The new SUV's Outlander moniker evokes an image of an adventurer heading at speed for unknown lands. The name Outlander will be the standardized model name in all global markets.

The new Outlander has been developed as the "next generation SUV which combines a flexible utility with the sporty style."

Outlander is distinguished by the following main features:

· New 2.4-liter engine with aluminum cylinder block.

· New platform with high crash safety.

· New Body and chassis that have technologies grown by the Lancer Evolution models.

Outlander sits on a newly developed platform, which Mitsubishi Motors plans to phase in on its C-segment models.

Mitsubishi Motors to Unveil New V6-powered, 6 Speed AT Equipped Outlander for North American Market at New York International Automobile Show

Tokyo, March 29 2006 — Mitsubishi Motors will announce the North American market version of the Outlander SUV model at the upcoming New York Auto Show. Launched in Japan in October last year, Outlander brings a new-feel product concept that marries mainline SUV functionality and design with sedan-like handling and ride. Outlander has enjoyed strong popularity among Japanese consumers with orders reaching about 20,000 units for the new model in the 5.5 months since its launch — well exceeding the 2,000 unit monthly sales target. To be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the New York International Automobile Show opens to the press and media on April 12 and to the general public on April 14.

The North American Outlander will be powered by a new high performance, low emissions, and low fuel consumption 3-liter V6 MIVEC*1 engine together with a 6-speed automatic transmission to deliver outstanding acceleration and high-speed cruising performance.

The new Outlander offers a choice of drive formats: the electronically controlled 4WD system that has received high acclaim in Japan; and a front-wheel drive version specially tailored to the North American market.
As on the Japan market model, the new Outlander will use a newly design high-rigidity platform that realizes improved impact safety and an aluminum roof panel that lowers center of gravity and reduces roll inertia for improved handling performance and ride. Outlander also offers outstanding utility performance with a split tailgate ("Flap-fold tailgate") that facilitates the loading of different sizes and weights of luggage and with an available 7-seat layout that features two occasional-use third row seats stored flat under the floor ("Underfloor-stowable compact 3rd row seat"). Outlander also features Mitsubishi's Sportronic steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to change gear manually without having to take his hand off the steering wheel.
Mitsubishi Motors began revamping its car engine lineup in 2004 to a common theme of high performance, low fuel consumption, low weight, and compact size. The new 3-liter V6 MIVEC engine powering the North American Outlander is the fourth new engine in this theme, following the 4A9-type 4-cylinder 1.3 and 1.5-liter units that power the European Colt launched in May 2004 (and the Japanese Colt from October 2004), the 4B1-type 4-cylinder 2.4-liter unit that powers the Japanese Outlander launched in October 2005 and the 3B2-type 3-cylinder 660cc engine that powers the i minicar launched in Japan in January this year.

Like the other members of the new engine lineup the 3-liter V6 MIVEC engine incorporates many advanced features including an aluminum cylinder block, a resin variable air induction system, and Mitsubishi's own MIVEC variable valve timing system to generate best-in-class output and torque. The new power unit achieves this higher performance while being about 25 kg lighter, and realizing about 5% better fuel economy, than its 6G7-type 3-liter V6 predecessor. In addition, the use of a high-performance catalytic converter means that the North American Outlander is expected to receive the Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) designation under California emissions standards (according to in house testing).

The Outlander will be joined at the New York International Automobile Show by 9 other models including the new Eclipse Spyder convertible and the 2007 special edition Galant Ralliart mid-size luxury sports sedan due to go on sale this autumn.