Mitsubishi launches 2007 Outlander
Mitsubishi Motors launched the all-new 2007 Outlander in North America Wednesday, giving car buyers their first glimpse of the new global platform that will also host the next-generation Mitsubishi Lancer and Lancer Evolution models.
The new Outlander also gives us the first look at a production vehicle featuring Mitsubishi's new design language, centered around a "diamond cut" front end, leading back into clean, sharp lines with aggressive fender flares.
The compact SUV offers five- or seven-passenger configurations (although the third-row seating is rudimentary, at best), and a "flap-fold" tailgate to ease cargo loading.
More pics and features after the jump.
Three Outlander models are offered, the base ES, the LS and the fully-equipped XLS, all powered by a shiny new 3-liter, 220 hp aluminum MIVEC V6, driving the front wheels through a six-speed Sportronic automatic transmission. LS and XLS models are available with Mitsubishi's electronically-controlled All-Wheel Control AWD system. The low-emissions Outlander will be the first PZEV V6 offered in the U.S. market.
In the vehicle dynamics department, Mitsubishi says that the fully independent suspension of the new global platform give the compact SUV "sport sedan dynamics," aided in part byan aluminum roof which lowers the vehicle's center of gravity. A reinforced Macpherson strut front suspension is tuned for quick steering response and enhanced "feel," while the multilink rear independent suspension has been engineered for better steering stability and improved ride. The all-new, higher-performance four-wheel disk brake system with 11.5 inch vented rotors up front and 11 inch solid rotors in the rear includes ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) on all models.
Major Standard Features (ES)
- Active Skid and Traction Control (ASTC)
- Air conditioning
- AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 playback capability and six speakers.
- Dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors
- Front seat mounted side-impact air bags
- Curtain side air bags
- Anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Cruise control
- Engine immobilizer
- Keyless entry
- Power windows, locks and mirrors
LS models add:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Bluetooth(TM) cell phone-ready pre-wire switch
- Color-keyed folding power side view mirrors
- Driver's seatback pocket
- Floor mats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Rear privacy glass
- Roof rails
- Steering wheel remote audio switches
- Two additional 12-volt accessory outlets (one in cockpit, one in cargo area)
XLS models add over LS:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic climate control system
- Cargo area utility bars
- FAST Key entry system
- Fog lights
- Hands-free Bluetooth(R) cellular phone interface system with voice recognition
- Sportronic(R) magnesium steering wheel shifter paddles
- Underfloor-stowable compact third row seat
Option Packages
Luxury Package (XLS only) featuring:Xenon HID headlamps with auto-leveling; leather seating surfaces (front & 2nd row); power driver seat and heated front seats.
Sun & Sound Package (LS and XLS models) featuring:650-Watt (max) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system with PUNCH(R) control; 6CD/MP3 in-dash changer (LS); auxiliary stereo input jack; power glass sunroof with sunshade and SIRIUS Satellite Radio with six months free service subscription.
HDD Navigation & Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System (XLS only) featuring:Hard Disk Drive (30GB) satellite GPS navigation system with 7-inch touch panel and music server function and single-disc player.
Entertainment Package (LS only) featuring: DVD rear seat LCD 9-inch monitor with remote; infrared wireless headphone (1); auxiliary video input jack and 115-volt accessory outlet.
[Source: Mitsubishi Motors]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Napoli 4:13PM (8/31/2006)
Wow, I think the Outlander looks really great, too bad the car is so underpowered
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djSyndrome 4:16PM (8/31/2006)
That bumper tailgate is going to be an arm-and-a-leg to repair.
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James 4:24PM (8/31/2006)
While I'm not sure how I feel about the odd-looking bunny-eared third-row seat, this is an excellent looking SUV that I hope will put Mitsu back on track.
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J 4:50PM (8/31/2006)
Nice but.
Another SUV/Crossover/Minivan.
What ever happen to cars?
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Jscro 4:34PM (8/31/2006)
Wow, looks much better than the original, even the interior looks pretty good.
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Max 4:39PM (8/31/2006)
Mitsubishi is just in time for the RDX/CX-7/Outlander look-a-like contest. Mitsubishi is so close to getting things right, but they continually screw up one aspect of the vehicle.
This thing looks really good IMO, but its never gonna make it with only 220hp. When you are going up against Mazda and Honda you better bring your "A-game." Why couldn't they have put the full 260hp output V6 in this thing?
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DC_1 5:01PM (8/31/2006)
Looks very good. To bad the resale value sucks for Mitsubishi.
