Mitsubishi News - Announcements - Press Releases - Australia

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Company Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) will add a stylish limited edition to the already popular Lancer range in March 2010.  Based on the feature-packed ES model, the Lancer ACTiV sports an impressive list of interior and exterior additions and, with a drive-away price from $21,990, the Lancer ACTiV is sure to impress.  

MMAL Vice president of brand marketing, Paul Unerkov, is delighted to welcome the Lancer ACTiV and believes it will be a hot seller at Mitsubishi dealerships across Australia.

 

“The Lancer ES is already an extremely well appointed and popular vehicle.  The additional features available as standard increase the street presence and highlight the superior value of the ACTiV variant.”

 Upgrades to the exterior of the Lancer ACTiV include 16-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, side airdams, rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tip and the ACTiV badge. Inside, the ACTiV boasts the convenience of hands free blue tooth and features a leather steering wheel with audio and blue tooth controls.  

The Lancer ACTiV boasts the efficient 2.0-litre dual overhead cam MIVEC four-cylinder engine, delivering 113kW of power @ 6000rpm and 198 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm, and is available in both manual and CVT transmissions, and in either the Sportback or sedan body styles.

 With the five-star ANCAP safety rating awarded to the entire Lancer range, the Lancer ACTiV provides the utmost in safety. Active Stability Control with Traction Control (ASTC), ABS braking system with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), (SRS) airbags, anti-intrusion pedal system, seatbelt pretensioners, and reinforced impact safety evolution (RISE) body all contributing to the ultimate protection rating.  Available in the full range of Lancer colours, the Lancer ACTiV is now available at Mitsubishi dealerships Australia-wide. Like all Mitsubishi vehicles, the Lancer ACTiV is protected by the company’s leading and comprehensive five year/130,000 whole vehicle warranty, backed up by its 10 year/160,000 km powertrain warranty and a five year/unlimited km roadside assistance package.]]>
TOKYO, March 2, 2010 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today gave the new ASX compact crossover its global debut at the 80th Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 2 through March 14 at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex (opening to the general public on March 4). MMC will display a total of 8 vehicles (11 during public days) including vehicles already sold in Europe and its revolutionary Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV*1, which contains the Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System, and was first displayed at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.The ASX compact crossover is the European-spec version of the RVR, which was unveiled on February 17, 2010 in Japan.The ASX achieves superior environmental efficiency with the combination of its DI-D MIVEC direct-injection diesel engine jointly developed by MMC and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. featuring Automatic Stop & Go and a VG (variable geometry) turbo, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. In recent years, the crossover category has grown in the European automobile market, and MMC is responding by adding the compact ASX to its midsize Outlander. In addition, the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV concept car is installed with the all-new Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System. With the Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System, it runs primarily as an electric vehicle with a gasoline engine in support which, as required, acts as an electric generator or provides an additional source of motive power. The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV is a new-generation crossover that balances high environmental efficiency and motive performance by utilizing electric differential motors and an all-new S-AWC*2 that utilizes E-AYC*3 which controls torque to the rear wheels.*1:P: Plug-in hybrid, X: cross-over, MiEV:Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle*2:Super All-Wheel Control*3:Electric-powered Active Yaw Control]]> Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) today announced the current Vice President of Corporate Strategy, Mr Masahiko Takahashi, will become President and CEO, following Mr Robert McEniry’s decision to step down as of 31 March 2010, to pursue other business interests. Mr Takahashi has 27 years global experience with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC).  He has worked extensively in Japan, the Middle East and Latin America overseeing marketing, distribution and sales programs for numerous markets across these regions, including the establishment of MMC’s operations in the Middle East. In 2005 Mr Takahashi moved from his position as General Manager Australia and New Zealand Department in MMC to work with Mr McEniry at MMAL. Robert McEniry joined Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd in November 2005 after extensive experience in the global and local automotive industry at General Motors and SAAB and has presided over a period of significant challenge including the company’s transition from a local manufacturer / importer to a successful distributor and retail company. Mr Takahashi said: “I have come to appreciate the uniqueness of the Australian market over the last four years, and I see significant opportunity for further growth and success of the Mitsubishi Motors operation in Australia, building on the sound base established by Mr McEniry.”  “We are seeing strong results across our product range, with both Lancer and Triton reaching all time record sales levels for CY 2009, and the management team is committed to building on that momentum,” Mr Takahashi said. On announcing his decision, Mr McEniry said: “I believe the company and the brand are in great shape, with a very solid foundation for future growth.” ]]>  TOKYO, February 17, 2010 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announced that its all-new compact crossover RVR went on sale at Mitsubishi dealerships throughout Japan from February 17. The RVR is an ideal compact crossover which achieves superior utility and running performance, excellent environmental efficiency (all models qualify for the Japanese domestic eco-car tax reduction), and a refined interior and exterior in a compact size at an accessible price (¥1,785,000 ~ ¥2,449,650, consumption tax included).The new RVR provides outstanding fuel efficiency from its lightweight, compact body. With the panoramic field of view of an SUV, the RVR is easy to drive and provides turn-on-a-dime maneuverability. The vehicle is the ideal compact crossover, with ample luggage space for every application from daily driving to leisure outings. The power train combines a 1.8-liter, 16-valve DOHC MIVEC*1 engine with an INVECS*2–III sport mode 6-speed CVT. The vehicle features a regenerative braking system*3 (high-efficiency electric power generation control), electric power steering, improved aerodynamics and other low-fuel consumption technologies down to fine detail, resulting in a 75% reduction from the Japanese FY 2005 emissions gas standards and exceeding the FY 2010 fuel efficiency requirements by 15%. All models qualify for the Japanese eco-car tax reduction (50% tax reduction to promote the popularization of environmentally-friendly cars). The RVR also incorporates super-wide HID headlights which provide a wide, ultra-bright beam for safe night driving, a panoramic glass roof (with LED illumination) for a sense of spaciousness during the day and a romantic ambiance at night, and push-button ignition. The vehicle has a refined and sporty interior with a black color scheme, silver highlights, and smooth, soft padding.The RVR is equipped with an advanced in-car entertainment including a terrestrial digital TV tuner HDD navigation system and a “link system” with USB, Bluetooth and other connections for music players and other external devices.*1. Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control*2. Intelligent and Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control System*3. Intensive battery charging of the electricity generated during deceleration (regenerative braking). The stored energy is used until it is consumed during idling and running, without electricity generation. This system contributes to higher fuel efficiency because the burden on the engine is decreased from not running the alternator while the stored energy is consumed.]]> TOKYO, February 12, 2010 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced that subsidiary Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada (MMSCAN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Transport Canada, a part of the Canadian national government that is responsible for transportation policies and programs, for feasibility testing of the zero-emissions i-MiEV electric vehicle at the 2010 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto, Canada, which will be open to the public from February 12-21. The agreement was signed on February 9. Under the terms of the agreement, two i-MiEVs would be provided to Transport Canada's fleet for demonstration and evaluation purposes. Transport Canada will test the i-MiEV in government facilities as well as in a variety of real-world conditions to evaluate the vehicles’ road handling, performance and range. Test results will also help to assess the potential environmental benefits of electric vehicle technologies in Canada.  “At Mitsubishi we are very pleased that Transport Canada has chosen to partner with us by helping to evaluate the i-MiEV in real world conditions. Currently, we have similar agreements with the City of Vancouver, the Government of British Columbia, power company BC Hydro, and power company Hydro-Québec. But it is especially gratifying to have the support and encouragement of the Government of Canada. We all live in the same world, and it is to everyone’s benefit to help make a better environment for future generations; and projects like this is how we begin.” said Peter Renz, Director of National Marketing, MMSCAN.]]> TOKYO, February 8, 2010 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has announced that its new-generation electric vehicle i-MiEV has been awarded the “Environment Special Grand Prize” during the 25th International Automobile Festival held in Paris, France on February 4, 2010. The i-MiEV was selected amongst from four nominees each representing "concrete projects for sustainable mobility in terms of environmental protection or security" by a panel of 18 design, fashion, automotive and media luminaries. As commented by Kiyoshi Teshima, President of Mitsubishi Motors France - who received the award on behalf of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation: "This Grand Prize is a great honour and is a further incentive for our engineers to continue pursuing Mitsubishi Motors’ pioneering work in promotion of popularization of alternative powertrains.” In Japan, the i-MiEV has already been on the market since July 2009 and production of export left-hand-drive versions will start in October 2010. With zero CO2 tailpipe emissions and minimal well-to-wheel generation of CO2, MMC’s i-MiEV makes a valuable contribution to climate protection.  The i-MiEV is planned for European launch in the end of 2010, and its charging system will be compatible with European 220/240V household outlets, providing for a zero-to-full charge within an estimated maximum seven hours. Since it was established in 1986, the International Automobile Festival has promoted the talents of designers, artists, men and women who are at the forefront of developments in the automobile industry.]]> i-MiEV electric vehicle internationally recognized for technological innovation  TOKYO, January 28, 2010 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) was honoured with the internationally acclaimed Paul Pietsch Award for the development of the new-generation electric vehicle i-MiEV. The prize for automotive technology and design was received by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s Member of the Board in Charge of Product Strategy & Development Group Headquarters Gayu Uesugi from auto motor und sport editor-in-chief Bernd Ostmann.  In Japan, the i-MiEV has already been on the market since July 2009 whilst production of export left-hand-drive version will start in October 2010. With zero CO2 tailpipe emissions and minimal well-to-wheel generation of CO2, MMC’s i-MiEV makes a valuable contribution to climate protection.  The i-MiEV is planned for European launch in the end of 2010, and its charging system will be compatible with European 220/240V household outlets, providing for a zero-to-full charge within an estimated seven hours. “We are particularly pleased that the high-calibre international judging panel honours our i-MiEV electric vehicle by presenting it with this internationally-acclaimed technology award this year. With this award, we believe we can carry out our European market launch in the end of 2010 with even further confidence,” said Mr. Uesugi.  The winners of the award, named after the co-founder of auto motor und sport magazine, are selected by a judging panel composed of the editors of the automobile magazine as well as the editors-in-chief of 28 international partner magazines. Since 1989, the Paul Pietsch Award has been recognizing particularly innovative developments in automotive engineering. To qualify for the award, the new technology must already have been introduced into regular production.]]> Mitsubishi’s Triton four-wheel drive GLX-R utility has claimed Overlander Magazine’s four-wheel drive of the year award for 2009 – the first utility ever to take out the title.  The award marks back-to-back wins for Mitsubishi, with the company’s legendary four-wheel drive Pajero wagon claiming the award the previous year. During testing for the award, a crew of highly qualified and experienced four-wheel drive judges pitted Mitsubishi’s victorious Triton off-roader against a selection of the best new and upgraded four-wheel drives of 2009, including the all-new Toyota Prado and Land Rover’s Discovery 4 wagon. Trent Nikolic, editor of Overlander Magazine, said that the Triton’s revolutionary win was the result of a unanimous decision by the judges.  “The Triton’s triumph marks the first time a utility vehicle has taken out Overlander’s ultimate gong, and it’s just reward for a ground-breaking dual cab. “The Triton was rewarded for its benchmark safety equipment, excellent diesel engine, genuine off-road practicality and surprisingly smooth on-road handling and dynamics,” Nikolic said. Robert McEniry, Mitsubishi’s Australian president and CEO couldn’t be happier with the award.  “We’re delighted our Triton utility has claimed the respected Overlander 4WDOTY award, particularly as it has triumphed over more conventional – and much more expensive – four-wheel drive wagons. “And the fact that we have secured back-to-back wins for the Pajero and Triton in 2008 and 2009 cements Mitsubishi’s reputation as a four-wheel drive powerhouse,” McEniry said. Mitsubishi’s Triton four-wheel drive utility range is available with a high powered turbo-diesel engine, industry-leading safety standards including stability control and side and curtain airbags (diesel dual-cab models) and superior towing capacity.]]> TOKYO, January 19th, 2010 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will premiere its ASX all-new compact crossover from Tuesday March 2, 2010 to Sunday March 14, 2010 at the 80th Geneva International Motor Show held at the Geneva Palexpo in Switzerland. The ASX is the European-spec version of the Japanese RVR, which is slated to go on sale in Japan from February 2010. MMC’s new compact crossover will seat 5 and will be sequentially introduced in European countries from late spring 2010, aimed at expanding MMC’s passenger car footprint in the region, following in the footsteps of the larger and recently redesigned Outlander mid-size crossover.Amongst other available powertrains, the European-spec version will be fitted with an all-new Euro 5-compliant 1.8L turbocharged direct-injection diesel engine jointly developed by MMC and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and will feature “Automatic Stop & Go” technology. Together with a 6-speed manual transmission, this combination will provide high environmental efficiency.]]> TOKYO, January 12th, 2010 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced that ahead its forthcoming European launch during FY2010, Mitsubishi Motors' i-MiEV electric car has been voted "Ecobest 2009" by the AUTOBEST Jury: a further acknowledgment of its "real life" pioneering technology.

Reflecting on the vote, AUTOBEST Jury concluded: "i-MIEV is the first production electric vehicle on sale in Japan and soon to be sold in Europe. ECOBEST award founded by AUTOBEST Jury 10 years ago was one the very first worldwide to prize the efforts in the green field."

AUTOBEST's President Ilja Seliktar added his own comments, saying: "For us is a great pride to award i-MiEV. There are many statements in this exciting sector coming from almost any manufacturer. But - so far - Mitsubishi is the only one with a real EV for any customer."

An homage to Mitsubishi Motors' long standing efforts in the area of electric drivetrain and technology, this ECOBEST award also vindicates the long-term strategy MMC and its local partners initiated successfully in the Balkans, Central Europe, Russia, Turkey and the Ukraine from the early 90's.

Founded in 2000 in Romania, AUTOBEST is the motoring organization in the emerging markets of Europe. Today, its Jury includes leading journalists from 15 countries, including: Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, the former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey and the Ukraine: an area representing over 300 million customers.

This year, Russia will host the award ceremony, scheduled for February 11th, 2010 and to be held in Moscow.]]>

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) sent the sales records tumbling in 2009, with a host of "best ever" results both on a calendar year basis, as well as on a year-on-year basis.

Calendar year records achieved by Mitsubishi during 2009 included:

Best ever annual result for Lancer with 21,362 sales

Best ever annual result for Triton 4x4 with 10,557 sales

Best ever annual result for Triton 4x2 with 7,625 sales

Year-on-year records achieved by Mitsubishi during December included:

Best December on record for imported vehicles with 6,808 sales

December 2009 up 60 per cent on December 2008

Best December market share in five years at 7.7 per cent

Best December on record for Outlander with 877 sales

Best December on record for Triton 4x4 with 1,407 sales

Best December on record for Triton 4x2 with 1,044 sales

Best December since 2000 for Lancer with 2,268 sales

Best December since 1995 for Express with 295 sales

Robert McEniry, president and CEO of Mitsubishi said the strong sales results were directly attributable to "product, perseverance and performance" and praised the contribution of the company’s dealers and staff.

"We have a great product line-up, we are determined to succeed, and our employees and dealer network continue to perform at astonishing levels to ensure Mitsubishi’s success," McEniry said.

Calendar year sales for the company totalled 56,998 units, a decrease of 6.1 per cent over total sales for 2008, but well ahead of the market decline of 7.4%. Imported vehicle sales for the company showed an even better result, with a difference of just .8 per cent from the previous year.

Year-on-year sales were outstanding, with the company recording 6,808 sales during December, an increase of a whopping 60 per cent on December 2008 sales. Market share for December was 7.7 per cent, compared to 5.5 per cent the previous year.

Mitsubishi’s overall 2009 market share remained steady, with the company registering a slight increase to 6.1 per cent during the year.

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has revealed additional safety specifications for its popular Lancer small car for 2010. All Lancer sedans and hatches, including entry level ES variants, will now come standard with side and curtain airbags.

This additional safety equipment means that the Lancer now offers more occupant protection features than any of its direct competitors – with seven airbags, including driver and passenger SRS airbags, side and curtain airbags, and driver knee airbag standard on every model.

In addition, all Lancer sedans and hatches come standard with Mitsubishi’s acclaimed RISE (reinforced impact safety evolution) body, stability control, traction control, ABS braking with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution and seatbelt load limiters and pretensions.

Robert McEniry, president and chief executive officer of MMAL, said the news on Lancer "just keeps getting better and better."

"2009 was a standout year for Lancer, and it recorded the best-ever result with more than 21,000 vehicles sold," McEniry said.

"And, now, with side and curtain airbags fitted as standard to each and every vehicle in the range, Lancer is guaranteed a great start in 2010."

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- Vehicle to Go On Sale in Japan Next Spring -

 

TOKYO, Japan, December 3, 2009 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has decided to name its all-new compact crossover the RVR. This all-new compact crossover is planned for sequential release globally, and will be first released in Japan next spring.

 

 

The all-new RVR is a compact crossover that provides high environmental efficiency and has a compact body while providing ample utility space and high performance.

 

 

The RVR will be fitted with an all-new 1.8L MIVEC petrol engine, and will be approximately 4.3 meters in length, featuring high fuel efficiency via its lightweight compact body. With the RVR, MMC expands its crossover lineup, which already includes the full-size Pajero, and the mid-size Outlander.

 

 

This new compact crossover will be released globally, including North America, Europe, and Asian regions including China.

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) today announced the release of their new mid-sized four-wheel drive wagon, the all-new Challenger, a vehicle with high levels of on-road comfort and driveability and true low-range four-wheel drive ability.

 

 

The all-new Challenger offers exceptional performance and economy courtesy of the new "high-power" 2.5-litre common rail intercooled turbo diesel engine. With either automatic or manual transmissions, five- or seven-seat models and two specification levels, the all-new Challenger offers premium levels of power, versatility, safety and style.

 

 

This week’s launch is not the first time Mitsubishi has offered a Challenger model in the Australian market. Between 1998 and 2006 the vehicle built up a solid fan club of customers, achieving sales exceeding 14,000 units across the period. Robert McEniry, president and CEO of MMAL, said he was delighted to welcome the Challenger nameplate back to the Australian line-up.

 

 

"Owners of the previous model Challenger prized the vehicle for its real-world four-wheel drive ability, rather than its on-road comfort. When it came to designing the new model, the clear intent was for the design to offer the best of both worlds – and we think we’ve nailed it," McEniry said. "This vehicle is completely new in every aspect and drives like a dream, both on- and off-road."

 

 

The all-new Challenger slots neatly into Mitsubishi’s renowned four-wheel drive range, competitively positioned between the compact crossover Outlander wagon and the seriously capable off-road wagon, the Pajero.

 

 

Style-wise, the all-new Challenger is equally at home cruising city streets or mixing it up in the rough stuff. Based on blending seemingly contradictory elements to achieve a vehicle that is truly versatile and flexible, Challenger utilises a design package that is both comfortable and capable in any urban or rural environment. Concepts such as tough and smart, speed and comfort, and surprise and trust were intermingled to form the basic premise underlying the design principles of the vehicle.

 

 

The all-new Challenger features a powerful and fuel efficient hi-power 2.5-litre common rail intercooled turbo diesel engine, with optimised combustion chamber shape and injector specifications, and variable geometry turbocharger. Codenamed the 4D56HP, this is the same engine found in the recently released Triton four-wheel drive SUV, where it received high praise for its flexibility, responsiveness and economical performance.

 

 

Utilising the latest in clean diesel technology, the engine produces 131kW of power @ 4,000 rpm and 400Nm of torque @ 2,000 rpm when paired with a manual transmission and 350Nm @ 1,800 rpm for automatic transmission. This powerful, yet refined diesel engine is standard across the range and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission on the LS model only, or INVECS II Smart Logic automatic transmission with Sports Mode as an option on the LS and as standard on XLS. Despite its impressive power output, the Challenger is extremely fuel efficient for a vehicle in its class and returns combined consumption figures of 8.3l/100kms (manual) and 9.81l/100kms (automatic).

 

 

The all-new Challenger body is built on a ladder-frame chassis and is reinforced with the extensive use of light, yet extremely high-strength, steel. The vehicle displays comfortable and controlled driving characteristics through the application of coil-spring suspension all round: front suspension is double wishbone type and the rear suspension a three-link design utilising coil springs. Stabiliser bars are employed to control body roll, while four-wheel disc brakes provide optimal stopping power. Towing capacity for the Challenger is a generous 2500kg with ten per cent ball load.

 

 

With a focus on safety, the all-new Challenger features a comprehensive range of all-terrain driver aids, including Mitsubishi’s class-leading off-road package, MATT (Mitsubishi’s All Terrain Technology system) which includes Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC), Multi-mode ABS with EBD, and diff lock. In addition, the all-new Challenger features Mitsubishi’s RISE body construction for added occupant safety as well as driver and passenger front and side SRS airbags and curtain SRS airbags – all standard equipment on every variant in the range.

 

 

Underpinning the all-new Challenger’s exceptional four-wheel drive ability is the company’s famed Super Select four-wheel drive system which allows the driver to choose between four driving modes:

 

      2H two-wheel drive high range is the perfect option for general commuting or highway touring in fine weather and promotes fuel economy.

      4H full-time four-wheel drive provides added traction in inclement weather, or when the road surface becomes rough.

      4HLC four-wheel drive high range with locked centre differential delivering power equally to all four wheels will ensure the Challenger easily defeats most four-wheel drive tracks

      4LLC four-wheel drive low range with locked centre differential is the answer when the going gets really tough.

       

       

The first three driving modes can be selected on the fly.

 

 

As flexible and versatile as it is stylish and powerful, the new Challenger offers the option of five or seven seats, with the third row of the seven-seater featuring a 50/50 split. This gives the seating arrangements and/or storage area of the Challenger almost endless flexibility and ensures all occupants travel in style and comfort, no matter what the load requirements are.

 

 

According to Robert McEniry, pricing and specifications of the all-new Challenger have been carefully calibrated to offer the best possible value with the highest possible feature levels.

 

 

"With the option of five or seven seats, the new Challenger will specifically appeal to active families, so we have made sure that all the bells and whistles that mum, dad, and a couple of kids need have been included, and, at an affordable price," McEniry said.

 

 

A look at the specifications list verifies this statement with the entry level five-seat LS Challenger boasting a host of functional styling, comfort and technology features. These include 17 inch alloy wheels (with a full sized alloy spare), side steps, chrome exterior door handles and mirrors, and roof rails. Inside, the LS comes standard with automatic air-conditioning, steering wheel mounted cruise control and audio controls, power windows with driver’s automatic up and down, remote keyless entry and central locking, single CD player with 6 speaker system, leather bound steering wheel, gear shift, park brake and transfer lever, colour centre display and an audio jack for MP3 player connection.

 

 

With real four-wheel drive capability the LS Challenger with manual transmission is priced at $44,490, and, like all Challenger variants, comes standard with rear diff lock. Challenger’s five-seat LS variant with automatic transmission is priced at $46,990.

 

 

The seven seat variant of the Challenger LS features third row seating with 50/50 split rear seat, manual rear seat air conditioning controls, under-floor storage area and standard automatic transmission and is priced at $48,890.

 

 

The luxurious five-seat Challenger XLS adds numerous premium style features both inside and out, with a full chrome grille, leather seat trim, power driver’s seat with slide, dual height and recline movement, colour keyed side protection mouldings, privacy glass, wood-trim console and centre panel, and cargo blind and cargo room net. With additional technological features, the XLS includes Mitsubishi’s Power Sound System with eight speakers for premium quality audio, Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS) with satellite navigation, reverse camera and video jack and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity. The XLS also features fog lamps, headlamp washers and reversing sensors as standard.

 

 

The Challenger XLS five-seat variant comes standard with automatic transmission and is priced at $56,990.

 

 

The Challenger XLS with seven-seat option features third row seating with 50/50 split rear seat, manual rear seat air-conditioning controls and under-floor storage area, with automatic transmission as standard, and is priced at $58,890.

 

 

LS Models feature black seat trim, with XLS receiving luxurious leather interior appointments. Dashboard and door trims are an elegant two-tone black/grey with silver accent panels.

 

 

Available in a range of attractive colours, including White Solid and optional metallic finishes of Charcoal Metallic, Cool Silver Metallic, Platoon Pearlescent, Terra Rossa Metallic, Champagne Metallic, Deep Blue Pearlescent and Black Pearlescent.

 

 

The all-new Challenger is covered by Mitsubishi’s comprehensive five year/130,000 whole vehicle warranty, backed up by its 10 year/160,000 km power-train warranty and a five year/130,000 kilometre roadside assistance package.

 

 

 

 

**All pricing is vehicle only price before statutory and dealer charges.

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced the winners of its annual Service Skills Competition, held last week at its South Australian head office.

  

The Mitsubishi Technician of the Year title was claimed by Rod Howes from Queensland’s Motorama Mitsubishi and Paul Willoughby from Booth’s Mitsubishi in New South Wales was named Mitsubishi’s Service Advisor of the Year.

 

 

 

The announcement came following a full program of tough testing throughout the year, with more than 800 keen Mitsubishi Service Staff competing.

 

 

 

Mitsubishi’s Manager of Technical Publications and Training, Neil Dunn was very pleased with the calibre of contestants in this year’s Service Skills final, a competition he believes plays a very important role in the standard of service for Mitsubishi’s customers.

 

 

 

“All the contestants who participated displayed outstanding levels of performance in their respective fields. This competition gives individual technicians and service advisors motivation to improve their diagnostic and customer service skills, and recognises those that strive to reach their maximum potential in their profession,” said Mr Dunn.

 

  

The annual Mitsubishi Service Skills Program began in 1999 and recognises excellence in customer service and technical expertise across Mitsubishi’s national network of over 200 dealerships.

 

  

The program promotes and develops Mitsubishi service staff and helps to increase customer satisfaction, reduce warranty costs, improve product knowledge for staff, and encourage efficient work practices across Mitsubishi dealerships nationally.

 

  

This year’s competitors were very strong in both categories, with a total of 244 Service Advisors and 559 Technicians vying for the title in their respective fields. After nation-wide preliminary testing and regional qualifiers, the finest five technicians and the top five service advisors were brought to Adelaide for the finals to decide one national winner for each category.

 

 

 

The technician finalists faced five practical tests on vehicles and engines across the Mitsubishi range, with only half an hour at each station to diagnose a problem. The pressure was on, but all contestants performed very well, displaying a broad range of technical skills and sound product knowledge.

 

 

 

Customer service role-play put the service advisors through their paces, with scenarios that kept them on their toes.  Although they were inundated with “customer” enquiries and demands, each finalist was poised, polite and professional at all times.

 

 

 

“I would like to extend my congratulations to this year’s winners, and my thanks to all participants for their efforts in the 2009 Mitsubishi Service Skills Competition,” said Mr Dunn.

 

 

 

Mitsubishi’s 200 plus national dealer network provides excellent servicing standards for all the company’s passenger and commercial vehicles.

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has earned its wings for the 2009 Anglicare National Christmas Appeal, by donating a loan vehicle to help South Australians in need this festive season.

  

Dubbed the ‘Hope Mobile’, the Mitsubishi Pajero will be used throughout the coming months by the team at Anglicare to deliver food, clothing and other necessities to local communities in need of support.

 

  

The official launch of Anglicare’s Christmas Appeal was held at Pultney Grammar school in Adelaide, where the striking and festively decorated Pajero was unveiled, sporting official Anglicare angel decals.

 

  

Member of Mitsubishi’s Corporate Community Contributions Committee and National Sales Manager, David Budden, had the honour of handing over the keys of the Pajero at the Angel Day celebration.

 

  

“Mitsubishi is committed to enriching, supporting and giving hope to those communities in which members of the Mitsubishi family work and live. We are so pleased to be able to provide Anglicare with this Pajero for their Christmas appeal,” said Mr Budden.

 

  

“Anglicare’s tireless endeavour to bring hope to those in need throughout the festive season is an inspiration to us all. Mitsubishi says thank you, on behalf of all those whose lives you will touch,” he concluded.

 

  The 2009 NT Pajero four-wheel drive features a spacious cabin with ample storage space, perfect for transporting food, clothing and other supplies. The Pajero’s upgraded 3.2-litre turbo diesel engine has all the power needed to get Anglicare around town, while remaining extremely fuel efficient.]]>
Visual effects studio Resin has created an entirely CGI-based advertisement for Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL), showcasing the Lancer Evolution as it has never been seen before. 

  

Established in 2004 by Director, Grant Lovering and Editor, Lincoln Wogan, Adelaide-based design, 3D, animation and live-action studio, Resin, represent numerous brands. Resin has also provided a range of visual effects, design and colour to six feature films including “Where the Wild Things Are” and “Rogue”.

 

 

The brief for the Mitsubishi advertisement was to show the performance nature of the Lancer Evolution in a digital format. Taking the science fiction mood of “Bladerunner” as inspiration, Resin, in conjunction with Clemenger BBDO Adelaide, were able to conjure an entirely dark city full of neon as the Evolution’s playground.

 

 

The Evolution featured in the advertisement was entirely recreated – using CGI, animation and live action techniques – with incredible accuracy. The sound for the advertisement was done by Best FX, and all the elements combined result in a photo-real experience that completely embodies the spirit of the Lancer Evolution and its rally-bred heritage.

  

 

MMAL’s Vice President of Brand Management, Paul Unerkov is pleased with the outcome of this exciting marketing endeavour.

 

  

“The Mitsubishi team and Resin have combined our ideas and efforts to come up with something really special here. To be able to recreate this stunning vehicle with such technical accuracy, and to simulate the movements and abilities of this high performance vehicle, all in CGI, is incredible,” said Mr Unerkov.

 

  

Powered by an inter-cooled and turbo charged 2.0-litre DOHC inline four cylinder engine, generating an impressive 217kW of power at 6500 rpm and 336Nm of torque at 3500 rpm, Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution is available with a revolutionary Twin Clutch Sport Shift transmission, super all wheel control system and Brembo brakes.

 

 

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is available at specialised Evolution dealers nationally.

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) today announced sales results for October, with a total of 4,775 vehicles sold throughout the month.

 

  

Compared to October 2008, MMAL have shown a national sales increase of approximately 7.5 per cent year-on-year, due largely to the very strong sales result for Lancer, and the consistently solid sales performance of the Outlander, Pajero and Triton models.

 

  

The popular Lancer range sold a total of 2,066 units in October which represents a 38.1 per cent increase for the range year-on-year. Other models also showed growth with the Outlander compact SUV posting an 11.9 percent improvement year on year, and the legendary four-wheel drive Pajero rounding out October with a 44.9 per cent rise year on year.

 

  

Triton 4x2 and 4x4 models, while down in comparison to October 2008, continued their important contribution to MMAL’s consistent performance, with sales exceeding 1,250.

 

  

MMAL’s president and chief executive officer, Robert McEniry today commented on the positive sales results for October 2009.

 

“The October results continue the trend of an improving market environment, and, with the imminent release of our new Challenger four-wheel drive, we look forward to seeing more strong results in the coming months,” said McEniry.]]>
TOKYO, Japan, October 30, 2009 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), announced today that the "MiEV OS" integrated vehicle control system installed in Mitsubishi Motors' new-generation electric vehicle i-MiEV, has been selected by the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame, a non-profit organization (NPO), as the winner for its "2009 Japan Automotive Hall of Fame Car Technology of the Year" award.

Utilizing the long wheelbase from the gasoline-powered "i" rear-midship layout on which the i-MiEV is based, the high-capacity drive battery is installed under the floor, and the high-output high-efficiency power unit is mounted under the luggage area. Through this structure, the i-MiEV has plenty of range for daily driving while keeping the spacious interior of the "i" base vehicle.

The introduction of the MiEV OS (MiEV Operating System) *1 - an advanced integrated vehicle management system into which the company has poured its wealth of know-how gained from decades of electric vehicle (EV) research and development - has provided the kind of high performance and reliability that befits a new-generation EV. The i-MiEV garnered praise as the realization of the ultimate in environmental efficiency as it emits no CO2 while being driven*2.

*1Generic name for the integrated vehicle management system developed by Mitsubishi Motors for new-generation EVs.*2

CO2 generated from electric power plants is not included.

 

The MiEV OS was selected for the "Car Technology of the Year" award following reasons:
  1. Integrated control technology for a mass-produced electric vehicle
  2. 3-way charging system for the lithium-ion drive battery
  3. Development of the compact, lightweight, and high-efficiency motor
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Tokyo, September 30, 2009 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will be showing a total of 16 cars at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show in October.  Among cars on display at the Mitsubishi Motors stand include two concept cars developed to a “The EV*: Its dawn and future” theme: the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV and the i-MiEV CARGO, the i-MiEV new-generation electric vehicle for which the company is currently accepting pre-orders for the start of sales to individual customers in April 2010; and 10 current production vehicles that qualify for eco-car tax incentives in Japan. The 41st Tokyo Motor Show will be held at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture just outside metropolitan Tokyo, open to the public from October 24 through November 4, with Press Days October 21 and 22.*electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid vehiclen        

 

World premiere: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV

Powered by the new Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System, which significantly extends the frequency a hybrid vehicle is driven in EV mode, the Mitsubishi Concept PX*-MiEV** returns fuel economy in excess of 50 km/liter. The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV is a new-generation concept car that balances high environmental performance with road performance by utilizing differential motors and Mitsubishi’s all-new S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), that utilizes E-AYC (Electric-powered Active Yaw Control) which transfers torque to the rear left and right wheels. Other features include Mitsubishi’s cocochi-interior***, which provides occupants with a comfortable cabin environment, as well as many of the latest safety technologies.* PX: Plug-in hybrid crossover. ** MiEV: Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle*** “cocochi” is a pun on the Japanese word for "cozy"n        

 

World premiere: i-MiEV CARGO

Derived from the production i-MiEV, this concept maximizes the outstanding environmental performance and economic efficiency characteristics that define the EV and at the same time adds a generous amount of rear free space to extend the range of uses to which it can be put by corporate users and self-employed operators in particular. The rear space features space-efficient cubic dimensions to allow the user to exercise their imagination fully in adapting it for whatever use he/she chooses. The result is a concept for an EV that meets user needs for a variety of situations: from business use, where maximum payload space is required, to leisure and other individual owner uses.n             

 

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV (show model)

1.    DesignSolid, Safety, and Simple were the keywords which drove the development of an exterior design suitable for a next-generation crossover that creates simple appearance from which all extraneous elements have been pared and that is free of the “rugged” elements typical in conventional SUVs. The headlamps and rear combination lamps use LED emitters that give the car an innovative and modern appearance as well as delivering better environmental performance with their reduced power consumption. The body uses a newly-developed metal color that gives the car a metal shell-like appearance. Combining elements of both spoke and dish styling, the road wheel design highlights an unprecedented new look to the body as well improving brake cooling and aerodynamic performance.The interior was designed to give an image of an airplane cockpit to improve the driver’s concentration, with an instrument panel that envelops the driver and utilizes seats that keep the passengers firmly in place. In addition, the entire instrument panel and door trim utilize soft LED lighting that express the vehicle’s innovation and refinement.

2.        Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid SystemThe Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV’s front and rear wheels are powered by two permanent magnet synchronous motors and is also fitted with a 1.6L DOHC MIVEC gasoline engine which can power the front wheels as well as work as a generator. In addition, the vehicle comes with the newly-developed Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System in which electronic circuitry automatically switches to the optimum drive mode for different driving conditions and remaining energy in the drive battery to extract maximum efficiency from the electric motors and from the gasoline engine. The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV also utilizes the MiEV OS (MiEV Operating System) which selects the optimum drive mode through integrated control of the EV components and the gasoline engine as well as controls optimum electrical charge and output in response to remaining battery energy through constant monitoring of the drive battery. With these, a pleasing, safe, and comfortable ride is achieved while conserving energy. In addition, to maximize effective use of the drive battery, the vehicle is equipped with a power supply mode that allows the use of some battery power to supply domestic appliances or as an emergency power source in the event of a natural disaster.

(1)     EV modeAt low to middle vehicle speeds the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV’s drive battery powers the front motor using front-wheel drive. When driving on snow, in the rain or in other low surface friction situations where maximum vehicle stability is required, the system automatically switches to four-wheel drive mode by feeding power to the rear wheel motor as well when sensors detect any front wheel slip.

(2)     Series hybrid modeWhen the remaining energy in the drive battery falls to a predetermined level the system starts the gasoline engine to generate electricity and automatically switches to the series hybrid mode using the electricity generated to power the motors. In this mode as well, the system switches to four-wheel drive by driving the rear motor depending on driving conditions.

(3)     Parallel hybrid modeAt higher vehicle speeds the car is supported by the gasoline engine which operates more efficiently than the electric motors at high revolutions. In this mode, the gasoline engine also helps drive the wheels. When the driver makes sudden lane changes or other maneuvers requiring greater vehicle stability the system switches to four-wheel drive by bringing in the rear motor to drive the rear wheels, improving stability. In addition when overtaking at higher speeds or in other situations requiring faster acceleration the system switches in both front and rear motors to provide additional power and assist the gasoline engine, providing high acceleration.

(4)     Regenerative modeWhen the vehicle is slowing or coasting down a long descending slope the system switches to regenerative mode in which kinetic energy reclaimed from the wheels is stored in the drive battery.

(5)     Charging modeAs with the production i-MiEV, Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV features a 3-way battery charging system using either a 100-volt or a 200-volt domestic supply or a high-power quick-charging station. The system also incorporates a Wireless Charging Program feature that allows the owner to start charging the battery or start the air conditioner at a preset time even when away from the vehicle.

(6)     Power supply modeThe Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV also subscribes to the “Smart Grid” concept that calls for maximizing the effective use of electrical power and which is currently attracting attention in the fight to combat global warming. When not on the road the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV allows the owner to store electricity at night and then use that electricity via the normal charging connector to power home appliances during the daytime when domestic electricity consumption is highest. This allows the drive battery to be used as a power source in the event of a natural disaster. Should the electricity left in the battery fall below a predetermined level, the gasoline engine starts up and works as generator to maintain the power supply at a fixed level.A 100-volt AC auxiliary socket in the rear luggage compartment also allows the electricity stored in the drive battery to be used to power cooking or lighting equipment and other appliances when camping or engaged in other leisure activities.

 3.    Drive systemMitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV uses Mitsubishi’s S-AWC integrated vehicle handling control system which is configured around an E-4WD (Electronically-powered four-wheel drive) system that controls front and rear motor output to deliver the optimum front/rear drive torque split. Under the integrated control of the S-AWC system are E-AYC (Electric-powered Active Yaw Control), which controls left/right torque split at the rear wheels and the degree of deceleration energy recovery, ASC (Active Stability Control) and ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) components.Unlike the AYC system on the Lancer Evolution X which uses a wet multi-plate clutch arrangement, E-AYC uses a differential motor to control rear wheel torque split. The use of the differential motor makes for a high-efficiency system with outstanding response and contributes to the on-demand handling and outstanding vehicle stability that characterizes the S-AWC system.

4.    cocochi-interiorSome Mitsubishi Motors production cars already feature the cocochi-interior which embraces occupants in a pleasantly comfortable cabin environment developed to a “Clean, Stress-free and Safe & Reassuring” theme. For Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV the cocochi-interior brings a number of new features including: seat upholstery that deactivates allergens, breaks down VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and offensive odor molecules as well as killing bacteria; glass that shuts out UV-A radiation to protect skin from darkening and aging; and a negative-ion aroma humidifier and oxygen enricher that improve comfort and reduce fatigue. The original and the new cocochi-interior features provide a cabin atmosphere that enhances occupant comfort as well as contributing to safer operation of the vehicle.

