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To celebrate its seventh consecutive (and twelfth overall) Dakar Rally victory, Mitsubishi is selling a rally-replica version of the short-wheelbase Pajero 2-door in Japan. Plans call for a 20-vehicle run, all of which will be fully decked out in the rally car's red finish and full Repsol/Valeo/Ralliart racing livery. A skidplate package, red mudflaps and dark gray aluminum wheels with Ralliart centers complete the road-ready race replica.
Power comes from Mitsubishi's 3.8L DOCH V6 coupled with a 5-speed automatic and 4WD. Stability control is also standard. Orders for the special-edition SUV will be taken from February 23 to March 31. Buyers have to pony up ¥3,801,000 (around $32,200 and change) for the privilege.
[Source: Mitsubishi]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
blitzkrieg79 @ Feb 26th 2007 4:35PM
Congratulations to Mitsubishi for winning the Dakar for an amazing 7th time in a row. Considering the road conditions (or lack of it), weather, and all the bumps and dunes I gotta say this is one of the toughest and longest rallies in the world.
As far as the actual replica car goes, well, if they would offer it with the 4.0 liter engine used in the actual rally car as well as the real suspension that would be really an off-roader to get (kind of like what they did in 1997 when they released Pajero Evolution), other then that I wouldn't want to pay more for a car that has stickers all over the body and no actual mechanical improvements.
Barney @ Feb 26th 2007 7:40PM
This year the quick change clutch was causing problems. I agree that the decals don't make a Dakar ready car. I'm not sure many would buy one equipped identicaly to the Dakar car.
MK @ Feb 26th 2007 7:42PM
Why can't Mitsubishi think of offering the new Pajero/Montero with their new twin turbo V6 in the USA instead of ignoring the American market altogether? They could sell it as an Evo version in addition to the other Montero models.
ebm14 @ Feb 26th 2007 11:47PM
#3
I would wish to see the 2 door in the US since the Wrangler is the only 2 door true SUV out there to compete with. Remember this one Dakar!
I think what is stopping Mitsu are the trariffs, their new chapter and the market competition in the overall SUV segment. However, if they are able to sell the 2 door at a reasonable price and market it correctly, than there might be a good chance.