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Big Al 5:00PM (8/31/2006)
The front and side views look conspicuously similar to the RX350. Even the wheeels are identical.
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Tion 6:22PM (9/02/2006)
Well, im guessing the engine's tuned for low pollution and fuel efficiency.
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Jim Ayres 5:32PM (8/31/2006)
Looks great, but the Mitsubishi stigma alone will keep buyers away. In these parts, driving a Mitsu SCREAMS "bad credit." Even more than Hyundai or Kia.
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Ryan 5:26PM (8/31/2006)
"8. Looks very good. To bad the resale value sucks for Mitsubishi.
Posted at 4:58PM on Aug 31st 2006 by DC_1 0 stars"
Really, oh really?
Try looking this up for resale:
1.) 1995-1999, Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 Twin Turbo, All wheel drive, all wheel steering, hardtop convertible, with the stock chrome rims. They still go for between 20-45k
-OR-
2.)1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T convertible, with the stock chrome rims. For one in excellent shape and low miles you will still pay a good 18-20k for it.
Soooo, Mitsubishi does have the ability to have cars with good resale values.
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Ryan 5:29PM (8/31/2006)
I was not trying to be as much of an ass as my post looks like. Do you ever try to "sort of" joke about something, but then you post and realize you look like a total asshole?
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Brian W 5:32PM (8/31/2006)
#2 Toyota has gotten away with the spare tire in the rear for years.
#1 It is faster than most of the ones in the class, plus it will get better gas mileage. Not the fake numbers on Toyota or Hyundai.
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Ryan 5:45PM (8/31/2006)
"12. Looks great, but the Mitsubishi stigma alone will keep buyers away. In these parts, driving a Mitsu SCREAMS "bad credit." Even more than Hyundai or Kia."
-None of the "civilians" (ie: non auto lovers) think Mitsubishi is bad AT ALL actually. Normally people (and for whatever reason) usually go oooooooh that sounds expensive. Or ooooooh nice. Even though it is discontinued the Diamante was hand built "down under". And go into Toys R Us anytime and the #1 remote controlled "race cars" are either the:
Mitsubishi Eclipse
Mitsubishi EVO
Mitsubishi 3000GT
When I owned my Eclipse, people *Always* knew what an Eclipse was (unlike our 2004 Outlander).
I will admit the Eclipse did give me some problems.
After 300k
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PJ 5:47PM (8/31/2006)
That stigma came from the mediocre products Mitsubishi has fielded for the past ten years, and the resulting fire-sale incentives.
Fix the product, and you'll fix the perception in time. Cadillac, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, and to a lesser extent, Mazda and Nissan are good examples. Given my positive ownership experience with an Eclipse (now sold), I can't help but root for this brand.
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Drewboy 5:48PM (8/31/2006)
I like it overall, except that the engine is underpowered, and the 3rd row has to go. I actually like the tailgate like that, gives you something to sit on at a tailgate party.
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Robert 7:48PM (8/31/2006)
Underpowered V6? 220hp is pretty good for a car starting under $20g's with a 6speed auto.
The Mazda has good power but it's delivery is awful (turbo lag) and costs between $24-$31,000. The Acura starts at $35,000!
The real competition is the new RAV4. We'll have to wait and see how that battle turns out but in Japan the Outlander is outselling the Toyota 2-1. Good news for Mitsu.
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nltankontop 6:40PM (8/31/2006)
I like it , I think it looks much nicer than the old outlander and even some other competing vehicles in its class such as the torrent. I think Mitsu decided to stick a 220 HP engine in this batch of new generation Outlanders so that it could stick a stronger 3.5 with 263 ponies similar to the one the ECLIPSE GT has. Well Done Mitsu, this vehicle should give some noticable boost to your sales.
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Rob 6:58PM (8/31/2006)
don't want to sound too excited but this car looks hot. i especially like how it looks from the rear (considering i like the RX its not surprising i suppose). i hope mitsubishi starts coming out with nicer cars that are a bit more polished and i'm sure their sales will go up.
i for one always thought the eclipse was nice but then rode in a family friend's spyder. it felt cheap and sounded OLD (when accelerating) but looked great. i'd like to test drive the new eclipse sometime and compare...
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Michael Karesh 7:08PM (8/31/2006)
I like the proportions, almost a wagon from the side.
Never bothered to enter the old Outlander in my database, figured no one would research it. Might have to enter this one. Are prices posted anywhere?
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