5.    Cabin heat load reducing technologiesThe Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV uses a windshield that uses heat-reflecting glass to reduce the amount of heat energy passing through and uses IR- (infrared ray) blocking glass in the door windows. The body paint also incorporates heat-reflective and insulation technology. Inside the vehicle the four seats are individually air conditioned and cabin humidity is regulated. The adoption of these heat load reducing technologies allows efficient climate control while reducing power consumption to the absolute minimum in making for a very comfortable occupant space.

6.    Latest active safety technologiesThe Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV showcases several new active safety technologies.

·        The “New Multi-around Monitor” system uses cameras located at strategic points on the body to provide the driver with a combined image of the full perimeter of the vehicle. The combined image is displayed for the driver on a monitor from an overhead view for improved safety around the perimeter of the vehicle.

·       The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV is equipped for the Driving Safety Support System (DSSS (Level II)) currently being promoted by the Japanese National Police Agency. In this advanced vehicle-infrastructure safety support system, an on-board receiver picks up signals transmitted by roadside optical beacons and the system urges the driver to take extra care when other vehicles or pedestrians have been detected by roadside sensors and cameras at intersections and pedestrian crossings.

·       Employing a system that uses wireless technology to ascertain the position of other vehicles and warn the driver when their proximity so requires, the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV also supports the Advanced Safety Vehicle 4 (ASV4) project being promoted by the Road Transport Bureau of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

·       The vehicle is also fitted with a Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC*1) system, employing the road-to-vehicle communications capabilities used in Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) to determine the position of the vehicle and whether it is parked or not.*1 5.8 GHz band two-way wireless communication channels specifically designed for automotive use.

7.      Other featuresThe Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV is fitted with an electronically-controlled air suspension that gives the driver the choice of three ride height modes – Auto, High, Low – for improved stability over poor surfaces or at high speeds and for easier access to and from the vehicle. The concept also uses a new-generation steering wheel switch and control layout that offers outstanding usability and switch visibility for safer and less stressful driving. Some of the audio, navigation, and climate control switches are located on the steering wheel so that the driver can operate them without having to take a hand off the wheel. Switch operation indicators located in the instrument panel make it quicker and easier for the driver to visually check and control the switch positions. In the Driving Monitor System a camera mounted facing the driver monitors eye movements to determine their level of alertness. If the system detects a decrease in their concentration it issues not only audible but visual and vibrational warnings and also emits a distinctive aroma to alert him/her to the situation.

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced the release of a special action model of its legendary Pajero four-wheel drive; the Pajero Platinum Edition; which features an array of safety, function, and style-enhancing upgrades.

 

Based on the GLX model, the Pajero Platinum Edition offers first-class occupant and driver safety.  In addition to Pajero’s high level of standard safety equipment including RISE body protection, ABS braking system with BA and EBD, electronic stability control and driver and passenger SRS airbags, the Pajero Plantinum Edition adds a reversing camera and front fog lamps.

 

The Pajero Platinum Edition is now more stylish than ever, with features such as body coloured door mirrors, integrated side steps with front mudguards, a sporty rear deflector, and Platinum Edition signature badging and carpet mats.

 

 

 

Also included in the special edition Pajero Platinum is Mitsubishi’s Multi Communication System (MMCS) incorporating satellite navigation, and Bluetooth mobile phone technology for increased functionality.

 

 

 The Pajero Platinum comes with a choice of a 3.8L petrol engine with manual or automatic transmission, or a 3.2L diesel with manual or automatic transmission.

MMAL Vice President of Brand and Marketing, Paul Unerkov, is excited to introduce this Platinum edition of the legendary Pajero.

 

 

  

“With less than 550 units of this premium vehicle released, we are sure to see a rush of four-wheel drive enthusiasts trying to get their hands on this brilliant deal. This vehicle is the perfect combination of solid off-road power, sleek on-road pleasure, safety, functionality and style,” said Mr Unerkov.

 

 

  The Pajero Platinum is covered by Mitsubishi’s 10 year / 160,000 km non-transferrable drive-train warranty, five year / 130,000 km new vehicle warranty, and will be available form October at over 200 Mitsubishi dealerships around Australia.]]>
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced the winner of the Lancer Ralliart ‘Tricked out’ competition. The lucky winner, Mr Joseph Walton Da Silva from the Western suburbs of Sydney, is delighted to accept the prize of a Lancer Ralliart Sedan, with exclusive V energy drink skins.

 

  

Twenty six year-old Joseph won his new rally inspired Lancer by burning virtual rubber in V and MMAL’s exclusive online gaming promotion. Gamers were able to race and ‘trick out’ a Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart to win weekly prizes, with the five fastest racers going into the draw to win the major prize - the car that inspired the online game craze.

 

  

MMAL’s Vice President of Brand Management, Paul Unerkov is excited that this rally-bred Lancer was able to successfully team up with high octane energy brand V for this highly innovative online gaming promotion.

 

  

“Combining the raw power and sporty appeal of the Lancer Ralliart with the high-energy vibe from V has been a perfect corporate partnership. This interactive competition was a brilliant concept that was really fun, fresh and exciting to be a part of,” said Mr Unerkov.

 

  

The winning racer, Joseph, found out about the promotion when he bought a can of V energy drink. After attempting the online game around 30 times, Joseph quickly rose to the top of the leaderboard.

 

  

“I just played the game for fun and didn't even think about winning at the start.  As the competition got closer to the end I knew I was a chance,” said Joseph.

 

  

Now with his new and exclusive V-skinned Lancer Ralliart sedan on its way, Joseph could not be more excited about his win.

 

  

“I was totally shocked to have won and to have won something like a Ralliart is amazing!”

 

  

Designed to appeal to sports car fans and those with a need for speed, the blistering performance of the Lancer Ralliart is attributed to a retuned version of the Lancer Evolution’s inter-cooled and turbo-charged 2.0-litre MIVEC engine which delivers 177 kW @ 6,000 rpm and 343 Nm of torque @ 4750 rpm and comes standard with the famous Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TC-SST), also borrowed from the Lancer Evolution.

 

Safety is an integral part of the Lancer design with the Ralliart bearing the latest Mitsubishi safety technology. ASTC is standard across the range, as is ABS, EBD and BA. A total of seven airbags are standard in the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. Add to this Mitsubishi’s acclaimed RISE body structure, seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, with five height adjustable headrests, and you have a vehicle that provides a 5 star ANCAP safety rating, the highest achievable.

 

Mitsubishi’s Lancer Ralliart is available in sedan or Sportback, exclusively in Ralliart colours; Red, Black, Cool Silver, White and Lightning blue.

 

 

Joseph’s new Lancer Ralliart is covered by Mitsubishi’s 10 year / 160,000 km non-transferrable drive-train warranty or 5 year / 130,000 km and 5 year roadside assist as standard.

 

 

Mitsubishi’s Lancer Ralliart is available from Mitsubishi Ralliart dealerships around Australia.]]>
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) and the Royal Automotive Club of Queensland (RACQ) have joined forces, bringing roadside assistance to Queensland drivers with a fleet of stunning 4x2 GLX Triton utility vehicles.   

 

The RACQ currently has 30 Tritons in their fleet, and will eventually convert the majority of their fleet to Mitsubishi, totalling 90 fully kitted-out Tritons complete with canopy designed and equipped to RACQ specifications.   

 

John Hamilton, Executive Manager of Roadside Assistance for the RACQ is pleased to make the change to Mitsubishi’s durable Triton.   

 

“The Triton offers us all the power and durability we need to bring roadside assistance to anyone, anywhere,” said Mr Hamilton.   

 

Generating 100kW of power @ 3800rpm and a handy 314Nm of torque @ 2000rpm, the new 16-valve inter-cooled turbo diesel Triton is more powerful, efficient, durable and reliable than ever before.   

 

Offering economical fuel efficiency with low vibration and engine noise, Triton adopts Mitsubishi’s renowned 2.5-litre Common Rail Diesel engine which delivers ample torque at low speeds while greatly reducing emissions through efficient fuel injection.   

 

Standard safety specifications include Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body system with front crumple zones to absorb collision energy as well as reinforced supports, including side intrusion bars, to further protect the vehicle’s occupants. Dual front driver SRS airbags, ABS braking system with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and seatbelt pre-tensioners are also standard on all 2.5 litre diesel variants.    

 

The Triton family includes the RACQ’s selection in the 2.5-litre diesel variants, as well as 2.4-litre petrol or 3.5-litre V6 petrol engines on the 4X2 and the 3.5-litre V6 petrol or a 3.2-litre CDI diesel engines on the 4X4, and cab chassis, pick-up or dual cab body styles.   

 

Versatile, tough yet comfortable, and generously appointed; the Triton utility can turn its hand to almost anything. Its bold, powerful styling ensures it stands out on the road, while its impressive list of safety features and high-quality build make it strong, reliable and a pleasure to drive.   

 

MMAL Head of Fleet and Used Vehicles, Iaen Paul is pleased to see the Triton being put to work on Queensland Roads.   

 

“No vehicle is better suited to the role of roadside assistance than the durable and hardy Triton utility. With power, efficiency and style, the Triton can tackle any situation, on and off the road,” said Paul.   

 

The Triton is covered by Mitsubishi’s 10 year / 160,000 km non-transferrable drive-train warranty, five year / 130,000 km new vehicle warranty and five year roadside assist as standard, and is available from over 200 dealerships Australia-wide.

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) is pleased to announce the arrival of the 2010 model year Outlander featuring a distinctive and aggressive styling make-over which includes the company’s trademark “jet fighter” grille, and a host of new comfort, convenience and safety appointments.  Improvements to the Outlander’s engineering include the addition of Hill Start Control to automatic transmission models and Super All Wheel Control to V6 models.

  

MMAL’s president and CEO, Robert McEniry, said the 2010 Outlander’s flexibility and versatility is perfectly suited to an active lifestyle.

 

 

  

“The new Mitsubishi Outlander is squarely targeted at couples and young families who are on-the-go people who are focused on wringing every last second of enjoyment out of life. 

 

 

  

“You can throw your surfboard or mountain bike in the back, plug your iPod into the USB port, and you - and up to six of your friends - can go  places you’ve never been in comfort, style and safety,” McEniry said.

 

 

  

The big story for the 2010 Outlander is the thoroughly “next generation” styling, inspired by the outstanding Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype displayed at the 2009 New York International Auto Show.  The front grille design is taken from the Lancer Evolution’s “jet fighter” look and is complemented by contemporary design elements, such as a reshaped front bumper, side mirrors, fenders and bonnet.  Reshaped headlamps, a new rear bumper and side sills complete the slick sports styling.

 

 

  

Complementing the exterior changes, the Outlander interior design has been freshened with the addition of new seat, door and dash trims, grained leather to premium models, double-stitching, chrome accents and a brilliant new instrument cluster. Additional Lancer-Evolution-inspired design cues include available aluminium racing style pedals and a sport-type steering wheel.

 

 

 

 

Technological upgrades for the new Outlander include the addition of Mitsubishi’s acclaimed Super-All Wheel Control system (S-AWC) to V6 models, improvements to power delivery and fuel economy, the addition of Hill Start Control (HAC) for all CVT and automatic models and USB inputs for audio (where Mitsubishi’s Multi Communication System or MMCS is not fitted). 

 

 

  

Merging Mitsubishi’s experience in off-road and rally racing with production car development, the V6 Outlander features the revolutionary Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system.  Beyond simple four-wheel drive, S-AWC is a comprehensive system that improves handling, traction and stability.  Using a first-in-class active front limited-slip differential and an electronically controlled four-wheel drive coupling, S-AWC can prevent wheel slip between front to rear and side-to-side, providing greater traction through all types of terrain and inclement weather, including ice, snow and rain.

 

 

  

The 2010 model year Outlander continues with two tried and trusted engine choices.  First, the 2.4-litre DOHC 16 valve MPI MIVEC engine provides peppy, yet frugal motoring for drivers with a keen eye for economy and generates 125 kW of power @ 6,000 rpm and 226 NM of torque @4,100rpm.  The 2.4-litre engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with Sports Mode sequential style shift changes and INVECS Smart Logic.

 

 

  

Drivers with a need for speed will choose the powerful V6 3.0-litre SOHC 24 valve MPI MIVEC engine which generates 169 KW of power @ 6,250 rpm and 291 Nm of torque @ 3,750 rpm.  The V6 benefits from improvements to the all-aluminium engine, including a reduction in intake restriction plus optimised camshaft timing and compression ratio.  These changes raise the maximum output by a modest 7 kW, but, importantly, also contribute to an improved torque curve for more responsive city driving and improved fuel economy and emissions.

 

 

  

The 3.0-litre V6 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sports Mode sequential style shift change and INVECS Smart Logic.

 

 

  

The 2010 model year Outlander offers a comprehensive line-up of variants, with the 2.4-litre version available in three specification levels, the LS (manual or CVT), XLS and the XLS Luxury option (these last two with CVT only).  The 3.0-litre V6 version offers two specification levels, the VR and the VRX (V6 versions with six-speed automatic transmission only).  All variants carry over relevant braking and suspension technology from the previous model.

 

 

  

Socially active Outlander owners will appreciate the inclusion of an optional third row of seats with one-touch roll-away function, available on LS CVT versions only.

 

 

 

  

Safety is a focus of the 2010 model year Outlander, with all models featuring driver and front passenger dual stage SRS airbags, active stability control, ABS with EBD and RISE body protection and three-point ELR seatbelts.  Side and curtain airbags are available on all models – optional on the LS and standard on all other variants. 

 

 

 

 

Other safety features available on XLS, XLS Luxury and VRX variants include HID headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System which includes automatic levelling, and reverse parking sensors, while the XLS Luxury and VRX variants add a rear view camera.

 

 

 

 

Specification levels for the 2010 model year Outlander underline Mitsubishi’s commitment to providing exciting, highly appointed vehicles at exceptional prices.

 

 

 

 

Entry level LS (2.4-litre engine) variants come with all the standard appointments carried over from the previous model, including air-conditioning, electric windows, remote-control locking, and add Hill Start Assist, two-speed variable and intermittent wipers, USB ports, new instrument panel, new interior finishes, welcome and coming home lighting and new synchronised washers.  Options for the LS variants include side and passenger airbags and seven seats.

 

 

 

 

XLS (2.4-litre engine) variants add 18-inch alloy wheels, Smart Key remote entry, new premium cloth trim, automatic air-conditioning, aluminium pedals, cool/warm box and Bluetooth 2.0 functionality, while XLS Luxury variants include unique 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, dusk sensing headlamps, rain sensing wipers, sunroof, reverse camera and a 710 watt Rockford Fosgate sound system.  MMCS is also available on the XLS Luxury and includes satellite navigation, voice activation, iPod functionality, Bluetooth and vehicle maintenance data.

 

 

 

 

The 3.0-litre VR variants include all the appointments of the LS model and add the security of Mitsubishi’s acclaimed S-AWC system, fog lamps, reverse sensors, alloy pedals and enhanced interior trim.  The top of the range VRX variant includes the premium appointments of the XLS Luxury model - unique 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, dusk sensing headlamps, rain sensing wipers, sunroof, reversing camera, Rockford Fosgate sound system and MMCS - along with the S-AWC system.

 

 

 

 

All Outlanders are available in a variety of paint colours including the new shades of Ironbark and Sapphire, as well as Red, Cool Silver, Black, Effect Grey and White.

 

 

 

 

Mitsubishi provides its industry leading warranty on all Outlander vehicles, including a comprehensive five year/130,000 km whole vehicle warranty, backed up by its 10 year/160,000 km powertrain warranty and a five year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance package.

 

 

 

 

Launching the new Outlander, Robert McEniry said he couldn’t imagine a vehicle that was better placed to meet the demands of today’s lifestyle oriented go-getters.

 

 

 

 

“This vehicle has got the lot – style, safety and flexibility,” McEniry said.   ”If you’re the sort of person who likes to get up and go – anywhere - then the Outlander has all the technology and versatility to get you there.”

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) and Fire Rescue Safety Australia (FRSA) are joining forces to build a highly modified, more manoeuvrable and more versatile fire fighting vehicle. Mitsubishi’s Triton has been converted into the FRSA’s new Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV): a vehicle specifically built for quick response to a range of emergency situations.   

 

Capable of being used in many industries such as emergency services, forestry, defense, aviation, oil and gas, coal and varying mining environments, these Tritons have been specifically developed and designed with occupant safety and environmental impact of paramount importance.  

 

The RIV Triton will be used to suppress and control fires in extreme environments, where access for a larger vehicle is limited, such as the many mine sites across Australia. A small fleet of Tritons will be built to FRSA specifications with the first Triton RIV now completed built on the GLX dual cab platform.  

 

The first specially-built fire-fighting Triton was fitted with a Frontline compressed air foam system (CAFS) in the tray of the vehicle, having the potential to discharge 4500 litres of finished foam from just 227 litres of water. Requiring no external power or motors, the Frontline CAFS unit runs from breathing air cylinders mounted within the frame of the foam system and ensures water usage in fighting fires is kept to a minimum.  

 

With more RIV Tritons being planned for the future, FRSA will have a comprehensive fleet of vehicles which are able to respond to a myriad of emergency situations in an effective and timely manner.  

 

Mr Wells from the FRSA expressed the importance of such a versatile vehicle.  

 

“The need for a quick response unit such as the RIV is vital to companies who provide emergency response as part of their operational requirements. Traditional fire appliances in this class of vehicle have poor fire fighting capability and don’t have the versatility to carry five people to an incident scene.  Further the RIV can be used for a variety of first responder tasks, tasks such as first aid, vehicle rescue, search and rescue and spill control” said Mr. Wells.  

 

“With these new specially built Triton RIV’s, we anticipate faster response times to serious emergency situations,” he concluded.  

 

Versatile, tough yet comfortable, and generously appointed; the Triton utility can turn its hand to almost anything. Its bold, powerful styling ensures it stands out on the road, while its impressive list of safety features and high-quality build make it strong and reliable.   Standard safety specifications include Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body system with front crumple zones to absorb collision energy as well as reinforced supports, including side intrusion bars, to further protect the vehicle’s occupants.

 

Dual front driver SRS airbags, ABS braking system with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and seatbelt pre-tensioners are also standard on all 2.5 litre diesel variants.   

 

MMAL Head of Fleet and Used Vehicles, Iaen Paul, is delighted to see such successful collaboration in the design of a purpose-built vehicle for use in emergency situations. 

 

“Not only were Mitsubishi involved with FRSA in the construction of this vehicle, we also partnered with Zupps Mt Gravatt for their extensive knowledge and experience of ROPS (Roll Over Protection Systems). Together we have produced what would have to be, one of the safest, most capable, mass delivery RIV (Rapid Intervention Vehicles) ever produced. This highly specified ‘hero’ of a vehicle will fulfil its job description, that I am sure,” said Mr Paul.  

 

The Triton is covered by Mitsubishi’s 10 year / 160,000 km non-transferrable drive-train warranty, five year / 130,000 km new vehicle warranty and five year roadside assist as standard, and is available from over 200 dealerships Australia-wide.

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) proudly introduces 2010 model year upgrades across the popular Lancer range. With interior and exterior style changes, safety and technology upgrades across the entire range, and the addition of a Special Edition RX model, the new Lancer family is on sale at your local Mitsubishi dealership from September 16th.

 

 

  

MMAL’s president and CEO, Robert McEniry, today announced the updated Lancer range, and is pleased to be able to offer more on each and every model within the line-up, without price increases.

 

“In the current economic climate, customers are seeking great value for money without compromising on style, functionality, efficiency, safety or power. This new 2010 model year Lancer line-up lets our customers have all this without breaking the bank,” said McEniry.    

 

Across the entire Lancer range, updates include revised interior styling with a new-look instrument cluster, improved ETACS (Electronic Total Automobile Control) for added safety, synchronised windscreen washers, and premium VRX-style tail lamps as standard on all variants, making this the sportiest, safest and most functional Lancer range yet.

 

  

In addition to these changes across the range, the entry model ES Lancer receives modifications to its interior styling, with the addition of a floor console box for extra storage and a cup holder lid for a more slick appearance to its spacious cabin. For added safety, side and curtain airbags are available as an option to the ES model.

 

  

Exterior style changes to the mid-range VR model include a new chrome upper grille, and sporty new 16” alloy wheel design, giving it unique sporty appeal. Inside, a cup holder lid and leather trimmed park brake with chic new stitch pattern enhance the look, while a revolutionary insulated front windscreen decreases road-noise, making this the most stylish and quiet VR ever released. As a new option for the VR, the Rockford Fosgate premium audio system can now be added to this already feature-packed model.

 

  

The driving experience in the sporty VRX model is also enhanced with sound-deadening front windscreen, and the interior upgraded with the park brake leather trim with new stitch pattern also added as standard. The big news for the VRX is the addition of the powerful Rockford Fosgate premium audio system now added as standard, making this the greatest value for money VRX Lancer ever available. MMCS (Mitsubishi’s Multi Communication System) can now be added as an option to the Lancer VRX for increased functionality.

 

  

In the premium model Aspire, the interior upgrades of insulated front windscreen and leather-bound park brake are offered as standard, as is the Rockford Fosgate premium audio system. To add to the Aspire’s sophisticated appeal, Mitsubishi are also adding chrome door handles as standard to the exterior of this classy variant. In the 2010 model year Aspire, MMCS (Mitsubishi’s Multi Communication System) increases the functionality, and is now offered as standard in this top-of-the range model Lancer. An optional extra for the Aspire is the addition of a sunroof.

 

  

For those with a need for speed, the Lancer Ralliart also receives the standard upgrades to the range, as well as the sound-deadening front windscreen and the stylish new leather park brake. An option package including the Rockford Fosgate premium audio system, leather seats and MMCS (Mitsubishi’s Multi Communication System) is now available for the Lancer Ralliart.

 

 

Three engines are available in the Lancer line-up, with the ES and VR receiving the 2.0-litre dual overhead cam MIVEC four-cylinder engine which delivers 113kW of power @ 6000 rpm and 198 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm. A 2.4-litre engine powers the Lancer VRX and Aspire sedan, generating 125 kW of power @ 6,000 rpm and 226 Nm of torque @ 4,100 rpm; the Lancer VRX offers a more powerful, yet more economical driving experience than many of its competitors.

 

 

Sports car fans will appreciate the blistering performance of the Lancer Ralliart, which features a retuned version of the Lancer Evolution’s inter-cooled and turbo-charged 2.0-litre MIVEC engine which delivers 177 kW @ 6,000 rpm and 343 Nm of torque @ 4750 rpm and comes standard with the famous Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TC-SST), also borrowed from the Lancer Evolution.

 

ES, VR and VRX Lancer offer a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Sport Mode and INVECS III software, to deliver flexible, responsive and economical motoring.

 

Safety is an integral part of the Lancer design and all variants bear the latest Mitsubishi safety technology. ASTC is standard across the range, as is ABS, EBD and BA. A total of seven airbags are available on all Mitsubishi Lancers, providing a 5 star ANCAP safety rating - entry level ES models receive standard SRS driver and passenger airbags and driver knee airbag, with side and curtain airbags an affordable option. All other Lancer models receive the full seven-airbag pack as standard fitment.

 

Add to this Mitsubishi’s acclaimed RISE body structure, seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, five height adjustable headrests and the Lancer range presents the prime, affordable, safety-oriented choice in the Australian small car segment.

 

 

Unchanged from the previous model year, available colour choices across the range include Champagne, Cool silver, Mystic blue, Lightning blue, Effect grey, Red, Black and White in ES, VR and VRX models, with Aspire available in Champage, White, Red, Cool silver, Effect Grey and Black. Lancer Ralliart models are available in Red, Black, Cool Silver, White and Lightning blue. ES, VR, VRX and Ralliart models are available with a sedan or Sportback body, with the premium Aspire offered solely as a sedan.

  

 

As well as announcing the updates to the standard and premium range of Lancers, Robert McEniry also proudly introduced the new special limited edition Lancer RX model.

 

  

 

Available in sedan or Sportback, with either manual or CVT transmission, the Lancer RX offers all the features standard to the ES Lancer, with the stylish addition of unique RX badging and 16” sporty alloy wheels. In Sportback models, the RX will feature the VR-style spoiler and sedans will feature an accessory option spoiler.

 

 

 

“With 11 stunning variants, the Lancer range has a model to suit any style or budget. Today, we also announce the arrival of a limited edition brother to the Lancer family with the marketing special RX, offering unique exterior styling to add to Mitsubishi’s solid safety, functionality, technology and power, which comes as standard for all our wonderful products,” said Mr McEniry.

 

 

  

Mitsubishi provides its industry leading warranty on all Lancer vehicles, including a comprehensive five year/130,000 km whole vehicle warranty, backed up by its 10 year/160,000 km powertrain warranty and a five year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance package.

 

 

 

The Lancer ES, VR, VRX, Aspire and the limited edition RX are available, from September 16th, at over 200 Mitsubishi dealerships Australia-wide, with the Ralliart available from specialised dealerships only.

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL)’s versatile and rugged workhorse Triton was today named 4x4 Australia magazine’s 2009 Ute Of The Year.  

 

A panel of judges deemed the Triton 4x4 GLX-R best among its competitors over several categories; value, technological advancement, built tough, ‘bushability’ and how closely the vehicle matched its design brief and purpose.  

 

Editor of 4x4 Australia, Mick Matheson said that this was a well-deserved win for Triton.  

 

“None can match the package presented by Mitsubishi with its 2009 Triton,” said Mr Matheson.  

 

“The combination of passenger comfort, class leading safety kicked off by the Super Select 4x4 system, and the most satisfying on road, and most unbeatable off-road ability deem Triton a worthy winner of this year's title of 4x4 Ute of the Year,” he concluded.  

 

Versatile, tough yet comfortable, and generously appointed; the Triton utility can turn its hand to almost anything. Its bold, powerful styling ensures it stands out on the road, while its impressive list of safety features and high-quality build make it strong and reliable.   

 

Standard safety specifications include Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body system with front crumple zones to absorb collision energy as well as reinforced supports, including side intrusion bars, to further protect the vehicle’s occupants. Dual front driver SRS airbags, ABS braking system with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and seatbelt pre-tensioners are also standard on all 2.5 litre diesel variants.   

 

President and chief executive officer of MMAL, Robert McEniry was pleased to receive this award for such a stunning vehicle.  

 

“The Triton has recently seen unprecedented sales, and this award clearly shows why. The Triton range represents fantastic value for money, great four-wheel drive ability, comfort, functionality, safety and more,” said Mr McEniry.  

 

The Triton is covered by Mitsubishi’s 10 year / 160,000 km non-transferrable drive-train warranty, five year / 130,000 km new vehicle warranty and five year roadside assist as standard, and is available from over 200 dealerships Australia-wide.

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has released limited units of a special edition Outlander SUV; the ACTiV. With added interior and exterior appointments to enhance its style, functionality and safety, the Outlander ACTiV is in a class of its own.

  

The Outlander ACTiV features Mitsubishi’s economical 2.4-litre MIVEC engine and is available with either a five-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission with sports mode and will be available in seven seat configuration in limited supply.

 

  

The special variant features numerous exterior appointments, adding to the visual appeal of this versatile SUV. The ACTiV features a unique chrome radiator grille, front alloy nudge bar and roof rail cross bars.  Further adding to the sleek style of the Outlander, this special edition will also have exclusive ACTiV badging, fog lamps and privacy glass as standard.

 

  

Inside, the ACTiV boasts new functionality and technological additions including standard Bluetooth hands free phone capability and a Rockford Fosgate premium audio system.

 

  

Safety is premium in the Outlander ACTiV, with driver and passenger front SRS airbags and multi-mode ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.  Mitsubishi’s Active Stability Control with Traction Control (ASTC) system comes as standard, with Mitsubishi’s All Wheel Control (AWC), incorporating All Terrain Technology and the Active Select 4WD system. This means on the road, the driver can switch from 2WD to AWD on the fly with the simple turn of a dial.

 

  

MMAL Vice President of Brand and Marketing, Paul Unerkov is excited to introduce this special release edition of the versatile Outlander.

 

  

“As a quality compact SUV, the Outlander is already a leader in its class. With these functional and stylish additions, Mitsubishi have just taken the ACTiV to a whole new level of luxury and drivability,” said Mr Unerkov.

 

  

The Outlander ACTiV is covered by Mitsubishi’s 10 year / 160,000 km non-transferrable drive-train warranty, five year / 130,000 km new vehicle warranty.

 

  Combining the functionality of a 4WD, the spirit of a sports car, the fuel efficiency of a smaller car, and the versatility of a wagon, the Outlander ACTiV is available now from $33,990 drive away from over 200 Mitsubishi dealerships Australia wide.]]>
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) is proud to announce the amazing Lancer Evolution as the star of the new ‘Hollywood Stunt Driver Show’ at Warner Bros. Movie World on the Gold Coast.

Driven by the latest crew of ‘Hell Drivers’, the Lancer Evolution is the star of the 20 minute stunt driving show, taking place in an all-new purpose built arena.

Featuring breathtaking stunts, precision driving and incredible scenes of exhilarating action, this highly anticipated, multi-million dollar live production cannot be missed.

The perfect combination of brutal force and precise control, the Lancer Evolution has the power and technology to drive any stunt driver to new, exciting, daring, and death-defying heights.

The Hollywood Stunt Driver team features some serious heavy-weights from the world of competitive motorsport including V8 Supercar hero, Warren Luff and renowned champion drifter Eugene Arendsen.

In front of screaming crowds, these Hell Drivers regularly put on a spectacle of blockbusting movie thrills, bringing the glamorous world of Hollywood action film-making to life with the aid of the stunning Lancer Evolution.

Powered by an inter-cooled and turbo charged 2.0-litre DOHC inline four cylinder engine, generating an impressive 217kW of power at 6500 rpm and 336Nm of torque at 3500 rpm, Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution is available with a revolutionary Twin Clutch Sport Shift transmission, super all wheel control system and Brembo brakes.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is available at Mitsubishi Ralliart Dealers nationally.

Notes to the editor:
Warner Bros. Movie World on the Gold Coast is the only Australian, movie-related theme park. Situated on the Gold Coast, Movie World has all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, where you can meet your favourite stars, and enjoy all the behind-the-scenes action, comedy stunts and exhilarating rides, shows and attractions.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) is a vehicle importer, showcasing a broad based product range successfully marketed in several high-growth segments of the Australian automotive industry.
Product lines include the stunning Lancer range, the dynamic Colt range,  and the versatile seven-seater Grandis. Mitsubishi’s four-wheel drive range includes the legendary Pajero, the Triton workhorse, and the crossover-SUV Outlander. Mitsubishi’s commercial vehicle is the Express van.
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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced the winner of an Outlander compact four-wheel drive in the "Mitsubishi Outlander and Big 4 Holiday Parks" competition, promoted widely by Channel 9's popular Getaway travel program. The lucky winner, Mr Ernest Kuljis from Meadow Springs WA, was delighted to accept the prize of a complete holiday package, including a brand-new Mitsubishi Outlander XLS and a $5,000 Big 4 Holiday Park voucher.

 

Mr Kuljis now has a choice of over 180 holiday parks to visit all around Australia, and the brand new wheels to take him there.

 

“My head is still spinning. I have in-laws in town soon, so the opportunity to show them Australia as it should be – the four-wheel drive way is awesome!,” said Mr Kuljis.

 

Mr Kuljis’ new Outlander, Mitsubishi’s compact SUV, has been designed to complement the most active of lifestyles, and will take Ernest and his family almost anywhere they want to go around Australia. 

 

The Outlander XLS features a sporty 2.4L four-cylinder engine, delivering maximum power and efficiency.

 

Big on innovation, style, versatility and safety, the Outlander is packed with sophisticated technology, boasting impressive features across the range. Mitsubishi’s Active Stability Control with Traction Control (ASTC) system comes as standard, with Mitsubishi’s All Wheel Control (AWC), incorporating All Terrain Technology and the Active Select 4WD system.

 

This means, Mr Kuljis can switch from 2WD to AWD on the run with the simple turn of a dial. With the six-step automatic continuously variable transmission, the Outlander is surprisingly fuel efficient, averaging 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

 

“The specification of the vehicle is great, and I’m looking forward to ‘loving that car’ when it arrives,” said Mr Kuljis.

 

This Outlander XLS is covered by Mitsubishi’s 10 year / 160,000 km non-transferrable drive-train warranty or 5 year / 130,000 km and 5 year roadside assist as standard.

 

Combining the functionality of a 4WD, the spirit of a sports car, the fuel efficiency of a smaller car, and the versatility of a wagon, the Outlander is available from over 200 Mitsubishi dealerships across Australia.  

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The Federal Government’s new Investment Allowance may provide eligible businesses with a significant tax deduction on new vehicles purchased for use within their business. There are two types of deductions available, dependent on the size of the business.

 

Small businesses (ie turnover less than $2M) may receive a 50% tax deduction on new vehicles purchased before 31 December 2009. For example, if you own a small business and purchase a new Mitsubishi by 31 December 2009 for $20,000 and use it in your business by 31 December 2010, you can claim an additional $10,000 deduction in the year you first use the Mitsubishi in your business. (Actual benefit subject to individual circumstances. Eligibility criteria apply, seek advice from your registered tax agent.)

 

Other businesses (with a turnover of at least $2M) may receive a 30% tax deduction on new vehicles purchased before 30 June 2009. For example, if you own a business and purchase a new Mitsubishi by 30 June 2009 for $20,000 and use it in your business by 30 June 2010, you can claim an additional $6,000 deduction in the year you first use the Mitsubishi in your business. (Actual benefit subject to individual circumstances. Eligibility criteria apply, seek advice from your registered tax agent.)

 

To find out more, contact your local Mitsubishi Dealer.  The ATO site also provides further information, click here.
 

 

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Tokyo, April 27, 2009 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced its full-year results for the year ending March 31, 2009, together with forecasts for the year ending March 31, 2010.

 

1. Fiscal 2008 full-year results

(1) Fiscal 2008 overview

MMC's consolidated net sales for fiscal 2008 totaled 1 trillion 973.6 billion yen, a 26 percent de-crease of 708.5 billion yen over the previous fiscal year. Factors behind the drop in net sales include reduced worldwide unit sales and the appreciation of the yen against other world currencies.

 

MMC posted an operating profit of 3.9 billion yen, a drop of 104.7 billion yen over the previous fiscal year. Reduced unit sales and the effects of the strong yen were the principal factors in the lower profit figure but the company managed to stay in the black thanks to company-wide cost-cutting activities and the benefits stemming from the operational restructuring implemented last fiscal year.

 

MMC posted an ordinary loss of 14.9 billion yen, 100.6 billion yen worse than that of last year, as the drop in operating profit outweighed improvements in net interest and foreign exchange gains/losses.

 

MMC reported a net loss of 54.9 billion yen, 89.6 billion yen worse than fiscal 2007. The company booked extraordinary losses which included an impairment loss of 27.5 billion yen.

 

(2) Unit sales

Global retail sales in fiscal 2008 totaled 1,066,000 vehicles, a 22 percent decrease of 294,000 units on the 1,360,000 sold in fiscal 2007. Amid the global slump in demand, year-on-year unit sales were down in all the company's regional markets.

 

In Japan, MMC sold 168,000 vehicles in fiscal 2008, a 23 percent decrease of 51,000 units. The company strived to boost sales by introducing the new Toppo and other mini car models in the fall and the Galant Fortis Sportback (Lancer Sportback outside Japan) in December but was unable to counteract the sharp decline in overall demand suffered by the Japanese market in the second half of fiscal 2008.

 

In North America, the company sold 119,000 vehicles, a 26 percent decrease of 41,000 units over last year. While a 6 percent year-on-year increase in sales in Canada, where the record sales was achieved in March, sales in the United States were impacted by the slump in overall demand and slipped 32 percent or 40,000 units to a total of 84,000.

 

In Europe, MMC sold 272,000 vehicles, a 20 percent decrease of 69,000 units over fiscal 2007 as the drop in overall demand in the countries of Western Europe was compounded by a sudden slump in the second half of the year in Russia where sales had been solid up untill then.

 

In Asia and other regions, MMC sold 507,000 vehicles, a 21 percent decrease of 133,000 units over the previous year. While sales in Brazil, Indonesia and the Philippines increased over fiscal 2007, the rise failed to offset the ending of supplies of production parts to Proton in Malaysia and the slump in overall demand in other countries in the region.

 

2. Forecasts for fiscal 2009

MMC forecasts global retail unit sales of 932,000 vehicles for fiscal 2009, 13 percent or 134,000 units fewer than fiscal 2008, as it expects the current difficult global market climate to continue.

 

By region MMC forecasts sales in Japan of 195,000 vehicles, a 16 percent increase of 27,000 units over the previous year as the government's emergency measures to stimulate the economy start to kick in. The company expects sales elsewhere to slip, however, with forecasts of 92,000 units for North America, 22 percent or 27,000 units down; 213,000 units for Europe, 22 percent or 59,000 units down; and 432,000 units for Asia and Other, 15 percent or 75,000 units down.

 

Given the decreases in sales volume outlined above and the adverse effect of the stronger Japanese yen, for fiscal 2009 MMC forecasts net sales of 1 trillion 500 billion yen, a decrease of 473.6 billion yen over fiscal 2008.

 

The company will, however, make every effort to improve its earnings performance by cutting costs and expenses to a level commensurate with its current net sales. The company will be aiming to save more than 150 billion yen: by the measures including cutting sales and marketing expenses through maximizing the effectiveness of its advertising and publicity; by exploiting the benefits stemming from falling raw material prices and by strengthening efforts to reduce material costs; and by reducing labor costs and streamlining the functions of overseas subsidiaries.

 

MMC forecasts an operating profit of 30 billion yen, a year-on-year improvement of 26.1 billion yen, an ordinary profit of 15 billion yen, an improvement of 29.9 billion yen, and a full-year net profit of 5 billion yen, 59.9 billion yen improvement from fiscal 2008.

 

Note on forward-looking statements

All statements herein, other than historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and are based on MMC's current forecasts, expectations, targets, plans, and evaluations. Any forecasted value is calculated or obtained based on certain assumptions. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties.

 

A number of significant factors could therefore cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Significant risk factors include:

    - Feasibility of each target and initiative as laid out in this presentation;

    - Fluctuations in interest rates, exchange rates and oil prices;

    - Changes in laws, regulations and government policies; and

    - Regional and/or global socioeconomic changes.

 

Potential risks and uncertainties are not limited to the above and MMC is not under any obligation to update the information in this presentation to reflect any developments or events in the future.

 

If you are interested in investing in Mitsubishi Motors, you are requested to make a final investment decision at your own risk, taking the foregoing into consideration. Please note that neither Mitsubishi Motors nor any third party providing information shall be responsible for any damage you may suffer due to investment in Mitsubishi Motors based on the information shown in this presentation.

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NEW YORK, April 9, 2009 --

 

Building on the success of the Mitsubishi Outlander, Mitsubishi Motors North America today conducted the World debut of a distinctive new model that takes the compact SUV to another new level of performance and sportiness - the Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype. The all-new design study is the centerpiece of the Mitsubishi Motors exhibit at the New York International Auto Show, which continues through April 19.

