Mitsubishi Motors’ stand has a completely new look for this year’s 2005 Australian International Motor Show, and it is not only due to the newly released and exciting Mitsubishi 380.

The stand itself has undergone a complete refurbishment, and now has a modern clean look that is in keeping with the new models that will be introduced by the marque over the next 12-18 months.

Gone is the timber look and in its place is a two-level white and silver stand that has a commanding presence. It still contains an information booth and large screens that show exciting motorsports footage as well as television commercials, and will also incorporate a small rest area.

However, the clean, minimalistic look allows the vehicles on the stand to be the heroes, and this year there are 18 vehicles that will be displayed.

Dominating the stand will be the newly released Mitsubishi 380, as it will be the general public’s first opportunity to see the car in the metal, and to touch and feel it. There is a variety of models and colours, including many of the new and exciting colours especially developed for the car’s release.

Equally as exciting will be the latest Lancer Evolution – the Evolution IX – and it will be displayed in various guises. There will be an example of the standard car, but there will also be an example of what can be offered by the especially appointed Ralliart dealers through the works rally team.

One of the hero cars on the stand will be the CZ3 Tarmac, a hot cabriolet concept model that uses the Lancer Evolution engine and drive-train. It has a purposeful and industrial look, and the bright red sportster is sure to catch many eyes as it makes another appearance in Australia.

Rounding out the stand will be the ’06 model versions of the ever-popular Pajero, Outlander, Triton GLX-R, Lancer, Colt and Grandis ranges.

The Motor Show opened at Darling Harbour today and runs until Sunday 23rd October.

2006 Mitsubishi 380 VR-X

Exciting New Mitsubishi 380 on Display at Motor Show

The exciting new Mitsubishi 380 sedan will be on show to the general public for the first time at the Australian International Motor Show that opened today at Darling Harbour. It is the first time that the general public has been able to touch and feel the colour, see the new colours, and sit inside it.

Consumers will also be able to place orders and take delivery of this exciting new car from today, as it is also the first time that cars will be available for sale at dealerships.

The Mitsubishi 380 is the result of the most exhaustive research ever undertaken by MMAL, and has been designed with two clear goals in mind - to be the best quality car ever built in Australia, and to redefine large car agility by designing a car for Australians.

Powered by a responsive and sweet-sounding 3.8 litre 24-valve SOHC MPI V6 engine that develops a continuous 175kW power at 5,250rpm, and 343Nm of torque at 4,000rpm the ‘380’ has all the performance that Australian buyers require. It does all this with outstanding fuel economy, more like that found in a medium sedan.

Understanding that outstanding handling and roadholding are all important, MMAL has developed a unique suspension system for the new 380, known as BOS (Body Optimised Suspension) system. The BOS system is a fully independent suspension – a robust MacPherson strut with coil over and lower A-arm at the front, and multi-link at the rear. Stabiliser bars are fitted front and rear, and the dampers have been specifically tuned to give a sporty and fun drive with high dynamic capabilities in line with the car’s positioning in the market.

The rigid body that has twice the bending and torsional stiffness of Mitsubishi’s previous benchmark – the result mainly of refined structural design, a one-piece body side and assembly using the ‘Toy Tabs’ method – is the perfect platform to allow optimum tuning of the suspension components.

Transmissions are five-speed fully synchronised manual especially developed for the torque of the large six-cylinder engine, and a five-speed INVECS II ‘Smart Logic’ automatic with ‘Sports Mode’ sequential mode available across the range.

MMAL is the only local manufacturer to offer a 5-speed automatic transmission in its base model, and the extra ratio results in smoother driving, improved performance and fuel economy.

Braking is provided by a large and specially developed braking package utilising Mitsubishi’s extensive rally experience. The front discs are 294 mm diameter ventilated discs with 2-pot calipers, while the rear are 302 mm diameter ventilated discs with 1-pot calipers. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) optimises braking effort between front and rear, regardless of loading conditions and gentle or emergency stops.

The Mitsubishi 380 has a unique Diamond Product Strategy that begins with the standard 380 sedan. The customer then has the choice of either of two luxury variants (LS and LX) or a sporty variant (VRX). The pinnacle of the range (the GT) combines all the features of both the luxury and sporty variants.

The four-door sedan has a coupe-like sporty style that gives the impression that the car is moving forwards even when it is standing still. The frontal treatment of the car is unique to Australia with new bonnet, front guards, grille and bumpers being designed for the Australian car. There are two treatments within the model range – one for the standard and luxury models (380, LS and LX), and one for the sporty and sporty luxury models (VRX and GT).

