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.

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.

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:
- There was no need to change Pajero’s architecture; the monocoque body with built-in frame has been retained but is now more rigid, to the benefit of both handling and NVH levels.
- The same goes for the electronically-controlled Super Select 4-II transfer case, except that a lockable rear differential is now available for better off-road performance. In line with Mitsubishi’s All Wheel Control (AWC) philosophy, Pajero now comes with standard Traction and Stability Control systems whilst ABS, Electronic Brake Assist Control and Electronic Brake-force Distribution systems remain.
- Front and rear independent suspension systems retain the previous layout but have been re-calibrated for a smoother ride, less body roll (improved by 25%) and better high speed stability**, both on- and off-road.
- As far as the Diesel engine is concerned - just like for the new Triton (L200) - displacement (3.2 litre) and basic format (4 cylinders) were retained. However a common-rail architecture was adopted to meet two key objectives of the project:
o Euro-4 compliance
o Better NVH performance (noise level reduced by 15% for instance)

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.

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