Mitsubishi Motors to Unveil New V6-powered, 6 Speed AT Equipped Outlander for North American Market at New York International Automobile Show
Outlander (Japan Specification)
Tokyo, March 29 2006 — Mitsubishi Motors will announce the North American market version of the Outlander SUV model at the upcoming New York Auto Show. Launched in Japan in October last year, Outlander brings a new-feel product concept that marries mainline SUV functionality and design with sedan-like handling and ride. Outlander has enjoyed strong popularity among Japanese consumers with orders reaching about 20,000 units for the new model in the 5.5 months since its launch — well exceeding the 2,000 unit monthly sales target. To be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the New York International Automobile Show opens to the press and media on April 12 and to the general public on April 14.
The North American Outlander will be powered by a new high performance, low emissions, and low fuel consumption 3-liter V6 MIVEC*1 engine together with a 6-speed automatic transmission to deliver outstanding acceleration and high-speed cruising performance.
The new Outlander offers a choice of drive formats: the electronically controlled 4WD system that has received high acclaim in Japan; and a front-wheel drive version specially tailored to the North American market.
As on the Japan market model, the new Outlander will use a newly design high-rigidity platform that realizes improved impact safety and an aluminum roof panel that lowers center of gravity and reduces roll inertia for improved handling performance and ride. Outlander also offers outstanding utility performance with a split tailgate ("Flap-fold tailgate") that facilitates the loading of different sizes and weights of luggage and with an available 7-seat layout that features two occasional-use third row seats stored flat under the floor ("Underfloor-stowable compact 3rd row seat"). Outlander also features Mitsubishi's Sportronic steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to change gear manually without having to take his hand off the steering wheel.
Mitsubishi Motors began revamping its car engine lineup in 2004 to a common theme of high performance, low fuel consumption, low weight, and compact size. The new 3-liter V6 MIVEC engine powering the North American Outlander is the fourth new engine in this theme, following the 4A9-type 4-cylinder 1.3 and 1.5-liter units that power the European Colt launched in May 2004 (and the Japanese Colt from October 2004), the 4B1-type 4-cylinder 2.4-liter unit that powers the Japanese Outlander launched in October 2005 and the 3B2-type 3-cylinder 660cc engine that powers the i minicar launched in Japan in January this year.
Like the other members of the new engine lineup the 3-liter V6 MIVEC engine incorporates many advanced features including an aluminum cylinder block, a resin variable air induction system, and Mitsubishi's own MIVEC variable valve timing system to generate best-in-class output and torque. The new power unit achieves this higher performance while being about 25 kg lighter, and realizing about 5% better fuel economy, than its 6G7-type 3-liter V6 predecessor. In addition, the use of a high-performance catalytic converter means that the North American Outlander is expected to receive the Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) designation under California emissions standards (according to in house testing).
The Outlander will be joined at the New York International Automobile Show by 9 other models including the new Eclipse Spyder convertible and the 2007 special edition Galant Ralliart mid-size luxury sports sedan due to go on sale this autumn.
Other Mitsubishi Motors models on display at New York International Automobile Show
Mitsubishi Concept-X
Unveiled for the first time in North America, the Mitsubishi Concept-X concept model embodies all the exciting qualities of Mitsubishi's hallmark "Driving Pleasure." Exhibited at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, Concept-X combines Mitsubishi's advanced 4WD-based Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC*2) vehicle dynamics control system with cool styling that raises the bar on performance looks.
Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV
The Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV 4WD concept car had its world premiere at the January 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This sports compact concept model uses outer-rotor type in-wheel motors and a high energy density lithium-ion battery system to drive all four wheels together with a gasoline engine in a series-parallel hybrid configuration that delivers higher power and an extended cruising range.
Galant Ralliart
Mitsubishi Motors introduced the new Galant exclusively to the North American market in 2003. The mid-size luxury sports sedan features generous and comfortable interior space and an exterior design that gives the car a distinctive road presence.
The 2007 model year Galant Ralliart on display at the New York Auto Show is distinguished by detail changes that give the exterior an even sportier appearance. Changes that raise Galant Ralliart's road performance include a 3.8-liter V6 engine, sports suspension and 18-inch alloy road wheels.
Eclipse Spyder
Eclipse Spyder is the open-top version of the Eclipse coupe introduced in 2005 and acclaimed for its sporty performance and dynamic styling. Refinements defining the new third-generation Eclipse Spyder include an automatic soft top that smoothly folds away under a new flush-fitting tonneau panel. Eclipse Spyder is offered in two trim levels: the GT - powered by a 3.8-liter V6 MIVEC engine, and the GS - powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder MIVEC unit.
*1 MIVEC: Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system
*2 S-AWC: Built around 4WD mechanics, this vehicle dynamics control system integrates control of drive, braking, steering and suspension systems.
Mitsubishi Motors lineup at New York International Automobile Show
Model Type Remarks
Outlander (North American specification) Show car World premiere
MITSUBISHI Concept-X Show car As exhibited at 2005 Tokyo Motor Show
MITSUBISHI Concept-CT MIEV Show car As exhibited at 2006 NAIAS
Galant Ralliart Show car 2007 Model, to be launched autumn 2006
Eclipse Spyder Production model
Galant SE Production model
Raider Production model
Eclipse Production model
Lancer Production model
Endeavor Production model
Total 10 Models
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