The grille for the standard/luxury models (380, LS and LX) has a three-bar horizontal treatment with the bright Mitsubishi three diamonds symbol floating in the middle. The luxury variant has bright bars garnish to distinguish it. A character line is picked up from the point of the symbol and runs through the centre of the bonnet.

The under grille picks up the same shape as the main grille, and the luxury variants (LS and LX) have fog lamps in the lower bumper area.

The sporty and sporty/luxury variants (VRX and GT) use a mesh grille insert with the floating bright three diamond symbol, while the front bumper has a more aggressive appearance with a mesh lower grille insert and fog lamps as standard.

The headlamps are a modern triangular multi-parabola design with softer, rounded sides to blend with the overall frontal appearance. The enclosure contains the low and high beam lamps and the turning indicator.

The rear view of the car is distinguished by its gracefully tapering C-pillar and short rear deck that gives the 380 its sporty coupe looks, and belies the vehicle’s actual size.

The 380 is also characterised by the strong shoulder lines that start just aft of the A-pillars and continue the length of the vehicle. Viewed from the side, these shoulder lines flow upward toward the rear and help to promote a sense of forward motion.

The 380, LS and LX models have the same rear tail lamp treatment, standard boot lid with high mounted stop lamp fitted in the upper edge of the boot lid, and rear bumper design. The VRX and GT variants have clear-type rear stop lamps and an integrated rear lip spoiler with high mounted stop lamp fitted in the spoiler. A unique, deeper rear bumper with a garnish insert is used on these models, with a large, oval chrome exhaust outlet for a more aggressive but sporty appearance.

The model line badging is fitted under the right rear tail lamp.

Inside, there is a different treatment for each price line.

The 380 comes with an extensive list of standard equipment that includes a 2-DIN AM/FM radio with CD and MP3, automatic climate control air conditioning that is ducted to the rear cabin, power driver’s seat, remote keyless central locking with panic mode, engine immobiliser, power windows on all doors, power exterior mirrors, height adjustable power steering, EZ KOOL UV glass on all side and rear windows, integrated radio antenna in the rear windscreen, and a 10-function trip computer is housed in the instrument cluster that incorporates a speed alert, rest reminder and service reminder.

The new Mitsubishi 380 comes with the Company’s industry-leading 5/10 warranty (5 years/130,000 kms bumper-to-bumper and 10 years/160,000 kms non-transferrable drivetrain).

Mitsubishi CZ3 Tarmac Spyder concept car

Mitsubishi’s Tarmac Scorcher at Sydney Motor Show

Mitsubishi will show off its scorching CZ3 Tarmac Spyder concept car at the Australian International Motor Show.

An open top car is not just a closed one without a roof. Turning a coupe or a sedan into a cabriolet is not a mere chop job either.

While adding different functionalities, a convertible offers another experience, with driver and passengers being part of the dynamics as well as connected to the outside world. Such a vehicle also offers new and interesting challenges for designers in terms of packaging, vocabulary and design integrity.

In that sense, Mitsubishi Motors has proved the point with its wave of open top concept cars: in 2002 with S.U.P. Cabriolet and then again in 2003 with CZ2 Cabriolet and Tarmac Spyder.

Another stylish Compact Mitsubishi
Unveiled in North America quasi-simultaneously with the new Evolution VIII, Tarmac Spyder stretches the envelope, just as the acclaimed CZ3 Tarmac concept did when it was launched in 2001. Only several steps beyond.

In this respect, the design brief for Mitsubishi Motors US design studio in charge of the project was clear: create a minimal four seat open top performance car (with provision for a removable hard-top), providing fun for four, with rally race car performance and styling. All in all, a light, compact machine with road gripping aggressive wheel-at-each-corner stance, and aimed at trendy, cutting edge drivers.

Sharing the sharpness of its siblings, Tarmac Spyder brings Mitsubishi Motors heritage to a younger audience indeed with its Lancer Evolution platform, compact size, no frill technical interior and no-folding-roof spyder concept, while accommodating four for fun.

Raw
With its 1,825 mm width for a length of only 4,055 mm, Tarmac Spyder barely disguises its powerful Evolution origins under its low, muscular bodyshell with wide fender flares.

All design elements serve the purpose, starting with the front end: a front hinging semi-clamshell hood for easy engine accessibility featuring the Mitsubishi Motors visual identity grille (Three-Diamond chromed logo on dihedron, extended into the hood through a spine) over a wide open meshed air intake with smaller meshed ducts on the side to cool the disc brakes hidden behind the 19” custom made charcoal colored alloy wheels.

