Mitsubishi showed the Outlander Concept as a preview for the European market version. The Outlander went on sale in Japan in October 2005, earlier this year in the US and will launch in Europe in the first quarter of 2007.
The front of the Outlander Concept is inspired by the 2002 Pajero Evo 2+2 concept and blends flared wheelarches and sharp lines. The Outlander is wide and low with side windows that slope up at the rear, LED headlights and taillights, 20-inch 6-spoke alloy wheels and an aluminium roof to reduce weight.
The Outlander Concept features Active Stability Control and an electronically-controlled all-wheel-drive system that includes 2WD and Lock 4WD modes. It is powered by a Volkswagen supplied turbocharged, intercooled 16-valve EU-4 compliant diesel engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) will be available depending on the model and the market on the upcoming production car. Other engines will be offered, including the 220bhp Mitsubishi-developed petrol V6.
Meanwhile, Mitsubishi celebrated 25 years of heavy off-road duty by launching the latest generation Pajero in the knowledge that it will continue to deliver the serious off-road capability that customers expect. And customers love them. Since 1982, Mitsubishi has sold more than 2.5 million Pajeros with an owner loyalty rate of 70 percent in Europe.
The new Pajero design is immediately identifiable but more balanced overall. It’s tall with a nearly flat windscreen and a side-hinged tailgate, with the bulging wheelarches of the previous generation eliminated in the process. The 3-door Pajero is sportier and bolder, with longer doors and a shorter wheelbase.
The interior receives a more modern look that is clean and no-frill with a more coherent feel and quality materials in either black or black-beige combination with aluminum, wood, metallic or anthracite trim. The Hide&Seat third row seat remains in the 5-door models and new equipment includes Rockford Acoustic Design premium audio system, 30 GB hard disk drive navigation system with 7” color touch screen display and DVD player, plus music server incorporating a CD Database (CDDB) from GraceNote® that relays information about the CD being played to the display screen, rear view camera, rear seat entertainment system with 9” display and 5.1 channel Dolby® digital sound and Xenon headlights.
For off-road prowess, the body-on-frame configuration is retained and an electronically-controlled transfer case and a locking rear differential is offered. Pajero now comes with standard traction control, stability control, ABS, electronic brake assist control and electronic brake force distribution. Independent front and rear suspension has been re-calibrated for a better ride, less body roll and better high-speed stability.
Two engines are offered, a 3.2-litre 4-cylinder diesel with common-rail injection to meet Euro-4 compliance and better noise and vibrations levels; and a 250bhp 3.8-litre MIVEC V6 that is used in the Eclipse in the US. Both engines are available with either 5-speed manual or a 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic with Sport Mode and Adaptive Shift Control.
The off-road reputation of the Pajero has been bolstered by Mitsubishi’s participation in the infamous Dakar Rally, the world’s most famous off-road long distance racing event, including a record 11 wins. Mitsubishi has not been beaten in the event Dakar since 2001 with six straight victories. And the vehicle that they hope will bring them a 2007 Dakar Rally victory was unveiled in Paris - the latest version of the Pajero Evolution, code-named MPR13, that was built in conjunction with the Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Team.
