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 4×4 has been designed to bring new levels of comfort and drivability to an important and expanding sector of the market.
|
|
70 years of 4×4 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 SUV
A 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 103kW / 140 ps.
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