 

The Diamond white Outlander GT Prototype infuses performance and design inspiration from Mitsubishi's Lancer sport sedans and provides clear indicators of the future of Outlander.

 

"The Outlander GT Prototype is packed with technology, performance and premium features that are uncommon in the compact SUV class," commented John Koenig, executive vice president of Mitsubishi Motors North America. "Along with its faster heartbeat, we also wanted to quicken pulses by channeling the look of our sportiest cars."

 

A front grille design inspired by the Lancer Evolution's "jet fighter" look is clearly in play on the Outlander GT Prototype, which sports complementary new design elements, such as a reshaped front bumper, side mirrors, fenders and hood. Reshaped Bi-Xenon HID headlamps, a new rear bumper and side sills, plus a bold polished finish on the already standard aluminum roof panel accentuate the sporty appeal.

 

The Outlander GT Prototype also benefits from improvements to the all-aluminum 3.0-liter SOHC MIVEC V6 currently found in the Outlander XLS, including a reduction in intake restriction plus optimized camshaft timing and compression ratio. The engine changes raise maximum output by 10 horsepower, for a total of 230 horsepower, with an improved torque curve for more responsive city driving and enhanced fuel economy and emissions.

 

To further increase fuel economy, the Outlander GT Prototype features an upgraded shifting program and Idle Neutral Logic, which automatically, and smoothly, shifts into neutral during vehicle standstill. It reengages at the slightest lift of the foot off the brake pedal, thereby providing instantaneous response.

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Tokyo, April 7, 2009 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) subsidiary Mitsubishi Motors Sales of Canada (MMSCAN) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of British Colombia, the City of Vancouver, power company BC Hydro, and Mitsubishi Canada Limited for feasibility testing of the zero-emissions i MiEV*1 electric vehicle.



Under the terms of the agreement, one car would be added to BC Hydro's fleet of vehicles and one to the City of Vancouver's fleet for demonstration and evaluation purposes. The agreement also allows for the addition of more cars as they become available.



"Electric cars are part of the sustainable transportation solution for British Columbia and I am pleased that the i MiEV will make its Canadian debut in Vancouver," said Environment Minister Barry Penner. "By looking at new, innovative technologies, we can work toward achieving our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emission by 33 per cent by 2020."



"I'm thrilled that Vancouver gets to debut the i MiEV," said Mayor Gregor Robertson. "We want to make Vancouver the greenest city in the world, and supporting this early adoption of plug-in electric cars is one way that Vancouver is becoming a leader in green technology. Electric vehicles are an important way to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions when combined with improvements to transit, biking and walking."



Announced in October 2006, the i MiEV represents the pinnacle of Mitsubishi Motors' green technologies. Currently involved in testing and promotional activities in Japan, New Zealand, Australia, the United States and across Europe, the i MiEV will be launched in Japan during the summer of 2009.


*1 MiEV: Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle
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Normal0falsefalsefalseMicrosoftInternetExplorer4The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was, once again,the quickest of the conventional Group N rally cars on the Cyprus Rally, whichended in Limassol this afternoon. Armindo Araujo (Portugal)dominated the latest round of the Production Car World Rally Championship, butjust missed out on the lead after rival Patrik Sandell (Sweden) passedhim in his Super 2000 Skoda on the event’s penultimate test.

Araujo led the event from the first stage in an incredible drive of dominationon the mixture of asphalt and gravel roads in the Troodos Mountains.Despite having to deal with the first mixed surface round of the World RallyChampionship and the notoriously fickle weather conditions in the mountains inspring, Araujo delivered his Lancer Evolution home second in the Production CarWorld Rally Championship standings.

Running on gravel-specification tires on the opening day’s six stages forcedthe fastest rally drivers in the world to compromise their style, but Araujocoped best of all. He was fastest on all but one of the Friday stages, racingin to a half-minute lead. He then underlined his ability by continuing thatstrong drive as the event turned to the rough dirt roads on Saturday, where hemaintained his lead for the duration of the second day.

"It’s been an incredible rally," said Araujo at the finish. "Thefight has been so tough all of the time. We came to this event after a verygood test on the asphalt in Italy.I was very happy with the way the car was set up and we were able to drivequickly to open the lead on Friday."

Araujo admitted heavy overnight rain on Friday had caused him a few problems onSaturday morning, but nothing he and the Mitsubishi couldn’t deal with.

"The weather made the morning stages really slippery," he said."I don’t think we had the perfect set up for these roads, but at servicewe made some changes and the car was perfect again. The mud was incredible,though. All of the time, the grip on the road was changing so much. On onecorner, everything was nice and then in the next, it was deep mud. It was hardwork."

Four Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions finished in the top 10 of the Group N cars onwhat was, once again, one of the toughest rounds of the World RallyChampionship.

Andis Neiksans (Latvia)collected useful points by bringing his Mitsubishi home in fifth place after alargely trouble-free event. Neiksans concurred with Araujo’s feelings about howtough the event had been, adding: "Even today, the stages were so long andreally bumpy. It’s been a very tough event, but the Mitsubishi has madeit."

In the overall event, Sebastien Loeb (France) collected his 50th World RallyChampionship win in is Citroen, with Ford’s Mikko Hirvonen (Finland) second andCitroen privateer Petter Solberg (Norway) third.]]>
Normal0falsefalsefalseMicrosoftInternetExplorer4Dual Australian Rally Champion Simon Evans claimed victory at last weekend’s Rally of Canberra, second Round of the Australian Rally Championship, on his first appearance in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

Evans, a former factory driver with Toyota, showed sparkling pace from the very outset of the event earning six fastest stage times on his way to the top step of the podium.

“To win in Canberra was absolutely awesome,” exclaimed Simon. “It’s an incredibly tough event and very demanding on the car, but we came through it totally unscathed and with a car that is practically ready to go for the next rally.”

Extremely dry conditions in the lead up to the event produced hard packed roads with a thick layer of slippery dust. Evans though took the challenging conditions in his stride, blasting his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution through ruts and over rocks without concern.

“The car was brilliant, it’s a true testament to the work put in by the team at Race Torque to engineer such a tough vehicle. Ultimately you win events like Canberra in the workshop. We proved that last weekend,” he said.

Having clinched the Australian Rally Championship in 2006 and again in 2007 Evans is now firmly on track to earn a third title, having passed former team mate Neal Bates to lead the points tally after two Rounds. Evans accumulated 151 points to Bates’ 146 ahead of Glen Raymond on 104 points.

“I’m considering this as the start of our Championship, we still have an awfully long way to go before we can consider holding that trophy again. The Australian Rally Championship is a tough challenge, but that’s why we choose to compete, to take that challenge head on,” Evans added.

Behind Evans a plethora of similar Mitsubishi Lancer’s filled the top ten, with Justin Dowel equal third, Michael Boaden and Brett Kipling equal fifth and Steven Shepheard seventh.

The third Round of the national series takes competitors on the long trek across the Nullarbor to Western Australia and the demanding gravel roads in the plantation forests outside of Busselton.

Outright Positions
1. Simon Evans / Sue Evans (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX)
2. Neal Bates / Coral Taylor (Toyota Corolla Super 2000)
=3. Glen Raymond / Matt Raymond (Toyota Corolla Group N (P))
=3. Justin Dowel / Matt Lee (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX)
=5. Michael Boaden / Helen Cheers (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII)
=5. Brett Kipling / Darren Masters (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX)
7. Steven Shepheard / John McCarthy (Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution)
8. Cameron Sluce / Nathan Long (Subaru Impreza RS)

Championship Points
1. Simon Evans – 151
2. Neal Bates - 146
3. Glen Raymond - 104
4. Justin Dowel - 86
5. Eli Evans - 60
6. Brendan Reeves - 45
7. Michael Boaden - 42
8. Spencer Lowndes - 39]]>
After 1,500 kilometres of fierce, non-stop competition Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution has triumphed, dominating the nation’s largest production car endurance race and claiming all three steps on the podium at the Bathurst 12 Hour.

 

Around the historic Mount Panorama circuit the all-wheel drive Lancer Evolution proved the vehicle of choice with reigning 12 Hour Champions Rod Salmon, Damien White and Tony Longhurst backing up from their 2008 victory in their Skwirk Interactive Schooling backed machine.

 

“It’s one of the most spectacular results I could hope for, and the TMR Skwirk Evo has been faultless,” said driver and team owner Rod Salmon. “We came here and knew what we wanted to do, and it’s a big ask to win once – to win twice is a real fairytale, a dream come true.”

 

Run by Team Mitsubishi Ralliart Australia and guided by the hugely experienced Alan Heaphy, the trio of Salmon, Longhurst and White held off a late charge by the sister West Surfing Products Lancer Evolution of Glyn Crimp, Stuart Kostura and Tony Ricciardello.

 

In the end White and Ricciardello fought out the final hour of the race and crossed the finish line to grab the top two placings split by just 6.4 seconds.

 

“After four 1000km races, this was my first 12 Hour race and it was a great experience.  It has been a good bonding experience and it was even better to make the podium. Overall, it was a great team effort and big wraps must go to Glyn and Stuart,” said Ricciardello.

 

Both teams praised the incredible performance and reliability their vehicles displayed over the course of the weekend.

 

“Reliability wasn’t an issue all weekend and everything ran like clockwork,” said Ricciardello.

 

Alan Heaphy backed up the sentiments of Salmon and Ricciardello. “How much better can you get, the 12 Hour win and the second-fastest lap time with one car, and second place and the lap record with the other,” said Heaphy.

 

“We came here in 1991 with Nissan GT-R’s and blitzed them, and we’ve done the same now with the Evo. Brilliant.”

 

Sporting the vastly experienced duo of Jason Bargwanna and Brad Jones the final place on the podium fell to the ProDuct Motorsport Lancer Evolution. A host of pit stops throughout the day to investigate a fuel pickup problem the only blight on the duos performance.

 

“We just continued to circulate all day, stayed out of trouble, had 19 pit stops due to a fuel pick up problem, so all in all it is very busy race but it was pleasing to get up here on the podium at Bathurst,” said Bargwanna.

 

 

2009 WPS Bathurst 12 Hour Showroom Enduro Outright Results – Top Ten

1#1 R.Salmon/T.Longhurst/D.White – Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution - 239 laps

 

2#55 G.Crimp/T.Ricciardello/S.Kostera - Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

 

3#35 J.Bargwana/S.Knight/B.Jones – Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution – 238 laps

 

4#43 D.Wall/D.Wall/T.Symonds – Mitsubishi Evo IX GSR – 237 laps

 

5#11 B.Morcom/L.Searle/P.Stubber - BMW 335i

 

6#3 S.Jones/K.Wade/A.Caratti – Mitsubishi Evo IX – 235 laps

 

7#23 S.Briffa/M.Zukanovic/T.Sipp - Holden VE R8 Clubsport – 231 laps

 

8#20 G.Holt/P.Morris/R.Shaw – BMW 335i – 228 laps

 

9#24 G.Walden/B.Walden/M.Auld - Holden Commodore SS

 

10#62 T.Leahey/P.Hill/E.Bana – Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

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Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions filled 7 of the top 10 Group Npositions on the opening round of the Production Car World Rally Championship,Rally Norway,which finished in Hamar this afternoon.

 

Local hero, Eyvind Brynildsen (Norway) was the fastest of theLancer Evolution drivers and fastest of the showroom-type Group N cars.Brynildsen, classified second in the PWRC, lost his chance of winning thecategory outright when he went off the road avoiding another driver on theopening day of the rally.

 

Brynildsen and former world champion co-driver DenisGiraudet (France)were just getting into their rhythm when they were forced to take avoidingaction in the fifth stage. A competitor ahead of them had gone off into asnowbank and, when Brynildsen’s Mitsubishi arrived on the scene, the road wasfull of marshals and spectators trying to get the other car back on the road.

 

The stewards of the event allowed Brynildsen to re-start thenext day with notional times, leaving him second in Group N. The Norwegian wasphilosophical at the finish, saying: "It’s been a tough rally, the problemon the first day didn’t help me. It was disappointing. But, we’re here and wehave some very good points on the board from the first event. As much as Iwanted to win this rally, I knew I had to take points for the Productionchampionship and that’s what I’ve done. It’s a good start to the season."

 

One of the highlights of Brynildsen’s event came on thefinal day, when his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recorded the second highestspeed of any of the competing cars down a long stage in the Elverum test.Petter Solberg was fastest at 208km/h, with Eyvind second quickest, with animpressive speed of 202km/h.

 

The one thing Brynildsen and all of the other competitorsagreed on unanimously was the conditions which Rally Norway ran in.Temperatures running as low as minus 30 Celsius combined with heavy snowfallsin the weeks leading up to the rally made for the perfect winter rally with asolid ice and snow base on the road surrounded by two and three-meter-highsnowbanks.

 

Martin Prokop (CzechRepublic) admitted he hadenjoyed himself, bringing his Lancer Evolution home third. Prokop said:"We don’t have snow rallies like this at home, so to come here has beenfantastic fun for me. I was a little bit steady at the start, not pushing toomuch, but then I wanted to fight with Armindo [Araujo, Portugal],so we pushed harder and got past him. The car has been very good here, noproblems at all."

 

Coming from Portugal,Araujo was another stranger to the wintry weather. He still managed, however,to bring his Mitsubishi home six minutes ahead of his nearest competitor. AndisNeiksans (Latvia), FredericSauvan (France), Bernt Kollevold(Norway) and Martin Semerad(Czech Republic) were the remaining LancerEvolution drivers who crowded into the top 10.

 

At the top of the leaderboard, Sebastien Loeb (France) won the event after a tight fight withMikko Hirvonen (Finland).Finishing in third place was Hirvonen’s Ford team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala.

 

The next round of the Production Car World RallyChampionship is the Cyprus Rally (March 12-15).

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Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution driver Shaun Gallagher (Ireland) collected a convincing win in the GroupN category of Rally Ireland,which ended in Sligo Sunday’s afternoon. Hisfellow Lancer drivers were also on fine form to lock-out the podium, takinganother one-two-three finish for the all-conquering Lancer Evolution, despitethe awful weather conditions.

 

Running as the opening round of the 2009 World RallyChampionship, in place of the legendary Monte Carlo Rally, the crews had beenexpecting harsh conditions on the notoriously wild west coast of Ireland. Andthe weather certainly delivered. The opening two days of the event werebattered by rain storms so severe they forced the event organizers to cancelthe final two stages of the opening day.

 

Like the event it replaced for this year, Rally Ireland straddles two countries - Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland- with equal amounts of competitive action in both. The rally’s headquartersare in Sligo, in the Republic, but theceremonial start is in Enniskillen in the North.

 

No matter which side of the border the competition was,however, the rain remained torrential. Making the best of the atrociousconditions was Alan Ring (Ireland).The Lancer driver pushed his car as hard as he dared along the treacherousIrish lanes to ease his way 30 seconds clear at the front of the Group N fieldby the end of the opening day. Gallagher kept him honest through the early partof day two and, when Ring slipped off the road in SS11, the first run throughTempo, Gallagher seized his opportunity to further close the gap. Two stageslater and Gallagher was ahead. He remained there until the end of the event.

 

Running under the World Rally Team Ireland banner,Gallagher admitted his victory was a proud moment.

 

"Winning Group N here means a great deal," hesaid. "It’s been such a tough event, I can’t remember conditions like thatfor a long time. It was like being in a swimming pool some of the time! But thecar was great, it ran really well despite all of the water. It was a toughfight as well, you know Alan [Ring] was quick on the first couple ofdays."

 

The third and final day of Rally Ireland came as a complete contrastthe Friday and Saturday, with sunshine and near-freezing temperatures arrivingin time for a final blast up and down the beautiful scenery of the Atlanticcoast.

 

Another local driver, Gary Jennings (Ireland) was second inGroup N, with Paul Elliot (Ireland), Rory Byrne (Ireland) and Derrick Jobb(United Kingdom) bringing their cars home third, fourth and sixth respectively.

 

At the front of the field, defending world championSebastien Loeb (France) wonthe event for the second time in succession, leading home his fellow Citroendriver Dani Sordo (Spain).Mikko Hirvonen (Finland)was the first non-C4 WRC driver home as he guided his Ford to third place.

 

The next event is Rally Norway (February 12-15), which isthe opening round of the Production Car World Rally Championship.]]>

Mitsubishi is at the forefront of automotive technology and Joan ’Nani’ Roma and Lucas Cruz Senra (both Spain) managed to bring the new car to the finish of the world’s most difficult off-road rally in 10th position, setting a fastest stage time along the way with the new car.

The stage success occurred on the 12th special between La Rioja and Cordoba, but they lost a potential sixth position in the overall standings when they incurred additional time penalties before the finish, which dropped them down the leader board.

The event got off to a disappointing start with the loss of Hiroshi Masuoka (Japan) and Pascal Maimon (France) on the opening special stage between Buenos Aires and Santa Rosa de la Pampa. An engine pulley bolt failure reduced Mitsubishi’s challenge to three cars.

The cars showed potential from the outset, but an illness for co-driver Gilles Picard (France) forced Luc Alphand (France) to retire the second car after a series of tricky sand dunes and swamp-like tracks on the run north through western Argentina.

Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret (both France) had been the fastest of the ’Racing Lancer’ crews through the early stages and Peterhansel was running well on the last stage before the event crossed the Andes into Chile. But he was forced to stop with a small fire early in the stage and then he was sidelined with engine-related problems later in the special.

It meant that Mitsubishi were now totally dependent on Roma and Senra reaching the finish in Buenos Aires. The pair had reached the rest day in Valparaiso in fourth position in the overall standings and maintained their place with a similar stage finish.

Navigation problems cost them precious time on the special between La Serena and Copiapo in Chile and they reached the finish in seventh place, although overheating worries forced them to slow towards the end.

The daunting Copiapo loop stage through the Atacama desert was shortened significantly on safety grounds, but Roma managed to set the fifth fastest time to maintain fourth overall after the ventilator fan had been repaired the previous evening at the bivouac.

Dakar Rally officials took the decision to cancel the 11th special stage between Copiapo and Fiambal  because of the threat of fog and Roma reached Argentina in fourth overall.

But the short stage between Fiambal  and La Rioja was much harder than many had anticipated and Roma stopped in some sand dunes after 165km with an electrical wiring problem. Event officials actually halted the stage at the 175km point and Roma was able to reach La Rioja with assistance from the race truck. The car was repaired overnight, but he continued with a two-hour penalty and the threat of further penalties to follow.

The initial penalty had dropped the surviving ’Racing Lancer’ to sixth position, but it failed to stop Roma surging through the field from a start position of 21 to record a first stage win for Mitsubishi in this year’s Dakar Rally on the special between La Rioja and Cordoba.

The jubilation of Roma’s first stage win in the Dakar Rally for the Mitsubishi team and the first for the ’Racing Lancer’ was dampened somewhat by the news that race officials had imposed a further 10 hours’ of time penalties on teams that had missed the final section of the 12th stage and Roma duly slipped to 10th overall.

He set the fourth quickest time on the final stage into Buenos Aires, but was unable to improve on 10th position overall, when teams reached the ceremonial finish at La Rural in Buenos Aires on Sunday.

WHAT THEY SAID...

Osamu Nakayama, President / MMSP SAS

"I knew the difficulty and severity of the Dakar this time and one small problem could easily make a big change to the results this time. We must analyze every small problem and resolve for the future. The Dakar gave us the technical innovation and how we must make our new production cars.

"Fortunately, over the last two days, ’Nani’ showed the potential with a good performance. BMW and Volkswagen spent more than five years to get a good result and we did something in a short space of time. Next time we would like to win, of course.

"During this Dakar, everywhere we passed, we saw many people shouting Mitsubishi, Mitsubishi. Certainly we can find many future customers within these spectators. We must show them our brand and our competitiveness in the market place. That is why we want to achieve a better result next time.

"Our motor sport activity will show the results of our technology and Japanese manufacturing at Mitsubishi Motors to the rest of the world. Our mission is to show Japanese automotive manufacturing through our motor sport activities."

Dominique Serieys, Team Director / Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart
"We have certainly learned some things about life on this rally. It was a very tough Dakar Rally and we must accept the result even though I am not happy with our position at the end. It is not so nice for ’Nani’ to be 10th, but we must remember it has taken some of our rivals many years to be competitive and we are on a good level already. The retirement of our three cars was not linked to the new technology and I feel that we are already in a good way and that is positive for the future.

"We will be ready for the next time, but I must congratulate our rivals, particularly Volkswagen and Robbie Gordon, for their performances here. Also, the organization did a great job to put on this event in South America. It was a strong race and we liked it. I am sure that next year will be a better and stronger event to keep up the Dakar tradition."

MIROSLAV ZAPLETAL COMPLETES DAKAR RALLY IN SEVENTH POSITION

Miroslav Zapletal (Czech Republic) produced a sensational performance on the 2009 Dakar Rally and confirmed seventh in the overall rankings with 12th place on the final special stage to Buenos Aires at the wheel of his Mitsubishi L200.

An extra 10 hours’ of time penalties were imposed on numerous teams who missed the final section of the stage into La Rioja. These were added at the bivouac in Cordoba before the final stage.

One beneficiary of penalties for other drivers was Jean De Azevedo (Brazil), who started the final stage in 20th overall. Toni Van Deijne (Netherlands), on the other hand, slipped to 27th from 21st and Mana Pornsiricherd (Thailand) held 73rd in his Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

De Azevedo eventually finished in 23rd position, after losing two hours on the final stage into Buenos Aires, while Van Deijne maintained 27th in his Mitsubishi L200. Jerome Hardy (France) finished 34th, Ilya Kuznetsov (Russia) overcame a roll earlier in the rally to take 37th and Christian Barbier (France) was 49th.

Other Mitsubishi finishers included Laszlo Liszi (Hungary) in 52nd, Riccardo Garosci (Italy) in 55th, Henrique Pichini (Brazil) in 65th and Nuno Pedro Inocencio (Portugal), who finished 66th overall. Pornsiricherd eventually finished the final stage in 17th place, but time penalties earlier in the event pushed the Mitsubishi Thailand-backed driver down to 73rd overall.

Stephan Schott (Germany) and Alexey Berkut (Russia) finished 74th and 78th in their Mitsubishis and Jerome Laraignou (France) brought up the rear of the Japanese entries with 85th overall.]]>

But additional time penalties imposed by event officials on crews that had not completed the 12th leg into La Rioja on Thursday evening, ultimately demoted Roma from sixth to 10th overall. The Mitsubishi ’Racing Lancer’ driver duly incurred 10 hours of time penalties.

From the original 530 starters, 129 bikes and quads, 92 cars and 55 trucks were permitted to start the final stage into Buenos Aires, but the ASO had been busy imposing further time penalties on some crews overnight, including Roma.

He was the first driver on to the fast, pampas-style special stage on Saturday morning, but it was not an advantage to open the road and he trailed Guerlain Chicherit (France) by 10 seconds at the first passage control point at 88km and held a virtual third on the stage. He slipped to fifth at the 140km point (PC2) and went on to record the fourth fastest time.

Giniel de Villiers (South Africa) set the fastest time on the final stage to confirm his first Dakar win, with an 8m 59s winning margin over Mark Miller (USA).

Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart had lost three of its four turbo-diesel ’Racing Lancers’ earlier in the race. Hiroshi Masuoka (Japan) and Pascal Maimon (France) were sidelined with an engine pulley bolt failure, an illness for co-driver Gilles Picard (France) forced Luc Alphand (France) to retire the second car and engine-related problems forced Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret (both France) out of the rally on the stage before the crossing into Chile last week.

There will be no competitive action tomorrow (Saturday), but surviving crews will take part in the much-vaunted ceremonial finish at La Rural in downtown Buenos Aires. Over half a million people attended the ceremonial start on Friday, January 2nd and an even greater number are anticipated at the finish, such has been the interest shown by the local Argentinean and Chilean population in this year’s Dakar Rally.

WHAT THEY SAID...

Joan ’Nani’ Roma
"I would like to have finished higher, but the important thing was to finish after the problem we had a few days ago. I have arrived in Buenos Aires and that is because the team behind me worked really, really hard. The car was perfect yesterday and today and is getting better all the time. The handling, the suspension, it is perfect.

"I know how much work goes into making four cars for the Dakar and, when I arrived in Valparaiso, I knew that there was only me running and it was up to me to keep the team going. No-one in the team lost any motivation and they all continued to push. Yesterday, I told myself that I needed to push, push, push to try and win the stage. I took some risks yesterday, but the stage win was for everyone in the team.

"Today was not easy. I exploded (puncture) a tyre on the back after CP1 and finished the stage much more slowly. It was important to reach Buenos Aires today. That was the goal."

Lucas Cruz Senra
"A good finish for us - top 10! For me, this event has been very hard. The temperatures have been very high and the weather has been very difficult. The car has great potential and will be superb when we have worked more on the development. I think it was too much to ask to come up with an answer after two weeks on the rally.

"Today was a straightforward stage. It was very fast. We had one puncture at about km100, but the rest was okay."

MIROSLAV ZAPLETAL COMPLETES DAKAR RALLY IN SEVENTH POSITION

Miroslav Zapletal (Czech Republic) produced a sensational performance on the 2009 Dakar Rally and confirmed seventh in the overall rankings with 12th place on the final special stage to Buenos Aires at the wheel of his Mitsubishi L200.

An extra 10 hours’ of time penalties were imposed on numerous teams who missed the final section of the stage into La Rioja. These were added at the bivouac in Cordoba before the final stage.

One beneficiary of penalties for other drivers was Jean De Azevedo (Brazil), who started the final stage in 20th overall. Toni Van Deijne (Netherlands), on the other hand, slipped to 27th from 21st and Mana Pornsiricherd (Thailand) held 73rd in his Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

De Azevedo eventually finished in 23rd position, after losing two hours on the final stage into Buenos Aires, while Van Deijne maintained 27th in his Mitsubishi L200. Jerome Hardy (France) finished 34th, Ilya Kuznetsov (Russia) overcame a roll earlier in the rally to take 37th and Christian Barbier (France) was 49th.

Other Mitsubishi finishers included Laszlo Liszi (Hungary) in 52nd, Riccardo Garosci (Italy) in 55th, Henrique Pichini (Brazil) in 65th and Nuno Pedro Inocencio (Portugal), who finished 66th overall. Pornsiricherd eventually finished the final stage in 17th place, but time penalties earlier in the event pushed the Mitsubishi Thailand-backed driver down to 73rd overall.

Stephan Schott (Germany) and Alexey Berkut (Russia) finished 74th and 78th in their Mitsubishis and Jerome Laraignou (France) brought up the rear of the Japanese entries with 85th overall.]]>

The pair began the special from 21st position, but surged through the field to record a first stage win for Mitsubishi in this year’s Dakar Rally to confirm sixth position in the overall rankings.

The success was also Roma’s first stage win with the Mitsubishi team and his first on four wheels and it came on an emotional day for Roma, when a special Henri Magne trophy was presented to a deserving co-driver in the bivouac in C rdoba (Magne was a former co-driver for Roma, who lost his life in the 2006 Rally of Morocco).

Friday afternoon’s special stage was shortened from an original 543km to just 220km by race officials, because of recent heavy rains in the C rdoba and La Rioja regions and started after a long 357km liaison section across the Catamarca Province.

The special began at the original PC4 (364km) point and used classic WRC Rally of Argentina terrain, finishing just short of Villa Carlos Paz, before a short liaison took crews to the bivouac on the outskirts of Argentina’s second city. The ASO permitted 132 bikes and quads, 93 cars and 55 trucks to start the stage, with Roma and Senra taking the stage start in 21st position.

They were running second fastest behind Guerlain Chicherit (France) at the 62km point of the stage, but hit the front mid-way through the fast, flowing special and had a good lead at the 132km mark. They managed to maintain the pace to the finish to record an historic first stage win for Mitsubishi’s new Dakar challenger.

Tomorrow (Saturday) marks the final special stage on the 2009 Dakar Rally between C rdoba and Buenos Aires. Teams will use a 224km liaison section through Oliva, Villa Maria and Ballestros to the start of a 227km special stage, along similar gravel roads to the ones they experienced on day one into Santa Rosa de la Pampa.

The nerve-wracking stage will include two passage controls, near Marcos Juanez and Cruz Alta, and a final liaison through San Nicolas de Los Arroyos and Baradero Alsina will take teams back to Buenos Aires in readiness for the ceremonial finish on Sunday, January 18th.

WHAT THEY SAID...

Dominique Serieys, Team Director
"I am obviously very happy, especially for ’Nani’ and Lucas because they have done a great job to bring the car this far, and also for all the mechanics, engineers and race truck drivers for their strong work, often late into the night, on this rally.

"This result is also for Hiroshi and Pascal, who had to stop early in the race when they were leading the team. It is also for Luc and Gilles and Stéphane and Jean-Paul. We have seen again that the Dakar is very tough to win. We will work as hard as possible and invest everything to be ready for 2010 and make sure that we can win back the title."

Joan ’Nani’ Roma
"It was a really bad day yesterday and we were close to being out of the race. But to win the stage was a pleasure for me. Everybody in the team has worked for this. Some times it is not possible to win the rally, but this is a reward for the hard work from all the team. It is also the first Dakar stage win for the Lancer and the first Dakar stage win for me with a car.

"It is a really important day for me as well. This evening, in the bivouac at the briefing, there will be a presentation of a special Henri Magne award. For me to win the stage, on the same day as the presentation, is a special moment for me and everyone in the team."

Lucas Cruz Senra
"I am happy for all the team. We needed this stage win today as we continue to develop the new car and the new engine. We had our problem last night, but the mechanics worked so hard and this win is for them."

MIROSLAV ZAPLETAL MAINTAINS EIGHTH OVERALL INTO FINAL DAKAR RALLY STAGE


Miroslav Zapletal (Czech Republic) began the penultimate special stage of the 2009 Dakar Rally between La Rioja and Cordoba 2h 22m ahead of Leonid Novitskiy (Russia) and firmly ensconced in eighth position in the overall standings in his Mitsubishi L200. Zapletal was ninth fastest on the 13th stage on Friday afternoon and retained eighth position.

Toni van Deijne (Netherlands) incurred road penalties for missing the final section of the special stage into La Rioja on Thursday evening and slipped to 21st overall at the start of Friday’s 13th special in his Mitsubishi L200. He finished the shortened special in 45th to retain 21st overall.

Jean De Azevedo (Brazil) actually completed the 12th stage into La Rioja and climbed from 27th to 25th position at the start of the 13th stage, where he recorded the 15th quickest time and maintained his place in the overall rankings.

Ilya Kuznetsov (Russia), Jerome Hardy (France), Francisco Inocencio (Portugal) and Christian Barbier (France) held 32nd, 34th, 45th and 48th overall at the restart from La Rioja on Friday morning.

Inocencio set the 30th fastest time, with Kuznetzov in 36th and Barbier in 58th. Inocencio and Barbier were the only drivers to make a move in the overall rankings and they climbed a place to 44th and 47th.

Mitsubishi Thailand-backed Mana Pornsiricherd (Thailand) and co-driver Thierry Lacambre (France) incurred road penalties into La Rioja and were classified in 78th place in their Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, with Stephan Schott (Germany) and Alexey Berkut (Russia) running just behind them in the overall standings in their Mitsubishis Pajero / Montero Evolution.

Pornsiricherd eventually reached the finish of the shortened 13th stage in 18th place and held an unofficial 71st position at the end of the penultimate leg.]]>

Mitsubishi’s sole-surviving turbo-diesel ’Racing Lancer’ crew had held fourth overall at the start of the stage and come under increasing pressure from Robbie Gordon (USA) for the final podium place once overall leader Carlos Sainz (Spain) had retired after an accident. Roma, himself, had survived a scare at the same corner where Sainz crashed, but stopped 86km further on with his own technical problems.

A total of 132 bikes and quads, 89 cars and 56 trucks were permitted to start the 12th stage into La Rioja, where a fierce thunderstorm and incessant early morning rain had relieved some of the oppressive heat of the previous afternoon.

The original stage was reduced by around 33km at the overnight briefing in Fiambala, when event officials discovered that the original route was scheduled to cross an archaeological site. It still featured some treacherous dune crossings and tricky navigation, but was eventually stopped at the 175km point on the grounds that too many crews were experiencing delays in the sand dunes between 140km and 170km. Roma duly arrived at the La Rioja bivouac and was awaiting news of any time penalties that may have been imposed on teams who did not complete the stage.

Tomorrow (Friday) is the penultimate day of competitive action in this year’s Dakar Rally and should have featured a 545km special stage in a total route of 753km between La Rioja and Cordoba, Argentina’s second city.

Event officials likened sections of this stage to the type of terrain more at home on the FIA World Rally Championship. However, recent heavy rain in the La Rioja and Cordoba areas forced the ASO to cut the section that began south of Patquia and headed east towards El Chaco.

The stage will now start at PC4 (364km) and teams will tackle a shortened 220km special stage that heads north through classic WRC Rally of Argentina territory to Villa de Seco and finishes just short of Villa Carlos Paz, the base for the WRC event, to the west of Cordoba. The city is situated in the foothills of the Sierra Chicas, 390 metres above sea level, on the Suqua River and is one of the oldest former Spanish colonial capitals.

ZAPLETAL (Czech Republic) MOVES UP TO SEVENTH OVERALL INTO LA RIOJA

Miroslav Zapletal (Czech Republic) benefited from delays and time penalties for numerous competitors into Copiap, by moving up the overall leader board to 11th overall at the start of the 12th stage into La Rioja.

He held 26th on the stage at the first passage control and had gained sufficient time over the demanding final kilometers to record the eighth fastest time. The result pushed Zapletal’s Mitsubishi L200 into the top 10, at the expense of Laszlo Palik (Hungary) and he now holds an excellent seventh overall, ahead of two official X-raid BMW X3 CCs.

Mitsubishi Thailand-backed Mana Pornsiricherd (Thailand) and co-driver Thierry Lacambre (France) have begun a dramatic climb up the leader board in their Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, since being handed time penalties in Valparaiso. Mana held 74th overall at the start of the special stage into La Rioja and was running 30th through PC2. He eventually reached the finish with the unofficial 23rd fastest time, but his overall ranking will not be known until time penalties have been imposed on other crews.

Toni van Deijne (Netherlands) lost his chance of taking a top 10 finish in the 2009 Dakar Rally, when he was delayed on the Copiap loop stage and slipped from 11th to 14th position in his Mitsubishi L200. Van Deijne began the 12th stage from 22nd position on the road, but was delayed still further before the first checkpoint for two hours and passed in 94th place.

Several Mitsubishi privateers were running strongly out of Fiambala, once time penalties had been awarded for delays into Copiap. Jean De Azevedo (Brazil) held 27th overall, Ilya Kuznetsov (Russia) rolled, but was awarded the 28th time, and Christian Barbier (France) was classified in 34th place in his Mitsubishi Pajero at the start of the day and finished the stage in an unofficial 13th position. De Azevedo eventually reached the finish in 24th position.

Jerome Hardy (France) held 36th and Francisco Inocencio (Portugal) was 44th, but many of the back markers and Mitsubishi privateers were instructed by event officials to make their way to the La Rioja bivouac after 175km of the day’s special stage and time penalties will be awarded later this evening.]]>

It meant that Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart’s Joan ’Nani’ Roma and Lucas Cruz Senra (both Spain) left the bivouac on the usual road liaison but, instead of tackling a tricky stage in Chile, they headed directly for the frontier and followed the tracks that media and race officials had taken on a tiring bus transfer during the night.

The route began on a hard gravel track, as the remaining cars, bikes and trucks wound their way through the foothills and between the towering peaks of the Chilean Andes. The border crossing was carved through a mountain pass, where media and officials had experienced icy temperatures and stunning, clear skies the previous evening.

Cars climbed through Trés Cruces and the track began to deteriorate as the sinuous route edged to a peak of 4,748 meters above sea level in the stunning San Francisco Pass, which marked the frontier with Argentina. From there, Roma and Senra could benefit from a sealed asphalt surface through a huge flood plain and down into the valley of the Fiambala River and the overnight halt without assistance.

This had originally been scheduled as a Marathon stage on the 2009 Dakar Rally. Only the race truck crews, team director Dominique Serieys and Thierry Viardot were permitted to access the Fiambala bivouac. The remainder of the team and all the other service crews in the rally had two days to reach the next bivouac at La Rioja, which ran for 790km from Copiapo and used its own slightly lower passing through the spine of the Andes.

On Wednesday morning, team director Dominique Serieys (France), president Osamu Nakayama (Japan) and logistics manager David Serieys (France) had joined Team Repsol’s former enduro rider and team manager Jordi Arcarons (Spain) in a visit to the San Jose del Carmen regional hospital in Copiapo.

Along with the esteemed Dr. Xavier Mir (Spain), the head of the Dakar Solidario Foundation, the group were able to visit the local medical institution and a sterilisation machine was given to the hospital by the foundation. The visit was part of a continuation of a project introduced by Repsol, the Spanish fuel company, in association with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), when the Dakar crossed the African continent en route to Dakar in Sénégal. Mitsubishi have been involved with the program since 2006.

Dr Xavier Mir is an esteemed surgeon in the world of Moto GP racing and is well known for his charity work. He is also the head of the Dakar Solidario Foundation and the chief of a microsurgery unit in his native Spain.

Tomorrow (Thursday) marks the second section of the original Marathon stage and crews will need to ensure that they repaired their cars at Fiambala in readiness for the 253km special stage that will reunite them with their service trucks at La Rioja in the Gran Chaco region of north-west Argentina at the foot of the Velasco mountains.

The stage starts a mere four kilometres from the overnight halt, but there will be a 261km liaison section to La Rioja before work can begin in earnest on the cars.

The stage heads back towards the Andes for a pair of passage controls near Palo Blanco, before turning in an easterly direction and finishing at El Puesto. The final liaison passes Salado, Almogasta and Villa Mazan en route to La Rioja to the north of the Sierra de Velasco mountains at a height of 540 metres above sea level.

The town is better known for its cattle farming and agriculture and was the birthplace of former Argentine President Isabel Martinez de Peron.]]>

The Mitsubishi mechanics left no stone unturned to find the fault that had caused Roma’s overheating woes on the ninth stage and the ventilator fan was eventually repaired to rectify the problem.

Roma held a virtual sixth at the first passage control and a similar position through PCs three, four and five, before reaching the finish, adjacent to the bivouac, where hundreds of service teams, media and spectators were watching the action unfold at the end of the special from an elevated position on a giant dune.

Robbie Gordon (USA) set the second fastest time on the special to reduce Roma’s hold on fourth position to 21m 25s, but Carlos Sainz (Spain) continued to head team mate Mark Miller (USA) by 27m 31s in the overall standings after setting the quickest time of the day.

The ASO permitted 312 teams to take part in today’s loop stage, with 142 bikes and quads, 109 cars and 61 trucks given permission to restart. Low-lying cloud and a sea mist again forced the delay of the special stage, which had been reduced from 670km to 476km the previous evening, on the grounds that some of the terrain was not challenging and the ASO preferred teams to have more time to tackle the tricky dunes en route.