On each side of the car, movement is visually provided by slim headlamps running the length of the bonnet and featuring three beams mounted in series, to complement the central spine. Further up, the upper part of the front guards end up mid-way on the A-pillars, framing the bottom of the windscreen for true spyder feel.

Tarmac Spyder's long wheelbase (2,515 mm) provides accommodation for four, unlike traditional spyders. Together with the wide track and very short overhangs, it also provides the sure-footed stance appropriate for a race-bred machine. From a design stand point, the long side panels escape blandness through a discreet upper character line. Lower down the doors, a stronger line adds to the feeling of motion, even when standing still.

Just as interesting, the rear end of Tarmac Spyder echoes the front with a similar treatment, including the central spine on the boot lid, the metallic-finished lens barrels as well as the character lines on flanks ending up in a V-shape below the trunk opening.

An open top with no folding roof, Tarmac Spyder comes with a detachable hard-top for added comfort and security. A retractable rear window is also fitted to the car, closing the hard-top but also for wind deflection in open top configuration and rollover protection.

On road-entertainment
Naturally, the Spyder experience goes once the multi-link hinged wide doors (for easy ingress and egress of both front and rear passengers) are shut.

As much as the CZ2 Cabriolet plays the casual chic mood, Tarmac Spyder is an all-out sportster with technical feel material (alloy sheet over drilled under-structure in front of driver and passenger, exposed metal for console and seat backs), motorcycle type of meters and ratchet shifter on console. Furthermore, a central backbone console splits the seats while providing additional structural integrity.

Tarmac Spyder is equipped with lightweight, hugging racing seats that enhance the performance-oriented nature of the automobile. These seats use resilient metal exo-skeletal frames and are covered in red leather.

For added functionality, the rear seat backs can fold forward to accommodate large items passed through from the trunk. As a finishing touch, rugged diamond-plated metal plates replace carpeted floor mats.

Last but not least, on-road entertainment is provided by the Lancer Evolution mechanicals, namely:
- 2.0 litre DOHC 16 valve turbo-charged intercooled 300hp+ engine
- Electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic function (shifting controls on the steering wheel)
- Full time all-wheel-drive system with computer-controlled Active Centre Differential (ACD) and rear differential with electronic Active Yaw Control capability (AYC)

In addition, in-car entertainment is also available on board, thanks to:
- Adjustable DVD flat screen displays for front and rear passengers
- Front display features a flat video screen with mouse-operated climate, audio and telematic units
- High power CD audio system
- Side mirror mounted digital cameras to record inspiring laps or run. A replay option allows passengers to quickly and easily view their favourite run as an on-board video game.

Principal specifications
Overall length: 4,055 mm
Overall width: 1,825 mm
Wheelbase: 2,515 mm
Seating: 4
Engine: 2.0-litre inline four 16-valve DOHC, turbo-charged, intercooled, 300hp +
Transmission: - Full time all-wheel-drive system with computer-controlled Active Centre Differential (ACD) and rear differential with electronic Active Yaw Control capability (AYC)
- Electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic function

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX

Wicked Evo IX on Show at Sydney

The wicked Lancer Evolution IX - the latest iteration of Mitsubishi’s rally-winning weapon – will be on show at the Australian International Motor Show.

Powered by the legendary two litre 16-valve DOHC intercooled and turbocharged 4G63 four-cylinder engine, Evolution IX now gains the benefit of Mitsubishi’s MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic lift and Control) variable valve timing that constantly matches inlet valve timing to engine speed and load. Maximum power of 206kW is achieved at 6,000rpm, and maximum torque of 355Nm is achieved at a low 3,000rpm and is put to the ground through a new six-speed fully synchromeshed manual transmission.

However, it is the car’s handling that sets Lancer Evolution apart from its imitators, and this is achieved through Mitsubishi’s electronically controlled advanced 4WD drive-train. The harmonious integration – by a single ECU – of the Active Centre Differential, Super Active Yaw Control and Sports ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution has resulted in awesome advances in acceleration, speed, cornering, braking and other dynamic performance parameters.

However, such performance development would be irresponsible if the roadholding and braking was not commensurate with the car’s capabilities, and Evo IX’s inverted MacPherson strut and coil-over front suspension and multi-link and coil rear suspension makes sure that the drive gets to the road. Add 235/45ZR17 high performance tyres, and the huge (320mm front, 300mm rear) Brembo ventilated disc brakes to the equation, and the Evo IX driver is assured their car will handle and stop as they would wish.

