World
Premiere for "Global Standard All-round SUV" New
Pajero at Paris Motor Show
Photo: Automotive Intelligence
Paris
- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today gave the new "global
standard all-round SUV" Pajero*1 its world debut at Le
Mondial de l' Automobile 2006 (Paris Motor Show 2006) being held
in Halls 1-8 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from
September 28 (September 30 for the general public) through
October 15. Also on display are the Outlander Concept, based on
the Japanese market Outlander on-road SUV with styling and
powertrain tailored to the European market, and debuting
alongside the new Pajero is the new Pajero Evolution which the
company plans to enter in the 2007 Dakar Rally.
Features
distinguishing the new Pajero (European market specification)
include:
a similar all-round SUV specification (approach and
other ramp angles, ground clearance) as its predecessor;
.
the
Super Select 4WD II driveline developed to Mitsubishi Motors'
All Wheel Control (AWC) concept to deliver outstanding
go-anywhere all-terrain performance; Active Traction &
Stability Control (ASTC) system that has been upgraded to allow
the installation of and to work with a new rear differential
lock; a classy uptown interior design; and a Rockford Acoustic
Design Premium Sound System™.
Outlander
Concept is tailored to the European market through a number of
changes to the Japan market model. It is powered by a Volkswagen
2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC direct-injection
intercooler-turbocharger diesel engine that is mated to a
6-speed manual gearbox. In its styling Outlander Concept sports
the Mt Fuji-style front grille that serves as one of the design
identity elements for Mitsubishi brand models in Europe.
Photo: Mitsubishi Motors
Outlander
Concept
The
Pajero Evolution rally machine has won the Dakar Rally four
times in a row since its debut in the 2003 event. Now in its
fifth year, the latest iteration features improvements to the
suspension and driveline and, as on the new Pajero regular
production model, features a redesigned front visage with the
underside of the headlights swept up to serve as a motif for the
eyes of a wildcat (from which the model derives its name).
At
its press conference held on September 28 at the Paris Motor
Show, the company introduced the four drivers expected to be
representing Mitsubishi Motors in the 2007 Dakar Rally: Japanese
ace pilot Hiroshi Masuoka, 2006 overall champion and former
alpine ski champion Luc Alphand (France), overall champion two
years running in 2004 and 2005 Stephane Peterhansel (France) and
the young rising star Nani Roma (Spain).
