Concept Car: Mitsubishi Outlander (Europe)

MITSUBISHI MOTORS announces OUTLANDER-CONCEPT - Mitsubishi Motors will use the 2006 Paris Motor Show in September to launch its all-new European SUV, the Outlander. Due to go on-sale Spring 2007, the new mid-size 4x4 has been designed to bring new levels of comfort and drivability to an important and expanding sector of the market. 70 years of 4x4 technology.

Seventy years after its seminal PX33 4 wheel-drive torpedo, MMC will be able to demonstrate in Paris its expertise in this area through a coherent, up-to-the-minute and totally renewed SUV line-up, filling key sectors of the growing SUV market in Europe.

After the successful launch of its L200 sport-utility-truck earlier this year and prior to another most important introduction, Mitsubishi Motors will unveil “Outlander-Concept” in Paris.

Best selling compact SUVA derivative of the all-new Outlander launched in Japan in October 2005 and now the best selling compact SUV in Japan (20,041 sales October 2005 / May 2006). Outlander-Concept will preview the upcoming Euro-spec Outlander. To be launched in Europe during the first quarter of 2007, Outlander will allow Mitsubishi Motors to enter the fastest growing SUV segment (up 54% from 325,000 in 2001 to 500,000 in 2006 and with further 35% growth expected between 2006 and 2009), right in the heart of this sector.

Outlander-Concept will also preview in Europe an all-new global C-segment platform that MMC has engineered for world markets, plus advanced technology based on Mitsubishi Motors’ AWC (All Wheel Control) concept and proven through its motor sport activities. A new dimension legitimate by heritage, Outlander-Concept proposes a new dimension to an increasingly crowded and predictable segment through design, technology and features

Design:

With its Europe-only “Mount Fuji” grille, the 4.64 m long Outlander-Concept is a further showcase of Mitsubishi Motors’ strong visual identity, while its wide stance, muscular fenders and sharp lines leave no doubt about its dynamic abilities. Lean, Outlander-Concept brings drama without gratuitous effects, its kicked-up window line, piercing headlamps and 20” specific wheels giving the appearance of permanent motion. It will be presented in a sporty metallic red with silver accents (roof rails, side body strips, door handles, front skid-plate, grille surround).

Technology:

Neither an authentic off-roader like Pajero* nor a jacked-up station wagon, Outlander-Concept is a no-compromise solution for a different type of recreational vehicle. Using the in-built adaptability of MMC’s new global platform, it brings passenger car-like levels of active safety and driving pleasure, whilst its Mitsubishi “All Wheel Control” drive system allows a smooth progression off the beaten tracks, up to a “Lock 4WD” mode.

Outlander-Concept is powered by a derivative of the Volkswagen AG-supplied 1,968 cc, turbo-charged w/intercooler, DOHC, 16-valve, EU-4 compliant diesel engine fitted to the recent Grandis Di-D. Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, in Outlander-Concept it produces an estimated 140PS.

Features:

Flexible in essence, Outlander-Concept has been designed as a stylish living space, able to suit all requirements and with features to match, be it entertainment (650W 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate® premium audio system), seating (clever “Hide & Seat” 3rd row for 5+2 accommodation) or utility (split tailgate and auto-folding function for the 2nd row seats).