Some great concepts from Mitsubishi: video

Mitsubishi showed off some great concept cars at the Tokyo Motor Show 2013.


MITSUBISHI Concept XR PHEV


MITSUBISHI Concept AR


MITSUBISHI Concept GC PHEV

Mitsubishi CA-MiEV Concept

The new Mitsubishi Suburban EV concept - the CA-MiEV (Compact & Advanced-MiEV) was recently unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

Check out the video:

The Mitsubishi Shogun

Interesting facts: This model is only known as the Shogun in the UK. It is called the Mitsubishi Pajero in Japan and few other countries, Mitsubishi Montero (meaning "mountain hunter") in Spain, India, and the Americas (except Brazil). It is not on sale in the US (since 2006) and the latest model is the 4th generation.

The Mitsubishi ASX Challenge

Mitsubishi’s all-new crossover – the ASX (known as the Mitsubishi RVR in Japan) goes on sale in the UK from the 1st of July this year.

The RVR

To promote the launch, an online game, the Mitsubishi ASX Challenge has been launched as well. Go over to the site and play the game for a chance to win a brand new Mitsubishi ASX crossover.

Mitsubishi's New Compact Crossover named

Mitsubishi's new compact crossover will be called the RVR.

Fitted with a new 1.8L MIVEC petrol engine and a lightweight compact body, the vehicle will be approximately 4.3 meters in length.

The car will be released globally sequentially starting Japan next spring.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV wins Award

i MiEV (white) and the i MiEV SPORT AIR (blue) concepts

The "MiEV OS" integrated vehicle control system installed in Mitsubishi Motors' new-generation electric vehicle i-MiEV, has been selected by as the winner of the "2009 Japan Automotive Hall of Fame Car Technology of the Year" award by The Japan Automotive Hall of Fame, a non-profit organization.

Go here for more details

Mitsubishi Motors debuts two models in Geneva

i MiEV (white) and the i MiEV SPORT AIR (blue) concepts

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation launched two concepts at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex on the 3rd of this month.

The two new cars are the i MiEV and the i MiEV SPORT AIR concept models. MiEV stands for Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle.

The i MiEV prototype is the precursor to a model that will be introduced to the European market in 2010.

The i MiEV SPORT AIR does bear a close resemblance to the VW Beetle.

New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV

A new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV model will be unveiled at 2008 Moscow Motor Show. the show will run from August 26 to September 7 (open to the public on August 29) at the Crocus Expo in Moscow.

The model will be known as the "Montero Sport" in South America, "Shogun' in the UK, "Nativa" in Latin America and "Challenger" in Australia. However, it will not be sold in Central and Western Europe nor in North America.


Rear


Front view

The new Pajero has a really sporty look. They are offering a choice of three engines viz.,: 2.5-litre and 3.2-litre common rail direct injection diesel units and a 3.5-litre V6 gasoline unit.

Very practical innovations include the water-repellent seats and waterproof luggage compartment floor.

According to their press release, Mitsubishi choose to launch the new Pajero Sport at the Moscow Motor Show to indicate "Russia's eminent position within Mitsubishi Motors". It's not surprising because in the last fiscal year (2007) Mitsubishi Motors sold some 100,000 vehicles on the Russian market.

New Racing Lancer

Image released by Mitsubishi

Here's the new 'Racing Lancer' developed for the 2009 Dakar Rally. It has the codename MRX09, which stands for 'Mitsubishi Rally 'Cross Country'('X'). The suffix 09 stands for year 2009.

The Lancer (known in Japan as Gallant Fortis) takes over the competition baton from the Pajero/Montero and the Pajero/Montero Evolution.

It has been developed in compliance with the FIA's Group T1 regulations (modified cross-country rally cars) which also complies with the new rules due to come into force in 2010.

The MRX09 features a new, multi-tubular steel frame and will be powered by the 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel engine, which is wedded with a Ricardo manual five-speed sequential transmission.

