Mitsubishi announced that its new Outlander crossover would launched in Japan today. The redesigned Outlander will start at ¥2,352,000 (about 20,545 US Dollars). The new Outlander will feature a CVT transmission with a six speed manu-matic function, three row seating, split tailgate, and electronically controlled 4WD on a completely new platform. We've posted on the new Outlander before, but these photos are definitely worth a thousand words. Mitsubishi seems to have invested into improving the quality and design of its products. We have more photos and the press release at the jump.
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
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