Mitsubishi Motors launches all-new Outlander
New SUV marries on-road performance with versatile utility
October 17, 2005 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announced that Outlander, an all-new mid-size SUV using a new platform and a new powertrain, was launched at Mitsubishi dealerships throughout Japan today. Tax-inclusive prices range from ¥2,352,000 to ¥2,667,000.
Outlander's distinguishing features include a new-generation platform which underpins better crashworthiness and greater rigidity, a high power and high fuel efficiency aluminum cylinder block 2.4-liter MIVEC*1 engine, a Sport Mode 6-speed CVT, and an electronically controlled 4WD system. The new model also uses the aluminum roof panel, mono-tube rear shock absorbers, and other advanced technology proven on Lancer Evolution, Mitsubishi Motors' iconic sport sedan, to surpass traditional off-road SUVs and deliver heart-thumping on-road performance. Outlander also features major improvements in interior comfort and utility for convenience compatible with its Smart X Sport theme including a 7-seat model with underfloor-stowed occasional-use seats for two extra passengers.
In terms of environmental performance, Outlander earns a 4-star rating for emission levels that are 75% lower than required by Japanese 2005 Emission Regulations and qualifies for Green Vehicle Tax Exemption by returning fuel consumption that is 5% lower than Japanese 2010 efficiency requirements.
Mitsubishi Motors has revamped its production facilities for the new model. At the Mizushima Plant, where Outlander is assembled, a new welding line has been installed for the first time in 10 years to accommodate the requirements of the new platform. At the Shiga Engine Plant, state-of-the art machining and assembly lines have been added for the new 2.4-liter MIVEC engine. The company has also bolstered quality assurance levels throughout the full development-to-shipment chain. Outlander is the product of stringent scrutiny and inspections implemented through the Mitsubishi Motors Development System (MMDS) in the development phase and the multi-level In-Stage Quality Creation (ISQC) system on the production line.
Outlander recently won the 2005 Good Design Award (Product Design Category) sponsored by the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization.
I . Outlander: major product features
"Heart-thumping performance", "pleasure-rending utility", and "sporty styling" were the key phrases that drove the development of this exciting new model. Outlander is distinguished by: on-road performance that redefines SUV standards, a comfortable living space and an easy-to-use luggage compartment wrapped in sporty lines, and premium-grade specifications for richer driving pleasure.
Heart-thumping performance
Outlander uses a number of new components developed in line with Mitsubishi Motors' All Wheel Control*2 (AWC) concept to deliver the highest levels of "driving pleasure" and "reassuring safety" and reflect the new domestic corporate slogan "Kuruma zukuri no genten e" (English translation: "pursuing the origins of car engineering").
1. New-generation platform
Outlander sits on a new platform that not only supports superior acceleration, handling and stability but also underpins a level of crashworthiness that meets the latest safety regulations.
2. Body: lightweight, high-rigidity, all-directional impact safety
Outlander uses more high-tensile steel sheeting to increase stiffness with little weight penalty, and employs octagonal-section straight front side members and a reinforced cabin environment to create a body that provides higher levels of all-directional crashworthiness. The body construction also meets the requirements of compatibility during impact with small cars and pedestrian protection during impact.
An aluminum roof panel lowers the center of gravity and reduces roll inertia to improve steering response and handling by reducing body roll and stagger without impacting ride quality.
3. New 2.4-liter 16-valve DOHC MIVEC engine
Outlander is powered by a new compact lightweight engine with a die-cast aluminum cylinder block. Using MIVEC intake and exhaust valve trains, the new engine delivers more power while returning better fuel efficiency and low emissions. It earns a 4-star rating for emission levels that are 75% lower than required by Japanese 2005 Emission Regulations and qualifies for Green Vehicle Tax Exemption by returning fuel consumption that is 5% lower than Japanese 2010 efficiency requirements.
4. New INVECS-III*3 Sport Mode 6-speed CVT
Outlander's engine is mated to Mitsubishi's INVECS-III Sport Mode 6-speed CVT that brings significant improvements in terms of fuel efficiency as well as in smooth and responsive acceleration by continuously selecting the gear ratio that keeps the engine working in its optimal power range. In addition, the CVT features paddle shifters that allow slick and smooth gear changing without taking hands off the steering wheel (standard on G grade).