The engine is currently being tested on qualifying rounds of the 2008 Dakar Series and the 2008 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup.

BTW, Mitsubishi Motor has a new corporate communication tagline : 'Drive@earth'.

Lancer Sportback to be unvieled at Paris Motor Show

The new Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback will be unveiled at the Le Mondial de l'Automobile 2008 (Paris Motor Show 2008). The show is being held in Halls 1-8 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from October 2 to 19 and will be open for the general public on 4th October.

The Lancer Sportback is a 5-door sport hatchback with a unique inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille. It will be available 1.5-liter (109PS), 1.8-liter (143PS) gasoline engines and a 2.0-liter (140PS) turbo diesel engine versions.


Lancer Sportback (Europe spec.)

Other cars that will be on display at the Mitsubishi stand include the Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models.


Lancer Sportback Ralliart (Europe spec.)


Lancer Ralliart (Europe spec)

These models are powered by a turbocharged engine mated to Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) and delivering power to all four wheels through an Active Center Differential.

Peugeot Citroën and Mitsubishi to collaborate in in Russia

According to a news release, PSA Peugeot Citroën and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will set up a joint venture in Russia. The JV will produce vehicles for 3 brands, namely, Peugeot, Citroën and Mitsubishi in aassembly plant which will be located in Kaluga, 180 kmd South-West of Moscow.

The plant will have a capacity of 160,000 vehicles and the the foundation stone of this future plant will be laid on June 10th 2008. Production is planned to start in 2011.

This JV follows the sucessful launch of the an SUV - the Peugeot 4007, which was jointly launched in 2007, for the European market. Read Paul Tan's post about the Peugeot 4007 here.

Mitsubishi at Geneva

The 78th Geneva International Motor Show runs from March 4 through March 16 at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex and will open to the general public on March 6. Given below is Mitsubishi Motors' lineup at the Motor Show include:

1. Prototype-S sport hatchback concept: The concept makes it's global debut here.

2. i MiEV (dubbed the i-EV in Europe): new-generation electric vehicle under evaluation for export to international markets and currently undergoing fleet monitoring in Japan.

3. Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evolution X on the Japanese market)

4. Pajero Evolution

5. Outlander

6. Lancer (" Galant Fortis " in Japan)

7. Pajero

8. L200 (Built in Thailand, "Triton" in selected markets)

9. Colt CZC (Built in Europe)

10. Colt CZT (Built in Europe)

11. Colt (Built in Europe)

12. Grandis

Mitsubishi Concept-RA global premiere

Mitsubishi Concept-RA

The Mitsubishi Concept-RA had it's global premiere at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (the Detroit Motor Show). The 2008 NAIAS started on the 13 of this month and will run till the 27 at the Cobo Center in Detroit. It will open to the general public on January 19.


Lancer Ralliart

Other cars from Mitsubishi that will be in the MMC stand includes a 2.0-liter Lancer sedan and a new a 2.4-liter DOHC MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) engine variant. The Lancer Ralliart model will also be there. Powered by a new 4-cylinder 2.0-liter MIVEC turbocharged engine, the new Ralliart gives a maximum output of 177 kW (240 PS) and 343 Nm (35kg-m).

MMC will also be showing off its new 4WD sedan Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evolution X for the Japanese market). If you happen to visit the show, do drop by their "S-AWC Theater" simulation booth to experience the ir S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system.

Read more about the Mitsubishi Motors Lineup at 2008 North American International Auto Show.

Mitsubishi Concept-RA to be unveiled at NAIAS

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. (MMNA, based in Cypress California) will unveil the Mitsubishi Concept-RA to the world at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS or the Detroit Motor Show). The 2008 NAIAS runs from January 13 to 27 at the Cobo Center in Detroit and opens to the general public on January 19.

Just take a look at the design sketches. Don't they look fantastic.




The new concept from Mitsubishi combines performance and environmental responsibility - something you won't hear often

It is a coupe which features the Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics control system driveline and the Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission used in Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evolution X in Japan). The car will be powered by a new high-efficiency, low-emissions 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbodiesel engine with MIVEC*6 continuously variable valve timing control.

