Mitsubishi Motors Launches the All-new Outlander Mid-size SUV in Japan

Tokyo, October 25, 2012 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced the launch of the all-new Outlander mid-size SUV for the Japan market at dealerships throughout Japan today. This will be a homecoming of sorts for the new Outlander after going on sale in Russia and Europe. This successor of the previous Outlander core model (which sold about 660,000 units during its lifetime) harmoniously balances high levels of safety, high fuel efficiency, and extended utility to provide a “premium driving experience.” The new Outlander’s four trim levels’ suggested retail price will range from ¥2,427,000 to ¥3,100,000.

The new Outlander represents the fusion of every facet of MMC’s car-building technology and knowhow. The focus for the new Outlander was on achieving a significantly refined look and feel that oozes quality in its exterior appearance, interior, and driving performance along with world-class safety features such as “e-Assist.” As a result it offers superior on-road safety performance with its advanced occupant safety features and high-performance 4WD drivetrain while also achieving excellent environmental performance through its extensive use of fuel efficiency technologies and reductions in weight.

 

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• Emphasis on World-Class Safety

 

 

 

 

 

• The new Outlander is the first MMC model to employ the company’s “e-Assist^*1” advanced safety technology. Comprising the three functions detailed below, e-Assist supports safer and stress-free driving.
  • Forward Collision Mitigation System (FCM) automatically helps avoid a collision with the vehicle ahead or reduce impact damage in the event of a collision.
  • Lane Departure Warning System (LDW) alerts the driver when the vehicle starts to drift from its lane, aiding driver concentration.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control System (ACC) automatically maintains a driver-adjustable distance with the vehicle in front, reducing the chance of a collision if the vehicle in front suddenly stops.
• For greater safety, all models in the new Outlander series come standard with seven SRS airbags and with Active Stability Control which stabilizes the movement of the Outlander when it senses the vehicle is starting to skid.
• 4WD models use the latest version of MMC’s electronically controlled four-wheel drive system which allows the driver to select one of three modes for different road surface conditions. The 4WD system is now available with a new 4WD ECO mode which gives the driver optimum driving stability together with optimum fuel efficiency. Also available as a factory option on the new Outlander is MMC’s S-AWC vehicle dynamics integrated control system which controls left/right wheel torque split to further improve handling and vehicle stability.
• *1: Called “e-Assist” in the Japan market.

• In the search for even better fuel efficiency, the new Outlander also features lower aerodynamic drag and a significant reduction in vehicle weight.
• With the 2.0-liter 2WD model and the 2.4-liter 4WD models that are approximately 15 percent up to 22 percent respectively more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, the new Outlander offers a significant improvement in fuel efficiency while retaining its predecessor’s outstanding driving performance. With 2WD and 4WD models returning 15.2 km/liter and 14.4 km/liter*³ respectively, among the best in its class^*4, the series achieves Japan’s 2015 Fuel Efficiency Standards and means it also qualifies for eco-car subsidies to enjoy 50 percent reductions in acquisition tax and tonnage tax at the time of purchase.
• *2: Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system
• *3: In the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter powered 7-seater SUV class. In-house research data, as of October 2012.
• *4: In the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s JC08 fuel-economy test cycle.

• The clean lines and smooth exterior styling serve to give the new Outlander a “refined” appearance.
• The interior design creates a sophisticated and comfortable occupant space using a dashboard with as few dividing lines as possible and with an ergonomically functional switch and control layout.
• To ensure that even with seven people on board all occupants can enjoy a comfortable and relaxing driving experience, the third-row seat has been made much more comfortable, noise levels have been reduced, ride comfort improved, and more small-item storage space provided. All models come standard with fully automatic climate control with separate temperature controls for driver and front passenger while a power tailgate is standard on the 24G Navi Package trim level.

• The exterior design gives the new Outlander a “refined” appearance while keeping virtually the same body size as its predecessor. It accomplishes this by the use of straight-line styling linking the grill and headlamps at the front all the way to the rear garnish and combination light units at the rear to create wide and stable front and rear end views. The new Outlander’s character lines also impart a laid-back and stretched look to the body side. Fitting the windshield washer nozzles on the underside of the engine hood is another example of elements contributing to the new model’s clean and premium styling.
• Extensive wind tunnel testing was conducted to achieve a body shape with superior aerodynamics in order to reduce drag and wind noise. As a result the new Outlander’s drag coefficient of just 0.33 (in-house measurement) is some 7 percent less than its predecessor, and a factor contributing to its improved fuel economy.
• The new Outlander is offered in a choice of six body colors. A new Copper Metallic finish, which combines a look of high quality and a touch of sportiness to impart a mature composure to the car’s appearance, joins Cosmic Blue Mica, Black Mica, Titanium Grey Metallic, Cool Silver Metallic and White Pearl. All colors serve to give the new Outlander a distinctive road presence and premium “refined” look.