5. Electronically controlled 4WD
Outlander uses Mitsubishi's electronically controlled 4WD system that continuously distributes front/rear wheel drive torque in an optimal way according to conditions. A dial selector gives the driver the choice of three drive modes: 2WD, 4WD AUTO and 4WD LOCK.
6. Active Stability Control (ASC)
ASC provides automatic and integrated control of braking force, engine output, CVT and the electronically controlled 4WD when system sensors detect an unusual change in vehicle attitude or behavior. The system prevents the vehicle sliding sideways as a result of sudden steering inputs or loss of traction on a slippery surface. ASC also features a traction enhancement system that controls wheel spin when moving off on snow-covered or other low-friction surfaces.
7. New suspension system
Outlander employs a MacPherson strut front and a trailing arm-type multi-link arrangement rear suspension. The wider track and longer stroke improve handling and stability.
At the rear, Outlander employs mono-tube shock absorbers well proven on Lancer Evolution. Offering faster response at slower vehicle speeds, this type of shock absorber reconciles a plaint and well-damped ride with outstanding levels of handling and stability.
8. 18-inch lightweight, high-rigidity wheels and tires
The G grade rides on 225/55R18 all-season tires fitted to large diameter 18-inch 5-spoke lightweight high-rigidity alloy road wheels (factory-fitted option on M grade). They provide a sense of power and stability to the exterior.
"Pleasure-rending utility" and premium specifications
1. Split tailgate
Outlander sports a split tailgate that enhances convenience and loading ease. Smaller items of luggage can be loaded through the top section. Opening both sections provides a large tailgate opening that facilitates the loading of larger items. The bottom section takes static loads up to 200 kg, permitting its use as a convenient seat.
2. Cavernous luggage compartment
The low-floor height design and other elements in Outlander's high-efficiency packaging realize a luggage compartment VDA volume of between 774 and 882 liters, depending on the second row seat slide position, with five passengers on board. Moreover, with the second row seats tumbled forward, VDA volume increases to a cavernous 1,691 liters. The luggage compartment also sports a number of features that enhance utility and convenience.
3. One-step fold-and-tumble for second row seats
Operating a switch on the luggage compartment wall causes the second row seatbacks to fold down and seats to tumble forward automatically, making it an easy task to expand luggage compartment space for carrying large items.
4. Underfloor-stowed third row seats
Outlander is available with a seating capacity of seven that allows two extra passengers to be carried using occasional-use third row seats that are normally stowed flat under the floor.
5. Rockford Fosgate Premium Sound system
Outlander sports an in-car entertainment system developed jointly with Rockford Fosgate, a leading car audio brand in the United States, specifically for Outlander. Optimally matched to the interior's acoustical characteristics, the 650-watt amplifier, nine speakers, DSP system blows away conventional factory-fitted systems with powerful, clear sound. The doors have been stiffened to deaden unwanted vibration. This system is standard on G grade and a factory-fitted option on M grade models.
Sporty styling
Outlander's styling was developed to a Smart X Sport theme in creating a new-generation crossover design that embraces the twin requirements of road performance and versatile utility.
1. Exterior
The design wraps a generously roomy and comfortable interior space in sporty lines that give vivid visual expression to Outlander's exhilarating road performance. The purposeful and handsome design sits on a rock-firm stance generated by the wide tracks and large diameter 18-inch wheels and tires (G grade), while the sculptured fender flares embrace the wheels and combine with the front undercover to add SUV-defining toughness.
2. Interior
Doors and a floor console that feature a strong motorbike motif, along with a dashboard that sweeps across the width of the car are the principle elements in an interior design that marries tough with classy sport. The handsome design gives solid expression to Outlander's SUV-defining utility and functionality.
3. Coloring
Outlander is available in a range of eight body colors that have strong outdoor associations rendered in a sporty fashion. The black keynote interior color scheme uses silver highlights in creating an ambience that gives a pulse-quickening taste of Outlander's smooth and dynamic performance.
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Oh man, that would be hilarious to pull up next to one of deez and it's a Mitsu fan boy with a riced out Outlander as he explains he's got paddle shifters.