Environmental friendly features:
The engine has piezoelectric injector common-rail direct fuel injection that allows a lower compression ratio and with a VD (Variable Diffuser)/VG (Variable Geometry) turbocharger, the clean diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 150 kW (204 PS) and maximum torque of 420 Nm (42.8 kg-m).

For compliance with U.S. emissions standards (Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations), the engine is fitted with a new catalytic converter system.

For improved crashworthiness and to reduce vehicle weight, the body structure uses an aluminum space frame, as well as engine hood, fenders and other outer panels made from high impact-resistance and easily recyclable plastic resin.

The new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today launched the Lancer Evolution X high-performance 4WD sedan, at dealerships throughout Japan. It features a new platform, engine, and exterior and interior designs. Models fitted with the Twin Clutch SST transmission are due to be launched towards the end of November.



"Fast as possible yet safe" was the development goal for the new Lancer Evolution. To that end Lancer Evolution X is loaded with the very latest in automotive engineering technology, including the S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) vehicle dynamics control system and the newly developed, power-efficient Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission).

The Lancer Evolution X is powered by a new turbocharged engine. It has a new high-output and lightweight 4B11-type 2.0-liter 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC MIVEC unit with aluminum block, used in the Galant Fortis. The engine generates more torque at 422 Nm (43.0 kg-m)/3500 rpm and has better response than its 4G63 predecessor. It is also 12 kg lighter than the 4G63. Best of all, the new model earns a 3-star rating for emissions that are 50% lower than the requirements of the Japanese 2005 standards.



Mated to the engine is the twin Clutch SST is a 6-speed automated manual transmission incorporating a dual automated clutch system. It is also offered with a new 5-speed manual transmission for those who prefer the joys and more direct control of manual shifting.



Safety features include, standard SRS dual-stage airbags for driver and front passenger, SRS knee airbag for driver and adaptive front lighting system (AFS) are all standard equipment on the GSR trim level. SRS side and curtain airbags are available as factory-fitted options.

All models come standard with an engine immobilizer and security alarm to deter theft. (The security alarm is standard on the GSR only.)

All Lancer Evolution X GSR models are fitted with the S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system. The system intelligently manages several component systems to regulate drive torque and braking force at each wheel, reading and reflecting driver intent in real time over a wide range of situations.


The GSR trim level is offered in a lineup of five body colors designed to strongly project a functionally aesthetic image and including a vividly sporty Red Metallic and a new classy and deep-hue Phantom Black Pearl. RS is offered in two body colors, including White Solid which is exclusive to this trim level.



For more information read the full press release "MMC launches Lancer Evolution X — new-generation high-performance 4WD sedan"

Mitsubishi to introduce 3 concept cars

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is going to introduce three concept cars at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. Besides the Concept-cX which I have already blogged about, the two new cars are the i MiEV SPORT and the Concept-ZT.


The i MiEV SPORT is based on the i MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle). This is a high power sporty yet environmentally friendly vehicle featuring zero-emissions electric engine.


The Concept-ZT ("Z" stands for the "ultimate", plus "T" for tourer) has a newly developed fuel-efficient, 2.2-liter clean diesel engine is mated to the new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission). Concept-ZT also features advanced active safety as well as passive safety technology, such as its pop-up hood.

For more information read the full press release : "Mitsubishi Motors lineup at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show"

Mitsubishi vehicles at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

According to a press release from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, they will unveil a few new cars at the 62nd Internationale Automobil Ausstellung (IAA) also known as the Frankfurt Motor Show. They are:
1. The European market version of the new Lancer sports sedan
2. The Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle (i MiEV) and
3. The Concept-cX compact SUV.

Concept-cX compact SUV


The interior

In total, 19 models (17 during press pre-viewing) will be on display.

NOTE: The the new Lancer sports sedan has already been launched in North America, Russia and Japan.

