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Mitsubishi Pajero To Debut in Paris Tonight
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![]() Following the successful international launch of the Triton utility and prior to the international market introduction of the new Outlander SUV, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will complete its renewed 4x4 line-up with the world premiere of the next evolution of Pajero* at the 2006 Paris Motor Show (“Mondial de l´Automobile”). Celebrating at this occasion 70 years of 4x4 technology at Mitsubishi (1936 PX33 4-wheel-drive torpedo) and 25 years of Pajero, this evergreen brand icon will trade all the “soft-roader” trappings currently en vogue in the full-size SUV segment for the long-term design integrity of a classic. Pajero is about to be launched in Japan, to be followed by world markets soon afterwards. Authentic Designed and engineered to be used as a true off-road vehicle rather than a fashion accessory, it will respect the loyalty of over 2.5 million Pajero customers since 1982 and capitalise on the rugged image patiently crafted at the gruelling Dakar rally since 1983. As an illustration of Pajero’s high loyalty rate, customers rejected any dilution of its 'personality' during early clinic tests of the latest car in both 3 and 5 door formats. In that sense, this Pajero marks a return to the unmistakable design vocabulary defined by the 1979 Pajero II Concept (tall, vertical and nearly flat windshield, “Pajero eyes” front face arrangement, side-hinged tailgate, etc …). Doing away with the bulging guards of the previous generation in the process, this latest evolution offers a still clearly identified yet more balanced silhouette. The availability of 18” alloy wheels will also confirm this impression. The chunkier and sportier 3 door body follows the same design strategy, keeping its longer doors, short wheelbase (2,545 m vs. 2,780 m for the 5 door), characteristic kicked-up rear quarter window and roll-bar-like B-pillar. For both, the front grille also returns to a typical Pajero rectangular crosshair pattern (horizontal bars over thin vertical strips), but incorporating Mitsubishi’s trademark “Mount Fuji” signature treatment of the Three-Diamond logo, prolonged by a spine-like character line stamped in the centre of the bonnet. The all-new MPR13 2007 Dakar racer will obviously share these traits. An indispensable sign of authenticity, the outside mounted spare wheel was naturally retained. Now centred (and hard-covered), it allows the use of the high mounted rear combination lamp for better visibility. ![]()
High-end Quality Adamant as they were for MMC to remain faithful to Pajero’s* exterior
design, customers also acknowledged the need for a full overhaul of its
cabin, starting with a brand new – but still gimmick-free - dashboard. Much more coherent in look, feel and materials compared to the previous
car, it adopts a no-frill contemporary design. Soothing for long distance
travels and apt to outlive fashions and trends, it translates Japanese
quality and refinement into an understated, sophisticated cockpit with
high-end watch-like precision and finish, from the audio controls to the
sleek centre console. Set in a sober black or black/beige background theme, dressed-up with subtle
aluminium-like and wood-like, metallic or anthracite accents – e.g. for the
dashboard and door trim panels – and benefiting from a soft-touch finish,
Pajero’s equipment is incorporated in a more consistent way than before,
including new refinements today’s customers expect like the Rockford Acoustic
DesignÔ premium audio system and innovative hard disc navigation system with
integrated music server function. Same goes for the deep set meters, the climate controls, gear & transfer
case levers as well as the steering wheel, all sporting the same quality finish
and feeling highlighted by the mechanical precision of actuation of all knobs
and switches, up to the rear A/C controls. As expected from a Japanese car, interior lighting has been “constructed”
with safety, comfort and feeling of space in mind, as exemplified by the amber
illuminated foot rest area and console down light. Additionally, whilst the convenient “Hide&SeatÔ” 3rd row
continues (5 door only), new equipment is now made available in this latest
iteration of Pajero: ![]()
Long haul Customer surveys have demonstrated that Pajero is first and foremost used for
the purposes it was engineered for, i.e.: real-life 4x4 driving (off-roading,
towing,etc,…) by professionals, where roads do not exist anymore… These facts were strong drivers to apply the same “evolution philosophy”
to the technical definition of this new Pajero: As an additional benefit, more power is gained in automatic form (thanks to a variable geometry
turbo) compared to the previous Pajero, whilst 8 additional Nm will contribute
to more flexible performance – always a bonus off road – in manual form (up to
381 Nm): 3.2 Di-D M/T 3.2 Di-D A/T Output 160 ps 170 ps Torque 381 Nm 373 Nm A DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) is standard on automatic versions; it will also be made
available on manual variants, according to market. - MMC remained
faithful to the V6 configuration for Pajero’s* petrol engine but switched from
the old 3.5 litre GDI powerplant to the all-new 250 ps*** 3.8 litre MIVEC
unit fitted to the recent Eclipse sports cars in North America. - Lastly, both engines are equipped with evolutions of the previous, proven gearboxes: either a
5 speed manual or the 5 speed electronically-controlled INVECS-II automatic
unit, with Sports (i.e.: sequential) Mode and “Adaptive Shift Control” for
downhill driving.
Evolution This Pajero* also forms the
basis for an all-new cross-country racer that will be entered in the 2007 Dakar
rally. Called “Pajero Evolution”, this race car is also unveiled tonight at the
Paris Motor Show, alongside the production car. * Shogun in The UK / Montero in Spain ** Within legal limits ***Figures subject to homologation
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