• Coordinated in a sophisticated and composed black color scheme, the interior design focuses on a “premium quality” look. In a clean design the dashboard uses as few dividing lines as possible with pleasant to the touch soft padding covering the top and running into the front door trim. The glossy piano black center panel, silver highlighted carbon-look instrument cluster and front door decoration panels add a stylish touch and bring out the spacious feel of the cabin.
• In standard trim levels the seats are upholstered in a sophisticated fabric. Available in a factory option package with wood grain decoration panels and a power glass sunroof, the leather upholstered front and second-row seats use double-stitching to add a further touch of premium quality. The driver’s seat has power adjustment and both driver and front passenger seats are heated.
• All models use high-contrast gauge meters. Located between the twin dials, a high-definition LCD full-color Multi-information Display allows the driver to reference visual information from the ECO Drive Assist system, from the e-Assist system as well as destination route guidance which is coupled to the car navigation system (on models fitted with MMCS) without having to change their line of vision much. The most frequently used switches and controls are grouped in the center panel for optimum functionality.

• The new Outlander shows an evolution in its seating which allows the user to tailor the seating layout more flexibly and easily to passenger and luggage requirements. The 60/40-split second row seats use a new double-action folding mechanism which allows the user to raise the seat cushion and fold the seat back forward with much less effort. The third-row seat now uses a 50/50-split design and a “one-touch tilt down” mechanism which allows the seat to be lowered simply by folding the seat back forward. With the second and third-row seats folded away, these changes give a luggage compartment length of 1685 mm, or 335 mm longer than its predecessor.
• The third-row seat is wider and offers more leg room and comfort. 120 mm wider than on its predecessor, the seat now uses a 4-step reclining mechanism. The second-row seats, meanwhile, feature a slide travel of 250 mm, providing more legroom for third- row seat occupants and easier access to the third-row seat.

• For improved safety, the driver’s field of view has been extended through a number of detailed changes including the use of slimmer A-pillars and lowering the position of the exterior door mirrors and the windshield wiper rest position. For improved visibility at night, the new Outlander uses the same super-wide HID headlamps which throw more illumination sideways as the RVR (ASX or Outlander Sport in other markets). In addition, on models fitted with MMCS or Display Audio a side-view camera giving a clear view of the blind spot immediately to the vehicle’s left and a rear-view camera are standard. Together with a minimum turning radius of 5.3 meters, one of the smallest in its class, these features give the new Outlander great maneuverability and allow the driver to operate the new Outlander with greater reassurance.

• 4WD models are powered by the 4J12 2.4-liter MIVEC engine while 2WD models are used the 4J11 2.0-liter MIVEC engine. The latest MIVEC system continuously regulates intake valve lift height as well as opening and closing timing, thus allowing these SOHC engines to deliver virtually the same motive performance as the 4B11 and 4B12 DOHC engines which powered the current Outlander while achieving better fuel economy.
• The powertrain uses the same Auto Stop & Go (AS&G) idle-stop system as the Mirage and Delica D:5. This reduces fuel consumption by automatically stopping the engine when the vehicle is stationary at traffic lights.
• The INVECS-III^*5 CVT with 6-speed Sport Mode uses new gear mapping which places bias on fuel economy during low-speed driving, while ensuring linearity between engine and vehicle speed when the driver floors the accelerator. The improved system reduces the sense of slip inherent to CVTs and provides a more natural acceleration feel. The new Outlander retains the paddle shifters used on its predecessor.
• For the first time on an MMC model, the new Outlander features an ECO Mode Switch which promotes eco-friendly driving. Pressing the ECO Mode switch located in the center panel engages the system which automatically controls engine output, climate control operation and reduces energy used in the 4WD drivetrain to improve fuel economy.
• The new Outlander now comes with the ECO Drive Assist Display which allows the driver to actually see the results of more fuel-efficient vehicle operation. The system encourages drivers to operate the new Outlander fuel efficiently by displaying a real-time bar graph in the Multi-information Display which shows how economically they are operating their new Outlander, the ECO Score five-leaf gauge which rates their overall economy performance, and the AS&G Monitor displays the cumulative time the idle-stop system has been activated.
• *5: Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control System (INVECS-III is a dedicated CVT management system).

• The electronically-controlled 4WD system allows the driver to operate their Outlander with reassurance and comfort under almost any road surface condition. The driver can select between three operating modes: 4WD ECO, 4WD AUTO and 4WD LOCK. Replacing the 2WD mode on the previous Outlander, the 4WD ECO mode automatically switches between 2WD and 4WD drive to match road surface and driving conditions and delivers high fuel efficiency and high driving stability at the same time.
• Now available as a factory option is the S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) vehicle dynamics integrated control system. Developed from MMC’s electronically controlled 4WD drivetrain which regulates torque split between the front and rear wheel, it adds left/right wheel torque-split management to provide handling control which more faithfully reflects driver inputs as well as confidence-inspiring driving stability.

