2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi introduced the 2007 Outlander at the 2006 New York Auto Show. Outlander is a compact sport-utility vehicle that was first introduced in 2003. The 2007 model hits showrooms in November '06 where it will compete against Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4. Outlander's biggest news is that passenger capacity grows from five to seven.
The '07 Outlander is based on a new platform that will also spawn the next-generation Mitsubishi Lancer and Lancer Evolution. Compared to the previous Outlander, the new model is 3 inches longer, and 2 inches wider. It rides on a 105.1-inch wheelbase that's 2 inches longer than the outgoing model.
Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, tire pressure monitor, dual front and side airbags, and curtain side airbags that protect front- and second-row occupants. Two trim levels will be offered: LS and XLS. Both will be available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. AWD models include stability and traction control. Standard on the LS is air conditioning, cruise control, alarm system, keyless entry, and power windows, locks and mirrors. XLS gets a kid-sized, third-row seat that folds away into the floor, automatic climate-control system, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, and a Bluetooth cellular phone interface.
Options include a navigation system that features a hard drive to store map information and up to 10 gigabytes of music, a rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones, and keyless unlocking and starting. Also available is a Rockford-Fosgate audio system with nine speakers and 650 watts of power. Included with the selection of the R-F audio system is a six month subscription to Sirius satellite radio.
On all models, second-row seats are split 60/40, fold forward, and tumble further forward to maximize cargo space. Mitsubishi claims the load floor of the new Outlander is eight inches lower than the original. Replacing the outgoing Outlander's one-piece liftgate is a separate-opening tailgate/rear window. The tailgate's a scant four inches tall and can support up to 440 pounds.
The sole engine is a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 220 horsepower and 204 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaces a 160-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability, which on XLS models is operated by steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. The '07 Outlander can tow up to 3500 pounds when equipped with the optional towing package.
Prices weren't announced, but given the additional features and overall growth of Outlander, we'd be impressed if Mitsubishi could keep prices under $20,000. The new Outlander will be built in Japan.
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Mitsubishi Concept-X
Also on display at the Mitsubishi stand was the Concept-X, which made its world debut at the 2006 Tokyo Motor Show. Concept-X is a thinly veiled look at the next-generation Mitsubishi Lancer and Lancer Evolution.
Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission and drives an all-wheel drive system Mitsubishi calls super all-wheel control. According to Mitsubishi, SAWC brings together active yaw control and an active center differential to maintain optimal power distribution in all situations. The automatic transmission can be operated manually via steering-column-mounted paddle shifters.
Concept-X rides a 104-inch wheelbase and uses the same chassis as the '07 Mitsubishi Outlander. Exterior styling cues include LED headlamps and taillights, 20-inch wheels with five-spokes, dual exhaust, and a hood spoiler. The interior features front and rear LCD displays to monitor the on-board navigation system and status of the all-wheel-drive system. Backlit red gauges, blue interior illumination, and an on-board multimedia system are also included.
Though the Concept-X is just that, expect to see many of these features on the next generation Lancer and Lancer Evolution, which debut in 2007.
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 2006 New York Auto Show |