But the fog persisted, meaning that the safety helicopters could not take off, and ASO officials were forced to delay the start of the stage by 2h 40m.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the 10th leg of the 2009 Dakar Rally and marks the return to Argentina across the mighty Andes mountain range. Event organisers have warned that the emphasis will be on accurate navigation, as a 20km liaison takes teams into a 215km special stage, finishing just after the village of Carrera Pinto.

Service trucks and assistance vehicles will reach 4,250 metres above sea level, before crossing the border at around 4,160 metres and head on towards the following night halt at La Rioja.

Competitors, meanwhile, will experience a 445km liaison section to their overnight halt at the spa town of Fiambal, which is the first and only Marathon-type stage on this year’s Dakar. The sinuous passage will cross the Col San Francisco at an altitude of around 4,748 meters.

The liaison route climbs over winding tracks through the Claudio Gay mountain range and heads towards Hosteria Murray before reaching Las Grutas and descending through Cortaderos and Chaschuil to Fiambal, which is in the Catamarca province and lies 1,520 metres above sea level.

WHAT THEY SAID...

Dominique Serieys, Team Director
’Nani’ is driving very well and has made no mistakes. We had some troubles that have put him back, but we are getting more feedback about diesel technology every day. We are on a good pace now and will try and give him a better car each day. The target is still a podium. Robbie (Gordon) is still pushing and it is good for the rally that another private team is coming into the fight."

Joan ’Nani’ Roma
"I am happy to be here. If they make the original road book about 670km, you know it is going to be tough. The engine mapping could have been better in the power stakes, but we never stopped and we made the kilometers to reach the finish. I am not watching the leader board now. If we cannot take a podium, then fourth or fifth is the same to me. It is just a case of doing our jobs and keeping going over the last few days."

Lucas Cruz Senra
"It was obviously a hard stage. There were a lot of areas of camel grass and that made it tough. We struggled a little. I stopped on one occasion to take some air out of the tires, because the sand is very soft. The road book was not so good today. One modification was totally opposite to the real direction we had to take and we lost one or two kilometers."

TONI VAN DEIJNE DELAYED ON COPIAPO LOOP STAGE


Toni van Deijne (Netherlands) was delayed on the shortened 10th loop stages through the Atacama desert around the Copiapo bivouac on Tuesday and was running in a virtual 19th position at PC4.

With the retirement of Orlando Terranova (Argentina), it was imperative that Van Deijne and co-driver Wouter Rosegaar (Netherlands) reached the end of the stage, as a place in the top 10 was still available.

Former Baja GB winner Miroslav Zapletal (Czech Republic) was running in 20th position at PC5 in his Mitsubishi Pajero, while Francisco Inocencio (Portugal) held 16th at PC4 and slipped to 21st at PC5, as he headed into the last dunes before the stage finish.

Mitsubishi Thailand-backed Mana Pornsiricherd (Thailand) and co-driver Thierry Lacambre (France) began the stage in 35th place and held 34th overall through the fourth PC, but were facing a battle against time to reach the bivouac before nightfall.

Christian Barbier (France) was classified 45th at PC4 in his Mitsubishi.

Adverse weather conditions and a poor forecast for Wednesday morning forced the cancellation of the 11th stage on Tuesday evening and teams will travel across the Andes mountains to Fiambala in convoy on a road liaison section.]]>

Roma and Senra were the sixth quickest crew into the first PC at 131km, as the special stage from La Serena to Copiapo wound its way north through the first competitive kilometers of the Atacama desert, the highest and driest region in the world, surrounded to the west by the Pacific Ocean and to the east by the Andes mountains.

They dropped 17 minutes to overall stage leader Mark Miller (USA) at PC1 after early navigation problems, but maintained a top pace through the second, third and fourth passage controls. The Spaniards eventually reached the finish in seventh position after clawing a little time back through the middle reaches of the special, only to lose it again with an overheating problem in the dunes.

Overall leader Carlos Sainz (Spain) ultimately set the fastest time, after Miller was forced to stop and change a tire before the fifth passage control, and extended his lead in the general classification to 19m 52s.

Teams had left the bivouac in La Serena in cool, misty conditions - an effect caused by cold air from the ocean colliding with the warm air of the desert - and it caused some small logistical delays for the ASO.

The stage had been shortened by 19km in any case at the previous evening’s drivers’ briefing and the lost kilometers were added to the final liaison section to the bivouac, situated in a natural bowl in the Atacama desert, surrounded by sandy peaks and rolling dunes.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) service vehicles and event officials will remain at the Copiapo bivouac, while competitors tackle the longest stage of the entire event - a punishing 666km classic loop around the Atacama desert taking in a series of high dunes at altitude in extreme temperatures.

The stage will finish at the Copiapo bivouac and includes seven passage controls in a gruelling loop through the dunes and sand trails of the upper Atacama.

WHAT THEY SAID...

Dominique Serieys, Team Director
’Nani’ and Lucas lost some time at the beginning and the end of the stage. They had a navigation problem near the start and a little overheating scare after 200km. It was not easy to pass the dunes. We are learning all the time. Let’s see what happens over the next two or three days to see if we are still in the fight and what happens."

Joan ’Nani’ Roma
"It was not such a good day for us. At the beginning of the stage we made a navigation mistake. We were behind (Giniel) de Villiers in one wadi in the dust and we did not see a junction and went the wrong way. Then, at km 200, the engine temperature began to climb and we stopped too many times to try and make sure we reached the finish. Everybody will try and find the problem now. Tomorrow is another day and we will take each day as it comes."

Lucas Cruz Senra
"Giniel started very fast but, at km 45, we made a small error and missed one junction and took the wrong valley. We turned around and found our way again behind (Robbie) Gordon. He was doing ’the same job’ and we stayed behind his dust trail.’’

TONI VAN DEIJNE CLOSES IN ON THE TOP 10 IN HIS MITSUBISHI


Toni van Deijne (Netherlands) maintained his impressive form in the leading private Mitsubishi Pajero, as the Dakar Rally reached Copiapo after the ninth special stage across the southern Atacama desert on Monday.

Van Deijne and co-driver Wouter Rosegaar (Netherlands) set the 13th fastest time, maintained 11th position and are now within striking distance of the top 10 and nearest rival Dieter Depping (Germany) heading into a daunting loop stage through the arid Atacama wastelands on Tuesday.

"It’s probably a little ambitious to think that we can catch the factory Volkswagen in 10th, but you never know on the Dakar," said Van Deijne.

Former Baja GB winner Miroslav Zapletal (Czech Republic) consolidated 13th in the overall standings with the 16th fastest time in his Mitsubishi Pajero. Francisco Inocencio (Portugal) set the 24th time on the day’s special and moved up the leader board, but delays for numerous teams in the dunes and across the treacherous sandy trails meant that an accurate overall placing was unavailable as we closed for press.

Christian Barbier (France) held 34th position at the start of the leg, but lost his way in the sand dunes and took the wrong track for around seven kilometers at the 80km point.

Since being re-instated in the overall rankings in Valparaiso, Mitsubishi Thailand-backed Mana Pornsiricherd (Thailand) and co-driver Thierry Lacambre (France) have been the revelation of the Mitsubishi privateers in their Pajero Sport and continued a climb up the leader board with the unofficial 34th fastest time into Copiapo.

Ilya Kuznetsov (Russia), Laszlo Liszi (Hungary), Riccardo Garosci (Italy) and Stephan Schott (Germany) were still en route to the bivouac in the Atacama desert as we closed for press.]]>

Roma and Senra had the additional responsibility of carrying the full weight of the team’s effort into the second week of the Dakar, but the pair were unfazed by the added pressure of needing to set competitive times, but also make sure they made no mistakes.

Roma was classified as the third fastest driver through the opening passage control at the 180km point of the 294km special stage. He trailed Dieter Depping (Germany) by a mere three seconds and was running 33 seconds quicker than Mark Miller (USA), although Carlos Sainz (Spain) maintained a healthy stage lead.

Sainz maintained his pace to extend his overall lead to 10m 57s, but Roma slipped three seconds behind Miller over the closing kilometres when a nail punctured a rear right tire. He eventually set the fourth fastest time, although a second slow puncture failed to prevent him from maintaining fourth overall.

Of the original 530 entrants in the 2009 Dakar Rally, 337 teams restarted out of Valparaiso on Sunday morning, with numerous back-markers benefiting from the ASO’s decision to permit any non-seeded vehicle that did not complete legs five and six to restart with 200 hours’ of penalties. Therefore, 156 bikes and quads, 116 cars and 65 trucks set out into the stage to La Serena.

Tomorrow (Monday) the route continues its move north along the length of the longest country in the world to reach Copiapo in the Atacama desert, the highest and driest area of its kind in the world and one of the most important mining regions of recent years.

Teams will need to pass more sand dunes towards the end of the 449km stage, which starts 88km from La Serena at Trés Cruces, and finishes at the Copiapo bivouac after five passage controls, including three near Vallenar, Algarrobal and Punta de Diaz.

At 390 metres above sea level, Copiapo is the capital of the Atacama region and of the province of the same name and lies on the Copiapo River. It lies in an area rich in silver and copper deposits and has become a major mining centre in recent years following a boom in demand for commodities.

WHAT THEY SAID...

Dominique Serieys, Team Director
"It was a good result for ’Nani’ today, particularly after the rest day. He was fast and he lost some time with a puncture. He was unlucky with a nail in the tire. Nothing special really, ’Nani’ is happy and we will hope for the same tomorrow."

Joan ’Nani’ Roma

"It was a nice stage. Some corners are tight and it is certainly interesting with a big car. I was lucky in some parts, but the nail in the tire was really bad luck. Anyway, the stage was okay for us. Everyone in our team is really motivated to catch the Volkswagens. For me, I always drive for everyone in the team and I want to keep pushing at the same speed for everyone. There is still a long way to Buenos Aires and anything is possible."

Lucas Cruz Senra
"We had two punctures today. One was a slow one and one was a nail through the side of the tire about 100km from the end of the stage and it cost us third place. It was similar to a WRC stage today, but maybe a few more stones than a world rally. Giniel (De Villiers) lost 10 minutes today, so anything can happen. It is important that we keep our position for now."

DUTCHMAN TONI VAN DEIJNE CLIMBS TOWARDS THE TOP 10


Toni van Deijne (Netherlands) continued to be the highest-placed Mitsubishi privateer, as the 2009 Dakar rally arrived at La Serena in Chile on Sunday afternoon.

Van Deijne and co-driver Wouter Rosegaar (Netherlands) set the 10th fastest time in the special stage and maintained 11th overall, although problems for Argentina's Orlando Terranova meant that Van Deijne closed the gap on his 10th-placed rival to just 3m 08s.

Former Baja GB winner Miroslav Zapletal (Czech Republic) maintained his impressive pace through the eighth stage to record the 11th fastest time in a Mitsubishi Pajero and consolidate 13th in the overall standings.

Ilya Kuznetsov (Russia) lost over an hour in the stage and slipped to 30th overall, after recording the 90th fastest time in his Mitsubishi. Christian Barbier (France) holds 34th position, Francisco Inocencio (Portugal) is 51st, Laszlo Liszi (Hungary) holds 52nd and Riccardo Garosci (Italy) slipped to 61st place.

Stephan Schott (Germany) holds 75th position, although he is coming under pressure from 76th-placed Mitsubishi Thailand-backed Mana Pornsiricherd (Thailand) and co-driver Thierry Lacambre (France), who had been permitted to restart from Valparaiso when event officials neutralised the fifth and sixth stages in the sand dunes last week. Pornsiriched set the 32nd fastest time into La Serena.]]>
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Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart’s small army of mechanics and engineers left nothing to chance on the Valparaiso rest day of the 2009 Dakar Rally in Chile on Saturday.

 

They spent the whole day in the service park, at the naval college overlooking the Pacific Ocean, checking and double-checking every nut and bolt on Joan ’Nani’ Roma’s (Spain) turbo-diesel ’Racing Lancer’ to ensure that he and co-driver Lucas Cruz Senra (Spain) will be perfectly prepared for the second half of the event, which resumes on Sunday morning.

 

Crucial mechanical components were replaced by the technical team, as per the rebuild schedule for rest day, because Mitsubishi’s hopes of an eighth successive Dakar title now rest with the sole-surviving ’Racing Lancer’.

 

Thousands of people have lined the roads, highways and town centres over the past week to greet the rally, with an estimated 500,000 people seeing the cars off from Buenos Aires on January 2nd and large crowds gathering in remote towns such as Puerto Madryn and Ingeniero Jacobacci.

 

Valparaiso was no exception and the Chilean people have welcomed the Dakar with the same warm hospitality as the Argentineans.

 

Valparaiso translates as Paradise Valley in Spanish and is fondly referred to as Valpo in local dialect. It is an important seaport for Chile and a vital cultural centre, housing the National Congress and also benefiting from being named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

It is prone to earthquakes and was named ’Little San Francisco’ or the ’Jewel of the Pacific’ by ancient sailors.

 

Tomorrow (Sunday) marks the first of the four special stages in Chile, as the route of the 2009 Dakar Rally heads north along the Pacific Coast to an overnight halt at La Serena. The day commences with a 245km liaison through La Calera and El Melon to the start of the 294km special stage and culminates with a 113km road section to the bivouac.

 

La Serena is a commune in the Elqui Province and capital of the Coquimbo region of Chile.

 

RESUME OF FIRST WEEK OF 2009 DAKAR / ARGENTINA-CHILE

MITSUBISHI’S DAKAR DESTINY RESTS WITH JOAN ’NANI’ ROMA

 

Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart’s chances of earning an eighth successive victory in the punishing Dakar Rally rest with Joan ’Nani’ Roma and Lucas Cruz Senra (both Spain) after a punishing first week’s competitive action across Argentina.

 

Mitsubishi headed to South America with four, new turbo-diesel ’Racing Lancers’ and their usual line-up of four experienced drivers and co-drivers. The team had left nothing to chance in the weeks building up to the event, with meticulous physical preparation for the crews and an extensive test and development program with the new car, which had won ’out of the box’ in the hands of Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret (both France) in the Baja Portalegre.

 

But the remote Patagonian wastelands of southern Argentina and the treacherous sand dunes of the western Mendoza province were a totally different proposition to the rigours of a test session in North Africa and the opening days of the 2009 Dakar Rally became a rapid learning curve for Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart.

 

The opening high-speed dash across the pampas netted the team fifth, sixth and eighth positions, with Luc Alphand (France) leading the Mitsubishi charge from Peterhansel and Roma, but Hiroshi Masuoka (Japan) and Pascal Maimon (France) were sidelined with a broken engine pulley.

 

As a solitary BMW jostled with a trio of Volkswagens for the early overall lead, Peterhansel leapt back into contention with the second fastest time on the run south into Patagonia and the overnight halt at Puerto Madryn. He duly moved up to third overall, with Roma and Alphand nestled into fifth and sixth places. Mitsubishi appeared to have weathered the early storm.

 

Peterhansel set the fifth fastest time on the tiring westerly sprint across the Patagonian scrubland to the railway town of Ingeniero Jacobacci, where Roma was eighth and the pair held fourth and fifth overall. But Alphand discovered gas-oil leaking from the rear of his ’Racing Lancer’ and lost 30 minutes affecting emergency repairs to a fuel pump seal and slipped to 10th place.

 

But the former Dakar winner was in sensational form on the following morning’s run north to Neuquén and stormed through the field from 15th on the road to take the third fastest time and climb to eighth place. Roma and Peterhansel set the fifth and eighth times on the 380km special and confirmed fifth and fourth overall behind a pair of Volkswagens and a solitary BMW.

 

Peterhansel pushed a little harder on the fifth stage into San Rafaël, where competitors came face-to-face with a series of challenging sand dunes for the first time. He held the initiative early in the stage and could well have taken a stage win, but he descended one sand dune and was heading for the foot of a second one 15 km from the finish, when the Mitsubishi hit a patch of camel-type grass and flipped over.

 

The impact damaged the car’s bodywork and radiator and the Frenchman was towed into the bivouac, the resultant penalty of 15 minutes knocking him down the leader board to sixth place. Alphand and Roma had been seventh and eighth on the stage and remained inside the top 10.

 

The subsequent sixth stage was shortened because of recent rainfall in the Mendoza province and a river crossing was cancelled, but teams still had to negotiate the same series of sand dunes in reverse. Peterhansel and Roma eventually finished the stage with the fifth and sixth fastest times to hold sixth and fifth in the overall standings, but the Mitsubishi challenge was reduced to just two cars.

 

Alphand was forced to withdraw 12km after the start, when co-driver Gilles Picard (France) was taken ill assisting Alphand in putting plates under the wheels when they were stuck in a deep muddy swamp. They had been trying to free the ’Racing Lancer’ for over 90 minutes.

 

As a precaution, Picard was airlifted to the bivouac in San Rafaël for medical checks, but Alphand was unable to continue. Picard then underwent an electro-cardiogram test. Everything was in order and the pair travelled with the team to Valparaiso.

 

Roma and Peterhansel began the shortened seventh stage, near Mendoza, behind a trio of Volkswagens and team director Dominique Serieys (France) issued a battle cry for his remaining two drivers to launch an assault and a serious challenge for the lead over the coming stages.

 

But Peterhansel’s turbo-diesel ’Racing Lancer’ sustained a small fire early in the stage and terminal engine damage occurred at the 114km point. The nine-times Dakar winner was sidelined before the passage through the Andes into Chile, although Roma managed to set the fourth fastest time.

 

He headed into the rest day, adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, in fourth overall, 29m 16s behind Carlos Sainz (Spain) and still within striking distance of the leading Volkswagen trio.

 

But seven punishing stages are planned for the second week of the 2009 Dakar Rally and Roma and Cruz Senra will have to tackle the rigours of the Atacama desert and the return across the Andes into Argentina without the support of their team mates, Peterhansel, Alphand and Masuoka.]]>

Roma and Peterhansel had begun the stage behind a trio of Volkswagens and team director Dominique Serieys had issued a battle cry for his remaining two drivers to launch an assault and a serious challenge for the lead over the coming stages.

But Peterhansel’s turbo-diesel ’Racing Lancer’ sustained a small fire early in the stage. A terminal engine problem occurred after 114km and the nine-times Dakar winner was sidelined before the passage through the Andes into Chile.

Team mate Roma duly set the fourth fastest time and maintained fourth overall, but he trails overall leader Carlos Sainz (Spain) by 29m 16s heading into the final week of the event, which reaches a climax in Buenos Aires on Sunday, January 18th. Sainz has a nine-second lead over his team mate Giniel de Villiers (South Africa).

Before what is becoming one of the toughest Dakars in the events 30-year history crossed the mighty Andes mountain range on Friday morning, crews tackled a shortened 243km special stage through some small dunes and a section of tricky fesh-fesh, before beginning a climb on to twistier tracks. The stage had been shortened from its original 419 km because of recent thunderstorms and flooding in the foothills of the Andes.

The entire Dakar caravan also used the main mountain link road to Chile that wound its way to the south of the towering snow-capped peak of Aconcagua - the highest peak in South America, rising to 6959 metres.

Tomorrow (Saturday) is the traditional rest day assigned to the Dakar Rally by the ASO. It marks a crucial opportunity for crews to take a much-needed rest and for mechanics to carry out full repairs to the cars without watching the clock and needing to finish in time for an early morning restart.

The rest day also marks the arrival of numerous guests, media and VIPs from Europe, all keen to share the atmosphere of this unique event.

WHAT THEY SAID...

Dominique Serieys, Team Tirector

"Even when we entered scrutineering in Buenos Aires I was not sure what would happen. My feeling is clear. When we decided to enter the diesel category with the ’Racing Lancer’, we knew that the project would be for the medium term - 2009-2011.

"When you see that Volkswagen and BMW have been at this project for six years to be where they are today, we can say that in the very short term period we have reached the performance, but there are still several areas where we need to work and improve.

"Since I took charge of the team in 2001, my focus has been to be competitive. ’Nani’ is still in a good position and it is still possible for a competitor running alone to win the race. There is always only one winner. I hope he keeps a healthy car next week and we can take a podium finish or even a better place."

Joan ’Nani’ Roma
"It is not easy for us now. It is a different situation every day. Everybody is working for the win and pushing hard. The engineers and mechanics in Japan and France have worked really hard to know the engine. Today it is better. It was much better yesterday and I hope we can try to push through the second week. Okay, I don’t have a car for support, but I will try my best to take the best result possible."

Thierry Viardot, Technical Director
"For sure, this has been a learning curve but this is part of Dakar. This is not a question of luck. This is a question of time and effort. It is not a surprise. We knew before we came that this rally would be difficult. We like difficult things. We have not enough experience with the new car and we made a mistake. Fifty per cent of me thinks that ’Nani’ should try and reach the finish now and the other 50% of me says push as hard as possible to make it interesting. We know we have some capacity that we have not shown until now."

Dutchman Toni Van Deijne Heads Mitsubishi Privateers Into Chile

Mitsubishis in the hands of privateers endured mixed fortunes on the opening seven days of the 31st Dakar Rally, with Guilherme Spinelli and Marcelo Vivolo (both Brazil) losing their place inside the top 10 on the stage into San Rafael after a multiple high-speed roll.

Toni van Deijne (Netherlands) was the highest-placed Mitsubishi privateer, as the Dakar caravan crossed the mighty Andes mountain range and arrived in Valparaiso for the rest day on Saturday, January 9th. Van Deijne held 11th overall and was within striking distance of a factory BMW X3 CC and a place in the top 10.

Former Baja GB winner Miroslav Zapletal (Czech Republic) maintained a cautious and competitive pace throughout the opening leg and held 13th position in Valparaiso, over three hours ahead of 14th-placed former enduro rider Jean De Azevedo (Brazil) in his Mitsubishi Pajero.

Boris Bukatov (Russia) was well-placed to push for the top 12 during week two and held 15th place, 1h 24s ahead of fellow countryman Ilya Kuznetsov (Russia), who was also running in a Mitsubishi Pajero in 17th overall.

Jerome Hardy (France) survived the rigours of the first week to hold 36th overall in his Mitsubishi, two places and 68 minutes in front of Christian Barbier (France). Francisco Inocencio (Portugal) and Laszlo Liszi (Hungary) were classified in 52nd and 53rd overall, Riccardo Garosci (Italy) was 56th and Stephan Schott (Germany) was 59th.

Mitsubishi Thailand-backed Mana Pornsiricherd (Thailand) and co-driver Thierry Lacambre (France) were bogged down in the sand dunes south of San Rafael in their Mitsubishi Pajero Sports, but the section of the stage was later neutralised by event officials and Mana was permitted to restart from Mendoza on Friday morning.

Among the Mitsubishi retirements during the opening week were twice former World Rally Champion Miki Biasion (Italy), WRC driver Gabriel Pozzo (Argentina) and Alexey Berkut (Russia).]]>

Team mates Stephane Peterhansel (France) and Joan ’Nani’ Roma (Spain) finished the stage with the fifth and sixth fastest times, but now hold fifth and fourth in the overall standings, following the withdrawal of Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (Qatar). Both drivers now face an uphill struggle to regain the lost time to outright leader Giniel de Villiers (South Africa) over the coming days.

Today’s special stage was originally shortened from 394km to 232km and then to 178km because of the risk of standing water caused by recent rainfall. Event officials sent a route vehicle into the stage on Wednesday to monitor a river crossing which was already 80cm high and the decision was taken to skip the section on safety grounds.

Mitsubishi’s mechanics finally completed the work on Peterhansel’s and Jean-Paul Cottret’s (France) ’Racing Lancer’ just before the pair were scheduled to leave the bivouac and head into the liaison section to the sixth stage to Mendoza.

Peterhansel had incurred a 15-minute penalty in San Rafaël on Wednesday evening for missing a time control. He eventually set the fifth fastest time.

Luc Alphand (France) was forced to withdraw from the Dakar Rally 12km after the start of the stage this morning, when co-driver Gilles Picard (France) was taken ill assisting Alphand in putting plates under a wheel when they were stuck in a deep mud hole. As a precaution he was airlifted to the bivouac in San Rafaël for medical checks, but Alphand was unable to continue. Picard then underwent an electro-cardiogram test and everything was normal.

Joan ’Nani’ Roma and Lucas Cruz Senra (both Spain) held sixth position through the opening passage control and maintained his position to the stage finish.

Tomorrow (Friday) marks the crossing into Chile and the most varied of the days in this year’s Dakar Rally timetable. Teams leave Mendoza and head into an 80km liaison section, before embarking upon a punishing 419km special stage over twisty mountain tracks in the Andes.

The stage starts near Nueva Californi and winds its way in a north-westerly direction towards the first and second passage controls, before heading south to PC3 and on to a finish at the tourist town of Uspallata in the Andes foothills.

Service vehicles, rally cars and support trucks will cross the border on a sealed surface road at a height of 3,275 metres above sea level between Punta de Vacas and Puenta del Inca, before making the steep descent on to the coastal plain into Chile. The towering peak of Aconcagua, rising to 6959 metres, will be a spectacular sight to the right and is the highest peak in South America.

The entire Dakar caravan will arrive at the overnight halt in Valparaiso on Chile’s Pacific Coast after a further 317km liaison section.

What they said?

Dominique Serieys, Team Director
"The rally has really begun over the last 48 hours and the classification is beginning to move. I must say congratulations to Nasser and BMW for their performance over the last few days. They did a great job, fighting and leading. For us, we have now lost Luc and will concentrate more strongly to apply the pressure on Volkswagen and not leave them alone. Now we have to react and change our strategy. We will see next week."

Luc Alphand
"Of course we are disappointed, but some things are more important than racing. I must admit I was very scared when I saw Gilles fall down. The mud hole was so deep. It was impossible for us to get out. Even the T4 truck had problems getting us out. We were very close to the road book, maybe only a few meters from the track, but it was our mistake that we were slightly wrong and that is racing."

Jean-Paul Cottret
"The last two stages have been hard. The dunes have not been easy. There were trees, grass and other vegetation and it was not easy to find a good path. Today, after the start, we passed through some terrain with a lot of vegetation and it was difficult. Tomorrow is another difficult stage. There is a large section of fesh-fesh, a row of dunes and then we head into the mountains."

Stéphane Peterhansel
"The mechanics did a fantastic job to get my car ready for this morning. I really thought the rally was over yesterday after the accident. We are now in fifth position, but ’Nani’ and I are some way behind the leaders. It will not be easy at all to catch them. There are some long and difficult stages to come, but it is a case of finding where we can, perhaps, make up some of the time."

Joan ’Nani’ Roma
"Every day is difficult. Today we lost another car, but the main thing is the health of Gilles. I know when I have lost a race after an accident your head spins a lot, but the most important thing is the safety of our team. I try every day to go for the win, but 30 minutes is a long time. I will try and push a little, but we will have to see over the next few days."

MITSUBISHI’S SPINELLI RETIRED FROM DAKAR RALLY

Guilherme Spinelli and Marcelo Vivolo (both Brazil) began the sixth special stage of the 2009 Dakar Rally between San Rafaël and Mendoza in Argentina in 10th overall. But the driver’s superb start to the event hit a major set-back when he rolled near the start of the special stage on Thursday morning.

According to team manager Klever Kolberg, the car was removed from the desert and taken back to the bivouac in San Rafael. Spinelli had been the 17th driver into the special on Thursday morning.

Mitsubishi Thailand-backed Mana Pornsiricherd (Thailand) and co-driver Thierry Lacambre (France) were classified 96th overall through the first passage control on the fifth stage into San Rafaël on Wednesday, but Mana became bogged down in the sand dunes in his Mitsubishi Pajero Sports.

A 4x4 vehicle was unable to tow him out of the sandy trap and he was forced to wait for an assistance truck to remove him from the dunes before he could continue on to the bivouac.

When the leading cars left for the sixth stage into Mendoza on Thursday morning, the Mitsubishi driver was still making his way to San Rafaël and was reliant on event officials permitting him to restart when he arrived at the camp. He had not restarted at 17.00hrs on Thursday afternoon and was believed to be out of the rally.
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The three turbo-diesel ’Racing Lancers arrived at the bivouac within the confines of the race circuit at San Rafaël, having set the fifth, seventh and eighth fastest times on the stage. The result meant that the three Mitsubishi crews held fourth, sixth and eighth in the overall classification, but there was a late scare for defending champion, Stéphane Peterhansel (France).

He and co-driver Jean-Paul Cottret (France) had moved into contention for a stage win in the early part of the special and were the virtual leaders at the 102km point, despite starting from eighth position on the road.

They maintained their pace through the 230km point and had opened up a 1m 42s lead heading into the second section of the special, although Dieter Depping (Germany) pipped them to the fastest time at the 230km.

Peterhansel was a mere 10 seconds behind heading into a sea of sand dunes at the end of the stage. Giniel de Villiers (South Africa) eventually set the fastest time and Peterhansel crossed the finish line in fourth position, but drama had unfolded 15km before the end of the stage for the defending champion.

He descended a sand dune and was heading for the foot of a second dune, when the Mitsubishi hit a patch of camel grass and flipped over. The impact damaged the car’s bodywork and radiator.

Luc Alphand and Gilles Picard (both France) started the stage in third position behind the two overall leaders, Carlos Sainz (Spain) and Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (Qatar) and were running in seventh position through the opening passage control at 230km. Alphand slipped to 10th through PC2 and finished the stage in seventh, a puncture not helping his cause.

Crews covered a technical and twisty opening section of the stage, before beginning a climb into a range of small mountains to a height of 2,300 meters. This guided them into the first real complex of sand dunes for around 60km towards the end of the stage.

Joan ’Nani’ Roma and Lucas Cruz Senra (both Spain) were fifth on the road this morning and were classified in ninth position through the opening two passage controls. They finished the grueling stage in eighth in their ’Racing Lancer’, despite two slow punctures in the course of the stage.

Four hundred and twenty vehicles were classified at the end of the fourth leg, but an unofficial 23 cars, bikes and trucks failed to restart this morning, as the original entry of 530 vehicles was further reduced.

Tomorrow (Thursday) is the last of the special stages on the event’s first of two visits to Argentina and consists of a 76km liaison into a 395km special stage to Argentina’s fourth city, Mendoza, overlooked on the western horizon by the Andes mountains.

The city stands 824 metres above sea level in a region famous for its wine industry and is a popular stop-off for tourists interested in climbing, skiing, rafting and hiking pursuits.

The stage heads through the northern Patagonian lakeland and turns north to a finish south of Pareditas. A 154km liaison then takes crews into the overnight halt in Mendoza, with the towering volcanic peak of Tupungatito rising to 6,550 metres in the distance.

What They Said...

Dominique Serieys, Team Director
"I thought that today would be the start of the real Dakar and I was right but, unfortunately, we did not have lady luck on our side this afternoon. Stéphane had a roll in the camel grass between the dunes and damaged the car. We will work all the night if necessary to repair it so that he can start again tomorrow. Luc and ’Nani’ had flat tires, but are still in good positions."

Luc Alphand
"Very, very difficult today. Many competitors will have big problems. It was so long. There was a lot of time off piste in wadis and river beds. To the first PC was okay, but the way back was a nightmare. We nearly got stuck. It is grass in between sand, quite different and very difficult. The bottom of the dunes are very square, so you need a good technique to drive them."

Stéphane Peterhansel
"We descended a sand dune and were heading for the foot of a second dune, when the Mitsubishi hit a patch of camel grass and flipped over. The impact damaged the bodywork and the radiator and this affected the temperature of the engine, causing it to rise. Now I hope that the mechanics can repair the car here at the service park."

Joan ’Nani’ Roma
"It was not easy. At the end it was difficult. The main thing is that we are here and still okay."

Mitsubishi’s Spinelli Enters The Overall Top 10

Guilherme Spinelli and Marcelo Vivolo (both Brazil) began the fifth special stages of the 2009 Dakar Rally between Neuquén and San Rafaël in 15th position and held 19th at the opening passage control at 230km.

But drama unfolded right across the leader board and the Mitsubishi driver benefited from problems that befell several of his rivals to take the 13th fastest time and move up to 10th in the overall standings.

"We only took delivery of the car and the parts at the last minute and Guilherme is not going to push too hard at this stage," said team manager Klever Kolberg. "He is in a good position, just slotted in nicely behind the factory cars."

Mitsubishi Thailand-backed Mana Pornsiricherd (Thailand) and co-driver Thierry Lacambre (France) were delighted with their performance on the fourth special stage across western Patagonia. They set the 57th fastest time of 5h 31m 55s in their Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and moved up to 91st overall, but were delayed after the first passage control on leg five into San Rafaël.]]>
Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart’s three turbo-diesel ’Racing Lancers’ claimed third, fifth and eighth positions on the shortened 389km fourth special stage between Ingeniero Jacobacci and Neuquén in western Patagonia on Tuesday.

Luc Alphand and Gilles Picard (both France) started from 15th position on the stage, but clawed their way through the field in the first of three turbo-diesel ’Racing Lancers’ to clinch an excellent third fastest time.

Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret (both France) began the day in fourth overall and fifth on the road in their BFGoodrich-backed car. The defending champions finished the stage in eighth place, 1m 16s behind fifth-placed team mates Joan ’Nani’ Roma and Lucas Cruz Senra (both Spain).

Today’s special stage was modified at the request of a local landowner and the first 79km were converted into a liaison section, although the special retained its varied and demanding character on the run north to Neuquén through a region renowned for its palaeontology. Fifty-six of the original 531 cars, bikes, quads and trucks had already retired from the event at the restart this morning.

Mitsubishis held fourth, eighth and 10th positions through an amended PC1, with Alphand leading the way for Mitsubishi, a mere 26 seconds behind Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (Qatar), although Carlos Sainz (Spain) began to pull away from his rivals as the stage progressed. Alphand, Roma and Peterhansel eventually completed the timed section in third, fifth and eighth places.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) the route continues its steady climb north from the harsh hinterlands of Patagonia into less hostile and more sandy terrain en route to San Rafaël close to the Argentinean foothills of the mighty Andes mountain range.

The day begins with a 173km liaison section through Barda del Medilo to the start of a 506km special stage, which has an opening passage control near Tres Chorros and a second checkpoint after a run through the mountaineous Sierra del Nevado. A short 84km liaison takes team to the overnight halt, which is a city on the Diamante River in the southern region of the Mendoza Province, 650 metres above sea level.

WHAT THEY SAID...

Dominique Serieys, Team Director
"I am happy for Luc because, for the first three days, he was not able to be on the pace he was today. Both our other cars had two punctures, but we intend to stay quiet. The front two (Sainz and Al-Attiyah) are pushing like hell, so let’s see what happens over the next two or three days."

Thierry Viardot, Technical Director
"We are still learning every day and need more and more days to continue the learning process. We hope that the rally gets harder and harder over the coming days. We know from the past that we are not the quickest team when the stages are very fast, so we will see what happens in the coming days..."

Luc Alphand
"I was worried this morning, because I lost so much time yesterday and I knew that I had to try and make up some of that time today. The wind was okay and was blowing at an angle where the dust was not a problem. I can say a big thank you to all the other drivers. They all moved out of the way with no problems.

"I was thinking last night about my position. On the Dakar Rally in the past, being 30 minutes’ behind so early on is nothing, but I was wondering whether this could be different. Maybe it will be this close in the top 10 all the way. We have some dunes tomorrow and I am quite happy for that. We will see..."

Stéphane Peterhansel
"Today was not easy. I was running well and had a good pace, but I got two flat tires and that cost me the time."

Joan ’Nani’ Roma
"It was not easy in the dust with the bikes. But this is not like Africa. There has been no piste so far, just flat tracks. It is a bit like WRC so far, but it was okay until I got one puncture on the back right side about 20km from the end of the stage and I lost about three minutes. At least I have stayed in contact and the next three days will be difficult. It is important to stay quiet and not make a big mistake."

Mitsubishi Brazil’s Spinelli Climbs To 11th Place Into Neuquén


Guilherme Spinelli and Marcelo Vivolo (both Brazil) finished 15th overall on the fourth special stage of the 2009 Dakar Rally between Ingeniero Jacobacci and Neuquen in Patagonia on Tuesday.

The pair had been lying in a similar position through the first passage control and carefully avoided trouble in the treacherous wadis and tricky water crossings to hold an excellent 11th position in the overall classification, 65 seconds in front of the official X-raid entry of Peter van Merksteijn (Netherlands).

Mitsubishi Thailand-backed Mana Pornsiricherd (Thailand) and co-driver Thierry Lacambre (France) began the stage out of Puerto Madryn in 96th position, but lost further time into Ingeniero Jacobacci with a broken rear axle.

The pair were forced to drive no faster than 90km/h and eventually recorded the 107th fastest time, which put them in to 99th place in the overall rankings.

On today’s stage across western Patagonia into Neuquén, the pair held 52nd place on the special at the first passage control.
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But team crews Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret (both France) and Joan ’Nani’ Roma and Lucas Cruz Senra (both Spain) remain firmly in contention for the overall lead after the third leg of the event across the Patagonian wastelands between Puerto Madryn and Ingeniero Jacobacci on Monday.

They set the fifth and sixth fastest times in a pair of turbo-diesel ’Racing Lancers’ and now hold fourth and fifth in the overall classification. Luc Alphand and Gilles Picard (both France) were delayed for around 30 minutes before the first passage control with a minor fuel leak and slipped to 10th overall. The stage win fell to Nasser Al-Attiyah (Qatar), although Carlos Sainz (Spain) maintained the overall lead in the general classification.

The stage was shortened from 616km to 550km and meandered its way through the Patagonian lowlands, crossing scrub and grasslands along twisty and sometimes technical trails, before beginning a gradual climb towards the overnight halt at around 900 metres above sea level.

Monday evening’s bivouac at Ingeniero Jacobacci was a far cry from the sunny conditions at Puerto Madryn on the Atlantic coast 24 hours’ before. The town was formerly known as Nahuel Niyeo, but was renamed in 1926 after the engineer who built the railway that now links the town with the outside world and was also the location for the overnight halt on the Dakar.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the fourth leg of the 2009 Dakar Rally between Ingeneiro Jacobacci and Neuquén, the 459km special starting just four kilometers from the bivouac and featuring numerous rocky and sandy sections and several wadis. The route passes through the Sierra Mesanlyes and meanders to the north-east of the Negro river to finish near the renowned Valley of the Dinosaurs in a protected geological area dating back to the Cretaceous Period.

The final 25km liaison takes teams to the overnight halt near the confluence of the Limay and Neuquén rivers. Neuquén has a strong agricultural background, is the capital city of the province of the same name and is the largest city in Patagonia.

WHAT THEY SAID...

Dominique Serieys, Team Director


"We will really see what develops over the coming days and then we will get a better indication of the overall situation in this rally."

Luc Alphand

"We had a fuel leak and had to stop and take everything out from the rear to see where the problem was. Everything else was fine today, but a fuel seal was not working and it cost me over 30 minutes trying to sort it all out. That was very frustrating."

Stéphane Peterhansel

"If the route is like the organisers said, then the first three stages were very fast and then it becomes more difficult. I hope that is true because we could be in a better position. Since the start I had no problems with the car but I struggled to follow Carlos Sainz this morning. He was too fast. I look forward to the more technical stages."

Joan ’Nani’ Roma

"I don’t feel too bad about our position heading into the next group of stages. I had a puncture near the end, but we are still in the chasing pack and I am quite happy with my position on the road for tomorrow."

