lancer Evolution – for the first time a member of the Lancer family. In the future, further variants will be made available as well:

- Entry level:

• 110 ps – 1.5 l DOHC MIVEC petrol*

- Mid-range:

• 140 ps – 2.0 l Pump Jet Diesel (VAG-supplied)*
• 144 ps – 1.8 l DOHC MIVEC petrol*
  

- Upper-range:

• output & details to be unveiled at a later stage

- Hero:

• 2.0 l Turbo DOHC MIVEC petrol (Lancer Evolution / output to be unveiled later)

* all data subject to homologation.

The above line-up will include 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, CVT, 4-speed automatic and 6-speed automated manual, according to the engine.

Joining the Lancer Sports Sedan and Lancer Evolution during 2008, the all-new 5-door Lancer Sportback will further strengthen the Lancer family. With its coupé-like profile – modelled upon the exciting 2005 Frankfurt concept car of the same name – it will specifically target hatchback-minded European customers.

Beyond conventional segmentation, the all-new Lancer family will be in Europe a refreshing alternative for customers looking for timeless presence, sharp dynamics, reliability and value-for-money, all brought by heritage-proud, non-mainstream, right-brained, quality Brands.

-Mitsubishi Motors Euro

Rallying Mitsubishi Evo VI using Compressed Natural Gas

Prominent guest competitor in the OMV CNG Rally Team

2007-07-02

++ Manfred Stohl will compete at OMV Rally Waldviertel in the CNG Mitsubishi++ Maximising chances for top result together with Beppo Harrach++



The OMV CNG (compressed natural gas) Team will compete with two cars at the OMV Rally Waldviertel, the finale of the Austrian National Championship (November 9 to 10, 2007). Beside Beppo Harrach in the CNG Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX Manfred Stohl will compete with the CNG Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI. The OMV driver is looking forward to try out for himself the vehicle that was developed by his own company. The sportive aspect is nevertheless important. Following third overall place by Beppo Harrach at the Chamionship run in Judenburg the “home rally” in the Waldviertel shall see a da capo of this result.



Cherishing the challenge
Manfred Stohl was close to competing at the Judenburg Rally in the CNG Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX. But thanks to the fast recovery of Beppo Harrach he naturally yielded his place to the CNG regular driver. But the hunger of the 34-year-old OMV driver for a competitive challenge had been awakened. And it shall be satisfied at the “home rally”, the OMV Rally Waldviertel from November 9 to 10, 2007. Both Manfred Stohl (with co Ilka Minor) and Beppo Harrach (with co Andreas Schindlbacher) will compete with the OMV CNG Team. Stohl: “I started to feel the urge as I inspected the course in Judenburg. And I said to myself: it is about time to try out the car that was developed by your own company. After all, I should know what I’m talking about. And it is obvious that testing is no substitution for a racing competition.“



Advantage by gravel
Since his schedule hadn’t allowed for Manfred Stohl to take part in the OMV Rally Waldviertel last year he is all the more looking forward to competing this year. Especially since organiser Helmut Schöpf has changed several sections of the course and the gravel percentage currently lies at about 92 percent. Stohl: “Gravel surely is to my advantage. And the CNG Mitsubishis, both the Evo VI and the Evo IX, are working perfectly. Last year Beppo finished fifth in the VI at the OMV Rally Waldviertel. And in Judenburg he steered the IX, as first natural gas car ever, onto the podium. Reason enough to be very confident for this year’s OMV Rally. And the assignment of two cars obviously maximises the chances for a further podium place.“



OMV CNG Team is Austria’s first CarbonNeutral® Rally Team
Currently all CO2 emissions for the 2007 season concerning the OMV CNG Rally Team are being calculated and reduced as much as possible in collaboration with “The CarbonNeutral Company“. The remaining emissions will be neutralised by offset-projects which save the respective level of CO2. Therefore the OMV CNG Team is Austria’s first CarbonNeutral® RallyTeam.




Background information:

Natural gas-driven vehicles
European transport policy has set itself the goal to reach a quota of 10 percent of natural gas-cars in the fuel market by 2020. In Austria alone the quota of natural gas-driven cars should increase to 50.000 by 2010. The specific advantage of natural gas is its clean combustion. It burns up residue-free and causes considerably less CO2 than other fuels. Natural gas furthermore reduces pollutant emissions and generates practically no fine particulate matter. Natural- and biogas as fuel can therefore contribute considerably to reducing greenhouse gas-, nitric oxide- and fine particulate matter-emissions and thereby serve air pollution control in Austria.

OMV Future Energy Fund
In June 2006, OMV has established the OMV Future Energy Fund, a wholly owned subsidiary to support projects in renewable energy with more than EUR 100 million to initiate the change from a pure oil and gas group to an energy group with renewable energy in its portfolio.

OMV Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
OMV is actively committed to the values enshrined in its Code of Conduct. These include a strong sense of responsibility towards the social and natural environment in economically weak regions. OMV works hard to address economic, environmental and social issues related to its operations. Its CSR activities are fully documented in biannual performance reports compiled according to Global Reporting Initiative guidelines.

OMV World Rally Team/Beppo Harrach