Mitsubishi unveils Outlander and Prototype-x


Mitsubishi finally unveils the Motors European market Outlander SUV and Prototype-X 77th Geneva International Motor Show. Read my previous post here.

The company is displaying a total of 10 exhibits (16 during the general public session) at the show which runs from March 6 through 18 at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex. It opens to the general public on March 8.

So what's different about the European market Outlander?

For a start, the on-road SUV comes with a choice of three engines : 2.0-liter turbo-diesel, a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel and a 2.4-liter Mitsubishi Innovative Valve lift and timing Electronic Control (MIVEC). Mitsubishi Motors' own variable valve lift (VVL) system.

It has the split tailgate and auto-folding function for the second row seats and Hide&Seat™" retractable third row.

It also includes a new front grille with the 3-diamond logo mounted on a Mt Fuji-motif plinth (Mitsubishi brand design identity in the European market), as well as Euro-specific chassis tuning.

With the European launch, the Outlander is now on sale in all the world's major auto markets.

As for the Prototype-X concept. It is a design study for the new Lancer Evolution due to be launched during the 2007 fiscal year.

Mechanical features include, Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control, the Vehicle dynamics system that integrates control of drive torque, braking, steering and suspension at all four wheels (S-AWC) built around a 4WD driveline; a new aluminum block MIVEC turbocharged engine mated to a high-performance six-speed automated manual transmission; and the use of aluminum in some body panels to reduce body weight.