Mitsubishi’s Spinelli From Brazil Holds 11th Position In His Pajero/Montero Evolution


Privately-run Mitsubishis completed the second special stage of the 2009 Dakar Rally between Santa Rosa de la Pampa and the Patagonian coastal resort of Puerto Madryn without major problems on Sunday.

Guilherme Spinelli and Marcelo Vivolo (both Brazil) were running just outside the top 10 in an excellent 11th place in their ex-factory Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Evolution. The pair were a mere 1m 11s behind the powerful Hummer of 10th-placed Robbie Gordon (USA), but Spinelli lost a little time on the third special stage between Puerto Madryn and Ingeniero Jacobacci on Monday morning, although he recovered quickly to set the 13th fastest time and maintained 11th place.

"Everything is going very well so far and we are extremely happy with the position we have," said Spinelli’s team manager and former Bike and Mitsubishi Pajero driver Klever Kolberg.

Mitsubishi Thailand-backed Mana Pornsiricherd (Thailand) was tackling the Dakar once again in a Mitsubishi Pajero sport this time and held 96th place with co-driver Thierry Lacambre (France) after the stage into Puerto Madryn. But he lost time when he was stuck in the sand and a rival competitor collided with the rear of his car.

This delay forced him to start further down the field on the long stage across Patagonia into Ingeniero Jacobacci and Mana held 83rd position on the stage at PC1 on Monday evening.]]>

Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret (both France) led the way in the first of three turbo-diesel ’Racing Lancers’, the defending Dakar champions posting a stage time of 1h 57m 28s for the 237km special, which was sufficient for them to clinch the second fastest time behind stage winner Carlos Sainz and also to catapult them up the leader board to third overall.

Joan ’Nani’ Roma and Lucas Cruz Senra (both Spain) set the fourth fastest time in their BFGoodrich-shod Racing Lancer to hold fifth in the overall rankings, while the fifth quickest time was sufficient for Luc Alphand and co-driver Gilles Picard (both France) to hold sixth position.

Day two was disappointing for Hiroshi Masuoka (Japan) and Pascal Maimon (France) in the fourth Racing Lancer. They sustained engine pulley problems on the opening stage and further examination of the engine revealed that the damage sustained to the Racing Lancer was too much to repair in the time allowed and the car was withdrawn from the race.

Despite the intense afternoon heat, hundreds of people lined the narrow streets and promenades of scenic Puerto Madryn on Sunday afternoon to welcome the Dakar caravan to a bivouac overlooking the Golfo Nuevo.

Tomorrow (Monday) teams leave Puerto Madryn in a westerly direction and cross the barren Patagonian wastelands to the overnight halt at Jacobacci, situated to the east of the popular tourist centre and former start of the Por Las Pampas Rally at San Carlos de Bariloche.

The day’s timetable begins with a 70km liaison section before teams tackle a winding 616km special - the longest of the event so far - on classic flowing terrain, starting at Sierra Chuta and passing the Sierra Negra and Sierra Apas.

The special then winds its way through the Pampa de Talagape towards a second passage control near El Cain, before an 8km liaison guides teams into the overnight halt at Jacobacci, 872 metres above sea level.

WHAT THEY SAID...

Dominique Serieys, Team Director
"For sure I am disappointed for Hiroshi (Masuoka) that he cannot continue the race. It is going well for our team otherwise. We are not under any pressure to lead the race before legs five or six. I do not want to see any objective to win any of the early stages. Tomorrow looks very tough but, from the information that the organisers have given to us, the real meat of the rally will start next week. I just want everyone in our team to be calm at this stage and not under any pressure."

Luc Alphand
"We have had a small problem on both days so far. These are long days and it is very hot and tiring. We do not want to panic about our position at this stage. We were stuck twice today, trying to pass (Mark) Miller. The first time I tried to pass along the dunes and then I came back a second time and lost more than two minutes going back to take the road book again. We are here, but it was a long way and tomorrow we will be much, much longer than today � more than double!"

Stéphane Peterhansel
"It was a little better for me today. I started sixth this morning, but I dropped a few seconds in the first part. The second section was similar to yesterday. I was in Mark Miller’s dust for 80kms and it was not possible to pass him. At the end he made a mistake and I was able to pass, but I was always driving in dust. It was a little bit more technical today. There were some very fast corners. I think it is better to start second or third tomorrow. I saw yesterday how difficult it is to lead the way, but the organisers did leave a one-hour gap between the last motorcycle and the first car today and that was better."

Joan ’Nani’ Roma
"We have driven two fast stages and at least a part of tomorrow’s special will be the same. I hear the organisers have changed the last 300km, but I do not know the reason. I am quite happy today. The stage was short, but not easy. I made a small mistake in the middle and lost a little time.

"Even with a little wind, there is still the problem of passing the bikes. As a former rider on the Dakar myself, I know how difficult it can be and how dangerous it can be with bikes and cars sharing the same stages. One time a bike and a quad stopped in the middle of the fesh-fesh and I had to go in the forest to pass and I broke my door."]]>
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Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart made a cautious start to their challenge for an eighth successive victory in the 2009 Dakar Rally on the opening 371km special stage between Buenos Aires and Santa Rosa de la Pampa in Argentina on Saturday.

Luc Alphand and co-driver Gilles Picard (both France) led the Japanese team’s four ’Racing Lancers’ in fifth position. Team mates Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret (both France) were sixth and Joan ’Nani’ Roma and Lucas Cruz Senra (both Spain) held eighth overall in a third BFGoodrich-shod ’Racing Lancer’.

Unofficial figures estimated that over 500,000 rally fans and spectators witnessed the ceremonial start of the 2009 Dakar Rally and the parade around the streets and wide avenues of Buenos Aires on Friday evening.

At times, people thronged 10 deep in the streets to watch, photograph and cheer the competitors in the 530 vehicles that left the parc ferme area at La Rural Exhibition Centre and journeyed through the city to the official start at the Obelisk on the Avenue of the 9th July.

Two hundred and seventeen bikes, 25 quads, 177 cars and 81 trucks eventually passed scrutineering checks and headed into the opening timed special stage to Santa Rosa de la Pampa on Saturday morning.

The stage was expected to be fast and dusty, an ideal shakedown for competitors before the rigours of Patagonia, the Andes mountains and the Atacama desert of the coming days.

Mitsubishi’s four ’Racing Lancer’ drivers began cautiously, as they had planned, and were running behind the leaders after the opening passage control, with Hiroshi Masuoka (Japan) and co-driver Pascal Maimon (France) leading the way. Roma led the Japanese quartet in 10th position through PC2, where Alphand and Peterhansel was classified 11th and 13th, but Masuoka hit trouble after the second passage control and lost his provisional ninth place on the stage.

The Japanese suffered an engine pulley problem and he stopped 190km from the start. He was forced to wait for the rapid assistance truck before repairs could be carried out.

Tomorrow (Sunday) marks the longest day of the entire event a punishing 837km section between Santa Rosa de la Pampa and the tourist centre of Puerto Madryn, the head town of the Viedma department in the Patagonian province of Chubut.

The day’s competitive action begins close to the overnight bivouac and extends for 237km, offering tricky navigation and a mixture of fast gravel and sandy sections, with two passage controls.

The bulk of the day is made up of a tiring 600km liaison section across the Rio Negro and passes the Rio Colorado and General Conesa to arrive at Puerto Madryn near the Atlantic coast, the Gulf of San Matias and the entrance to the Valdes Peninsula.

WHAT THEY SAID...

Dominique Serieys, Team Director

"This is only the start of the rally. It is disappointing that something happened for Hiroshi, because he was on a good pace. But we are quite happy with the performance of the other cars. Congratulations to Nasser (Al-Attiyah) on a good result, but we need to make sure that we are not under pressure. We will check little things each night, as the rally progresses, but this is just a fast section of a rally that also includes many varied tracks. We need to cross this area. That is the route. On the Dakar you have fast tracks, twisty, camel grass and dunes. This is just a small part."

Luc Alphand
"The main target today was not to lose too much time on the fast stage. Nasser (Al-Attiyah) drove very well and has a good top speed. I think we would have lost a lot more time if it was last year’s car.. We are here, but are all driving cautiously with the new engine. It is a long, long race and today’s stage was dusty and potentially dangerous. When you cannot see where you go in the dust it is always difficult.The car has excellent torque and handles very well. This new chassis is very good and it feels very stable at high speed."

Stéphane Peterhansel
"It is never easy to be the first car on the stage, especially the first stage of the Dakar, when we are the first crew to pass the bikes. After a few cars it is always easier. My rhythm was not so good, but the car was okay. The top speed could be higher, but I drove very safely this morning because it was dangerous in the dust and I preferred to start slowly.

"Tomorrow will be the same kind of stage, but maybe a little bit shorter. We need to wait. It will be a long liaison afterwards, but the stability is not so bad and we have a top speed of about 180 km/h. Maybe I drove a little too safe today."

Joan ’Nani’ Roma
"It was not an easy day at all. There were a lot of bikes, lots of dust and it was easy to make a mistake. It was a case of getting the feeling for the pace and the new car. But, we are here, and that is important. This car actually feels different to the old car. It has more torque, but maybe we need a little more power at the top end. Tomorrow is another day, but we have a long way to go."

]]>
Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Meticulous pre-event planning ensured that the Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Team sailed through scrutineering and documentation for the 31st Dakar Rally at La Rural Exhibition Center in the picturesque suburbs of Buenos Aires on New Year’s Day (Thursday).

The experienced crews of Mitsubishi’s four new turbo-diesel ’Racing Lancers’ can now concentrate on their personal preparations for the start of the opening special stage between Buenos Aires and Santa Rosa de la Pampa on Saturday, January 3rd.

All four ’Racing Lancers’ were given a brief shakedown in Buenos Aires on New Year’s Eve by team drivers Luc Alphand, Hiroshi Masuoka, Stéphane Peterhansel amd Joan ’Nani’ Roma to ensure that there were no last minute problems following the cars’ arrival by ’plane from Europe.

The entire Mitsubishi team, consisting of the four drivers and four co-drivers Gilles Picard, Pascal Maimon, Jean-Paul Cottret and Lucas Cruz Senra, team management, mechanics, engineers and support staff were also able to enjoy a New Year’s Eve dinner together in the Argentine capital and toast the start of a New Year where the Japanese manufacturer hopes to clinch an eighth successive victory in the Dakar Rally.

The Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart team has been set up by the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in association with partners Repsol, Valeo and BF Goodrich.

Tomorrow (Friday) representatives from the team will attend the ASO’s official pre-event press conference at La Rural Exhibition Center in Buenos Aires before Mitsubishi’s four ’Racing Lancers’ crews and race support truck teams attend the official ceremonial start on Friday evening, close to the famous Obelisk on the Avenue of the 9th July in downtown Buenos Aires.

Competitive action gets underway from the Argentine capital on Saturday (January 3rd) with a short liaison into a 371km ’pampas’-style special stage in the direction of Santa Rosa de la Pampa.

The stage will start close to the town of San Saladillo and finish at Trenque Lauquen, although there will be three passage controls en route to the capital of the La Pampa province.

WHAT THEY SAID...

Osamu Nakayama, MMSP SAS President
"This is a new Dakar and a new course and it will be very interesting for everybody. On top of that we have a new engine and a new vehicle. We have done everything we can to prepare for this race and have carried out around 17,000km of testing at various altitudes and also in intense heat.

"I hope we can win for the eighth time in a row. We can do it and have very experienced drivers. Dakar is always very difficult. Logistics are always very important and I have been very impressed with all our member and their work on this Dakar.

"We can never predict what will happen on the Dakar this year, but we will do everything we can to take the victory."

Dominique Serieys, Team Director
"I think, like always, if you want to lead this race for the first few days it is more spectacular for marketing and advertising. You have much more to lose by leading too early. I think the first big step will be the first stage. We need to be on a good pace and then we will see where we will be on the fourth or the fifth stages.

"It is a long race and we need to forgot the last five or six years. In 2008, we were fighting for seconds with our rivals like on a World Championship rally, but we have to be on the pace here.

"Experience is crucial. Some teams have two or three years’ experience and are still not winning. The strategy itself will be important. We have new technology coming through, like we see in the Le Mans 24 Hour race, and we need to start with a new car and continue to learn. We won seven times consecutively. Now we have to move on with the new ’Racing Lancer’ on a new Dakar, so let’s see.

"It could be a small advantage that some of our drivers have driven similar stages before. I would not like to say it is a big advantage, because day after day the ground is moving. We might cross the same area, but not necessarily the same tracks."

Thierry Viardot, Technical Director
"Maybe we are a little bit young with our new car and the diesel technology, but we know that Dakar is always long and difficult. I would say that we have the capacity to win the race, but we do not have the experience with this new package.

"The altitude we will face is the same for everybody, but this is not the key point. Once again, the key points will be the reliability and the experience of the team. We certainly have the experience, but we will not know how we will fare until we have completed one Dakar."

Luc Alphand
"It’s going to be tough for the next three weeks. It’s going to be a big race. It is hot here in the summer and we have many kilometers to go. I am happy to start and ready to go. But I do have some worries how I will physically manage this race. But we have been here for a while and I am in good shape.

"The fact that we are in South America for the first time has made this a more open playing field for everyone, except for four or five of the stages are known to drivers who have taken part in the Por las Pampas Rally and we know some of the tracks. We have a new race format, a new car, a new engine and a new name. So, we are really turning the corner into a new era at the same time as the Dakar has moved to South America.

"I am expecting a huge fight over the first two days. I am not sure that we are super fast in top speed, that is why people like (Robbie) Gordon and (Nasser) Al-Attiyah and a couple of the Volkswagens will want to start fast. But there is so much to go afterwards, I will not be worried if I am sixth or eighth after two days. I just want to be close to the pack and stay on the road. We had no race since September. We have all trained well, but it will take one or two days to get back into the pace of the race."

Hiroshi Masuoka
"All our preparations have been very good for this race. We have the new car and now we must wait and see. We tested three times in Africa and everything was fine. Now I must concentrate 100% to make sure that I reach the finish in Buenos Aires.

"This is my first time in Argentina and it is a nice city. Everybody is very friendly, but it is different to competing in Africa. It will also be my first time racing in the Andes mountains. But I have prepared well and the team did some useful training in the French Alps."

Stéphane Peterhansel
"It is not easy to say that we can win the rally first time with the new car. We had a long test and the feeling is that the car is fast and gives good performance. The feeling for me is that we have a good level, but we need to have confirmation of this during the race. With the old atmospheric engine we had a big problem racing at altitude and lost a lot of power. we have also worked very hard with the chassis of the car, the suspension and shock absorbers. We must remember that inside the car it is not just about the engine.

"We will have a good level, but everyone will start fast and maybe after two days (Robbie) Gordon will lead the race and it will not be easy for Mitsubishi to be inside the top five in the early stages."

Joan ’Nani’ Roma
"For me and Lucas (Senra) it is different to come to South America for the Dakar. It was a 12-hour flight and then we land and it feels like Spain. The race is not going to be easy at all. People say that the race in South America is easier than before, but I don’t agree. When we used to arrive in Mauritania, the maximum length of the stages used to be around 350km. Here, we have stages 600, 500 and 400km in length. It will be long and hard.

"I made the Por las Pampas Rally on two occasions and for people like me, Stéphane and Luc, when we arrive in places like Nuequén, San Rafael and Mendoza, we may have seen the stages before. I passed these places twice. Maybe it’s not the same track, but I know the area a little.

"In the last few years the level of speed from the start has been high. I am sure that on the first two days everyone will start flat. But it is easy to lose the race in these two stages. It is difficult if you finish the first stage and you have lost 10 minutes. It is important for me to start at a pace with which I feel comfortable. I want to drive fast but not at the maximum."
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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) announced today the much anticipated Lancer Sportback hatch is now on sale in Australia. 

The all-new Lancer Sportback completes the acclaimed Lancer line-up, which includes 2.0- and 2.4-litre street sedans and hatches, the outstanding Lancer Evolution sports sedan and the all-new Ralliart Lancer variants, available in both Sportback and sedan body styles. 

 

Announcing the arrival of the first vehicles into dealerships, Mitsubishi’s president and chief executive officer, Robert McEniry, said the arrival of the all-new Lancer Sportback completed the wide-ranging and award winning Lancer family in Australia.

 

 “Mitsubishi now offers a complete range of vehicles in the small car segment, and I would be very surprised if there is any requirement any small car customer could have that couldn’t be met by one of our stylish and highly specified Lancer sedan or hatch vehicles,” Mr McEniry said. 

 

The all-new Lancer Sportback continues the Lancer initiative of bringing life-saving five-star safety to the small car market – just like its sedan brother - with standard Active Stability Control with Traction Control (ASTC), ABS braking system with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) and the availability of seven airbags across the entire range. 

 

Designed in Europe to meet the exacting standards of Continental car connoisseurs, the Lancer Sportback will appeal to all small-car consumers who seek stunning style, pert performance, five-star safety and the versatility of a hatch-style body in their vehicle. 

 

According to Mr McEniry, the company has experienced solid success with sales of the Lancer sedan since its release last year, and with its versatile hatch style body, the all-new Lancer Sportback will open up additional opportunities. 

 

“In the current economic environment, Australians are turning to the small car to meet their driving needs, and the success of the Lancer sedan is testament to that fact. 

 

“There is no doubt that the all-new Lancer Sportback will open up additional opportunities for us here in Australia.  It is 13 years since Mitsubishi has been able to offer a hatch-style body in the small car market, and now we have the opportunity to expand our appeal to all small-car consumers.

 

“This car looks fantastic and is designed to appeal to the style-conscious driver who enjoys an active lifestyle and demands great looks, great flexibility and great safety and performance from their vehicle,” Mr McEniry said.

 

The new Lancer Sportback comes to the Australian market place in three well equipped and attractively priced street variants that mirror the sedan’s line-up – the entry level ES, mid-range VR and sporty VRX.  In addition, the Lancer Ralliart Sportback will join the line-up, and along with its Ralliart Sedan brother, will provide a logical transformation to the big daddy of the Lancer range, the Evolution sedan.

 

Three engines are available in the Lancer Sportback line-up, with the ES and VR receiving the 2.0-litre dual overhead cam MIVEC four-cylinder engine which delivers 113kW of power @ 6000 rpm and 198 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm.  VRX Sportbacks will be powered by the new 2.4-litre engine just released in the premium Lancer VRX and Aspire sedans.  Generating 125 kW of power @ 6,000 rpm and 226 Nm of torque @ 4,100 rpm, the Lancer Sportback VRX offers a more powerful, yet more economical driving experience than many of its competitors.

 

Sports car fans will appreciate the blistering performance of the Lancer Sportback Ralliart, which features a retuned version of the Lancer Evolution’s inter-cooled and turbo-charged 2.0-litre MIVEC engine which delivers 177 kW @ 6,000 rpm and 343 Nm of torque @ 4750 rpm and comes standard with the famous Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TC-SST), also borrowed from the Lancer Evolution.

ES, VR and VRX Lancer Sportbacks offer a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Sport Mode and INVECS III software, to deliver flexible, responsive and economical motoring.

 

Just like its sedan brother, safety is an integral part of the Lancer Sportback’s design and all variants bear the latest Mitsubishi safety technology.  ASTC is standard across the range, as is ABS, EBD and BA.  A total of seven airbags are available on all Mitsubishi Lancers - entry level ES models receive standard SRS driver and passenger airbags and driver knee airbag, with side and curtain airbags an affordable option. All other Lancer models receive the full seven-airbag pack as standard fitment. Add to this Mitsubishi’s acclaimed RISE body structure, seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, five height adjustable headrests and the Lancer range presents the prime, affordable, safety-oriented choice in the Australian small car segment.

 

Solid, stable and enjoyable performance adds to the Lancer Sportback driving experience. ES and VR models bear standard sixteen inch wheels (alloy on VR) and 205/60 R16 tyres and fifteen inch ventilated front disc brakes and fourteen inch solid rear discs.  The VRX variant adds a special sport-tuned suspension package and eighteen inch wheels with 215/45 R18 tyres and stops promptly courtesy of sixteen inch ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes.

 

 

Key to the Australian small car hatch segment consumer is the flexibility to meet the demands of their active lifestyle, and the Lancer Sportback leaves nothing to chance.  The vehicle has been designed from the inside out to promote a variety of interior configurations, ease of use and voluminous storage solutions.

 

In addition to numerous bins, door and seat pockets, consoles and stowage boxes, the Lancer Sportback offers a large rear cargo area, with the added benefit of a cargo floor height adjustable function which can add 90mm to the depth of the area (this feature not available on Ralliart model).  A handy rear seat auto folding function means it is possible to fold the rear seats separately (60/40 split) via a lever located near the tail gate, providing even more easily accessible storage space.

 

All Mitsubishi Lancer Sportbacks receive the top end specifications and features that consumers have come to expect from the high quality Japanese-manufactured Lancer line-up. 

  

The entry-level ES variant offers all the safety and engineering features listed before for secure, relaxed driving and adds a plethora of creature comforts – three-way adjustable driver’s seat, central locking, front and rear power windows, air-conditioning, FM/AM Tuner with CD and MP3 compatibility and audio jacks, and cruise control with steering mounted controls.  Optional side and curtain airbags are available on the ES model.

 

 

 

The mid-range VR model includes all these specifications and builds in even more features – side and curtain airbags, dusk sensing headlamps, rain sensing wipers, alloy wheels, front fog lamps, lip spoiler, leather wrapped steering wheel, six CD stacker with remote steering mounted controls and, for lovers of wide open spaces, an optional sunroof is available.

 

 

 

For drivers who like an energetic, flexible and dynamic on-road experience, there is only one choice – the sporty VRX model.  This variant of the Lancer range takes the standard specifications of the VR model and adds sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, front air dam, rear spoiler, eighteen inch wheels, sport type front seats and fabric, unique panel and door trim, paddle shifts (CVT model only), Smart Key entry and Bluetooth hands-free phone with steering wheel controls.  Options include the sunroof from the VR model as well as an optional Rockford Fosgate Premium Audio system with nine speakers and the acclaimed Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System which offers satellite navigation and integrates with the vehicle’s computer to control lighting, audio, telephone and comfort settings.

 

 

All Mitsubishi Lancer Sportbacks are available in a palette of designer colours, including Effect Grey, Lightening Blue, Red, Black, Mystic Blue, Champagne, Cool Silver and Solid White.

 

Like all Mitsubishi vehicles, the Lancer Sportback is protected by the company’s industry leading and comprehensive five year/130,000 whole vehicle warranty, backed up by its 10 year/160,000 km powertrain warranty and a five year/unlimited km roadside assistance package. 

 

As has come to be expected from Mitsubishi’s Australian vehicle line-up, enhanced value is achieved through offering exceptional levels of standard safety and comfort features, and the Lancer Sportback is no exception to the rule. Once again takings its cues from its sedan sibling, the Lancer Sportback pricing starts at just $20,990 for the ES model, $25,590 for the VR model, and $29,790 for the  2.4-litre VRX model.

 

 

 

The entire Lancer range is on sale now from Mitsubishi’s 200 plus dealer locations across Australia.

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HERITAGE

 

The Lancer Ralliart Sportback and Sedan represent a bridge between the broad based Lancer Sedan and Sportback line-up and the pinnacle of the Lancer range, the Lancer Evolution.  The Ralliarts are more potent than the street vehicles, but more accessible than the Evolution and carry the sporting genes and heritage of the name. Striking an excellent balance between everyday driving comfort and serious sports driving, the Lancer Ralliarts will meet the needs and demands of a wide spectrum of customers. 

Ralliart and the pursuit of the true spirit of competition

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation established Ralliart Inc. in 1984 to serve as the core for its growing motor sport activities. Since then, Ralliart Inc. has been the driving force behind Mitsubishi's competitive edge, both in overseas and domestic rally and racing activities.

 

Participating in these activities has ensured that both Mitsubishi and Ralliart understand the true spirit of competition – the pursuit of improving and perfecting the cars that carry the Mitsubishi badge - providing the company with a unique pedigree in the world of motor sport, where it has enjoyed considerable success.  But winning isn’t the whole story; the spirit of competition directs that motor sport is about innovative research and development as competitors, engineers and team management strive to achieve perfection.

 

The company believes that participation in motor sport provides the ultimate test for their car-making technology, and provides invaluable feedback to assist the development of new products. The all-round performance and reliability of the road version of the Lancer is a direct result of this motor sport experience.

 

Ralliart activities have included participation in a number of international motorsport events including the FIA World Rally Championship, FIA Production Car WRC, Dakar Rally, FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rally, FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship and the JAF All Japan Rally, Dirt Trial, Gymkhana Championship and the Super Taikyu Series.

 

Major accomplishments by Mitsubishi Ralliart teams include:

·         1995 APRC Manufactures and drivers champion

·         1996 World Rally Drivers Champion – Tommi Makinen

·         1997 World Rally Drivers Champion – Tommi Makinen

·         1998 World Rally Drivers Champion – Tommi Makinen

·         1999 World Rally Drivers Champion – Tommi Makinen

·         1998 Paris-Granada-Dakar Rally Overall winner 1st/2nd/3rd for two years running

·         1998 World Rally Manufactures’ champions

·         1998 World Rally Drivers’ champion – Tommi Makinen

 

Not content with merely competing, the Ralliart company has expended considerable effort and resources to ensure motor sport enthusiasts are encouraged and entertained by the sport, while at the same time ensuring appropriate training is provided for both beginners and veterans of the various disciplines.

 

To this end, Ralliart has designed and implemented a number of racing schools, racing licence seminars and other services for the motorsport enthusiast including the Ralliart members Club Activity, Driving Schools, Off-road Driving Schools, Safety Schools and B-type competition licence seminars.

 

 The Ralliart logo

The corporate colours of Ralliart are designed to clearly segregate Ralliart from its competitors and to provide a point of difference to the corporate Mitsubishi Motors Corporation brand. The colours also represent the themes under which the Ralliart symbol stands.

 

Red                  Represents progress and Mitsubishi Motors

White                Represents reason and fact

Silver                Represents Technology

Black                Represents Refinement and elegance

Orange Is a sub-colour of the brand

 

 

DESIGN

Whether in Sportback or Sedan body styles, the Lancer Ralliart’s sporting intentions are clearly defined by its wedge-like profile, sharply chiselled lines and assertive stance born from long wheelbase and wide track proportions.

 

 

Sharks & Jets

Like the entire Lancer family, the Lancer Ralliarts introduce a further variation of Mitsubishi’s trademark “Jet Fighter” grille (full shape, matte black finish, chrome surround).  First used in twin grille form with Lancer Sedan, the “Jet Fighter” front face introduces a sharp new visual identity for the brand.

 

Present from the very early stages of Lancer’s design development in 2003, the so-called Jet Fighter grille takes its inspiration from the air intake of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited’s F-2 close support jet fighters.

 

Exterior

The Lancer Ralliarts feature a unique front bumper designed to reduce air resistance.  Increasing the size of the jet fighter grille improves engine cooling and with the chrome treatment of its perimeter, enhances the premium look of the car.  The bottom edge of the bumper is designed as an air dam for improved handling and vehicle stability at higher speeds.

 

 

The engine hood uses a lightweight aluminium panel with an air scoop to feed the turbocharger and twin air outlets discharge heat from the engine compartment.

The unique rear bumper accommodates twin tail pipes and is designed to enhance airflow control and contribute to better straight-line stability at higher speeds.

 

Interior

The interior uses an elegant deep black colour scheme while the dashboard features an ornamentation panel comprising a geometric check pattern and silver pin beading that adds a mechanical flavour and gives the cockpit a sporty, high quality appearance.  The unique instrument cluster dials use matte black faces with white high-contrast graphics for excellent legibility.

 

 

The steering wheel and shifter knob are wrapped in genuine leather and the aluminium accelerator and brake pedals are fitted with non-slip rubber strips.

The front seats keep the occupant securely and comfortably positioned and use high grip Ralliart sports cloth trim upholstery.

 

 ENGINE

The Lancer Ralliarts are powered by a turbocharged intercooled 4B11 2.0-litre 16-valve Dual Overhead Cam MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control System) engine.  With the focus on low- to mid-range torque, the engine uses a single scroll turbocharger.  Optimisation of the cooling and exhaust systems boosts output to a maximum of 177 kW at 6000 rpm and 343 Nm of torque at 3000 rpm.

 

 Engine specificationsTotal displacement         1,998Cylinder arrangement     4 inline verticalBore x Stroke (mm)        86.0 x 86.0Compression ratio          9:1Maximum output            177kW @ 6,000rpmMaximum Torque           343 Nm @ 2,500 – 4,750rpmTurbo Charger                Nickel-chromium alloy                                    Turbine wheel                                    Aluminium alloy compressor                                    wheel                                       

TRANSMISSION

The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliarts benefit from the application of the 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TC-SST) first fitted to the Lancer Evolution. Fitted as standard on both Lancer Ralliart variants, the TC-SST is capable of executing lightning-quick up shifts with no drop-off in engine power. The TC-SST features both a console-mounted shifter and steering wheel paddle shifters and offers manual and fully automatic modes.

The TC-SST system fitted to Lancer Ralliarts offers two driving modes – Sport and Normal – and does not offer the Super Sport driving mode found on the Lancer Evolution.  In addition, the TC-SST system used on the Lancer Ralliarts has different ratios for fifth and sixth gears to give improved fuel economy in high-speed cruising on longer trips.

 

Manual and AutomaticThe choice of Automatic and Manual operation in the TC-SST makes this new transmission a versatile choice for both maximum performance and convenience. If the driver leaves the shifter in D, shifting is fully automatic, and the driver has control over shifting behaviour through two selectable drive modes: Normal and Sport. The default mode is Normal. In Automatic operation, both drive modes control shifting according to their own shift map and in response to various inputs from the engine, the steering, wheel speed sensors and AWC system. The drive mode switch is located behind the shifter on the console. Pushing it forward ("+") changes drive mode to Sport. The driver can switch between Normal and Sport modes at any time or vehicle speed. While in either drive mode, the driver can change to manual mode at any time by using the paddle shifters.

 

For use around town and other daily driving situations, Normal mode uses relatively low-speed shift points to deliver unobtrusive shifting for maximum comfort together with optimum fuel economy. Sport mode uses higher shift points and quicker shifting to deliver instant throttle response for better performance feel. Sport mode is also useful for driving in mountainous areas or when engine braking is required.

 

Special Automatic TalentsThe TC-SST has been designed to work with the Lancer Ralliarts’ dynamic handling systems. In either of the two drive modes, the TCM continuously takes input from engine operating parameters, including engine speed and torque, as well as information from the All-Wheel Control system. The driver can expect that the TC-SST will select the best gear for any given cornering situation.

 

As with a conventional automatic transmission, the TC-SST provides a kick-down function, quickly selecting a lower gear when the accelerator pedal is suddenly pressed to the floor. Shifting intelligence will hold lower gears while the vehicle is ascending an incline (for power) or descending (for engine braking). Here again, pulling one of the paddle shifters will instantly switch the transmission into manual mode to give the driver even more control.

 

Manual Operation

In either of the two drive modes – Normal or Sport - the driver can select Manual operation, and the drive mode chosen affects shifting speed. Normal mode provides the smoothest shifting and is ideal for urban driving. Sport mode will quicken the shifts and is ideal for country or mountain road driving.

 

The driver selects Manual operation in two ways:

(1)     with the console shifter, by pulling it back past D and then leftward into the Manual slot. Then, pulling the shifter rearward ("+") selects and up shift and pushing it forward ("-") selects a downshift.

(2)     If the driver selects D with the console shift (Automatic mode), pulling on either of the steering wheel paddle shifters at any time afterward will switch the transmission to Manual mode. The right side steering wheel paddle is for up shifts ("+") and left side for downshifts ("-"). In either case, when the TC-SST is in Manual mode, there are absolutely no automatic shift changes.

 

If the console shift is in D, then the transmission will revert to Automatic mode when the car comes to a very slow crawl or stops. If the console shift is in the Manual slot, the transmission will automatically shift to 1st gear at a stop or very slow speed (as it will in D), but it will remain in Manual mode when the driver accelerates again.

 

While the car is in motion, the driver can switch between Manual and Automatic modes at any speed. Pulling the up shift paddle ("+") and holding it for one second will switch the TC-ST into Automatic mode. Pulling the downshift paddle ("-"), however, always results in a quick downshift. When the driver turns off the ignition, the engine will run for about two seconds to disengage second and Reverse gears from pre-selection.

 

ALL WHEEL CONTROL SYSTEM

Lancer Ralliarts use a full-time four-wheel drive system – called All Wheel Control - comprising a front helical limited slip differential, an Active Centre Differential and a mechanical rear Limited Slip Differential.  These components as well as Active Stability Control and the Anti-lock Braking system are all electronically and integrally managed by Mitsubishi’s vehicle dynamics control system to deliver an optimum balance between sure footed traction and steering feel, cornering and braking performance.

 

 

The driver can select between three ACT modes: Tarmac for dry paved surfaces, Gravel for wet tarmac or loose unmade surfaces and Snow for snow-covered surfaces.]]>
DESIGN   
  
                                               
  
Driving force

  
Mitsubishi Design, located in Trebur, near Frankfurt in Germany, has played a vital role in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s (MMC) revitalisation plans during the last five years by designing and producing consistently clean, sharp, well balanced and attractive vehicles suitable for the global market.
A key factor in this strategy was the design and development of a global platform suitable for creating genuinely different products, covering vastly different segments, from the same architecture.  Designated “Project Global”, the strategy has taken MMC’s engineering expertise to a new level, 
The first vehicles from the “Project Global” platform – the Outlander compact four-wheel drive and Lancer small sedan – displayed strong personalities and enjoyed broad based popular appeal, confirmed by excellent sales results right around the world. 

Core, in form and content, to Mitsubishi Motors’s continued development and resurgence on world markets are the latest two variants to the Lancer family, the Lancer Sportback and Lancer Ralliart Sedan and Sportback.

 

 

 

Lancer Sportback: Sports Hatch



Essentially a “productionized” version of the acclaimed 2005 Concept-Sportback show car, the Lancer Sportback combines style and presence with flexibility in-line with the Lancer family’s dynamic image, rather than adhering to a traditional and purely functional hatchback shape.

Lancer Sportback’s sporting intentions are clearly defined by its wedge-like profile, sharply chiselled lines, assertive stance born from long wheelbase / wide track proportions, its high-shouldered rear end and its available rear roof spoiler.

 

 Sharks & Jets

First used in twin grille form with Lancer Sedan, the “Jet Fighter” front face introduces a sharp new visual identity for the brand.  The Lancer Sportback introduces a further variation of grille including a full shape, matt black finish and chrome surround.

 

Present from the very early stages of Lancer’s design development in 2003, the so-called Jet Fighter grille takes its inspiration from the air intake of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited’s F-2 close support jet fighters.

Lancer Sportback is designed to be as distinctive from the rear as from the front, adding a dash of flexibility and distinction to the overall shape. The rear of the vehicle follows the same design theme explored in 2005 with the Concept-Sportback and the solid structure of the side shoulder sweeps from the headlamps all the way back into the rear hatch door, which is surmounted by an available and distinctive “roof wing.”

 

Wedge

The clean creased surfaces of the front sweep into the side profile which features a dynamic daylight opening and high, wedged, belt-line.  Running from the protracted inverted-slant nose, the silhouette flows over the smooth roof line and the truncated rear end.

Carefully positioned to achieve an aesthetic balance with the tallish stance of the car, the high-set belt line imparts a tension and a dynamic sense of energy to contrast with the panel surfaces and the mix of light and shadow they project. Combined with the distinctive shark nose, the long wheelbase, the large and rounded wheel arches and the fastback tail, the overall “wedge” effect is of a road-hugging stance that hints at the car's dynamics.

Elongated rear combination lamps widen the stance of the car as they warp around the rear fenders. A feature on their own, they sign a neat bumper/fender shut line that runs exactly parallel to the rear door opening.

 

ENGINES

New 2.4-litre engine for Lancer VRX Sedan and Sportback and premium Aspire Sedan

 

The 2.4-litre engine now being offered in Mitsubishi’s new up-market Lancer Aspire sedan and sporty VRX sedan and Sportback was originally developed for use in the company’s popular compact four-wheel drive, the Outlander, and was the result of the World Engine project conducted by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), DaimlerChrysler Corporation and Hyundai Motor Company. 

While the cylinder block and other basic structural parts of the engine were jointly developed by the three companies, the intake and exhaust manifolds, the cylinder head’s intake and exhaust ports and other elements related to engine tuning were independently developed by MMC.

A major feature of Mitsubishi’s 4B12 2.4-litre engine is its high output and low fuel consumption, thanks to  Mitsubishi’s Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system (MIVEC), which has been applied not only to intake valves but also to exhaust valves.  The engine’s cylinder-head intake and exhaust ports and intake and exhaust manifolds are shape-optimized for superior volumetric efficiency.  At the same time, friction is suppressed through elastic grinding of the valve stems, adoption of a high-efficiency shroud equipped plastic impeller in the water pump, and the adoption of OW-20 low viscosity oil. 

 

Low exhaust emissions are promoted by the optimized design of the cylinder head intake and exhaust ports, by intake-airflow control yielded by the intake and exhaust MIVEC system, and by injectors that give an ultra micro-droplet fuel spray.  At the same time, a double-layered stainless–steel exhaust manifold is positioned at the rear of the engine to suppress the heat capacity of the exhaust system upstream of the catalytic converter, enhancing its quick activation. 

 

MMC ensured the 4B12 2.4-litre engine remained extremely light by choosing die-cast aluminium for the cylinder block, plastic for the cylinder-head cover and intake manifold, and stainless steel for the exhaust manifold.  In addition, MMC adopted a compact balancer module with integrated oil pump.

 

The engine remained compact thanks to the rear exhaust layout which helps limit the engine’s overall width by allowing auxiliaries to be located mainly on the intake side of the engine.  A large crushable zone between the engine and body promotes collision safety. 

 

 

Lancer’s 2.0-litre engine for all ES and VR Sedan and Sportback variants

 

 

The new-generation Lancer's 2.0-litre DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine is among the most powerful engines in its segment, with 113 kW at 6,000 rpm.
Notwithstanding its impressive power and torque, the 2008 Lancer eclipses many of its competitors and its predecessor by delivering fuel economy of a frugal 7.7 litres per 100km.
The Lancer 2.0-litre engine is based on an architecture that employs new technologies and weight-reducing features. The cylinder head is also aluminium and the double overhead-cam (DOHC) cylinder head features four valves per cylinder.
The Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) - a continuously variable valve timing system - ensures optimal power, high fuel efficiency and low emissions across the engine's operating range. The Lancer's MIVEC system works on both the intake and exhaust valves.

The 2.0-litre engine's bore and stroke both measure 86.0 mm, which engineers refer to as "square." The cylinder dimensions contribute to a free-revving character (6,500 rpm redline) and an optimal balance of linear power delivery and wide torque curve that gives Lancer the responsive and flexible characteristics of a larger-displacement engine. The strong mid-range torque in the Lancer make the car feel more flexible in everyday driving. The Lancer’s 2.0-litre MIVEC engine has a higher compression ratio (10:1 vs. 9.5:1 for the previous engine) and does not require high grade fuel. Using a timing chain instead of a belt allows for a more compact design and also helps ensure durability. Iridium spark plugs contribute to lower emissions and help extend major service intervals for lower cost of ownership. 

