Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has developed a MIVEC aluminium cylinder block engine to power the new Outlander, which is slated for introduction into the domestic Japanese market. The new Outlander, due to debut in showrooms this October, is to be powered by a new 4-cylinder 2.4-litre MIVEC engine.

Main features of new MIVEC engine

The new MIVEC engine announced last week incorporates the technologies listed below and have been developed with a common concept of more power, better fuel economy and reduced weight, size and cost.

The concept behind the technologies built into the new MIVEC engine is also common to the A9-type engine jointly developed with DaimlerChrysler in 2004. The A9 engine currently powers Mitsubishi Colt and Colt Plus and enjoys high critical acclaim both in Japan and Europe. In addition to the core elements listed below, the new engine incorporates other new and proprietary technologies.

• Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC)
• Aluminium cylinder block
• 4-valve direct-drive valvetrain
• Timing chain
• Resin components (incl. intake manifold, head cover)
• Rear exhaust engine mounting layout

The new MIVEC engine employs weight-reducing technologies such as the aluminium cylinder block to achieve a more than 10 percent weight reduction, which contributes to improved fuel economy and driving performance. Also, in order to assure high quality and reliability, these engines have been developed through strict development processes that conform to the MMDS (Mitsubishi Motors Development System) as well as the company's vehicle development processes.

1. Features of new 4-cylinder MIVEC engine

The new 4-cylinder 2.4-litre MIVEC engine employs MMC’s proprietary intake and exhaust cylinder head port design and intake/exhaust systems to deliver best-in-class output power and torque. The engine uses MMC’s proprietary MIVEC variable valve timing system, a double-wall stainless exhaust manifold and a high-performance catalytic converter to deliver outstanding mileage and emissions performance.

As a result, the new powerplant achieves a more than 5% increase in output over the current 4G69-type 2.4-litre MIVEC engine. The Outlander that will use this new engine is expected to achieve both a 4-star LEV rating for emission levels that is 75% lower than Japanese 2005 Low-emission Vehicle requirements and a fuel economy rating that is 5% better than the Japanese 2010 fuel economy standards. Furthermore, the improved combustion characteristics resulting from the MIVEC system applied to both intake and exhaust valves, the use of a compact balancer module with an integrated oil pump, and the use of a silent timing chain will all reduce noise levels throughout all engine speeds. With the rear exhaust layout, the width of the engine has been reduced which contributes to crashworthiness by allowing a larger front crushable zone.

The basic design of the new 2.4-litre MIVEC engine was developed through the World Engine project, the alliance among MMC, the Chrysler Group and Hyundai Motors. While enjoying high levels of technical excellence and cost competitiveness made available by the combined resources of the three companies, each company has been responsible for final application development, tailoring the engine to individual model and market needs.

The new 2.4-litre powerplant will go into production in September at MMC’s engine factory in Shiga Prefecture, Japan using the very latest manufacturing systems. Destined to become MMC’s mainstay powerplant, the company plans to phase the new engine into future models following its introduction in the Outlander.

2. Features of new 3-cylinder MIVEC engine

Also coming along in the near future is the new 3-cylinder 660cc MIVEC engine. It is expected to deliver outstanding power and torque, fuel economy and emissions performance. The turbocharged unit produces 47kW (64PS) of power. In addition, with the MIVEC variable valve timing system, it is expected to return a 15% better fuel economy than the current eK Sports model powered by the 3G83-type turbocharged unit, based on the 10-15 driving cycle, and to earn a 3-star LEV rating for emission levels that is 50% cleaner than Japanese 2005 Low-Emission Vehicle requirements. The mid-ship location and 45-degree rearward tilt of the new engine have allowed greater flexibility in developing the front end and also a longer wheelbase. These features contribute to excellent handling and stability as well as to an attractive body shape wrapped in softly flowing lines. In addition, the use of an electronically controlled throttle realises silky-smooth but powerful acceleration that suffers none of the jerkiness associated with turbocharged engines and contributes to strain-free drivability and satisfying fun-to-drive qualities. To further enhance the driving experience and realise a level of occupant comfort normally found in larger cars, careful attention has been given to reducing noise and vibration. Measures employed include the use of a silent timing chain, while the use of an aluminium oil pan adds stiffness to the engine block.

The new 3-cylinder MIVEC will be produced at MMC’s Mizushima powertrain factory.

• New MIVEC engine specifications

N.B.: All figures measured in-house

2006 Mitsubishi Outlander

Some previous Mitsubishi articles:

Mitsubishi 380 Arrives In October 4th July, 2005 Mitsubishi Motors today announced that its all-new locally manufactured large car would be known as the Mitsubishi "380" ..... more

Mitsubishi's New 3.8 litre V6 For Next Magna 10th June, 2005 Engineered for Australians, the new Mitsubishi 6G75 is a 3.8 litre SOHC 24-valve MPI V6 engine which will power the new generation Magna, due in October ..... more