• The new Outlander’s chassis has been developed to retain the outstanding traveling performance, handling and stability of its predecessor while raising the bar in terms of ride comfort and NVH performance. In the front suspension, careful tuning of the springs, shock absorbers and other parameters has resulted in a gentler ride over expressway on-off ramps. The rear multi-link arrangement features redesigned arms to reduce weight while reduction of the unsprung weight has improved handling and stability as well as ride comfort.
• All models ride as standard on 18-inch alloy wheels, each 0.6 kg lighter than on the predecessor, and fitted with 225/55R18 tires.
• To give added reassurance, all models come with Hill Start Assist, which stops the vehicle rolling back when moving off on an upward gradient; Brake Assist, which boosts braking pressure in emergency braking situations; and an Emergency Stop Signal.
• All models come standard with Active Stability Control which helps prevent and reduce skidding resulting from sudden steering inputs or maneuvers on slippery surfaces by controlling engine output and braking pressure at each wheel.
• The hydraulic power steering system on the previous Outlander has been replaced by one using an electric motor, achieving an improvement in fuel economy. Telescopic and tilt steering column adjustment allows the driver to set up the proper driving position more easily.

• Vehicle weight has been reduced to improve fuel efficiency, handing control, acceleration and braking. The more extensive use of high tensile strength steel in the body structure and the more muscular shapes crafted into the body design allows the use of thinner panels. Added to weight reductions in the seat and suspension, the new Outlander is 100 – 110 kg*6 lighter in total vehicle weight than its predecessor.
• *6: Compared with 20G and 24G trim levels respectively.
• All models in the new Outlander series come standard with a total of seven SRS airbags: driver and front passenger airbags, side and curtain airbags and a knee airbag for the driver. The addition of a subframe and more structural reinforcements shows an evolution in the performance of the RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) safety body. Together, these safety features provide enhanced occupant protection in the event of a collision.

• Forward Collision Mitigation System (FCM): Assists safe vehicle operation in poor forward visibility conditions such as at night, in rain or in fog. The system monitors the distance and relative speed of the vehicle in front and instantly detects any decrease in the intervehicular distance caused by the vehicle in front braking or coming to a halt. Emitting an audible alarm and automatically applying the brakes, FCM contributes to collision avoidance with the vehicle in front or mitigation of impact damage in the event of a collision.

• Lane Departure Warning System (LDW): Operates when the vehicle starts to move out of its lane unintentionally, such as when it starts to cross a lane without the driver having operated the turn signal. Monitoring the road dividing lanes ahead, the system alerts the driver with an audible alarm and warning light when it detects the vehicle is starting to drift from its lane.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): As with FCM, ACC monitors the distance to and relative speed of the vehicle ahead to allow the driver to automatically follow it at one of three selectable intervehicular distances until it comes to a halt. ACC relieves the driver of the hassle of frequent operation of the accelerator and brakes when driving in congested traffic or in frequent stop/start driving on expressways.
• Note: FCM, LDW and ACC are not able to cope with all traffic, weather and road conditions. ACC and FCM are designed to react to motor vehicles and will not react to pedestrians, bicycles or motorbikes.

• A power tailgate which makes it easier to load and unload luggage is standard on the 24G Navi Package. Operation of a button on the keyless operation keyfob or switch in the driver’s door causes the tailgate to open or close automatically. For added safety, a reversing mechanism stops the tailgate from closing when it detects an obstruction.
• All models come standard with a keyless operation system which, with the keyfob in pocket or handbag, allows the driver to operate the car locks simply by pressing the door or tailgate switch and also to start or stop the engine by pressing the engine button.
• The new Outlander is the first MMC model to use fully automatic climate control with separate temperature controls for driver and front passenger.
• The new Outlander uses MMC’s own ETACS (Electronics Time and Alarm Control System) electronics control system to enhance car journey comfort by automatically controlling operation of the headlamps, wipers, door mirrors and other equipment.
• The new Outlander shows an evolution in the ease of use of the already comprehensive provision of small item storage space seen in its predecessor. For added convenience the front passenger glove box now uses a double-compartment design and has internal illumination. For added comfort the third-row seat is now provided with storage spaces and cup/drink holders on both sides. The luggage compartment now comes with a 16.5-liter floor box, facilitating handling of luggage.

• Standard on the 24G Navi Package, and a factory option on other trim levels, is the Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS) with a high-definition 7-inch display which is easier to see and to use. The navigation system gains some new features including: a function which uses traffic congestion information and altitude data to search for the most fuel-economical route; and a telematics function which receives nationwide traffic information and real-time congestion information through a Bluetooth^®*7 compatible mobile phone^*8. The 7-inch display can also be used to show pictures from the side and rear-view cameras when fitted.
• Available as a factory option on models fitted with MMCS is the latest version of the Rockford Fosgate^® Premium Sound system which proved very popular on the previous Outlander. With all-new circuitry and speakers, the system features a number of new functions which dramatically improve audio quality. Integrated with the sound system is DTS Neural Surround TM^*9 technology which allows stereo content to be upmixed and played back in virtual surround sound. The system also now incorporates Dolby^® Volume^*10, an advanced digital signal processing technology for controlling playback volume and eliminating volume differences when changing between channels or switching sources.
• A Display Audio system is available as a factory option. The touch-panel 6.1-inch display provides a multi-feature system in a clean design. In addition to its audio functions, the display can also be used to show pictures from side and rear-view cameras if fitted.