]]> Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has unveiled the first production vehicles and announced Australian specifications and pricing for its all-new Lancer Sportback hatch at the Australian International Motor Show.

 

 

Launching the vehicle at the Sydney Show, Mitsubishi’s president and chief executive officer, Robert McEniry, said the arrival of the all-new Lancer Sportback completed the wide-ranging and award winning Lancer family in Australia.

 

“The all-new Lancer Sportback joins the acclaimed Lancer sedan line-up, along with 2.0-litre ES and VR variants, the new premium 2.4-litre Aspire and sporty VRX sedans, the outstanding Lancer Evolution sports sedan and the all-new Ralliart Lancer sedan and Sportback.  Mitsubishi now offers a complete range of vehicles in the small car segment, and we can meet just about any requirement any small car owner could ever have,” Mr McEniry said.

 

The all-new Lancer Sportback continues the Lancer initiative of bringing life-saving five-star safety to the small car market – just like its sedan brother - with standard Active Stability Control with Traction Control (ASTC), ABS braking system with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) and the availability of seven airbags across the entire range.

 

Designed in Europe to meet the exacting standards of Continental car connoisseurs, the Lancer Sportback will appeal to all small-car consumers who seek stunning style, pert performance, five-star safety and the versatility of a hatch-style body in their vehicle.

 

According to Mr McEniry, the company has experienced solid success with sales of the Lancer sedan since its release last year, and with its versatile hatch style body, the all-new Lancer Sportback will open up additional opportunities.

 

“In the current economic environment, Australia is turning to the small car to meet their driving needs, and the success of the Lancer sedan is testament to that fact.

 

“There is no doubt that the all-new Lancer Sportback will open up additional opportunities for us here in Australia.  It is 13 years since Mitsubishi has been able to offer a hatch-style body in the small car market, and now we have the opportunity to expand our appeal to all small-car consumers.

 

“This car looks fantastic and is designed to appeal to the style-conscious driver who enjoys an active lifestyle and demands great looks, great flexibility and great safety and performance from their vehicle,” Mr McEniry said.

 

The new Lancer Sportback comes to the Australian market place in three well equipped and attractively priced street variants that mirror the sedan’s line-up – the entry level ES, mid-range VR and sporty VRX.  In addition, the Lancer Ralliart Sportback will join the line-up, and along with its Ralliart Sedan brother, will provide a logical transformation to the big daddy of the Lancer range, the Evolution sedan.

 

Three engines will be available in the Lancer Sportback line-up, with the ES and VR receiving the 2.0-litre dual overhead cam MIVEC four-cylinder engine which delivers 113kW of power @ 6000 rpm and 198 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm.  VRX Sportbacks will be powered by the new 2.4-litre engine just released in the premium Lancer Aspire sedan.  Generating 125 kW of power @ 6,000 rpm and 226 Nm of torque @ 4,100 rpm, the Lancer Sportback VRX offers a more powerful, yet more economical driving experience than many of its competitors.

 

Sports car fans will appreciate the blistering performance of the Lancer Sportback Ralliart, which features a retuned version of the Lancer Evolution’s inter-cooled and turbo-charged 2.0-litre MIVEC engine which delivers 177 kW @ 6,000 rpm and 343 Nm of torque @ 4750 rpm and comes standard with the famous Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TC-SST), also borrowed from the Lancer Evolution.

 

ES, VR and VRX Lancer Sportbacks offer a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Sport Mode and INVECS III software, to deliver flexible, responsive and economical motoring.

 

Just like its sedan brother, safety is an integral part of the Lancer Sportback’s design and all variants bear the latest Mitsubishi safety technology.  ASTC is standard across the range, as is ABS, EBD and BA.  A total of seven airbags are available on all Mitsubishi Lancers - entry level ES models receive standard SRS driver and passenger airbags and driver knee airbag, with side and curtain airbags an affordable option. All other Lancer models receive the full seven-airbag pack as standard fitment.

 

Add to this Mitsubishi’s acclaimed RISE body structure, seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, five height adjustable headrests and the Lancer range presents the prime, affordable, safety-oriented choice in the Australian small car segment.

 

Solid, stable and enjoyable performance adds to the Lancer Sportback driving experience. ES and VR models bear standard sixteen inch wheels (alloy on VR) and 205/60 R16 tyres and 15 inch ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear discs.  The VRX variant adds a special sport-tuned suspension package and eighteen inch wheels with 215/45 R18 tyres and stops promptly courtesy of 16 inch ventilated front and solid rear discs.

 

 

Key to the Australian small car hatch segment consumer is the flexibility to meet the demands of their active lifestyle, and the Lancer Sportback leaves nothing to chance.  The vehicle has been designed from the inside out to promote a variety of interior configurations, ease of use and voluminous storage solutions.

 

In addition to numerous bins, door and seat pockets, consoles and stowage boxes, the Lancer Sportback offers a large rear cargo area, with the added benefit of a cargo floor height adjustable function which can add 90mm to the depth of the area.  A handy rear seat auto folding function means it is possible to fold the rear seats separately (60/40 split) via a lever located near the tail gate, providing even more storage space.

 

All Mitsubishi Lancer Sportbacks receive the top end specifications and features that consumers have come to expect from the high quality Japanese-manufactured Lancer line-up.

   

The entry-level ES variant offers all the safety and engineering features listed before for secure, relaxed driving and adds a plethora of creature comforts – three-way adjustable driver’s seat, central locking, front and rear power windows, air-conditioning, FM/AM Tuner with CD and MP3 compatibility and audio jacks, and cruise control with steering mounted controls.  Optional side and curtain airbags are available on the ES model.

 

 

The mid-range VR model includes all these specifications and builds in even more features – side and curtain airbags, dusk sensing headlamps, rain sensing wipers, alloy wheels, front fog lamps, lip spoiler, leather wrapped steering wheel, six CD stacker with remote steering mounted controls and, for lovers of wide open spaces, an optional sunroof is available.

 

 

For drivers who like an energetic, flexible and dynamic on-road experience, there is only one choice – the sporty VRX model.  This variant of the all-new Lancer range takes the standard specifications of the VR model and adds sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, front air dam, rear spoiler, eighteen inch wheels, sport type front seats and fabric, unique panel and door trim, paddle shifts (CVT model only), Smart Key entry and Bluetooth hands-free phone with steering wheel controls.  Options include the sunroof from the VR model as well as an optional Rockford Fosgate Premium Audio system with nine speakers and the acclaimed Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System which offers satellite navigation and integrates with the vehicle’s computer to control lighting, audio, telephone and comfort settings.

 

 

All Mitsubishi Lancer Sportbacks are available in a palette of designer colours, including Effect Grey, Lightening Blue, Red, Black, Mystic Blue, Champagne, Cool Silver and Solid White.

 

Just like all Mitsubishi vehicles, the Lancer Sportback is protected by the company’s industry leading and comprehensive five year/130,000 whole vehicle warranty, backed up by its 10 year/160,000 km powertrain warranty and a five year/unlimited km roadside assistance package. 

 

As has come to be expected from Mitsubishi’s Australian vehicle line-up, enhanced value is achieved through offering exceptional levels of standard safety and comfort features, and the Lancer Sportback is no exception to the rule. Once again takings its cues from its sedan sibling, the Lancer Sportback pricing starts at just $20,990 for the ES model, $25,590 for the VR model, and $29,790 for the 2.4-litre VRX model.

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited has unveiled a stunning new variant to its popular Triton utility range – the Triton Fastback – at the Australian International Motor Show, Sydney. 

 

 

With futuristic sports style bars and a durable hard tonneau cover, the Mitsubishi Triton Fastback oozes street credibility and takes the company’s popular utility range to the next level of stylish design.

 

 

The Triton Fastback was first conceived as part of the Panther range of concept vehicles, designed to change the profile of some of the company’s most popular commercial and passenger vehicles, including the Grandis, Pajero, Lancer and Triton vehicles, and was exhibited at last year’s Sydney show.  The Panther concepts sported striking black duco with signature Panther claw detail, aggressive body kits and huge alloy and chrome wheels.

 

 

Proving that style is critically important to the ever-increasing four-wheel drive utility segment, the Panther concept that attracted the most attention at last year’s Sydney show was the Triton utility.

 

 

According to MMAL’s president and chief executive officer, Robert McEniry, the huge amount of positive feedback the company received regarding the Triton Panther surprised the company.

 

 

“We knew that one of Triton’s strengths – apart from its rugged, go-anywhere four-wheel drive ability and excellent on road manners – was its out-there stylish design.  And we also knew that drivers in this segment were very switched on to styling trends.

 

 

“But we simply didn’t expect the avalanche of enquiry we received regarding this vehicle.  The interest was so great that we couldn’t resist introducing the Triton Fastback as an ongoing variant in the Triton utility range,” Mr McEniry said.

 

 

The Mitsubishi Triton Fastback stays true to the concept’s vision, and includes sports style bars, a distinctive hard tonneau cover, a unique front bumper protector and 17 inch alloy wheels.

 

Inside, the Triton Fastback features a comprehensive list of luxury appointments, including leather seat trim, steering wheel cover and gearshift and transfer lever, an electric sunroof and automatic climate control air-conditioning.

 

 

All Triton Fastbacks are based on the popular GLS model Triton, ensuring the vehicle receives top-of-the-line occupant comfort specifications and appointments and the full economic and performance benefits of the company’s award winning 3.2-litre intercooled and turbo charged diesel engine.

 

 

In addition, all Mitsubishi Triton GLS variants now come standard with the company’s acclaimed Super Select four-wheel drive system, a technologically advanced system which ensures sure-footed driveability and refinement no matter what surface you are driving on or what the road conditions are.

 

 

The Mitsubishi Super Select system offers four driving modes, including two-wheel drive high, four-wheel drive high, four wheel drive high range with locked centre differential, and four wheel drive low range with locked centre differential for when the going gets really tough.  The first three driving modes can be selected on the fly.

 

 

The Mitsubishi  Triton Fastback will be available from all Mitsubishi dealers around Australia in November and will be priced from a reasonable $51,990 for manual variants and $53,990 for automatic variants.

 

 

The Mitsubishi Triton Fastback will be on display at the Australian International Motor Show, Sydney, from October 9th to 19th.

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The first public display of Mitsubishi’s updated 2009 Model Year Lancer range, including the new premium 2.4-litre Lancer Aspire, will take place at the Australian International Motor Show, Sydney.

 

 

The 2009 Model Year Lancer range includes minor specification upgrades to its ES and VR sedans, as well as the inclusion of the new 2.4-litre engine to its high-end VRX and new Aspire variants.

 

Offering enhanced internal and external appointments, as well as improved engine response from a new 2.4-litre engine, the Mitsubishi Lancer Aspire provides a real alternative for Australia’s many large-sized passenger vehicle owners wishing to downsize without losing any of the prestige or performance they are accustomed to.

 

 

Generating 125 kW @ 6,000 rpm and 226 Nm @ 4,100 rpm, the 2.4-litre MIVEC four-cylinder engine is mated to a standard Continuously Variable Transmission and returns a frugal 8.5-litres per 100km – well ahead of most of its rivals on all of the above counts.

 

 

Confirming the new 2.4-litre engine offered a real improvement in off-the-mark performance combined with a more refined driving experience, Mitsubishi opted to apply the new engine to the other premium vehicle in the Lancer sedan line-up - the VRX, which boasts sports-tuned suspension, alloy pedals, and enough body work to make its sporting ambitions perfectly clear.

 

 

In addition to the new engine, Lancer VRX variants receive an enhanced sound insulation package and a premium console for the interior.

 

 

Mitsubishi’s Lancer ES and VR variants receive minor specification upgrades including the improved sound insulation package and enhanced fuel economy due to revised gear ratios on manual variants.  Design upgrades on the ES model include the addition of chrome accents to the interior, including detailing on air vents and handbrake surround.

 

 

Launched in September 2007, the Mitsubishi Lancer has established itself as a popular choice with small car buyers, and proof of this is the 8.4 per cent increase in sales the vehicle has claimed to date in 2008 (figures based on CY2008 v CY2007), well ahead of the segment growth of just 1.9 per cent.

 

 Part of Lancer’s appeal is the high level of standard safety features offered by the entire line-up. Offering Active Stability Control and Traction Control (ASTC) as a standard feature across the entire model range, the all-new Lancer has shaken-up the small car segment with its stylish design, nimble performance and industry leading safety standards at an affordable price point.

 

In addition to ASTC, the Lancer line-up offers the availability of seven airbags, ABS braking system with EBD and BA, RISE body structure, seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters and five height adjustable headrests.  With the additional features provided by the 2009 model year upgrade, the Mitsubishi Lancer is the prime, affordable, safety-oriented choice in the Australian small car segment.

 

All Lancers are protected by Mitsubishi’s industry leading and comprehensive five year/130,000 whole vehicle warranty, backed up by its 10 year/160,000 kilometre powertrain warranty and a five year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance package. 

According to Chris Maxted, passenger vehicle product planning manager, the coming months will see further product activity for the company.

 

 

“The 2009 model year updates are just the tip of the iceberg for the Lancer range,” Mr Maxted said.

 

 

“As well as the introduction of the new 2.4-litre Aspire and VRX models, we are now expanding the Lancer line-up even further, with the arrival of the all-new Sportback hatch and Ralliart sedan and hatch.

 

 

“These are cars that provide performance with attitude, at an affordable price, and are designed to give our competitors a real run for their money,” said Maxted.

 

 

The new Mitsubishi Lancer range will be showcased at the Australian International Motor Show, Sydney from October 9th – 19th.

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After recently announcing a 2009 model year update to its popular Lancer small car range, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) welcomes the new premium 2.4-litre Aspire sedan. The Mitsubishi Lancer Aspire will be presented for its first public viewing at the Australian International Motor Show, Sydney. 


Designed to widen the appeal of the acclaimed Lancer range which includes three well-equipped sedans and the giant-killing Lancer Evolution performance sedan, the Lancer Aspire brings a fresh level of prestige and performance to the small-car segment.   With a new 2.4-litre engine, the Lancer Aspire offers a more powerful, yet more economical driving experience than many of its competitors – including vehicles from the medium car segment. 

 

Generating 125 kW of power @ 6,000 rpm and 226 Nm of torque @ 4,100 rpm, the Lancer Aspire provides the perfect solution to drivers downsizing from larger, less fuel efficient vehicles – especially those who wish to maintain high levels of spirited driving performance without breaking the bank when they visit the bowser.  

 

At the same time, the new Lancer Aspire provides a cosseted driving experience with its unique exterior styling, large 18 inch wheels, and upgraded interior specifications. 

 

Launching the vehicles in recent weeks, Mitsubishi’s passenger vehicle product planning manager, Chris Maxted, said the Lancer Aspire 2.4-litre sedan represents a real opportunity for the company in the increasing small-car segment. 

 

“We have found that up to 32 per cent of our new Lancer customers are coming to us from both mid- and large-sized passenger vehicles,” Mr Maxted said. “While they don’t wish to give up the luxuries of a richly appointed cabin or an energetic engine response, they do recognise the need to conserve their resources – and that’s where the Lancer Aspire 2.4-litre sedan is a perfect match.” 

 

The Lancer Aspire’s standard specifications come directly from the ground-breaking Lancer sedan range released just twelve months ago and include a host of safety and comfort features such as Automatic Traction & Stability Control, ABS brakes with EBD, seven SRS airbags, rain sensing wipers and dusk sensing headlamps, “Smart” key entry, climate controlled air-conditioning, electric windows, Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters for the standard Continuously Variable Transmission. 

 

But what sets the Lancer Aspire apart, beyond the new 2.4-litre engine, are some important styling and equipment touches.   

 

Externally, the Lancer Aspire can be distinguished by a number of stylish chrome accents, including highlights to the radiator grille, belt line moulding and across the boot lid, as well as a black surround to the rear combination lamp.  High Intensity Discharge headlamps with an adaptive front lighting system add to the high-tech appeal of the vehicle, while providing real-world safety benefits to occupants. 

 

The comfortable interior appointments include black leather trimmed seats and a distinctive wood grain finish to the instrument panel, shift panel, and front console. 

 

Music enthusiasts are well catered for in the Lancer Aspire, with the inclusion of a standard Rockford Fosgate premium audio system, one of the most powerful systems in the segment, which sports a 650 watt amp and nine speakers including a sub-woofer. 

 

Finally, to introduce the new variant to the market, Mitsubishi has announced an introductory special which includes the fitting of an optional Multi Communication System with satellite navigation at no extra cost, ensuring the Lancer Aspire represents exceptional value.  

 

The Lancer Aspire will be available in a number of colours from the Lancer line-up palette, including Cool Silver, Effect Grey, Red Metallic, White Solid, Black Mica and Champagne.  The vehicle is protected by Mitsubishi’s industry leading and comprehensive five year/130,000 whole vehicle warranty, backed up by its 10 year/160,000 km powertrain warranty and a five year/unlimited km roadside assistance package. 

 

The Mitsubishi Lancer Aspire 2.4-litre prestige sedan will be priced at $33,990 (plus statutory and dealer charges) and is sure to be a hit at its public unveiling at the Australian International Motor Show, Sydney, from October 9th – 19th.

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Mitsubishi’s legendary Pajero four-wheel drive diesel wagon was awarded the Best Value for Money trophy for the third year in a row by Overlander magazine. 

 

 The announcement was made in a feature acknowledging the best four-wheel drives across the full market spectrum, considering all models currently available on the Australian market. 

 

In addition to winning the Best Value for Money category, Mitsubishi’s Pajero DiD received an honourable mention in the Best Medium Wagon Diesel category, and the Mitsubishi Pajero short-wheel base DiD received an honourable mention in the Best Small Wagon category.  

 

Robert McEniry, president and chief executive officer of MMAL was delighted that the Pajero has once again taken out the title for Best Value for Money. 

 

“As fuel prices continue to increase, customers in the market for a new vehicle need to count their pennies and save as much money as possible in running costs. Mitsubishi is proud to say the Pajero can help them do that with its great fuel economy, competitive servicing costs and our class leading warranty.” said Mr McEniry. 

 

Mitsubishi's Diamond Advantage combines a 5-year or 130,000km new vehicle warranty, a 10-year or 160,000km Powertrain Warranty with 5-year roadside assist also included. 

 

With a 3.2 litre turbo-diesel engine producing 118kW of power and 381Nm of torque, the Pajero boasts enhanced performance and improved fuel economy. Starting from $51,090, the Mitsubishi Pajero DiD truly is the best value for money four-wheel drive according to Mathieu Raudonikis, Editor of Overlander magazine. 

 

“Even the base GLX model comes standard with all the kit that you really need,” he said. 

 

“Aside from fine performance from its engine, the Pajero’s appeal lies in its combination of sharp on-road dynamics and more than handy off road ability,” said Mr Raudonikis. 

 

The Mitsubishi Pajero is available from more than 200 dealerships nationally.

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited has announced another outstanding month of sales during June, with a total of 8,346 vehicle sales, which netted the company a remarkable 7.8 per cent market share. 

 

Mitsubishi has not been shy about revealing its consistent sales growth plans in the Australian automotive market, but the outstanding June results exceeded even company executives’ expectations.

 

 

“June is traditionally a very strong month in the Australian automotive industry and everyone in the Mitsubishi family was keen to take up the challenge and make June ’08 a month to remember,” Mr McEniry said.  “And while we had every expectation of achieving strong sales for the month – a result that we are determined to turn into a habit – even our sales team were surprised at the number of all-time records our national dealer network has set.

 

 

“These include best ever months for the Lancer, Triton 4x2, Triton whole range and Outlander vehicles,” Mr McEniry said.

 

 

Specific record results for the month included Lancer small sedan with a total of 2,667 vehicles sold, Triton 4x2 utility with 1,393 sales, and the Triton whole range with a remarkable 2,683 vehicles sold.  Outlander compact four-wheel drive also experienced its best ever month with a total of 908 sales.

 

 

These consistent sales results are reflected in the continually rising year-to-date sales figures, with a total of 35,167 vehicles sold year-to-date for a 4.5 per cent increase over the same period in 2007.  Imported vehicles showed even better performance, with an increase of 14.6 per cent year-to-date, cementing the company’s market share at 6.5 per cent (up from 6.2 per cent at the end of May).

 

 

On a year-to-date basis, individual models to excel included:

 

 

 

Sales of Grandis dropped by 5.4 per cent and the four-wheel drive Pajero wagon were down 16.8per cent.  380 sedan sales continued to ease as consumers snapped up the final available models.

 

 

According to Robert McEniry, June has been a very satisfying month for Mitsubishi.

 

 

“We’ve achieved record-breaking sales amongst many of our vehicles during the month, we have overtaken a serious competitor in the market place, and our first high-performance Lancer Evolution sedans are driving off the ships as we speak, so all round it is a very positive result,” Mr McEniry.

 

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited has announced the arrival of an upgrade to its popular Triton four-wheel drive utility – the addition of the Mitsubishi Super Select four-wheel drive system to diesel VR, GLX-R and GLS models.   

 

This technologically advanced system ensures Triton’s engineering refinement and drivability is enhanced no matter what surface you are driving on or what the weather conditions are. Whether the driving environment includes tarmac, gravel, bush tracks or even a raging creek bed – in sun, rain, hail, ice or snow, the Triton’s Super Select system exceeds occupant expectations for day-to-day commuting comfort.

 

Similar to the system found in Mitsubishi’s highly specified passenger four-wheel drive Pajero wagon, the Super Select four-wheel drive system allows the driver to choose between four driving modes:

 

-           2H two-wheel drive high range is the perfect option for general commuting or highway touring in fine weather and promotes fuel economy.

 

-           4H full-time four-wheel drive provides added traction in inclement weather, or when the road surface becomes rough.

 

-           4HLC four-wheel drive high range with locked centre differential delivering power equally to all four wheels will ensure the Triton nimbly defeats most four-wheel drive tracks

 

-           4LLC four-wheel drive low range with locked centre differential is the answer when the going gets really tough.  A rear-diff lock is available as an option.

The first three driving modes can be selected on the fly.

 

The Mitsubishi Super Select four-wheel drive system provides the Triton with a distinct advantage over its direct competitors who continue to offer traditional part-time four-wheel drive systems across their 4x4 utility ranges.

 

The inclusion of Super Select four-wheel drive systems to all diesel VR, GLX-R and GLS four-wheel drive Mitsubishi Tritons is part of an overall model year update with vehicles due to arrive between now and December 2008. 

 

 

Triton’s Easy Select part time 4WD system is retained on GLX 4x4 models.

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has reported a 31 per cent increase in sales of its imported product line-up during the month, thanks to all-time record April sales of light commercial and sports utility vehicles.

 

 

The April result consolidated the company’s solid growth through the 2008 calendar year, with a year-to-date increase of 19.6 per cent across the imported range.

 

 

Strong demand for the Outlander, Pajero, Triton and Express models during April saw the company record total sales of these models of 3,141 vehicles, up 965 units or 44.3 per cent on April 2007.

 

 

Robert McEniry, President and CEO of MMAL, commented on the increasing popularity of the company’s legendary two- and four-wheel drive LCV and SUV vehicles.

 

 

“Our practical light commercial and four-wheel drive vehicles, particularly the Triton utility and Outlander compact SUV, continue to enjoy burgeoning sales.  With the launch of the new 2.5-litre diesel two-wheel drive Triton, we expect to see this expansion continue,” Mr McEniry said.

 

 

Mitsubishi’s compact all-wheel drive Outlander registered its best-ever April result with 824 sales, an increase of 97.6 percent over the same month in 2007. 

 

The company’s new four-wheel drive star, the Triton utility, also recorded its best ever April result with a total of 787 sales during the month.  The two-wheel drive version of the Triton continued to impress with 634 vehicles sold, up 83.2 per cent on April 2007. 

 

Finally, sales of the company’s Express van, which underwent a minor facelift earlier in the year, rose by a strong 63.3 per cent during the month to record a total of 343 sales.

 

 

Mitsubishi’s landmark Lancer small-car sedan also sold strongly with a total of 1,317 vehicle sales recorded – an increase of 20.1 per cent over April 2007.  While both the light car Colt and people mover Grandis models saw a slight decrease in sales during the month, on a year-to-date basis both models are still well ahead of 2007 figures.   During April, the successful run-out of the 380 sedan continued on-track, with vehicles now in short supply.

 

 

Overall, the company recorded total sales of 5,007 vehicles during April, a 15.8 per cent increase over April 2008 and a 7.7 per cent increase on a year-to-date basis – comfortably in front of the average market increase of 11.2 per cent and 5.1 per cent respectively.

 

 

“Throughout the year we will be introducing some hot new models, including the Lancer Evolution, Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback, along with further updates to our four-wheel drive line-up, and these new vehicles will be important contributors to Mitsubishi’s ongoing sales growth in Australia,” Mr McEniry said.

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Production of 380 sedan to end as large car market contracts Mitsubishi sales, dealerships, service, parts and accessories operations unaffected

 

February 5th 2008, Adelaide: Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd (MMAL) together with its parent company Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has today said that while it is committed to being a long-term participant in the Australian car market, regretfully its Tonsley Park production facility in Adelaide, which manufactures only the large 380 sedan, will cease operations. No other products in the Mitsubishi range will be affected by this decision.

 

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd President & CEO Robert McEniry said: “We are focused on growth in Australia, notwithstanding the decision to cease local manufacture.

 

“Australia is an important market for the Mitsubishi brand, as the fifth largest country for Mitsubishi vehicle sales in the world. Over the past 12 months we have achieved impressive sales growth of 20.7 percent driven by our imported passenger, light commercial and SUV vehicles, taking sales to 66,000 units and placing Mitsubishi in the top five selling brands in Australia with 6.2 percent market share.

 

“However, it is an inescapable fact that there is now a deepening trend away from large cars.

 

“The Adelaide plant has been the subject of numerous studies over recent years into its utilisation and options for alternative model production.

 

“Over the last few months, we have been working closely with MMC to determine the best business model to secure Mitsubishi’s long term aspirations for the Australian market. After a searching analysis of the current business structure and extensive review of the available options for the Adelaide plant, a decision has been made to cease production and focus on a full import approach.

 

“We can see no path for a return to viable production levels of the 380 sedan, or a commercial case for developing any replacement production.

 

“This has been a very difficult decision. We have a deep appreciation of the commitment and loyalty of our workforce, suppliers and other business partners who have given the plant a proven track record of flexibility, cost efficiency and excellent quality control,” Mr McEniry said.

 

The closure will directly affect 930 employees who will receive very favourable separation packages based on those provided to the Lonsdale Engine Plant employees in 2005. Mitsubishi Motors Australia has ensured that all employee entitlements are protected and guaranteed when the plant ceases production at the end of March 2008.

 

MMAL will also be working closely with Government agencies in the provision of comprehensive counselling, job seeking, retraining, and other support services.

 

Mr McEniry said: “Over the last ten years, MMC has gone beyond the call of duty in supporting manufacturing in Australia through major capital investment, in addition to covering significant operating losses. Having persevered for so long, it is simply not rational to contemplate continuing such losses. To invest in further models for local production can not be justified.

 

“Given the magnitude of the challenge, government assistance is not the answer to maintaining manufacturing at Tonsley Park, and this has not been sought by the company.” Mr McEniry said.

 

The company acknowledges and appreciates the support it has received from the Federal Government in the form of partial relief from import tariffs under the Automotive Competitiveness and Investment Scheme (ACIS) which is drawn upon by all local manufacturers. In addition, there has been a $35 million grant received from the South Australian government in 2002 in relation to development of the 380 model which will be repaid by the company following the closure.

 

Mitsubishi Motors Australia plans to expand its extensive dealer network of over 200 sites across Australia, providing full parts, warranty and service support for all Mitsubishi products including 380.

 

Mitsubishi Motors Australia also announced that all past and future private buyers of new 380’s will also be provided with an extension of their already industry leading warranty terms, to six years.

 

“This clearly demonstrates our ongoing support for this multi-award winning car,” Mr McEniry said.

 

“Mitsubishi is now focused on further growth in the Australian market. We have a comprehensive model range – Lancer, Colt, Grandis, Pajero, Outlander, Triton and Express Van, which today comprise nearly 90% of our annual sales – with more new products to come, confirming our long-term presence and growth aspirations in the Australian car market,” he said.

 

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The organisers of the 2008 Dakar, Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.), confirmed at a press conference in Lisbon that the decision had been taken to cancel this year's rally which was due to start from the Portuguese capital, Saturday, January 5.

 

An official statement issued by A.S.O. stated that: "After different exchanges with the French government - in particular the Ministry for Foreign Affairs - , and based on their firm recommendations, the organisers of the Dakar have taken the decision to cancel the 2008 edition of the rally..."

 

The statement referred to "direct threats launched directly against the race", saying that "no other decision but the cancellation of the sporting event could be taken by A.S.O.".

 

"A.S.O.'s first responsibility," it continued, "is to guarantee the safety of all: that of the populations in the countries visited, of the amateur and professional competitors, of the technical assistance personnel, of the journalists, partners and rally collaborators. A.S.O. therefore reaffirms that the choice of security is not, has never been and will never be a subject of compromise at the heart of the Dakar rally."

 

The Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Team, Valeo, BFGoodrich and all its partners fully respect the decision announced by A.S.O. "It goes without saying that it is a huge shame that the 30th edition of the Dakar will not take place," declared Team Director Dominique Serieys. "After months of hard work and preparation, we were obviously looking forward to the challenge of building on our record of 13 Dakar victories with the Pajero/Montero which has won the last seven events. We also trust that the support for Africa initiatives in which we first became involved last year will continue to bear fruit. We had the privilege of making a financial contribution to SOS Sahel International here in Lisbon, and we were also due to present a cheque to the Dakar Solidario Fundation. This ceremony will go ahead as planned."

 

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has recorded sales growth of 20.7 per cent during 2007, with a total of 65,397 vehicles registered throughout the twelve month period. 

 

MMAL’s sales growth easily outstripped the total Australian automotive market increase of 9.1 per cent and earned the company the title of one of Australia’s fastest growing vehicle brands.  During the year, MMAL consolidated its market share in the Australian vehicle market at 6.2 per cent, up from 5.6 per cent during 2006. 

 

Strong increases were seen across every segment in which the company participates, with the exception of the large passenger vehicle market. 

 

SUV’s proved to be particularly strong performers for MMAL, with a total of 14,364 units – up 52.6 per cent or almost 5,000 vehicles over 2006.  Light commercial vehicles also increased by almost 5,000 sales for a total of 17,829 units, a rise of 37.7 per cent over 2006.  Passenger vehicles sales for the company rose a solid 4.4 percent, with a total of 33,204 vehicles sold. 

 

Growth of individual models throughout the year was recorded as follows:

 

Lancer - 17,744 total sales during 2007, increase of +13.5% over 2006

 

Colt - 3,858 total sales during 2007, increase of +47.9% over 2006

 

380 - 10,942 total sales during 2007, increase of -11.9% over 2006

 

Grandis - 654 total sales during 2007, increase of +28.2% over 2006

 

Outlander - 7,333 total sales during 2007, increase of +63.9% over 2006

 

Pajero - 7,031 total sales during 2007, increase of +56.4% over 2006

 

Triton 4x2 - 4,678 total sales during 2007, increase of +39.9% over 2006

 

Triton 4x4 - 9,764 total sales during 2007, increase of +34.1% over 2006

 

Express Van - 3,387 total sales during 2007, increase of +46.1% over 2006

 

Robert McEniry, MMAL’s President and CEO, said the strong sales growth was consistent with the company’s operational strategy.  “Throughout the year we have focussed on implementing a broad-based product strategy, with emphasis placed on every model in every segment of Mitsubishi’s comprehensive Australian line-up,” Mr McEniry said. 

 

“We have been very aware of potentially high growth segments, such as SUV’s and LCV’s, and have ensured our offerings in these segments are highly competitive, attractive and affordable to consumers. In addition, we have recently introduced the all-new Lancer, which features benchmark safety standards at a very reasonable purchase price in the small car segment, which also has sound prospects for growth.”

 

On a monthly basis, December also proved to be a bumper month for the company, with strong increases across most of the market and “best ever” December performances from the company’s light car Colt, compact four-wheel drive Outlander, and 4x4 and 4x2 Triton SUV’s. 

 

While MMAL has seen an almost complete refurbishment of its Australian line-up over the past eighteen months – with all-new Triton, Pajero, Outlander and Lancer models and updates to the 380 sedan and Colt light car – Robert McEniry warned that the Mitsubishi model onslaught was “not over yet.” 

 

“We’ve only just begun,” he said.  “2007 was all about consolidating and strengthening our product range and our sales performance and we were able to achieve this with the strong support of our parent company in Japan, our dedicated employees and an enthusiastic dealer group.” 

 

“In 2008, we will launch some very exciting new vehicles, including the outstanding all-new Lancer Evolution sports coupe, and we will be concentrating on continuing to increase our sales growth.” 

 

2008 also marks the commencement of MMAL’s five-year sponsorship agreement with the Australian Olympic Committee, which names Mitsubishi’s Australian operation as an official partner through the Beijing Summer Olympics in 2008, the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010 and the London Summer Olympics in 2012.

 

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has completed November with a total of 6,273 units sold, up 39.6 per cent on November 2006. On a year to date basis, the company is up 22.3 per cent on 2006, achieving its eleventh straight month of increase, and maintaining a strong market share of 6.8 per cent.  

 

The Lancer’s bold styling and class-redefining safety features have caught the eye of consumers, with the first full month of sales totalling 2,052 units. This outstanding result is up 550 units or 36.6 per cent on November 2006 and 20.7 per cent year to date.  

 

Mitsubishi’s light car Colt has recorded its third best month of sales ever with 272 units sold. The arrival of warmer weather has also boosted the popularity of the stylish Colt Cabriolet, with 142 sales.  

 

The locally-made 380 continued to record solid sales, with 987 units sold in November. A new Platinum Series, featuring over $6,000 of extras, is currently arriving in showrooms and is expected to consolidate the 380’s results.  

 

MMAL’s progress is continuing in other areas of the market. Pajero has recorded a great result with 523 units, up 280 or 115.2 per cent on November 2006 and up 54.1 per cent year to date. Consolidating its strong sales, the Triton recorded an outstanding total figure of 1,435 units, with the 4X4 up 35.4 per cent and 4X2 up 30.2 per cent year to date respectively.  

 

The updated Outlander’s host of features, including ASTC as standard clearly attracted buyers, with sales of 525 for the month, up 54.1 per cent on last year. MMAL expects an increased supply of the four-cylinder model to build on these results in the coming months. 

 

Robert McEniry, Mitsubishi Australia’s President and CEO, said he was very pleased with November’s results. 

 

“Mitsubishi has ended November with solid sales across the board,” he said. “Our new models, such as the Lancer and updated Outlander have helped us to maintain a strong position in the industry, and the introduction of the Lancer Evolution and Sportback next year will promote our growth across all areas of the market.”

 

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Mitsubishi introduces 2008 Outlander with standard Active Stability Control  The 2008 Model Year variants of the popular Mitsubishi Outlander have arrived in Australia with specification updates including important safety, design and technology features. 

 

 

Following in the footsteps of the company’s newly released Lancer line-up, Mitsubishi’s Active Stability Control with Traction Control (ASTC) system has been fitted to every variant in the 2008 Outlander range.  While safety has taken the front seat in the vehicle’s upgrade, styling, practicality and comfort have not been forgotten, and Mitsubishi is confident the improvements to the 2008 Outlander will increase its appeal even further.

“Since its release in October last year, the Mitsubishi Outlander has accomplished a real sales increase in the market place and has shown growth of almost 80 per cent on a year to date basis,” commented Robert McEniry, Mitsubishi’s president and chief executive officer.

“This is great news for the Outlander brand – but it is set to get even better.  We are committed to listening to our customers, and many of the changes we have implemented in this 2008 model year update are in direct response to feedback from our dealers and clients.”

All variants in the Outlander line-up – including the 2.4-litre LS and XLS and the 3-litre V6 VR and VRX – are now available in seven seat layout.   In addition, a new manual transmission is now available exclusively on the 2.4-litre LS model, providing an attractive entry price point to the range.

Also new to the 2008 Outlander line-up is a luxury version available on XLS and VRX models.  This includes new exterior styling highlights such as chrome grille surround, chrome side sill and chrome exterior door handles and a new, unique 18 inch wheel.

The 2008 Outlander adheres to Mitsubishi’s value statement of providing well equipped vehicles with high equipment levels at attractive prices and the vehicle benefits from specification upgrades with improvements to both the Outlander’s interior and exterior styling. 

Mitsubishi has enhanced the interior appointments of the vehicles, including trim treatment, equipment levels and instrumentation.  External upgrades to the MY 2008 Outlander include new alloy wheels to LS, new headlamps to selected models and revised door decals.

 

 

Outlander Model Range

The Outlander range now comprises a total of six variants with a choice of five- or seven-seat layout.

 

LS - 2.4-litre 4 cylinder, 5-speed Manual or CVT.  Optional 7 seats

XLS - 2.4-litre 4 cylinder, CVT only.  Optional 7 seats

XLS Luxury -  2.4-litre 4 cylinder, CVT only.  7 seat layout only

VR - 3.0-litre V6, CVT only.  Optional 7 seats

VRX - 3.0-litre V6, CVT only.  Optional 7 seats

VRX Luxury - 3.0-litre V6, CVT only.  7 seat layout only

 

Four-cylinder Outlander variants

In addition to the ASTC, MY2008 Outlander four-cylinder LS variants add 16 inch alloy wheels and fully automatic air-conditioning to its already-outstanding specification levels.  Internal design updates include new silver detail to the instrument panel and new door trim with cloth inserts and ornamentation. 

LS variants offer standard five-speed manual transmission or optional Continuously Variable Transmission.  Side and curtain airbags are available as an optional extra on five-seat LS variants.

XLS variants receive similar interior upgrades and add standard side and curtain airbags, a new voice activated hands-free Bluetooth telephone system and new sport mesh seat trim.  An option pack comprising leather seat trim and power/heated seat with back pocket is available for the first time on XLS.

Finally, XLS Luxury variants now arrive with seven-seat layout only and offer several additional appointments including HID headlamps with auto levelling and headlamp washers, Rockford Fosgate audio package and a dusk-sensing headlamp and rain-sensing wiper combination package.

 

 

V6 Outlander variants

MY 2008 VR Outlander variants receive revised sixteen inch alloy wheels while VRX variants benefit from the new hands-free voice activated Bluetooth system and new sports mesh seat trim.  The newly added VRX Luxury model includes the full complement of Outlander features, including sun roof, rear seat entertainment system and leather seats.


 
Outlander Drive Train and Technical Specifications

The 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander retains drive trains from the previous model. LS, XLS and XLS Luxury models are powered by the economical 2.4 litre 16-valve DOHC MIVEC (Mitsubishi’s variable valve timing) engine. Developing 125kW and 226Nm of torque, the four-cylinder engine has an alloy block and makes extensive use of resin components to decrease weight.