FYI, the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show will be held the Frankfurt Messe Complex and will be open to the public from September 15 through 23, with press and media pre-viewing September 11 through 14.

Mitsubishi Galant Fortis launched

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announcd the market launch of the Galant Fortis at affiliated dealerships throughout Japan yesterday.

It is the first new style sedan introduced by the company in Japan in in seven years. All models in the series have a 4-star rating for emission levels that are 75% below those required under Japan's 2005 Emissions Standards.

According to their press release, the Galant Fortis has been developed to a product concept that called for "a global sporty sedan that delivers high and well-balanced levels of safety, comfort and environmental performance."

This model is also the first one to employ a "new face" front visage that will be seen in othe Mitsubishi sedans to be introduced in future - an inverted-slant nose, traditional to Mitsubishi Motors sedans and incorporating a leisurely flowing engine hood line with good pedestrian protection, is combined with a trapezoidal grille.

The car is powered by a new compact and lightweight 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC unit, with die-cast aluminum cylinder block and MIVEC variable valve lift and timing on both exhaust and inlet valves, which delivers superior emissions and mileage performance.

The powertrain uses a new 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC aluminum block engine, which earns a 4-star rating for emission levels 75% below those required by Japan's 2005 Emissions Standards, mated to Mitsubishi's INVECS-III 6-speed Sport Mode CVT that delivers responsive power transmission while returning excellent fuel economy.

The engine is mated to Mitsubishi's INVECS-III 6-speed Sport Mode CVT that delivers responsive power transmission while returning excellent fuel economy. The 4WD models use the electronically-controlled 4WD system well-proven on Outlander and Delica:D5 which splits torque feed to the front and rear wheels as required to match different driving conditions. A dial selector allows the driver to switch between three drive modes: 2WD, 4WD AUTO and 4WD LOCK.

The Galant Fortis series comes in three major trim levels distinguished by external appearance and interior trim: EXCEED, SUPER EXCEED and SPORT.

- EXCEED: Entry grade with full-functionality and comprehensive convenience and amenity specifications.
- SUPER EXCEED - Uptown exterior and interior looks provided by: classy chrome parts (front under grille, headlight and trunk lid moldings); 16-inch alloy road wheels; leather/Granlux*3 seat upholstery; wood grain ornamentation panels; exclusive-design floor console; and high-contrast instrumentation.
- SPORT - Sporty bias with following as standard: Front and side airdams, 18-inch alloy road wheels and HID lights and front fog lamps that tweak up its aggressive looks; Sport suspension; paddle shifters; adaptive front lighting (AFS); cruise control; and steering wheel remote audio controls.
The SUPER EXCEED and SPORT trim levels are also available in NAVI PACKAGE versions which come with HDD navigation, rearview camera and other advanced features.

SPORT models ride as standard on 18-inch 10-spoke lightweight high-rigidity alloy road wheels shod with 215/45R18 tires (a factory-fitted option on SUPER EXCEED).

SAFETY FEATURES

• A high-rigidity platform with excellent impact safety performance and a revamped suspension underpin and support high levels of handling and response and safety performance.
• Safety features include a 7-airbag SRS system (driver and front passenger airbags, driver knee airbag, side and curtain airbags). The front occupant SRS dual-stage airbags which are deployed at one of two inflation pressures depending on the speed of the impact to provide the optimum restraining force and with the driver SRS knee airbag used on the Delica:D5. SRS side and curtain airbags are available as factory-fitted options on all models.
• Available as a factory-fitted option on all 2WD Galant Fortis models, active stability control (ASC) operates to prevent the vehicle from sliding on slippery surfaces as a result of sudden steering inputs.
• SPORT models comes standard with an adaptive front lighting system (AFS) in which auxiliary lights turn in the same direction as the steering wheel to increase the area of road illuminated and improve driver visibility at night. AFS is available as a factory-fitted option on other models.
• Rain-sensitive auto wipers that adjust wipe speed and interval to rain intensity and auto light control that monitors the intensity of peripheral light and turns the headlights on or off accordingly are factory-fitted options on all models.
• Adaptive front lighting (AFS) that improves the driver's field of vision at night
• Standard on NAVI PACKAGE models is a rearview camera fitted to the trunk lid that feeds a picture of the area behind the vehicle to the navigation system display.
• All models come standard with an engine immobilizer and security alarm to deter theft.
• The front seats are designed to mitigate injury to the neck while energy-absorbing trim is used to protect occupants from head injuries.
• The engine hood, front fenders and front bumper all employ impact energy-absorbing structures to reduce injury to and protect pedestrians.

