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.

Mitsubishi launches 2 new models

Mitsubishi Motors is going to release two models for the Japanese domestic market this fall, namely the GALANT FORTIS sedan and the LANCER EVOLUTION X high-performance 4WD sedan.


Galant Fortis is actually the US market Lancer. Features of the Galant Fortis 1 include a high-rigidity platform, a new 2-liter engine with aluminum cylinder block with sporty exterior styling .

The Lancer Evolution X2 features Mitsubishi's S-AWC3 traction and handling system, with the four-wheel drive system/. It is powered by a lightweight 2.0-liter turbocharged MIVEC4 engine with aluminum cylinder block and a 6-speed automated manual transmission.

Don't you think the Evo X looks deadly?

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.

Mitsubishi to unveil new SUV

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil the European market version of the Outlander on-road SUV and the Prototype-X concept for the next-generation high-performance 4WD sedan at the 77th Geneva International Motor Show in March this year.


Outlander European market and Prototype-X (Image sketches)

The 2007 Geneva Motor Show runs from March 6 through March 18 at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex. It opens to the general public on March 8.

The Outlander on-road SUV has a low-consumption/high-output aluminum cylinder block engine and an electronically controlled 4WD system. To meet local market needs, the European Outlander will be offered with 2.0-liter turbodiesel and 2.2-liter diesel engines.

The Prototype-X concept shown at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2007 is a design study for the new Lancer Evolution due to be launched during the 2007 fiscal year. It embodies Mitsubishi Motors' trademark "fun-to-drive" qualities throughout.

Mechanical features distinguishing the concept include Mitsubishi's S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) vehicle dynamics system built around a 4WD system and a new aluminum block MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve lift and timing Electronic Control) turbocharged engine mated to a high performance six-speed automated manual transmission.

Tags: Mitsubishi Outlander Prototype-X

Redesigned Delica D:5 launched

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation recently announced the launch of the fully redesigned Delica D:5, a 2.4-liter 4WD minivan for the Japanese market.

It is the fifth generation in the Delica series.

Some safety features:
- Active Stability Control (ASC) together with ample obstacle clearance angles and ride height to give it improved running performance and stability both on- and off-road. - A new hoop-design "rib bone frame" body structure,
- Driver SRS knee airbag standard on all models,
- Plastic resin fender panels that are pliant and have superior shape recovery properties (first time on a Mitsubishi brand model).

It also has several environmental friendly features. Read their press release here.

Tags: Delica Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi signs agreement with PSA Peugeot Citroen

according to an announcement today, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and PSA Peugeot Citroen have signed a new collaborative agreement under which by PSA Peugeot Citroen will supply diesel engines to Mitsubishi Motors from mid-2007.

The engine is the state-of-the-art 2.2l common-rail, direct-injection diesel engine. This engine will also be fitted with a PSA Peugeot Citroën patented particulate filter to deliver outstanding environmental performance.

Read the details of this agreement here.

Tags: Agreement Citroen Mitsubishi Peugeot