For those wanting additional power, VR, VRX and VRX Luxury models offer an alloy 3.0 litre 24-valve SOHC V6 engine with MIVEC which develops maximum power of 162kW at 6250 rpm and 276Nm of torque at 4000 rpm.

All Outlanders feature Mitsubishi’s All Wheel Control (AWC) technology, which incorporates Mitsubishi All Terrain Technology and an electronically controlled, on-demand all wheel drive system with Active Stability Control is now standard on all models.

A new five-speed manual transmission is available on the 2.4-litre LS model only and a CVT (continuous variable transmission) with INVECS III and 6-speed ‘Sport Mode’ tiptronic-style sequential shifting function is available on all other four-cylinder models.

Six-cylinder models feature an INVECS II intelligent six-speed automatic transmission with ‘Sports Mode’ sequential shifting.

Four wheel disc brakes are standard across the range and the XLS and VRX run on wide footprint 18 inch wheels, while 16 inch wheels and tyres are fitted to LS and VR variants. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is standard on all vehicles.

 

The 2008 MY Outlander continues the modern and purposeful styling of the previous generation, with the same practical features - split tail gate, innovative one-touch automatic fold rear seats that offer a host of flexible cargo carrying options and the availability of an occasional third row seat that stows under the cargo floor when not in use.

A vibrant new colour palette is available and includes Mystic Blue, Champagne, Red Metallic, Cool Silver, Black Mica, Manitoba Grey, Deep Blue Metallic (all metallic paints) and White.

Like all Mitsubishi vehicles, 2008 MY Outlander includes the company’s industry-leading 5 year / 130,000 kilometre bumper-to-bumper or 10 year / 160,000 kilometre non-transferrable drivetrain warranty and 5 years Roadside Assistance as standard.


Outlander Pricing

Pricing continues Mitsubishi’s proven strategy of providing attractive and well specified vehicles to the Australian market.

 

LS - 2.4-litre 4 cylinder. RRP 5-seat $31,490 Manual$33,790 CVT. RRP 7 seat $34,990

XLS - 2.4-litre 4 cylinder. RRP 5-seat $38,990. RRP 7-seat $40,190

XLS Luxury - 2.4-litre 4 cylinder. RRP 7-seat $44,990

VR - 3.0-litre V6. RRP 5-seat $37,490. RRP 7-seat $38,690

VRX - 3.0-litre V6. RRP 5-seat $43,490. RRP 7-seat $44,690

VRX Luxury - 3.0-litre V6. RRP 7-seat $48,990

Options 

 

LS- Side and curtain airbags (5 seat only), $850

XLS - Leather Pack, $1,500

VR - Side and curtain airbags, $850

VRX - Leather Pack, $1,500

All models - Pearlescent or Metallic Paint, $350

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) finished September with total year-to-date (YTD) sales figures of 48,565 units, up 8,295 or 20.6% on the same period last year. The results for the month were 4,931 units, up 624 units or 14.5% on September 2006, consolidating the company’s consistent growth over the last nine months.

 

Overall sales during the month were strong, despite some issues with passenger vehicle supply, as the company finalised the run-out of the CH model Lancer in preparation for the start of sales of the all-new CJ Lancer.

 

Scheduled for a national sales launch next week, the all-new Lancer sedan range features benchmark safety features, including Active Stability and Traction Control standard on every vehicle, stylish design and an impressive list of standard specifications.

 

According to Robert McEniry, MMAL’s President and CEO, the new Lancer can’t arrive soon enough.  “We’re very excited about the new Lancer line-up,” McEniry said.  “It’s a market leader in terms of value, safety and comfort and we expect this vehicle to perform very well in the Australian small car segment.”

 

Mitsubishi’s rugged Triton SUV featured as the company’s number one selling vehicle range during the month, notching up new sales records for its segment.  During September, the Triton line-up recorded the all-time best result for this month, with 1,695 units sold. This figure, comprising 575 4X2 units and 1,120 4X4 units, is the third highest ever in the company’s history.

 

Mitsubishi’s 380 sedan recorded 1,045 sales for the month, an increase of 387 units over August.  Following some stock shortages in previous months, the Series III 380 model line-up received a positive reception from customers, particularly the popular ES Sports model which represents excellent value in the large passenger vehicle segment.

 

Finally Mitsubishi’s SUV range entries, the compact Outlander and medium Pajero, recorded 520 and 500 sales respectively during September, taking the year to date total for the segment to 11,060, a 57.8 per cent increase on the same period in 2006.

 

“Our growth so far throughout the year has been strong and consistent and our goal is to ensure this continues throughout 2007,” Mr McEniry said.

 

“With vehicles like the all-new Lancer coming on stream – along with the rest of the Lancer family members such as the Sportback and the Lancer Evolution – we’re looking forward to similar growth right through 2008.”

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With stunning good looks, cutting edge technology and advanced driving dynamics, the 2008 Lancer Evolution continues the proud tradition of Mitsubishi’s award winning performance vehicles.

 

Design Evolution

Concept and prototype versions of the 2008 Lancer Evolution have won high praise for their attractive, contemporary and powerful styling cues.  The production model of the Lancer Evolution stays true to the concept and the finished package hints at the agility and flexibility of the vehicle.

 

The 2008 Lancer Evolution design makes a maximum performance statement, blending concept car themes and sound aerodynamic principles while conveying the brand’s rally heritage. A shark-nosed front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines highlight the basic new-generation Lancer design.

 

Building on those themes, the 2008 Lancer Evolution looks the part of the street-wise sports machine with its a unique front end and aggressively sloping hood with integral air scoop and engine heat outlets.            

 

All-New 2.0-Litre Turbo Engine

The 2008 Lancer Evolution’s 4B11 engine is an intercooled-turbocharged 2.0-litre DOHC inline four-cylinder, markedly different from the legendary 4G63 it replaces. The 4B11 is built with a reinforced cast-aluminum cylinder block versus the cast-iron block used in the 4G63, and aluminum is also used for the cylinder head and cover and the timing chain case. Unlike the 4G63, the 4B11 does not use a balancer shaft, made possible by the new engine’s inherently lower noise and vibration and use of hydraulic engine mounts.

 

A major divergence from the previous engine architecture is in the use of a direct-acting valvetrain in place of the roller rocker arm configuration for reduced weight. A timing chain replaces the belt, and MIVEC variable valve timing is used on both the intake and exhaust camshafts (the most recent 4G63 had MIVEC on the intake only). The rear-located (firewall side) stainless steel exhaust manifold helps improve weight distribution, and the freer-breathing exhaust system features a larger-volume main muffler with dual tailpipe outlets.

 

New TC-SST Automated Manual Transmission

Available on the entry level 2008 Lancer Evolution, and standard on the up-scale MR variant, the six-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) is an automated manual transmission capable of executing lightning-quick upshifts with no drop-off in engine power. The TC-SST features both a console-mounted shifter and magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters and offers manual and fully automatic modes.

 

The TC-SST is a manual transmission that can select two gears at a time: one gear is engaged by one of the two wet multi-plate clutches, and the other is pre-selected, waiting to be engaged by the second clutch. The gear change is made – either manually or automatically depending on mode selected – when the electro-hydraulically operated clutches are “swapped,” which occurs simultaneously, with no perceptible lag time.

 

The TC-SST offers three drive modes – Normal, Sport and S-Sport – and within each, the driver may choose automatic or manual shifting. Sport mode uses higher shift points (in Automatic) and quicker shifting to deliver instant throttle response for better performance feel. Sport mode is also useful for driving in mountainous areas or when engine braking is required. The S-Sport mode can be selected for performance driving situations, such as track events.

 

Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC)

In the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) is not simply the name of a new all-wheel drive system. Rather, S-AWC regulates drive torque at each wheel by controlling a network of dynamic handling technologies, including: Active Center Differential (ACD) four-wheel drive, Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential, Active Stability Control (ASC), and Sports ABS brakes. Integration of ASC is new for all markets and also provides a significant advance in both dynamic capability and safety.

 

The ACD splits torque up to 50:50 between the front and rear wheels using an electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch. With input from the S-AWC computer, ACD regulates the differential limiting action to optimize the front/rear wheel torque split.

 

The S-AWC computer takes data input from steering wheel angle, throttle opening, wheel speeds, and the vehicle’s longitudinal and lateral movements to determine the vehicle’s path of travel. As the previous Lancer Evolution did, the 2008 model offers three driver-selectable traction modes: Tarmac, Gravel and Snow.

 

The innovative AYC rear differential uses a torque transfer mechanism to control rear wheel torque differential for different driving conditions, enhancing cornering performance by limiting the yaw moment acting on the vehicle. The AYC differential in the 2008 Lancer Evolution model adds yaw feedback control using a yaw rate sensor and also gains braking force control via ASC. Both models use a helical gear-type limited-slip front differential.

 

Specially Engineered Chassis

The 2008 Lancer Evolution is built on a longer wheelbase than the Evolution IX, with an increased front and rear track. The basic all-new Lancer platform, which is already stiffer than the previous-generation Evolution IX, gains further structural enhancements to the front and rear suspension areas to become the Lancer Evolution.

 

The super-stiff structure, optimized chassis systems, wider use of aluminum for the engine, body, and chassis components, as well as greater use of high-tensile steel, all play important roles in the Super-All Wheel Control concept. The roof, bonnet, front bumpers and both the front and rear bumper beams are aluminum. For better weight distribution, the vehicle battery and the windshield washer fluid tank have been moved to the boot area.

           

The Lancer Evolution again features its own suspension system, including inverted struts in front and a rear multi-link configuration. Race-proven forged aluminum components reduce unsprung weight. The MR model substitutes Eibach springs and Bilstein shock absorbers for even better handling performance. Due to the high rigidity of the new global C-platform, the Lancer Evolution’s suspension can be tuned to provide a more compliant and stable ride than before without compromising handling performance.

 

Wheels are 18 x 8.5-inch -  Enkei cast-alloy on GSR and BBS® forged-alloy on MR.  Both the MR and GSR models employ the same size rotors, and the MR uses new two-piece rotor construction to reduce weight. Both models use four-piston calipers in front and two-piston calipers in the rear.

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced an outstanding line-up for the Australian International Motor Show at the Sydney Exhibition and Convention Centre.

 

The company has fielded a broad array of stunning new vehicles guaranteed to excite and inspire show attendees, including the barnstorming all-new Lancer Evolution performance sedan, the all-new Lancer small sedan, an exciting range of “Panther” concept treatments to its Pajero, Triton, Grandis and Lancer models and the chance to get behind the wheel of a Lancer race-car simulator for a larger-than-life trackside experience.

 

Mitsubishi has also chosen the Sydney show as the platform to launch its new five-year sponsorship agreement with the Australian Olympic Team.  This partnership encompasses the Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and the London 2012 events and, in addition to supporting our Olympic aspirants, will raise the bar for Mitsubishi’s corporate awareness in the coming years.

 

“The Mitsubishi show stand has something for everyone – from sports fans, die-hard rally devotees, performance vehicle enthusiasts and four-wheel drive adventurers to today’s technologically savvy safety-oriented vehicle purchasers,” said Robert McEniry, MMAL’s President and CEO. 

 

“The all-new Lancer Evolution has received the lion’s share of attention in the lead up to the show – and it is easy to see why.  This vehicle continues the proud tradition of the Lancer Evo performance sedans, but adds to the experience with sophisticated driver technology, exceptional handling dynamics, refined ride, improved occupant safety and an absolutely stunning design.”

 

Making its international debut just last week in Japan, the Sydney show is the first time this highly anticipated vehicle has been seen at a public motor show anywhere in the world.  To mark the occasion, Mitsubishi has joined with motor show organisers to offer a lucky attendee the opportunity to win one of the first production vehicles when they arrive on Australian shores in April next year.

 

The all-new Lancer sedan also makes its public debut at the Sydney show, and following its recent media and dealer launches, Mitsubishi is anticipating keen interest in the vehicle.   

 

 

Offering Active Stability Control and Traction Control (ASTC) as a standard feature across its entire model range, the all-new Lancer is in a prime position to shake-up the small car segment with its stylish design, nimble performance and industry leading safety standards at an affordable price point.  The all-new Lancer sedan is available in three highly specified variants – the ES, VR and VRX – and is priced from a low $20,990.

 

Also featured on the stand is an exciting new range of concept vehicles, designed to change the profile of some of Mitsubishi’s most popular commercial and passenger vehicles.  The “Panther” series of concept treatments has been applied to the company’s Triton, Pajero, new Lancer, Colt and Grandis vehicle ranges, and lifts these well-recognised models to another plane.

 

Finished in striking black paintwork with trademark “claw” detail, the Panther concept vehicles also include aggressive body kits, huge chrome wheels and individual external styling features such as fog lamps, scuff plates, exhaust tips and illuminated sports front grilles.

 

The Panther series of Mitsubishi vehicles combines both locally and overseas sourced components and selected accessories from the Panther range can be ordered from Mitsubishi dealers nationally.

 

And that’s not all.  In addition to these exciting new vehicles, examples of Mitsubishi’s broad-based Australian line-up – including the tried and trusted Triton utility, the compact four-wheel drive Outlander, the go-anywhere Pajero medium SUV, the recently released 380 Series III sedan, the Grandis people mover and the economical Colt light car - will also feature on the stand.

 

For motor show fans who want even more, Mitsubishi has announced the arrival of two all-new Lancer race car simulators, where aspiring Michael Schumachers can refine their racing and rallying styles from the safety of a stationary cockpit.  With cutting edge technology and the use of the latest wide-screen, three-dimensional, virtual reality-style operation, the Mitsubishi Lancer race-car simulators provide seat-of-the-pants on-track action for the most devoted petrol head.

 

“These are exciting times for Mitsubishi,” said Robert McEniry.  “We have some amazing all-new vehicles which are set to arrive and a wide range of attractive vehicles in the Australian vehicle market. 

 

“In addition, we have just announced our long-term partnership with the Australian Olympic Committee and the news for our brand in Australia is all positive.  I would like to invite the general public to join us at the Australian International Motor Show to see just what the Mitsubishi brand is all about,” Mr McEniry said.

 

The Australian International Motor Show opens on 11th October at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited has set the safety benchmark in the Australian small car segment with the launch of its all-new Lancer sedan, slated to make its public debut at the Australian International Motor Show, Sydney on October 11.

 

Offering Active Stability Control and Traction Control (ASTC) as a standard feature across its entire model range, the all-new Lancer is in a prime position to shake-up the small car segment with its stylish design, nimble performance and industry leading safety standards at an affordable price point.

 

And the inclusion of ASTC across the model line-up is just the start of the all-new Lancer’s groundbreaking safety story.  In addition to the Active Stability Control and Traction Control, all Lancers feature an ABS braking system with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist.

 

A total of seven airbags are available on all 2008 Mitsubishi Lancers - entry level ES models receive standard SRS driver and passenger airbags and driver knee airbag, with side and curtain airbags an affordable option. All other Lancer models – dubbed VR and VRX variants - receive the full seven-airbag pack as standard fitment.

 

Add to this Mitsubishi’s acclaimed RISE body structure, seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, five height adjustable headrests and the all-new Lancer presents the prime, affordable, safety-oriented choice in the Australian small car segment.

 

Like the entire Mitsubishi range, the recommended retail pricing for the new vehicle is very sharp and starts from just $20,990 for the ES model – and that includes the standard ASTC.

 

Robert McEniry, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited, confirmed the all-new Lancer’s industry-leading specification levels and aggressive pricing structure was designed to make an impact on the Australian vehicle market.

 

“The inclusion of ASTC across the entire Lancer line-up, and the availability of seven airbags on each and every model is unprecedented, at this price point, in this segment,” Mr McEniry said.

 

“The all-new Lancer now offers Australian consumers a small car jam-packed with every safety specification available to us, with great looks and performance – it’s simply a winning combination.”

 

The all-new Lancer is built on Mitsubishi’s most ambitious automotive project ever - its first global platform.  Already successfully previewed with the second generation Outlander, this new global platform represents a multi-million dollar investment for the company.

 

Conceived and developed at Mitsubishi Design in Europe, the all-new Lancer takes it design cues from the Concept-Sportback and Concept-X show cars exhibited at the 2005 Frankfurt and Tokyo shows respectively.

 

Its low stance, long hood and short deck proportions, wide track, trademark “Jet Fighter” grille and distinctively deep set “eyes”, all bring a new meaning to the concept of sports sedans.

 

Dimensionally, the new-generation Lancer projects a tighter, more confident road-hugging stance. The vehicle is built on a longer wheelbase and wider track with a 60mm increase in both the front and rear track dimensions contributing to Lancer's solid, stable handling capability as well as its strong visual presence.

 

The increased dimensions of the vehicle’s exterior have not been wasted – a combination of clever packaging and intuitive design has ensured these larger dimensions make a direct translation to the interior of the vehicle.  The result is the all-new Lancer offers customers a well-appointed interior with a functional, uncluttered and spacious cabin.

 

Vibrant performance is guaranteed with an all-new 2.0-litre dual overhead cam MIVEC four-cylinder engine delivering 113kW of power @ 6000 rpm and 198 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm standard on all models.

 

Mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Sport Mode and INVECS III software, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer delivers flexible, responsive and economical motoring.  The sports oriented VRX model offers a unique paddle shift on the CVT transmission.

 

Driving dynamics are enhanced and ride and stability characteristics produce a sports oriented and satisfying driving experience for both driver and passenger.  The 2008 Lancer ES and VR models, with their standard sixteen inch wheels (alloy on VR) and 205/60 R16 tyres, provide solid and stable driving performance that can help make even the most ordinary outing more enjoyable.  The range-topping VRX variant adds a special sport-tuned suspension package and eighteen inch wheels with 215/45 R18 tyres.

 

The all-new Lancer ES and VR sedans not only tame curves, but do so with the confident stopping

power of fifteen inch ventilated discs in front and fourteen inch solid discs in rear. The Lancer VRX models employ sixteen inch ventilated front disc brakes and sixteen inch solid rear discs.

 

Available in three well-appointed variants, the all-new Lancer model line-up delivers new levels of comfort and a host of standard features for the enjoyment of all occupants.

 

The entry-level ES variant offers all the safety and engineering features listed before for secure, relaxed driving and adds creature comforts deemed essential by today’s savvy customers – three-way adjustable driver’s seat, central locking, front and rear power windows, sixty/forty split fold rear seat, air-conditioning, FM/AM Tuner with CD and MP3 compatibility, cruise control with steering mounted controls, as well as storage spaces and cup holders galore.  Optional side and curtain airbags are available on the ES model.

 

The mid-range VR model includes all these specifications and builds in even more features – side and curtain airbags, dusk sensing headlamps, rain sensing wipers, alloy wheels, front fog lamps, lip spoiler, leather wrapped steering wheel, six CD stacker with remote steering mounted controls and, for lovers of wide open spaces, an optional sunroof is available.

 

For drivers who like an energetic, flexible and dynamic on-road experience, there is only one choice – the range-topping VRX model.  This variant of the all-new Lancer range takes the standard specifications of the VR model and adds sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, front air dam, rear spoiler, eighteen inch wheels, sport type front seats and fabric, unique panel and door trim, paddle shifts (CVT model only), Smart Key entry and Bluetooth hands-free phone with steering wheel controls. 

 

Options include the sunroof from the VR model as well as a barnstorming, optional Rockford Fosgate Premium Audio system with nine speakers.

 

All 2008 model Lancers are available in a wide-ranging palette of modern colours, including Effect Grey, Lightening Blue, Red, Black, Mystic Blue, Champagne, Cool Silver and White.

 

According to Robert McEniry, the knock-out specification levels of the all-new Lancer line-up are concrete evidence of the company’s ongoing commitment to introducing new, safety-oriented, attractive and affordable vehicles to the Australian vehicle market.

 

“Everyone at Mitsubishi is committed to sourcing vehicles for this market that offer the best levels of occupant safety, security and comfort at the best possible price – and the all-new Lancer answers that call,” Mr McEniry said.

 

“And this is just the start of the story.  Within the next eighteen months, we will be introducing you to the rest of the Lancer family, including the new member of the iconic Evolution range, the Lancer Evolution.”

 

The all-new Lancer line-up is available from Mitsubishi dealers nationally.

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Mitsubishi’s all-new Lancer Evolution performance sedan is the star attraction at the 2007 Australian International Motor Show, Sydney.

 

Affectionately known as the Evo to its legion of fans and eagerly anticipated by performance vehicle enthusiasts across the globe, the pre-production model of the all new Lancer Evolution makes both its Australian debut and its global motor show debut at the Sydney show.

 

The model on display in Sydney is a Japanese specification model, and while details of the Australian line-up are still being finalised, Mitsubishi’s President and CEO, Robert McEniry, revealed the new vehicle will be available in two specification levels when it is released in April 2008.

 

“The all-new Lancer Evolution is the newest and most sophisticated version of the legendary Evo bloodline.  As a benchmark vehicle for our brand, it will break with tradition and be available in both a standard vehicle modelled on the Japanese GSR variant, and a highly specified MR variant that offers enhanced performance features,” Mr McEniry said.

 

The strikingly styled 2008 Lancer Evolution showcases new performance and handling technology, including an all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged/intercooled engine and the Super-All Wheel Control

(S-AWC) dynamic handling system.

 

Two new transmissions will be offered on the all-new Lancer Evolution – a five-speed manual transmission and the highly anticipated six-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission

(TC-SST), a new-generation automated manual transmission.

 

Australian versions of the 2008 Lancer Evolution will offer a choice of manual or optional TC-SST on the entry level model, and a standard TC-SST transmission on the range topping MR.

 

Standard appointments on the entry level Lancer Evolution include the new 2.0-litre engine, five-speed manual transmission, SAWC, Brembo brakes, Recaro driver and passenger seats, 18 inch wheels and a range of safety features including seven airbags.  The TC-SST transmission is an optional extra. 

 

The MR model adds standard TC-SST transmission, Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs, two-piece brake rotors for better heat dissipation, BBS forged-alloy wheels and additional interior features.

 

According to Robert McEniry, the 2008 Lancer Evolution not only lives up to the scorching reputation of previous Evo models, but adds a new dimension to the driving experience.

 

“The 2008 Lancer Evolution remains true to the core values of previous Evolution models by providing the pinnacle of performance driving with incredible flexibility and grip and refined handling and dynamics,” Mr McEniry said. 

 

“But it takes the experience one step further by offering an enhanced ride, sophisticated user technology and an exceptionally stylish exterior.”

 

On its release in April, the 2008 Lancer Evolution will take its place in Mitsubishi’s local line-up beside the just-released Lancer sedan range. Featuring benchmark levels of safety – including stability control standard across the range – and available from an entry level recommended retail price of just $20,990, the all-new Lancer will also make its public debut at the Sydney show. 

 

The Australian International Motor Show opens to the public at 5.00pm on Thursday, October 11th at the Darling Harbour Exhibition and Convention Centre, Sydney.

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MMAL’s CEO and President, Robert McEniry, announced the sponsorship at this week’s Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

“Australia has a long and rich sporting heritage, and it is a great honour to be able to support our up-and-coming athletes in the achievement of their aspirations,” Mr McEniry said.

“We are delighted our commitment to the Australian Olympic Team over the next five years will assist the hundreds of Australian athletes to attend these important events in China, Canada and the United Kingdom.”

John Coates, the President of the AOC, welcomed Mitsubishi to the official AOC sponsorship program.  

“I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our new sponsor, Mitsubishi,” Mr Coates said.
“These are very exciting times for sport and business leading up to the first Olympic Games in China and the AOC looks forward to a long and successful association with Mitsubishi.”

During the term of the sponsorship, over 25,000 athletes from more than 200 nations will compete in 50 different sports and disciplines at the three events in China, Canada and the United Kingdom.

The entry of Australian teams in these events will maintain our country’s proud tradition of participation.  Australian athletes have attended every summer games since 1896 and in the process have created more than a century of heroes and legends.

Paul Unerkov, Mitsubishi’s General Manager – Marketing, said the long-term partnership between the two organisations would form the basis of Mitsubishi’s future marketing platforms.

“Our partnership with the Australian Olympic Team represents an exciting opportunity for the Mitsubishi brand here in Australia over the next five years,” Mr Unerkov said.  “The Team’s values and Mission are closely aligned with Mitsubishi’s own, and together we will raise the bar to achieve our key objectives of highlighting brand awareness in the Australian market.”

“The familiar Olympics symbol of five interlinked rings will feature in all of our brand and corporate promotional material, including above the line, below the line and marketing program applications and will play an integral part in our communications with our dealer network, our employees and our valued customers,” Mr Unerkov said.

The sponsorship agreement between the two organisations was finalised in late September and joint activities promoting the partnership and the 2008 Beijing Olympics will commence in the next few weeks.

MMAL manufactures the 380 sedan for the Australian market and markets a comprehensive line-up of imported vehicles including the Pajero, Outlander and Triton four-wheel drives, Lancer, Colt and Grandis passenger vehicles, Express van and the Ralliart range of performance vehicles.]]>
Tokyo, July 26, 2007 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today announced global production, as well as domestic sales and export figures for June 2007 and the first six months of calendar 2007.

 

June 2007
Total global production came in at 117,314 units, an increase of 7.4 percent over June 2006 and marking the fourth consecutive monthly increase since March this year. Production volume in Japan increased 11.6 percent to 67,305 units, the ninth consecutive month of year-on-year growth. This growth was mainly driven by increased output of the New Outlander for the U.S., European and Chinese markets, and of the New Pajero for the European market.
Vehicle sales in Japan in June totaled 17,917 units, an 8.6 percent decline year-on-year as an increase in registered vehicle sales failed to make up for a fall in mini-car sales. Registered vehicle sales stood at 6,557 units, 8.6 percent up on the same month last year. Mini-car sales declined to 11,360 units, 16.2 percent down.
Overseas production volume totaled 50,009 units, 2.2 percent up over June last year. In Europe production came in at 5,526 units or 55.7 percent down on last year's figure. In North American production at 5,935 units was 4.0 percent down on the level seen last year. In Asia production at 34,301 units was 17.4 percent up on June 2006. This increase was driven in part by a 91.2 percent rise in L200 pick-up truck exports from Thailand and by a 75.8 percent increase in output at Proton to meet the recovery in the Malaysia market.
Total exports from Japan of 54,399 units were 74 percent up on June 2006, marking the eighth consecutive month of year-on-year increases. Exports to Europe increased to 27,649 units, a massive 213.9 percent rise on the back of firm sales of Lancer and Outlander models as well as brisk shipments of Pajero and New Outlander models. Exports to Asia fell to 3,149 units, an 8.6 percent decline over the same period last year despite New Outlander sales remaining brisk in China. Exports to North America fell to 3,305 units, 40.8 percent down on the June 2006 level.

 

January - June 2007
The first six months of calendar 2007 saw total global production of 693,801 units, 3.8 percent up on the same period in 2006 and marking the second consecutive half-year rise. Production in Japan totaled 407,733 units, a 9.2 percent increase year-on-year and the second consecutive half-year rise, stemming chiefly from a 356 percent increase in output of the New Outlander for shipment to the United States, Europe and China, and 73.8 percent rise in production of the Pajero for shipment to Europe.

Vehicle sales on the Japanese market in the six month period totaled 122,190 units, 15.7 percent down over the same period last year. Passenger car sales stood at 93,443 units, 10.2 percent down on the total for January - June 2006. Commercial vehicle sales declined to 28,747 units, 70.4 percent of the total for the same period last year. Total registered car sales declined 2.5 percent and minicar sales fell 21.6 percent.
In Europe production for the first six months of 2007 fell 23.9 percent to 33,870 units, due mainly to sluggish sales of the Colt 3-door and CZC. In Asia production declined 0.4 percent over the corresponding period last year to 187,550 units, due mainly to a 21.1 percent drop in production volume in Taiwan. In North America production for the period fell 1.2 percent year-on-year to 41,814 units.

Exports to Europe rose a strong 58.9 percent over the January - June 2006 period to 106,463 units, driven by strong shipments of Lancer, Outlander, New Pajero and New Outlander models and sales increase in Russia and the Ukraine. Shipments to North America jumped 121.5 percent to 39,922 units on the back of strong sales of the New Lancer and Outlander models. Exports to Asia rose 9.3 percent year-on-year to a total of 18,733 units.


-    June 2007    Fiscal Year 2007 ('07/4-'07/6)    Calendar Year 2007 ('07/1-'07/6)
    Volume    YoY(%)    Volume    YoY(%)    Volume    YoY(%)
Domestic    Passenger Cars    61,558    122.8    166,188    117.5    363,512    112.7
Production    Commercial Vehicles    5,747    56.5    18,071    70.5    44,221    86.9
-    Total    67,305    111.6    184,259    110.3    407,733    109.2
Domestic    Passenger    Registrations    5,983    126.5    14,902    131.4    40,309    110.1
Sales *    Cars    Minicars    7,329    93.6    18,979    83.3    53,134    84.3
-    Total    13,312    106    33,881    99.3    93,443    89.8
    Commercial    Registrations    574    43.8    1,540    45.6    3,377    41.3
    Vehicles    Minicars    4,031    70.4    10,476    74.6    25,370    77.7
    Total    4,605    65.5    12,016    68.9    28,747    70.4
    Registrations Total    6,557    108.6    16,442    111.7    43,686    97.5
    Minicars Total    11,360    83.8    29,455    80    78,504    78.4
    Grand Total    17,917    91.4    45,897    89    122,190    84.3
Exports    Passenger Cars    52,939    177.6    130,295    155.3    269,683    144.6
-    Commercial Vehicles    1,460    100.6    3,860    92.8    7,503    102.8
    Total    54,399    174    134,155    152.4    277,186    143
Production    Domestic Production    67,305    111.6    184,259    110.3    407,733    109.2
-    Overseas Production    50,009    102.2    146,462    103.9    286,068    96.9
    Total    117,314    107.4    330,721    107.3    693,801    103.8


* Includes imports to Japan
* Excludes truck and bus units as MMC's truck and bus operations were spun off into Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation in January 2003.
* Effective from October 2006, units of "Delica Wagon" and "Pajero" (also "Montero" or "Shogun") are included in Passenger Cars category, those are used to be included in Commercial Vehicles category.

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) continued to achieve consistent growth during July, with 5,308 total sales recorded during the month for an increase of 42 per cent over July 2006.
Year-to-date total sales for the company now stand at 38,951 vehicles, 7,201 more than the same period last year.

This translates to a year-to-date (YTD) increase of 22.7 per cent over the first seven months of 2006, placing the company well ahead of the 2007 market average of 8.9 per cent and consolidating its market share at 6.4 per cent.

According to Robert McEniry, MMAL’s CEO and President, the company’s progress to date in 2007 is proceeding according to plan. “We have consolidated our position by reporting growth well in excess of the market average in every month of this year,” Mr McEniry said, “And we were very pleased by the July result. A 42 per cent increase over the previous year is certainly something to celebrate.”

MMAL performed well in each area of the market, both on a monthly and YTD basis.
•    Passenger vehicles were up 23.5 per cent for the month and 11.1 per cent YTD
•    SUV were up 68.5 per cent for the month and 59.8 per cent YTD
•    Light Commercial vehicles were up 79.4 per cent for the month and 23.2 per cent YTD
And every single vehicle in MMAL’s broad-based product range showed an increase in comparison to July the previous year.

Just weeks before the arrival of the all-new 2008 model, MMAL’s popular Lancer small car continued to shine with 1,676 sales, claiming its “best ever July” result and increasing 29 per cent over July 2006.

The 380 sedan, in run-out mode in preparation for the arrival of the 380 Series III, totalled 949 sales, the Grandis people mover claimed 59 sales and the company’s light car Colt recorded 235 sales, an increase for each model line by 14.9 per cent, 51.3 per cent and 18.7 per cent respectively over July 2006.

Mitsubishi’s light commercial vehicle sales were excellent, with the mighty Triton range showing strong increases across both its four- and two-wheel drive line-up. The Triton 4x4 notched up its “best ever July” with 604 units sold (up 61 per cent on July 2006), while the Triton 4x2 – which includes the recently released 2.4-litre petrol variant - recorded 479 sales (up 128 per cent on July 2006).

Still in the LCV segment, the company’s Express van recorded 239 sales for a 57 per cent increase over July 2006.

MMAL’s SUV range continued the trend. The company’s compact four-wheel drive, the Outlander, was another model to experience its “best ever July”, with 665 sales, up 131.7 per cent on July 2006 and the legendary Pajero recorded 383 sales for a 21.6 per cent increase over July 2006.

“These month-on-month improvements are great news for MMAL, and our main focus is to maintain cumulative growth throughout the year. We’re experiencing year-on-year growth in every category across the market, and this is in line with our broad-based corporate strategy,” Mr McEniry said.

“Our updated 380 Series III sedan and our new automatic diesel Triton utility have just come on stream, and with the arrival of the all-new Lancer just weeks away now, we hope to see this growth continue in the long term.”

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Tokyo, August 29, 2007 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and its European unit Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. will unveil the European market version of the new Lancer sports sedan at the 62nd Internationale Automobil Ausstellung (IAA; commonly known as the Frankfurt Motor Show). In addition to the Lancer, the Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle ( i MiEV*1) will be shown to the European public for the first time (press day only) and the MITSUBISHI Concept-cX*2 compact SUV will have its global unveiling. In total, 19 models (17 during press pre-viewing) will be on display. Held at the Frankfurt Messe Complex, the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show will be open to the public from September 15 through 23, with press and media pre-viewing September 11 through 14.


The new Lancer sedan has already been launched in North America, Russia and Japan (Japan-market name: Galant Fortis) and has been well-received as a "global standard sporty sedan" that achieves the optimum balance between quality of ride, road performance, safety, environmental and comfort performance.


To meet European market requirements, three engines are available in the new Lancer: a new 1.8-liter DOHC MIVEC with aluminum cylinder block [max. output 105 kW (143 PS)]; a 2-liter turbocharged diesel [103 kW (140 PS)]; and a 1.5-liter DOHC MIVEC [80 kW (109PS)] unit.
The MITSUBISHI Concept-cX is a new-generation compact SUV that realizes the ideal balance between environmental and everyday practical performance. The concept car is powered by a new Euro 5 compliant high-output, high-efficiency 1.8-liter clean diesel engine mated to Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) that delivers superior power transmission efficiency. This powertrain delivers zippy performance with excellent fuel economy and low emissions. Among the number of new environmental technologies applied in the Concept-cX is the extensive use of interior trim materials made from Mitsubishi's own Green Plastic — made from bamboo and other plant-based resins — part of an effort to stop global warming and slow the depletion of oil reserves.

The Mitsubishi Motors Frankfurt Motor Show press briefing is scheduled to start at 10 am on Tuesday September 11 and will be held at the company's stand.
*1 i-EV in Germany-market
*2 cX:compact crossover


1. New European Lancer sedan product features
•    The packaging realizes generous living space with a body that is wider and taller but only slightly longer than the current model. The wider track realizes better stability.
•    The exterior design creates a body with vibrant looks and a strong road presence using proportions comprising a large cabin wrapped in sporty, wide-stance styling and by combining the Mitsubishi Motors hallmark inverted-slant nose with a trapezoidal grille. The new Lancer is the first model to employ the new design identity that will mark Mitsubishi Motors sedans to be introduced in future.
•    The following powertrain configurations are available: A new 1.8-liter DOHC MIVEC engine with aluminum cylinder block [max. output 105 kW (143 PS)] mated to either the INVECS-III 6-speed Sport Mode CVT or a 5-speed manual transmission; a 2-liter turbocharged diesel engine [103 kW (140 PS)] mated to a 6-speed manual transmission; and a 1.5-liter DOHC MIVEC engine [80 kW (109PS)] mated to a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. All the powertrains deliver responsive power and excellent environmental performance. The high-rigidity platform, used on the Outlander and Delica D:5*3, delivers outstanding crashworthiness; a revamped suspension underpins and supports high levels of handling and response together with safety performance.
•    Features enhancing passive and impact safety include: SRS airbags (driver and front passenger airbags, driver knee airbag, side and curtain airbags); adaptive front lighting (AFS) that improves the driver's field of vision at night; and rain-sensitive auto wipers.
•    The European Lancer's utility and convenience specification includes a Rockford Fosgate premium sound system, giving superior sound reproduction, as well as with paddle shifters that allow the driver to change gear without taking his hand off the steering wheel. Standard on all models is Mitsubishi Motors Cocochi interior that includes a pollen-removing air filter in its occupant-friendly specification.
*3 Only available in Japan


2. MITSUBISHI Concept-cX product features
•    The MITSUBISHI Concept-cX is a compact car that creates a new SUV/sports hatchback crossover category; a crossover that stirs a sense of adventure to "cut a swathe" through the hustle and bustle of urban life. The design gives the exterior a purposeful and functional form using a dynamic wedge shape and large tires. The front visage combines the inverted-slant nose with trapezoidal grille that defines the new Mitsubishi Motors design identity and tailors this to the car's crossover pedigree to project an appearance that is aggressive and powerful. The interior uses a modern and sporty design that engenders a sense of expectation about the car's performance and melds this with a high level of comfort. By visually accenting the strength of the underlying frame structure and through the contrasting use of soft padding, the design creates an interior space that wraps its occupants in a protective and comfortable cocoon.
•    The concept car uses a new high-output, high-efficiency 1.8-liter clean diesel engine, featuring a variable geometry (VG) turbocharger for optimum boost control and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) with diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the exhaust system for compliance with Europe's Euro 5 emission standards. The power unit is mated to Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) which delivers superior power transmission efficiency in a powertrain that realizes zippy performance with excellent fuel economy and low emissions.
•    MITSUBISHI Concept-cX employs interior trim materials made from Mitsubishi's own Green Plastic — made from plant-based resins — in a step to stop global warming and slow the depletion of oil reserves.
•    In its packaging MITSUBISHI Concept-cX 's 4100 mm compact body makes for easy maneuverability around town and the high driving position improves visibility and brings the easy drivability expected of a SUV. Utility is enhanced with the split tailgate already well received on the Outlander for the way it facilitates loading and unloading of luggage. In the performance department, Concept-cX also uses Mitsubishi's electronically-controlled 4WD system and large 225/45R19 tires to deliver outstanding handling performance and stability both on tarmac and off-road.


3. Mitsubishi Motors lineup at 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show
Model    No. on display
(Press days)    No. on display
(Public days)    Remarks
MITSUBISHI Concept-cX    1    1    Show car.
Global premiere.
Prototype X    1    1    Show car.
Displayed at 2007 Detroit Motor Show
i-EV    1    -    Show car.
Pajero Evolution    1    1    Show car.
Same model as winner of 2007 Dakar Rally.
Lancer 1600 GSR    1    1    Entrant in 1974 Safari Rally.
Lancer    5    3    New model.
Outlander    2    2    
Pajero    2    2    
L200    1    2    Built in Thailand
(Triton on Japanese market)
Colt    -    1    5-door hatchback - built in Europe
Colt CZC    1    1    Coupe-Cabriolet - built in Europe
Colt CZT    -    1    3-door turbocharged - built in Europe
Lancer Evolution IX    1    2    One of models on display has a drive simulator installed.
Grandis    -    1    
Total    17    19    


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Tokyo, September 7, 2007 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is proud to introduce three concept cars at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. Each car is a different expression of the three pillars of Mitsubishi Motor's vehicle strategy: driving pleasure, reassuring safety and environmental responsibility. Held at Makuhari Messe, the 40th Tokyo Motor Show is open to the public from October 27 through November 11, with press and media days October 24, 25 and 26.

