Mitsubishi Motors Launches New Pajero; 'Global-standard All-round SUV'.

Tokyo, Japan, Oct 4, 2006 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced the Japanese market launch of the fully redesigned Pajero(*1) SUV at affiliated dealerships throughout Japan on October 4. The company has sold some 2.5 million Pajeros in over 170 countries and regions since its introduction in 1982. Pajero has established a rock-firm reputation among customers as an all-round sport-utility vehicle that delivers go-anywhere off-road performance with the high-speed cruising performance and comfort of a sedan. Tax inclusive prices for short body models range from 2,415,000 yen to 3,486,000 yen and for long body models from 2,625,000 yen to 4,368,000 yen.

During development the 4th-generation Pajero underwent a full range of testing programs subjecting it to the harshest conditions imaginable. These included simulated compatibility testing at 2,500 m in the European Alps and minus 40-degree temperatures in Northern Europe, as well as actual off-road driving in African desert and Australian outback conditions. Enhancing its off-road capabilities and durability further, the new Pajero also benefits from technologies and know-how fed back from the Dakar Rally, the most grueling endurance rally in the world. The new Pajero retains the all-round independent suspension and Super Select 4WD-II (SS4-II) driveline introduced in the 3rd-generation model to give it unmatched go-anywhere capabilities over all surfaces. New technologies distinguishing the new model include an upgraded Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC) system that can accommodate the installation of a new rear differential lock, a weight-reducing aluminum engine hood, and stiffer body joins and use of more plated steel sheet for improved durability and reliability. A new sound system and classy uptown interior also contribute to making the new Pajero a premium-value global-standard all-round SUV.

The new Pajero also brings significant improvements in safety and environmental performance. Dual-stage SRS airbags for driver and front passenger, side-impact and curtain airbags and other new passive safety measures earn the new Pajero the equivalent of a 6-star JNCAP rating in in-house testing. In terms of environmental performance all models achieve 3-star emission ratings with levels that are 50% below the Japanese 2005 Emission Standard requirements. The new Pajero also meets in advance the standards laid down in JAMA's Voluntary Vehicle Interior VOC Reduction Initiative for new cars introduced in and after April 2007 and levels of hexavalent chromium, lead, mercury and other environment-loading substances have also been substantially reduced. The new Pajero boasts significantly better build and finish quality with the introduction of Mitsubishi's In-stage Quality Creation (ISQC) system on the assembly line.

*1 Montero in Spain / Shogun in the UK.

Product Features

1. Lineup

- The new Pajero is offered in 7-seater long and 5-seater short body types. The long body comes in a total of five trim levels: three directed at those seeking a more uptown and classier presentation - SUPER EXCEED, EXCEED-X and EXCEED - and two aimed at those with more active lifestyles - ZR-S and ZR. The more nimble and athletic-looking short body is offered in VR-II and VR-I trim levels. To accommodate the wide range of user needs and requirements, EXCEED, ZR-S, ZR and VR-I trim levels are offered with an affordable Basic Package specification that excludes high-end equipment and accessory items.

2. Design

- The new Pajero retains its trademark design taste of previous generations with styling cued by powerful straight lines that clearly hint at its off-road performance capabilities and identify it as an all-round SUV. The front visage takes the eyes of a wildcat (from which the Pajero name is derived) as its motif and is further distinguished by headlights with swept up undersides for better obstacle avoidance.

- The large door mirrors house an indicator repeater and approach lamps that light up the area around the front doors at night. The new design mirror also feature a deflector on the underside of the housing that helps to keep rain flowing round onto the door window.

- The new Pajero retains the tailgate backpack-style spare tire garnish that allows the driver to readily check the condition of the tire. Housing the license plate, rear-view camera and rear fog lamps the garnish is centrally located to make the rear combination lamps more clearly visible to following drivers. The spare tire mounting has been moved down 50 mm to lower the center of gravity and to improve rearview visibility.

- EXCEED series use an elegant and refined beige interior color scheme, while a sportier black scheme is available on all grades.

- The dashboard is composed of clean lines with a powerfully shaped cross section. The instrumentation layout is clearly zoned by function, with the Center Information Display that shows vehicle operating status information at the top, the audio control panel below that and the climate control panel at the bottom. Frequently used controls have been made larger for better visual location and to facilitate more accurate operation.

- Long body models are offered in four 3-way 2-tone colors and five monotone colors on for EXCEED series, three Special 2-tone colors for ZR-S, and three monotone colors for ZR. Short body models are offered in five Special 2-tone colors for VR-II and five monotone colors for VR-I. [White Pearl available at extra 31,500 yen (tax included). 3-way 2-tone available at extra 42,000 yen (tax included).]

