Thrill of Motor Sports Sparks New Designs from
Mitsubishi
FRANKFURT - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation with an emphasis on motor sports
welcomes visitors to its booth at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Showcasing
advanced automotive technologies and Mitsubishi's spirit of challenge are a
Pajero1 Evolution concept car, the Dakar Pajero that Jutta Kleinschimdt
drove to her historic victory at the 2001 Paris-Dakar, a prototype of the
Lancer Evolution WRC (World Rally Car), and a Lancer Evolution VII.
While 2001 is turning into a season of success in motor sports, Mitsubishi
has never lost track of its real mission: prove the durability,
performance, and quality of its technologies in the unforgiving conditions
of off-road competitions so that every Mitsubishi owner can enjoy winning
performance.
Full lineups of SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) and passenger cars that meet
the diverse needs of Europe's driving enthusiasts are also on display as is
the latest example of Mitsubishi's commitment to Earth-first technologies,
the GDI-ISA (Gasoline Direct Injection-Integrated Starter and Alternator).
Pajero Evolution concept car hints at the shapes of things to come. The
electrifying design of the Pajero Evolution concept car suggests an
exciting potential for the Pajero and embodies a new design directive that
calls for greater visual emphasis of the passion and enthusiasm that go
into every Mitsubishi vehicle.
In anticipation of new regulations at the Paris-Dakar, Mitsubishi changed
its development philosophy to create a more competitive and engaging car.
This Pajero Evolution concept car is one example of Mitsubishi's new
outlook. Dynamic design elements that inspire passion and breathe the
aggressive spirit of motor sports into the Pajero's functional elegance
immediately establish a link between Mitsubishi's successful rally
activities and its production cars. The sleek, futuristic expression of
sheer driving pleasure at once projects power and emotion.
Mitsubishi is on course for greater glory in 2001 as Mitsubishi chases
multiple WRC (World Rally Championship) titles to follow up a historic
victory at the 2001 Paris-Dakar
Both motor sports and driving enthusiasts can examine up close a prototype
of the Lancer Evolution WRC that is intended to help Mitsubishi's ace WRC
driver, Tommi Makinen, capture an unprecedented fifth Drivers' Title and
improve Mitsubishi's chances of claiming its second Manufacturer's Title.
Switching to the World Rally Car regulation from the established Group A
category represents a major change in Mitsubishi's policy. However, the
change was necessary to ensure direct reflection of rally proven
technologies in its production cars. The Lancer Evolution VII is a perfect
example of Mitsubishi's commitment. Contrary to norms, the Lancer Evolution
VII is based on the rally model and not vice versa. This unusual
arrangement allows non-professional drivers to enjoy winning performance
very similar to that of the rally model. The new Lancer Evolution WRC
should greatly help Makinen's chances of rewriting motor sports history
when it is introduced at the San Remo Rally this October.
German rally driver Jutta Kleinschmidt has already rewritten motor sport
history this year when on January 22 she became the first woman to win the
Paris-Dakar Rally. Visitors can examine close up the Dakar Pajero that she
and co-drive Andreas Schulz skillfully guided to victory.
All models in Mitsubishi's full range of accomplished SUVs incorporate
technologies, quality, and durability proven in punishing off-road
competitions
Starting the Pajero lineup is the compact and lightweight Pajero Pinin2.
Its stylish "just right" design helps offer the legendary Pajero's
all-terrain driving experience at the most personal and accessible
level-and bring a tough, fun-loving approach to both the outdoors and the
urban wilderness. New for the 2002 model is an engine-4WD pairing that
makes the Pajero Pinin even more accessible. An 84-kW 1.8-litre ECI-MULTI
(Electronically Controlled Injection-MULTI point injection) engine is
coupled to a hands-off full-time 4WD system with a viscous coupling unit.
Widely recognised as an expression of prestige and true all-terrain
performance, the peerless Pajero stands atop the namesake lineup.
Technologies that helped the Pajero claim the top two places in this year's
Paris-Dakar are combined with the features and performance potential of an
executive-class passenger car to create a rewarding motoring experience
second to none.
Bridging the Pajero and Pajero Pinin, the Pajero Sport3 is a more
accessible way for driving enthusiasts to enjoy the combination of
all-terrain mastery and refined on-road handling that is an established
Pajero tradition.
The L200 is the undisputed leader of the one-tonne pick-up category when it
comes to combining economy, reliability, and ruggedness. If any more proof
were needed, consider its magnificent performance in attaining fifth
overall and third in the modified production class-after the two Pajeros-in
the 2001 Paris-Dakar.