OTHER FEATURES

• Another interesting feature is the cocochi-interior that includes a deodorizing clean air filter and odor-eating head lining that work together to reduce and suppress body odor, cigarette smoke and volatile organic compounds (VOC).This offers a very clean and comfortable interior space.
• The windshield and front door windows use solar control glass to reduce penetration of the ultra-violet radiation that causes sunburn.
• Standard on NAVI PACKAGE trim levels is the Mitsubishi Motors Communication System (MMCS) which comprises a 30Gb hard disk drive audio/navigation system with 7-inch LCD screen, 2,000-title music server and ultra-fast route search.
• The Galant Fortis series is available with a Rockford Fosgate premium sound system giving superior sound reproduction as well as paddle shifters that allow the driver to shift gears without taking his hand off the steering wheel.
• Available as a factory-fitted option on NAVI PACKAGE trim levels is the Rockford Fosgate premium sound system that was well received on the Outlander and Delica:D5. The system uses a 650-Watt amplifier and nine speakers to deliver awesome high-fidelity sound reproduction assisted by the use of acoustic and damping material to seal off openings inside the doors and turn them into speaker boxes.

For more information, read the full press release.

Mitsubishi seeking a balance between environmental and everyday practical performance

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and its European unit Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. is set to unveil the Mitsubishi Concept-cX crossover vehicle at the 62nd Internationale Automobil Ausstellung (IAA; commonly known as the Frankfurt Motor Show) in September 15 - 23. The show will be held at the Frankfurt Messe Complex.

The new concept is a new-generation compact SUV which seeks to balance environmental and everyday practical performance.

The car will have a 1.8-liter clean diesel engine, featuring a variable geometry (VG) turbocharger for optimum boost control.

Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) adds superior power transmission efficiency for a powertrain that delivers nimble performance alongside excellent fuel economy and low emissions.

For intuitive handling and outstanding stability on all road surfaces., the concept features an electronically controlled 4WD system driven through large 225/45R19 tires.

Environmentally friendly features
The car features a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) with diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the exhaust system for compliance with Europe's Euro 5 emission standards.

The Concept-cX makes extensive use of interior trim materials made from Mitsubishi's own Green Plastic — made from bamboo and other plant-based resins.

Mitsubishi flex-fuel vehicle

According to a press release issued today, Mitsubishi Motors has launched a flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) - the Pajero TR4 Flex in Brazil

It will be launched in July of this year in the Brazilian market by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and local production and sales company MMC Automotores do Brasil Ltda (MMCB).

Derived from the Pajero TR4, this is the first full-feature four-wheel drive flex-fuel vehicle (FFV). The use of different materials, modifications to the engine, and changes to the fuel system allow the vehicle to run on any combination of gasoline and ethanol. Modifications to the engine control unit allow for optimum combustion with any fuel mixture, and the redesigned parts of the fuel delivery system add toughness and dependability.

It was reported that the 2.0-liter 16-valve engine that powers the Pajero TR4 Flex delivers similar levels of performance on ethanol-heavy or gasoline-heavy fuel mixes.

The development of FFV is part of Mitsubishi's response to the global trend towards alternative fuel sources.

The company is also currently working on a flex-fuel model it plans to bring into commercial production for the U.S. market in fiscal 2009.