3. All-terrain performance

- The new Pajero retains the generous ramp angles that define it as a true all-round SUV and allow it to negotiate all types of surface: an approach angle of 36.6-degrees (36.7-degrees on the short body); breakover angle of 22.5-degrees (25.2-degrees) and departure angle of 25-degrees (34.8-degrees).

- The new Pajero is powered by two engines that feature detail improvements to realize a happy marriage between high output and environmental performance. The SUPER EXCEED, EXCEED-X and VR-II use the 3.8-liter V6 24-valve SOHC MIVEC(*2) unit. The EXCEED, ZR-S, ZR and VR-I are powered by a 3.0-liter V6 24-valve SOHC with ECI-Multi fuel injection engine.

*2 Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing & lift Electronic Control system

- The 3.8-liter V6 24-valve SOHC MIVEC engine generates flat and gutsy torque across the full speed range as well as category-topping power output thanks to the adoption of technology that uses two different camshaft profiles to vary intake valve lift and timing for low and for mid-high engine speeds and a dual-stage intake manifold to deliver three modes of engine performance: low, mid- and high speed. The new Pajero uses a clamshell design stainless plate manifold which has a lower thermal capacity and therefore allows the catalytic converter immediately downstream to activate more quickly and, together with improvements in the catalyst itself and a more efficient exhaust system layout, brings a substantial improvement in emissions performance.

- The 3.0-liter V6 24-valve SOHC ECI-Multi engine uses an electronically controlled throttle and a stainless plate exhaust manifold to improve fuel economy and emissions performance.

- The new Pajero mates the 3.8-liter V6 24-valve SOHC MIVEC engines with INVECS-II 5-speed automatic transmissions and the 3.0-liter V6 24-valve SOHC ECI-Multi engines with INVECS-II 4-speed automatic transmissions respectively. The use of a new automatic transmission fluid warmer improves fuel efficiency. Both transmissions have undergone fine tuning to match shift scheduling to the higher engine power outputs resulting in the more effective use of power and better fuel economy.

- For the first time the new Pajero uses an automatic transmission fluid (ATF) warmer that shortens the ATF warm-up period to allow earlier torque converter lockup after a cold start and reduce friction losses.

- The new Pajero employs the Super Select 4WD II four-wheel driveline from the previous model which offers four drive modes that deliver optimum traction for reassuring stability and outstanding handling characteristics over all surfaces. SS4-II allows the driver to lock the center differential for maximum drive torque over poor surfaces or he can allow the viscous coupling type center differential to automatically tailor its basic 33:67 F-R torque split to suit different surfaces and conditions.

(2H mode)

The 2H mode minimizes road friction losses to allow maximum fuel economy and is also the ideal mode for urban driving in fine weather.

(4H mode)

The standard operating mode for SS4 II, the 4H mode caters to a wide range of conditions: driving around town, on expressways or winding country roads; and driving over packed snow, icy surfaces, flat dirt and other off-road conditions.

(4HLc mode)

Selecting 4HLc locks the center differential so that drive is transmitted through all four wheels to deliver brawny performance when driving in soft snow, sand, dirt or other high-resistance conditions.

(4LLc mode)

Locking the center differential and keeping the transmission in a low gear this mode is used to negotiate rocky terrain or swampy conditions where extra drive is required.

- Available on all models as a factory-fitted option is a rear differential lock that eliminates the differential between the rear wheels. Working hand-in-hand with the front/rear center differential lockup this new feature helps the driver extract his vehicle when bogged down in soft surfaces. (Not available on Basic Packages.)

- Refining improvements have been made to Mitsubishi's acclaimed ASTC system that regulates brake force and drive torque on an individual wheel basis to deliver outstanding handling and vehicle stability as well as go-anywhere all-terrain capability. (Standard on SUPER EXCEED, EXCEED-X and VR-II. Factory-fitted option available on all other grades. Not available on Basic Packages.)

- The ASTC system is now capable of detecting the operating status of the rear differential lock. This allows both systems to be installed at the same time and thereby extend Pajero's off-road capabilities further still.

4. Reliability and durability

- The new Pajero retains the independent double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension configuration of its predecessor. Improvements to spring, shock absorber, stabilizers and rubber bushing characteristics have improved cornering stability as well as making for a flatter and more comfortable ride.