Evolution IX’s external appearance has received a freshen up with a new mesh front grille with floating chrome three diamond symbol, and front bumper design, while the new rear bumper design, with its diffuser undersurface that stabilises air flow detachment and reduces drag while enhancing Evo IX’s sedan racer looks, completes the major exterior styling changes.

Inside, Evo IX has also had a minor make-over that has a dramatic impact. The leather-wrapped MOMO 3-spoke steering wheel now has black spokes, and the dash highlight panel is now a carbon fibre-look treatment. When added to the dark titanium-look centre, shift and power window switch panels, and alloy sports pedals the interior look is stylish, sporty and integrated.

Front seating is still comfortable Recaro bucket seats that are now upholstered using non-slip Alcantara suede upholstery with leather side bolsters.

Automatic climate control air conditioning is now provided in Evo IX, and is situated immediately below the 2-DIN premium AM/FM audio system with a 6-CD in-dash stacker in the centre panel. The audio system has six speakers.

Add Data Dot security identification, a feature-packed tracking system and 5-year premium roadside assistance as standard, and Mitsubishi has made every effort to protect both the car and its driver.

Evo IX costs $56,789 from the network of specialist Ralliart dealers throughout Australia.

Options are a Performance Pack (Bilstein shock absorbers and forged lightweight BBS alloy wheels) for $3,700 and metallic/pearlescent paint for $300.

Also on the show stand will be a stunning black example of a Team Mitsubishi Ralliart Evo IX that can be ordered through the specialist Ralliart dealer network.

The car has adjustable Bilstein shock absorbers, 18” forged alloy Ralliart rims fitted with 235/40 18 Pirelli P Zero Corsa high performance track tyres that are also approved road tyres, titanium exhaust system, induction air pipe kit, Ralliart air filter, front and rear strut tower braces, earthing kit, braided brake lines, Ralliart brake pads, aero extension to the front dam, aluminium underfloor protection (for sump guard and fuel tank), vortex generator and rear wing gurney flap.

Inside, the car has a Kenwood premium audio system, Ralliart instrument cluster and boost gauge set, carbon fibre trim panels and gear shift knob and handbrake lever knob to add a premium look to the interior.

Collectively the special bits add approximately $30,000 to the price of the host car, but customers can select whatever they wish from the appertising menu to personalise their own vehicle to their individual taste.

Mitsubishi Grandis Shows off Luxury Treatment at Motor Show

Mitsubishi’s Grandis people-mover has had a luxury make-over as part of a model upgrade, and now offers even better value for money in its new guise.

Externally Grandis has not changed, but the interior of the ’06 model year Grandis gets a new sporty look. The dark blue/light grey interior trim has been replaced with a black/grey interior with dark grey cloth seat trim. The gear-shift gets a silver mesh-look highlight to surround the sporty in-dash lever.

Powered by a Euro 3 compliant 2.4 litre 16-valve four-cylinder MIVEC engine developing 120kW at 6000 rpm and 216Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, the Grandis puts its power to the ground through a four-speed INVECS II ‘Smart Logic’ automatic transmission with ‘Sports Mode’ sequential shifting operation.

However, the real news is the optional luxurious appointments that are now available to make family driving a comfortable and enjoyable experience. These include:

- Leather seats with heated front seats
- New design 17” five-spoke alloy wheels
- Dual sunroof – front manual, rear electric slide
- Roof rails
- Leather and wood steering wheel
- Woodgrain gearshift lever
- Silver mesh power window switch panels
- Chrome interior door handles
- Illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirrors
- An additional two speakers for the AM/FM radio with 6-CD in-dash audio system
- Privacy glass
- Reversing sensors
- Air pollen filter

Three new colours have been added to the Grandis colour palette to freshen the colour range, and it now is:

- White Solid
- Cool Silver Metallic
- Fraser Beige Metallic (new)
- Red Metallic (new)
- Purple Metallic
- Effect Grey Mica (new)
- Deep Blue Metallic
- Black Mica

The stylish Grandis comes with a comprehensive list of standard features that are consistent with a family wagon. These include power steering, power windows, power exterior mirrors, cruise control, dual climate control automatic air conditioning, front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), copious storage areas, 16” alloy wheels, and an extremely flexible three-row seating arrangement.

The price for Grandis is $39,990 for the entry model, and $45,250 when the additional luxury features are optioned. The new Grandis range is now available from Mitsubishi dealers.

2006 Mitsubishi Grandis