World Premiere: i MiEV SPORT
Based on the i MiEV,*1 the pinnacle of Mitsubishi Motors's environmental technology, the i MiEV SPORT maximizes the sporty possibilities of the zero-emissions electric vehicle. The high power and environmental performance of its electric motors make it an exhilarating drive that delivers superior environmental performance.
*1: MiEV: Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle

World Premiere: MITSUBISHI Concept-ZT*2
The Concept-ZT showcases an advanced level of driving pleasure, safety and environmental responsibility — Mitsubishi Motor's vehicle strategy — wrapped in a realistic package. Under the hood, a newly developed fuel-efficient, 2.2-liter clean diesel engine is mated to the new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission). Concept-ZT also features advanced active safety as well as passive safety technology, such as its pop-up hood.
*2: ZT: "Z" meaning the ultimate, plus "T" for tourer

World Premiere: MITSUBISHI Concept-cX*3
Developed from Mitsubishi Motors' legendary SUV experience, the Concept-cX is a compact SUV with nimble running performance and utility on roads, as well as solid environmental performance.
*3: cX: "c" for compact, plus "X" for crossover

1. i MiEV SPORT

Characteristics
- Based on the i MiEV, the i MiEV SPORT enhances the "driving" image of Mitsubishi's electric vehicles. The car features Mitsubishi Motors' unique in-wheel motors in the front plus S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) — the company's vehicle dynamics control system — to achieve high maneuverability as well as high levels of both environmental and running performance.
- The car brings a new closeness between people and cars; allowing them to become more a part of daily life.

Design
The "fastback" exterior design expresses the quickness of the car with an appearance that is pleasing and lively. An efficient, environmentally friendly electric vehicle thanks to its compact size, it also possesses exceptionally fluid styling. A simplified interior styling creates a pleasant space, allowing occupants to feel at home. Geometry, metallic materials and body epitomize the futuristic electric vehicle.
Interior lighting, too, has been carefully thought out, with the use of many blue LEDs suggestive of nature, creating a sophisticated, cutting-edge atmosphere.
The light green exterior marks another association with nature. The pearlescent paint, which shines when hit with direct light, brings feelings of advanced, futuristic technology and environmental peace of mind. The interior is sporty and dynamic as a result of the substantial use of mesh materials, while the space, with various natural elements, fosters feelings of both security and comfort.

Packaging
Like the i MiEV, i MiEV Sport uses a rear-midship design in its layout. Making use of the relatively long wheelbase of this platform, a high-capacity lithium-ion battery is installed in the lowest area under the floor, and components including a motor and inverter are arranged beneath the luggage compartment. This layout provides optimal distribution of weight, front and rear, and a lower center of gravity for stability, sporty performance, and a spacious interior.

Body Structure
An aluminum space frame — a combination of aluminum extrusions and aluminum die casting — is light, rigid and strong; helping to improving performance by minimizing weight.
The optimum layout of structural members, including front-side and cross members, efficiently absorbs crash energy in the event of front-end or side collision. In a collision from the rear, EV components under the back seat and rear floor serve as a barrier to ensure the integrity of the passenger compartment. By making use of the rear-midship layout and utilizing Mitsubishi's latest RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body, the concept realizes excellent occupant protection in collisions from any direction, even when colliding with a vehicle of different height or weight.


Powertrain / S-AWC
The system employs a structure consisting of three permanent magnetic synchronous motors. One in-wheel motor is placed at each front wheel; a single motor drives the rear wheels, as is used in the "i MiEV" system. An E-4WD system electronically optimizes the output of all motors. In addition, a new E-AYC (Electric Active Yaw Control) system is employed to directly regulate torque at the left and right rear wheels via an electric motor. In addition to the E-4WD and E-AYC, the S-AWC system integrates ABS and ASC (Active Stability Control) systems, thus independently controlling driving force, traction and braking at all four wheels, for total maneuverability and maximum stability.

Energy Saving Technology/Environmental Technology
Energy-saving environmental considerations are seen throughout the i MiEV SPORT. Effective use of energy is achieved by installing an auxiliary photovoltaic generator on the roof, a power-generating fan inside the front grill, and regenerative braking functions to recover energy when the car is slowing down. Much of the lighting is by bright, power-saving LEDs, including in the rear combination lamps and vehicle interior, and the efficiency of the air conditioning is enhanced by the use of heat-absorbing window glass. In addition, Green Plastic — Mitsubishi Motors' unique plant-based resin technology — is used wherever possible for interior components in another nod to the environment.

Specifications
Overall length         3,450 [mm]
Overall width          1,600 [mm]
Overall height         1,400 [mm]
Wheelbase             2,550 [mm]
Track (F/R)            1,405/1,405 [mm]
Seating capacity      2 + 2
Motors                  Permanent magnetic synchronous motors
Front:                  In-wheel motors
Rear:                   Single motor
Max. output           Front: 20kW 2; Rear: 47kW
Max. torque           Front: 250 Nm 2; Rear: 180 Nm
Max. Speed           180km/h
Range                  (10-15 Mode) 200km
Tires                    175/40R17

2. MITSUBISHI Concept-ZT


Characteristics
- By combining a high-powered, fuel-efficient, 2.2-liter clean diesel engine and Twin Clutch SST, and using significant quantities of Green Plastic in the interior, a high level of running and environmental performance is achieved.
- In addition to advanced active safety technology, Concept-ZT achieves a high level of passive safety. Features include pre-crash safety; a lane-drift warning system; driving assistance technology, including new all-around multi-monitors and a parking assistance system; and crashworthiness safety technology including a pop-up hood.
- Moreover, equipped with the S-AWC system combining front E-LSD (Electric control - Limited Slip Differential), ABS and ASC, based on Mitsubishi Motors' 4WD electronic control system, the MITSUBISHI Concept-ZT is a premium sedan that possesses dramatically improved driving, environmental and safety performance.

Design
The basic exterior form, simple and flowing with a low center of gravity, yields a sense of stability and sportiness fitting Mitsubishi Motors' premier sedan This base is combined with a powerful shoulder line, substantial side panels and projecting fenders. Sculptured headlights, grill and aluminum wheels proclaim quality and status created out of "Japanese" sensitivity — a sophisticated and adult sensibility.
In the interior, the goal was a level of "hospitality" that would resonate with all the senses of the occupants. Combinations of designs with clear contrasts — simple forms with overall continuity gently embrace passengers and precise, hard functional parts — express the melding of quality, comfort and the pleasure of driving. Meters and monitors are of clear materials, futuristically stacked, with the beauty of industrial art.
Minute quantities of a new reflective material add elegance to the body color. In combination with decorative parts, including wheels and grill, a radiant presence is realized with a sense of quality and refinement, like jeweled layers of precious metals. Interior colors are a combination of grained black wood, metal and leather, making maximum use of materials expressing boldness, sophistication and grace.

Powertrain/S-AWC
The concept's powerplant is a newly developed 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC, 16-valve with VD (Variable Diffuser)/VG (Variable Geometry) clean turbodiesel engine with common-rail direct fuel injection (piezoelectric injector) that delivers a maximum output of 140 kW and maximum torque of 400 Nm.
The power unit is mated to Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch SST, which delivers superior power transmission efficiency in a powertrain that realizes smooth, responsive, effortless power and acceleration, whether on the highway or in urban areas, together with good fuel economy. The S-AWC system combines front E-LSD (Electric control - Limited Slip Differential), ABS and ASC with the 4WD electronic control system also used in Outlander and Delica D:5. This optimally controls driving force, traction and braking at all four wheels, and provides stable driving on various road surfaces under various conditions, realizing a pleasurable and safe driving experience.

Body Structure
As in the i MiEV SPORT, the aluminum space frame structure combines aluminum extrusion and aluminum die casting, not only realizing a body of great strength and rigidity, but contributing to weight reduction and crashworthiness. In addition, for the outer panels of hoods, fenders, doors and trunk lids, shock-resistant, recyclable resin is used, as seen on the front fender of the Delica D:5.

Safety Technology/Driving Assistance Technology
Pre-crash Safety System: Using millimeter-length radar waves, the system detects cars far ahead as well as obstacles in the adjacent lane. When it determines that objects near the car are too close and there is danger of a collision, it warns the driver to take action. If the system determines that the possibility of a collision is nevertheless quite high, it pretensions seat belts and activates crash-restraint seat cushions to increase passenger restraint, and initiates emergency braking to reduce the impact of an imminent collision.
Lane-Drift Warning System: The system consists of a front camera, steering angle sensor, speed sensor, yaw rate sensor and ECU. The front camera recognizes lane markings (white lines, etc.), and the system, based on information from the other sensors, calculates the possibility of the vehicle drifting out of its lane, warns the driver, and adds steering torque in the direction such that the car stays within the lane.

Pop-Up Hood: If the car should hit a pedestrian, the hood pops up before the person's head strikes the hood, acting as a buffer and minimizing injury to the head. New All-Around Multi-Monitors: In addition to a nose-view camera and a rear-view camera, cameras with extremely wide-angle lenses are positioned at the left and right sides. Optical distortions of the images from the four cameras are corrected, and the information is converted into a display of the situation all around the car as seen from the top — thus enabling clear confirmation by the driver. The nose camera is also part of the proximity-detection function for approaching objects.

Parking Assistance System: A distance sensor, embedded in the bumper, assesses the space available for parking. If parking is possible, the system will automatically maneuver the wheels (steering) while all the driver must do is control braking.


Specifications
Overall length      4,950 [mm]
Overall width       1,820 [mm]
Overall height      1,440 [mm]
Wheelbase          2,815 [mm]
Track (F/R)         1,555/1,555 [mm]
Seating capacity   4
Engine               Clean diesel engine
Max. output        140kW
Max. torque        400 Nm
Transmission       Twin Clutch SST
Tires                  255/35R20

3. MITSUBISHI Concept-cX

Characteristics
High levels of driving and environmental performance are realized through the combination of a newly developed 1.8-liter clean diesel engine and Twin Clutch SST. Practicality is improved with a high-visibility driving position and improved accessibility to luggage space from the split tailgate already well received on the Outlander. Mitsubishi Motors positions this compact SUV as a "soft roader" for on-road use.

Design
The design gives the exterior a purposeful and functional form using a dynamic wedge shape and large tires. The front visage combines the inverted-slant nose, trapezoidal grille, and sharp headlights that define the new Mitsubishi Motors design identity starting with the new Lancer. The casual rear view is of the characteristic two-way, T-shaped glass tailgate.
The interior is a modern, sporty space, fusing excitement and the joy of driving. The instrument panel and trim comprise a solid framework with soft, light pads interwoven as a welcoming embrace for passengers.
The fresh medium-blue color of the body is reminiscient of clear lakes — a fresh, ecologically attuned image. The paint contains a mixture of delicate aluminum flakes producing an unconventional metallic, transparent effect. In the interior, black and white are the key colors, with brown genuine leather highlights. The space is fashionable and appealing.

Powertrain
The combination of the newly developed 1.8-liter clean diesel engine and Twin Clutch SST achieves both responsive performance and low fuel consumption. The 4WD-based integrated vehicle dynamics control system offers excellent running stability and versatility, and is also used in SUVs including the Outlander and Delica D:5.

Safety / Environmental Technology
Energy-absorbing materials with differing characteristics are incorporated into the lower portion of the bumper, serving to cushion impact and minimize leg injuries to pedestrians, as well as enhancing the bumper's ability to restore itself to its original state after minor collisions.
In addition, Green Plastic — Mitsubishi Motors' unique plant-based resin technology — is used wherever possible for interior components in another nod to the environment.

Specifications
Overall length      4,100 [mm]
Overall width       1,750 [mm]
Overall height      1,550 [mm]
Wheelbase          2,525 [mm]
Track (F/R)         1,510/1,510 [mm]
Seating capacity   4
Engine               1.8-liter clean diesel engine
Max. output        100kW
Max. torque        280 Nm
Transmission       Twin Clutch SST
Tires                 225/45R19

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited has set the safety benchmark in the Australian small car segment with the launch of its all-new Lancer sedan.

Offering Active Stability Control and Traction Control (ASTC) as a standard feature across its entire model range, the all-new Lancer is in a prime position to shake-up the small car segment with its stylish design, nimble performance and industry leading safety standards at an affordable price point.

And the inclusion of ASTC across the model line-up is just the start of the all-new Lancer’s groundbreaking safety story. In addition to the Active Stability Control and Traction Control, all Lancers feature an ABS braking system with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist.

A total of seven airbags are available on all 2008 Mitsubishi Lancers - entry level ES models receive standard SRS driver and passenger airbags and driver knee airbag, with side and curtain airbags an affordable option. All other Lancer models – dubbed VR and VRX variants - receive the full seven-airbag pack as standard fitment.

Add to this Mitsubishi’s acclaimed rise body structure, seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, five height adjustable headrests and the all-new Lancer presents the prime, affordable, safety-oriented choice in the Australian small car segment.

MMAL has revealed that, like the entire Mitsubishi range, the recommended retail pricing for the new vehicle will be sharp, very competitive and will start from just $20,990 for the ES model - and that includes the standard ASTC.
Launching the vehicle in Canberra this week, Robert McEniry, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited, confirmed the all-new Lancer’s industry-leading specification levels and aggressive pricing structure was designed to make an impact on the Australian vehicle market.

“The inclusion of ASTC across the entire Lancer line-up, and the availability of seven airbags on each and every model is unprecedented, at this price point, in this segment,” Mr McEniry said.

“The all-new Lancer now offers Australian consumers a small car jam-packed with every safety specification available to us, with great looks and performance – it’s simply a winning combination.”

The all-new Lancer is built on Mitsubishi’s most ambitious automotive project ever - its first global platform. Already successfully previewed with the second generation Outlander, this new global platform represents a multi-million dollar investment for the company.

Conceived and developed at Mitsubishi Design in Europe, the all-new Lancer takes it design cues from the Concept-Sportback and Concept-X show cars exhibited at the 2005 Frankfurt and Tokyo shows respectively.
Its low stance, long hood and short deck proportions, wide track, trademark “Jet Fighter” grille and distinctively deep set “eyes” all bring a new meaning to the concept of sports sedans.

Dimensionally, the new-generation Lancer projects a tighter, more confident road-hugging stance. the vehicle is built on a longer wheelbase and wider track with a 60mm increase in both the front and rear track dimensions contributing to Lancer’s solid, stable handling capability as well as its strong visual presence.

The increased dimensions of the vehicle’s exterior have not been wasted – a combination of clever packaging and intuitive design has ensured these larger dimensions make a direct translation to the interior of the vehicle. The result is the all-new Lancer offers customers a well-appointed interior with a functional, uncluttered and spacious cabin.

Vibrant performance is guaranteed with an all-new 2.0-litre dual overhead cam MIVEC four-cylinder engine delivering 113kW of power @ 6000 rpm and 198 nm of torque at 4250 rpm standard on all models.
Mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional continuously Variable transmission (CVT) with sport Mode and INVECS III software, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer delivers flexible, responsive and economical motoring. The sports oriented VRX model offers a unique paddle shift on the CVT transmission.

Driving dynamics are enhanced and ride and stability characteristics produce a sports oriented and satisfying driving experience for both driver and passenger. The 2008 Lancer ES and VR models, with their standard sixteen inch wheels (alloy on VR) and 205/60 R16 tyres, provide solid and stable driving performance that can help make even the most ordinary outing more enjoyable. The range-topping VRX variant adds a special sport-tuned suspension package and eighteen inch wheels with 215/45 R18 tyres.
The all-new Lancer ES and VR sedans not only tame curves, but do so with the confident stopping power of fifteen inch ventilated discs in front and fourteen inch solid discs in rear. The Lancer VRX models employ sixteen inch ventilated front disc brakes and sixteen inch solid rear discs.
Available in three well-appointed variants, the all-new Lancer model line-up delivers new levels of comfort and a host of standard features for the enjoyment of all occupants.

The entry-level ES variant offers all the safety and engineering features listed before for secure, relaxed driving and adds creature comforts deemed essential by today’s savvy customers – three-way adjustable driver’s seat, central locking, front and rear power windows, sixty/forty split fold rear seat, air-conditioning, FM/AM tuner with CD and MP3 compatibility, cruise control with steering mounted controls, as well as storage spaces and cup holders galore. Optional side and curtain airbags are available on the ES model.
The mid-range VR model includes all these specifications and builds in even more features – side and curtain airbags, dusk sensing headlamps, rain sensing wipers, alloy wheels, front fog lamps, lip spoiler, leather wrapped steering wheel, six CD stacker with remote steering mounted controls and, for lovers of wide open spaces, an optional sunroof is available.

For drivers who like an energetic, flexible and dynamic on-road experience, there is only one choice – the range-topping VRX model. this variant of the all-new Lancer range takes the standard specifications of the VR model and adds sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, front air dam, rear spoiler, eighteen inch wheels, sport type front seats and fabric, unique panel and door trim, paddle shifts (CVT model only), smart Key entry and Bluetooth hands-free phone with steering wheel controls. Options include the sunroof from the VR model as well as a barnstorming, optional Rockford Fosgate Premium Audio System with nine speakers.

All 2008 model Lancers are available in a wide-ranging palette of modern colours, including Effect Grey, Lightening Blue, Red, Black, Mystic Blue, Champagne, Cool Silver and White.

According to Robert McEniry, the knock-out specification levels of the all-new Lancer line-up are concrete evidence of the company’s ongoing commitment to introducing new, safety-oriented, attractive and affordable vehicles to the Australian vehicle market.

“Everyone at Mitsubishi is committed to sourcing vehicles for this market that offer the best levels of occupant safety, security and comfort at the best possible price – and the all-new Lancer answers that call,” Mr McEniry said.

“And this is just the start of the story. Within the next eighteen months, we will be introducing the rest of the Lancer family, including the new member of the iconic evolution range, the Evo X, then two more Ralliart sports variants, and finally the stunning Lancer hatchback line-up.”

The all-new Lancer line-up will be available at Mitsubishi dealers nationally from October 1st.

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has reported outstanding sales in June with a total of 8,192 vehicles sold during the month, representing a 31 per cent increase over June 2006 and a 20 per cent increase on a year-to-date (YTD) basis for the company.

 

No matter which way you look at it, the statistics are impressive.

•    Market share for the company peaked at 7.8 per cent during June, and consolidated at 6.4 per cent YTD
•    YTD MMAL total sales are up by 5,631 vehicles or 20 per cent over the same period in 2006
•    Passenger vehicle sales increased by 9.2 per cent YTD against a market increase of 8.7 per cent
•    MMAL’s SUV segment sales increased by 58.7 per cent YTD against a market increase of 10.9 per cent
•    Light Commercial Vehicle sales increased by 17.6 per cent YTD against a market increase of 5.1 per cent
•    MMAL’s June sales total of 8,192 vehicles represents the company’s third highest month of sales in the entire Australian history of the company

 


Months in order of sales results:


1. June 1998 – 9483 sales
2. June 2003 – 8235 sales
June 2007 – 8192 sales
Robert McEniry, MMAL’s President and CEO, commented on the strong June sales result. “Every product in the Mitsubishi range enjoyed strong sales during the month, but excellence awards for the best performers in MMAL’s vehicle line-up go to Lancer, Triton and Outlander,” Mr McEniry said.


MMAL’s passenger vehicle range performed strongly when compared to the same month in 2006, with the entry-level Colt light car claiming 438 sales for an 70 per cent increase, the Grandis people-mover notching up 74 sales for a 100 per cent increase and the Lancer small-car segment entry achieving an outstanding 2,143 sales for 43 per cent growth.
While sales of the company’s large passenger segment entry, the 380 sedan, did not achieve June 2006 levels, MMAL reported that the vehicle maintained consistent sales of 877 units during the month.


Mitsubishi’s legendary commercial range continued to increase its market share during the month as compared to June 2006, with outstanding performances from all models in the line-up.


The Triton range of 4x4 and 4x2 cab chassis or pick-up vehicles enjoyed its best sales month ever with a total of 2,386 units. This stand-out result included 1,481 four-wheel drive Tritons (another best-ever result) and 905 vehicles from the company’s popular two-wheel drive range (up 76 per cent and 25 per cent respectively versus June 2006).


The demand for Mitsubishi’s legendary Pajero four-wheel drive wagon was also strong during June, with 950 sales registered for a 58.6 per cent increase.


And finally, the Express van sales totalled 449 units, a 48 per cent increase over June 2006.
“Since early 2006 we have been working towards consolidating Mitsubishi’s Australian operations in preparation for future growth, and these excellent results during June indicate that our performance is definitely on track,” Mr McEniry said.


“We will continue to pursue consolidation and sales increases during the remainder of 2007, and with the arrival of the all-new Lancer in October, I am confident we will meet these goals.”

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Mitsubishi Motors Develops S-AWC Vehicle Dynamics Control System & Twin Clutch SST Automated Manual Transmission

 

Tokyo, July 10, 2007 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has developed two new component systems that are expected to feature in the new Lancer Evolution*, due to be launched this autumn. S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) is an advanced vehicle dynamics control system that regulates drive torque at each wheel. Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) is an automated manual transmission that delivers slicker shifting through the gears while freeing the driver from the need to operate the clutch.

 

In line with its corporate philosophy, Mitsubishi Motors strives to deliver a dynamic driving experience while making advances to keep drivers safe. Twin Clutch SST and S-AWC do so by making driving more intuitive. Both the systems work to efficiently distribute power appropriate to road conditions, and deliver outstanding control and stability maintained by an "intelligent" system that reads and reflects driver intent in real time.

 

S-AWC:
The system now adds an ASC*1 (Active Stability Control) feature to the ACD*2 (Active Center Differential), AYC*3 (Active Yaw Control) and Sport ABS*4 (Sport Antilock Brake System) components that have proven themselves in the Lancer Evolution series. Integrated system management of these four components allows regulation of torque and braking force at each wheel. S-AWC also now employs yaw rate feedback control. This allows the system to control each wheel under a wide range of driving conditions, thus realizing vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver inputs and allows drivers of all abilities to enjoy sporty motoring with confidence.

 

Twin Clutch SST:
MMC's new automated manual transmission employs dual clutches to realize power transmission efficiencies on a par with a normal manual gearbox while also allowing slick and swift shifting. Allowing drivers of all abilities to shift rapidly up and down through the gears, Twin Clutch SST delivers satisfying acceleration while also returning superior fuel mileage thanks to its high-efficiency power transmission mechanism. The new transmission also features three operating modes tailored to different situations: from around-town drivability to instant-response and follow-the-line sporty motoring on the open road.


*1, *2, *3, *4: see following for details

1. S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control)

(1) System overview
The S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system integrates management of all its AYC, ACD, ASC and Sport ABS components (see below) while adding braking force control to Mitsubishi Motors' own AYC system. As a result S-AWC elevates drive power, cornering performance as well as vehicle stability under all driving situations, from everyday motoring to emergency evasion maneuvers.

(2) ACD (Active Center Differential)
The Active Center Differential incorporates an electronically-controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch. The system optimizes clutch cover clamp load for different driving conditions, regulating the differential limiting action between free and locked states to optimize front/rear wheel torque split and thereby producing the best balance between traction and steering response.

(3) AYC (Active Yaw Control) AYC uses a torque transfer mechanism in the rear differential to control rear wheel torque differential for different driving conditions and so limit the yaw moment that acts on the vehicle body and enhance cornering performance. AYC also acts like a limited slip differential by suppressing rear wheel slip to improve traction. The first component of its type, AYC was first used in the Lancer Evolution IV launched in April 1996. It then took an evolutionary step forward in the Lancer Evolution VIII launched in January 2003 as the Super AYC when it switched from the use of a bevel gear to a planetary gear differential, thereby doubling the amount of torque it was able to transfer. In comparison to the system used in the Lancer Evolution IX, AYC now features yaw rate feedback control using a yaw rate sensor and also gains braking force control. Accurately determining the cornering dynamics on a real-time basis, the system operates to control vehicle behavior through corners and realize vehicle behavior that more closely mirrors driver intent.

(4) ASC (Active Stability Control)
The ASC system stabilizes vehicle attitude while maintaining optimum traction by regulating engine power and the braking force at each wheel. Taking a step beyond the previous generation Lancer Evolution, the fitting of a brake pressure sensor at each wheel allows more precise and positive control of braking force. ASC improves traction under acceleration by preventing the driving wheels from spinning on slippery surfaces. It also elevates vehicle stability by suppressing skidding in an emergency evasive maneuver or the result of other sudden steering inputs.

(5) Sport ABS (Sport Anti-lock Braking System)
ABS allows the driver to maintain steering control and keeps the vehicle stable by preventing the wheels from locking under heavy braking or when braking on slippery surfaces. The addition of yaw rate sensors and brake pressure sensors to the Sport ABS system has improved braking performance through corners compared to the Lancer Evolution IX.

(6) S-AWC control system
The use of engine torque and brake pressure information in the regulation of the ACD and AYC components allows the S-AWC system to determine more quickly whether the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating. S-AWC also employs yaw rate feedback for the first time. The system helps the driver follow his chosen line more closely by comparing how the car is running, as determined from data from the yaw rate sensors, and how the driver wants it to behave, as determined from steering inputs, and operates accordingly to correct any divergence. The addition of braking force regulation to AYC's main role of transferring torque between the right and left wheels allows S-AWC to exert more control over vehicle behavior in on-the-limit driving situations. Increasing braking force on the inside wheel during understeer and on the outer wheel during oversteer situations, AYC's new braking force control feature works in concert with torque transfer regulation to realize higher levels of cornering performance and vehicle stability.


Using integrated management of the ASC and ABS systems allows S-AWC to effectively and seamlessly control vehicle dynamics when accelerating, decelerating or cornering under all driving conditions. S-AWC offers three operating modes: TARMAC for dry, paved surfaces; GRAVEL for wet or unmade surfaces, and SNOW for snow covered surfaces. When the driver selects the mode best suited to current road surface conditions S-AWC operates to control vehicle behavior accordingly and allow the driver to extract the maximum dynamic performance from his vehicle.

2. Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission)


(1) The mechanism
Twin Clutch SST puts odd (1st, 3rd, 5th) and even (2nd, 4th and 6th) gears on separate input shafts, each connected to an individual clutch. With both clutches under precise system control, this arrangement allows lightening-fast, smooth and lag-free gear changes with no interruption in power delivery. Using clutches instead of a torque converter to transmit power makes the Twin Clutch SST simpler in structure and reduces power transmission losses for higher transmission efficiency that leads to improved fuel mileage.


(2) Drive modes
Twin Clutch SST allows the driver to switch between three shifting programs - Normal, Sport and S-Sport - to cover the full range of driving situations, from town use to sporty motoring on open roads.


a. Normal mode
For use around town and other normal driving situations, Normal mode scheduling uses relatively low-speed shift points to deliver unobtrusive shifting for maximum comfort together with optimum fuel economy.


b. Sport mode
For use when driving in the mountains or when engine braking is required, Sport mode scheduling uses higher shift points and quicker shifting to deliver instant throttle response that instills in the driver a closer man/machine relationship.


c. S-Sport mode
Compared with Sport mode, S-Sport mode scheduling keeps the engine turning at higher revs while allowing lightening-fast shifting.


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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited has announced the long-awaited arrival of new automatic diesel models to its popular ML Triton range.

 

The new four-speed automatic transmission will be mated to Mitsubishi’s powerful and economical 3.2-litre common rail direct injection diesel engine and this configuration is expected to be a high volume selling variant in the Triton range.

 

Originally launched in July, 2006, the ML Triton two- and four-wheel drive line-up now offers the Australian market a full and wide-ranging choice of rugged, yet stylish and comfortable sports utility vehicles and workhorses, including two- and four-wheel drives, dual cab or cab chassis models and the choice of 2.4-litre 4 cylinder and 3.5-litre V6 petrol engines or an economical 3.2-litre inter-cooled diesel engine.

 

Sales figures for the Triton have proven remarkable since its release, with record after record broken on a regular basis. In fact, the result posted by the 4x4 Triton in June 2007 was the best ever monthly result for Triton in Australia and a significant 35% up on the previous “best ever sales month” of June 2006. Although the segment itself has increased since July 2006, Triton’s popularity and unbreakable reputation has seen the vehicle’s growth rate stay well in front of the market average.

 

Robert McEniry, President and CEO of MMAL, expects to see this new variant increase Triton’s share in the Australian market even further. “During 2006, 4x4 Triton sales increased by 24%. 2007 has seen this trend continue with the rugged utility showing an impressive 46% increase year-to-date.” Mr McEniry said.

 

“The introduction of the automatic diesel variant will further support Triton sales and the model’s continued growth in the Australian market.”

 

The new automatic diesel Triton range boasts all the features of its ML Triton predecessors – striking exterior styling, spacious interior, car-like performance, ride and handling, excellent economy and a comprehensive list of safety features – while still retaining Triton’s trademark attributes of strength, reliability and toughness.

 

In designing the Triton range, Mitsubishi recognised a shift in the utility market towards the separation of two distinct segments – customers requiring a workhorse with the basic functions of a pick- up for commercial applications, and those requiring a more stylish utility for recreational activities. Triton was designed to fulfil these different requirements, and delivers the goods in a reliable and comfortable package.

 

With these diverse customer needs in mind – as well as the fact that utility drivers traditionally spend more time in their vehicles and cover more kilometres in pursuit of their business or leisure activities – Mitsubishi recognised the need for advanced safety features in the Triton range. Automatic diesel Triton models receive all the standard benefits from the ML Triton line-up, including Realized Impact Safety Evolution body structure (RISE), driver and front passenger SRS airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners, and ABS with EBD (optional on GLX models).
And with so many hard kilometres to cover, a comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty is all-important. Mitsubishi meets this demand with its industry-leading Five year/130,000 whole vehicle warranty, backed up by its Ten year/160,000 km power train warranty and a five year/unlimited km roadside assistance package.

 

The automatic diesel Triton will be available in four-wheel drive models only, in both single and double cab body styles, and in three feature-packed specification levels:

•    Triton 4x4 GLX Cab Chassis or Pick Up
•    Triton 4x4 GLX Double Cab
•    Triton 4x4 GLX-R Double Cab
•    Triton 4x4 GLS Double Cab

 

Standard appointments for automatic-diesel GLX models include air-conditioning, power windows, central locking with remote keyless entry, variable intermittent windscreen wipers, 16 inch steel wheels and AM/FM Radio/CD tuner with MP3 compatibility.

 

GLX-R models add a rear sports bar, nudge bar, side steps, privacy glass, 16 inch alloy wheels, carpet floor covering and mats with GLX-R logo, Titanium-look and chrome interior accents and Bluetooth hands free phone operation.

 

The range-topping GLS model Triton includes all these features (except nudge bar and logo carpet mats) and also boasts external side protection moulding, automatic air conditioning, power driver’s seat and full leather seat trim.

 

Pricing for the automatic diesel four-wheel drive Triton line-up ranges from $35,690 for the GLX Cab Chassis or Pick Up, $41,690 for the GLX Double Cab, $46,990 for the GLX-R Double Cab and $51,990 for the luxurious GLS Double Cab.

 

According to Robert McEniry, the Sports Utilities market has seen phenomenal growth in the last ten years. “In 1997, sports utilities accounted for around 9% of the 4x4 pick-up segment.”
“This has grown to 56% in 2007 – and the majority of the buyers entering the segment are coming from traditional passenger or four-wheel drive wagon vehicles. These buyers are looking for performance, economy and car-like driving comfort, and, with the addition of the new automatic diesel Triton line-up, Mitsubishi has all their needs covered.” Mr McEniry said.

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Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced a fresh new look for its large car entry, the 380 Series III sedan, for the 2007 model year.

 

Since its 2005 launch, the Mitsubishi 380 sedan has been praised for its sporty styling, large car space and comfort, powerful performance, excellent economy and outstanding value for money. Manufactured at the Tonsley Plant in Adelaide, the 380 has been widely recognised for its enviable build quality and has claimed multiple awards including the Combined Motoring Associations’ “Best Large Car 2005” and “Most affordable Family Car” for both 2006 and 2007.
Scheduled to go on-sale on 29th July 2007, the 380 Series III sedan is set to continue – and enhance – the vehicle’s first-rate reputation.

 

The Series III update includes a freshening of the sedan’s interior appointments, multiple external styling updates, specification upgrades and a realignment of model variants, all engineered to ensure the 380 Series III offers an even more attractive package than ever before.

Robert McEniry, President and CEO of MMAL, introduced the revised 380 line-up.
“Feedback from our 380 customers has been overwhelmingly positive, with a large number of new owners saying they felt they ‘couldn’t have bought a better vehicle,’” Mr McEniry said. “And we believe that with this realignment of the product line-up, the 380 Series III is now, more than ever, the perfect vehicle for Australian families.”

The 2007 380 Series III sedan line-up consists of four main variants:

•    The entry level ES
•    The highly specified SX
•    The sporty VRX
•    The fully equipped GT model
•    Optional GT-L variant


The Series III sedan retains its powerful and economical 3.8-litre 24-valve SOHC MPI V6 engine, specifically designed for Australian roads and driving conditions. Generating 175kW of power at 5250 rpm and 343Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, the 380 offers excellent performance combined with economical fuel consumption. It is mated to either an available five-speed INVECS II “Smart Logic” automatic with Sports mode transmission, or a five-speed manual (ES and VRX only).

 

Renowned for offering high specification levels and an abundance of interior appointments, all 380 Series III sedans continue to include dual front and side SRS airbags, ABS brake system with EBD, automatic climate control air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, cruise control, power adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel audio controls as standard features.

 

External enhancements include restyled front bumpers, rear spoilers, alloy wheels and paint treatments, while internal changes on the Series III include new surface finishes, seat trims and upgraded equipment levels.

 

The ES model remains the highly specified entry level variant for the 380 range and the Series III upgrade increases the vehicle’s appeal. New sports front bumper, fog lamps and alloy wheels take care of the exterior styling, while attractive new seat trim and chrome instrument cluster highlights add appeal to the interior. In addition, the ES model gains Traction Control as a standard specification, making this key safety feature standard across the entire 380 sedan range.

 

The mid-range SX model adds new alloy wheels and new grille paint treatment to the exterior, with revised silver seat trim to update the comfortable interior.

 

The sporty VRX variant receives the lion’s share of the Series III styling enhancements, with a full body package including front bumper insert, rear bumper insert and a large rear wing. New alloy wheels and charcoal grille paint treatment set off the exterior, while the interior features new luxury cloth seat trim with VRX logo and a restyled leather steering wheel. An optional Luxury Pack on the VRX model includes full leather interior trim with contrast silver stitching and large sunroof.

 

Mitsubishi’s signature model, the 380 GT, has been further enhanced with restyled machined alloy wheels, chrome body detail and a sports type instrument cluster. An optional Luxury Pack called the GTL is available on the GT and replaces the previous model’s LX variant. The GTL adds stone leather interior, alternate rear deck lid and tail lamps, luxury instrument cluster, sunroof and silver painted alloy wheels.

 

In addition to the four attractive models of the Series III line-up, MMAL has announced the release of two Special Edition variants, and these models offers unrivalled value and style in the large vehicle segment.

 

The first special edition ES Sports will be available in limited volumes from launch, and adds an impressive list of features to the standard ES including rear wing, 17 inch alloy wheels, upgraded sports suspension, sunroof and Bluetooth phone connectivity – all from the extremely competitive price of $28,990.

 

For consumers who really want to make a statement, the second special edition model, codenamed the “380 Fusion Burst” is the perfect vehicle. With flaming orange duco, striking matching seat trim and a large sunroof, the 380 Fusion Burst may not appeal to shy and retiring types.

 

According to Robert McEniry the 380 Series III will have strong appeal to consumers. “The 380 sedan has always been recognised as offering excellent driving comfort and style at a very attractive price, and the 380 Series III just takes that whole value proposition one step further.” Mr McEniry said.

 

“The vehicle has already been recognised by the Combined Motoring Associations – twice - as being the most economical family car to run in Australia, and the 380 Series III continues that tradition. I think you would have to look long and hard to find a vehicle that comes close to matching the features and specification levels of our 380 line-up – particularly the special launch edition ES Sports model.”

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•    Revenue Up / Operating and Ordinary Income Move into Black
Tokyo, July 30, 2007 -Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced its sales and financial results for the first quarter of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008.

 

1. Performance overview
Mitsubishi Motors reports that consolidated net sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 (April 1 through June 30, 2007) increased by 146.9 billion yen to 630.8 billion yen - a 30%-plus increase over the same period last fiscal year (483.9 billion yen). The gain stems principally from the increased revenue coming from higher sales volume and from favorable yen exchange rates.

Operating and ordinary income were both in the black. Mitsubishi Motors posted an operating profit of 6.0 billion yen, an improvement of 12.8 billion yen from the same period last fiscal year. Factors contributing to this improvement include increased volume and favorable changes in the model mix, and the weaker yen which offset higher marketing and overhead costs due to increased advertising and publicity outlays in North America related to new-vehicle introduction. The company posted an ordinary profit of 2.6 billion yen, a year-on-year gain of 14.8 billion yen. Mitsubishi Motors reported a net loss of 8.2 billion yen for the period, a year-on-year improvement of 6.9 billion yen. This gain was made despite the company booking a one-time charge for reorganization costs stemming from the integration of its domestic consolidated sales companies that was completed on July 1, 2007 and despite an increase in income taxes.

 

2. Sales Volume
Global retail market unit sales of vehicles in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 totaled 334,000 vehicles, a 14% increase of 41,000 on the 293,000 sold in the same period in fiscal 2006.
In Japan MMC sold 46,000 vehicles, an 11% drop of 6,000 compared to the same period last year. In a domestic market that continues to fail to show signs of recovery, the increase in registered vehicle sales sparked by the introduction of the Delica D:5 was not sufficient to offset a decline in minicar sales.

In North America, the company sold 52,000 vehicles, a 22% increase of 10,000 over the same period last year. The increase was driven principally the launch of the new Lancer which had its global launch in the region in March 2007, following the Outlander SUV launched in November 2006.

In Europe, Mitsubishi Motors sold 80,000 vehicles, a 12% increase of 9,000 driven by continued robust sales in Russia and a doubling of sales in the Ukraine.
In Asia and other regions, MMC sold 156,000 vehicles, a 22% increase of 28,000 over the same period last fiscal year. This growth stemmed from reasons including: higher unit sales of Mitsubishi brand models in China; the market recovery in Indonesia and other nations in the ASEAN block; and continued firm sales in Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

 

3. FY2007 forecasts
Mitsubishi Motors leaves the fiscal 2007 first-half and full-year forecasts announced on April 26, 2007 unchanged at this time.


Note on forward-looking statements
All statements herein, other than historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and are based on our current forecasts, expectations, targets, plans, and evaluations. Any forecasted value is calculated or obtained based on certain assumptions. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of significant factors could therefore cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Significant risk factors include:

•    feasibility of each target and initiative as laid out in this presentation;
•    fluctuations in interest rates, exchange rates and oil prices, etc;
•    changes in laws, regulations and government polic