- SUPER EXCEED and EXCEED-X use larger 17-inch disc brakes with 4-pot opposing calipers that deliver better stopping power and higher resistance to fade.

- The new Pajero rides on two aggressively styled designs of 18-inch alloy road wheel: SUPER EXCEED using a 10-spoke luxury-finish wheel and the EXCEED-X and VR-II using a sportier 6-spoke wheel. The wheels are shod with 265/60R18 tires.

- Pajero's built-in frame monocoque body features further improvements in reliability and durability. Measures taken to boost body stiffness include more spot welds, a stiffer cowl top, switching from 270 MPa grade to 440 MPa grade high tensile strength steel, and the strategic use of structural adhesives.

- Switching to aluminum has lowered the weight of the engine hood by approximately 9 kg. As well as reducing the body weight and improving the front/rear weight distribution, this also makes opening and closing the hood a much easier task.

5. Crashworthiness and environmental performance

- The new Pajero employs the following passive safety measures to significantly reduce occupant injury in a crash: dual-stage SRS airbags for driver and front passenger, new design front seatbelts with pretensioner and force limiter that provides more secure and kinder location, and side-impact and curtain airbags. (Standard on SUPER EXCEED. Factory fitted option on all other grades. Not available on Basic Packages.)

- Pajero provides the equivalent of a maximum six-star JNCAP safety rating in-house testing after the introduction of further measures designed to increase the absorption of impact energy and mitigate occupant injuries. These measures cover the rearward displacement of the powertrain, as well as the construction of the steering column and the brake pedal.

- The new Pajero reduces transmission of ultra-violet and infra-red radiation into the cabin using UV- and IR-cutting solar control glass in the windshield and front door glass as standard. The use of privacy glass in the rear door, quarter light and tailgate windows reduces UV and IV radiation transmission into the cabin from all sides of the vehicle.

- All new Pajero models come standard with an odor-removing Clean Air Filter for the air conditioner and deodorizing head lining to provide a clean and comfortable cabin environment by reducing and inhibiting volatile organic compound (VOC) levels as well as everyday and cigarette smells.

- The new Pajero goes further in providing a comfortable and pleasant cabin interior by meeting in advance the standards laid down in JAMA's Voluntary Vehicle Interior VOC Reduction Initiative for new cars introduced in and after April 2007. Levels of hexavalent chromium, lead, mercury and other environment-loading substances have also been substantially reduced.

- All models earn 3-star rating for emissions that are 50% lower than required by the Japanese 2005 Emissions Standards.

6. Entertainment / Utility

- Located at the top and in the middle of the dashboard is the Center Information Display that presents fuel economy, speed and other vehicle operating status information, as well as current altitude, atmospheric pressure and exterior temperature. The display also shows in-car entertainment system status, a clock, and a calendar. (Standard on EXCEED models and VR-II. Factory-fitted option on other grades. Not available on Basic Packages.).

- Long body models are fitted with a third row of seats that fold away under the floor when not required, a feature which proved popular on the previous Pajero. The head restraints also stow neatly under the floor.

- Built into the tailgate is a generous two-tier storage box: the top section provides free space for stowing a first-aid kit or tissue box while the bottom section holds the emergency triangle.

- The new Pajero sports a new Rockford Acoustic Design Premium Sound SystemTM comprising a 860 Watt amplifier, 12 speakers, a digital signal processor (DSP) and a 5.1 channel theater surround system that creates a soundstage with soulful heavy bass and a high acoustic energy flow. This system is standard on EXCEED models and is a factory-fitted option on ZR-S and ZR but not available on Basic Packages.

- Standard on the SUPER EXCEED and available as a factory-fitted option on all other trim levels is Mitsubishi's on-board navigation system that houses a 30GB hard disk drive with a 7-inch LCD display and uses dedicated LSI circuitry to provide ultra-fast search and route finding capabilities. (Not available on Basic Packages.)

- Available on long body models is a 9-inch LCD monitor with integral DVD, CD and video entertainment system housed in the roof of the rear compartment. (Not available on Basic Packages.) The system works with the Rockford Acoustic Design Premium Sound SystemTM to bring audio and visual entertainment from a variety of sources to rear passengers in full 5.1-channel home theater surround sound.

About Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE: 7211) was established in 1970 and is one of the few automobile companies in the world that produces a full line of automotive products ranging from 660-cc mini cars and passenger cars to commercial vehicles and heavy-duty trucks and buses. The company also operates consumer financing services and provides this to its customer base. For more information, please visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.

Source: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Contact:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Public Relations Department
Tel: [phone]
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com

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