Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is to exhibit the HSR-VI advanced research car and the TECHNAS sport utility vehicle (SUV) concept car at the 57th Frankfurt Motor Show, being held from Tuesday September 9 through Sunday September 21. The HSR-VI is an evolution of the HSR-V advanced research vehicle exhibited at the 56th Frankfurt Motor Show. The latest in Mitsubishi's series of advanced research vehicles, HSR-VI takes "Mobility in the 21st century" as its theme. As circumstances dictate, HSR-VI offers the ease of automatic driving, in order to accommodate the requirements of intelligent transportation and other traffic systems of the future, and the fun of manual vehicle operation. The TECHNAS SUV concept car blends the fun of sports car motoring and the utility of a sporty utility vehicle while fully meeting the safety and comfort requirements expected in the 21st century.At the show, the company will also announce and display the New CARISMA sedan, the first Mitsubishi model outside Japan to be powered by the GDI engine.

I.HSR-VI: Principal Features

Two main driving environments may be envisioned when considering how the automobile will be used in the future:(1) Moving around freely within a limited radius within urban and suburban areas;(2) Automatic driving linking two points in which people are transported at high speeds between a limited number of destinations. HSR-VI offers both an Automatic Driving Mode and a Manual Operating Mode to realize safer and more comfortable transportation in these two driving environments, .

In terms of its research theme, HSR-VI has been developed as the ideal automobile for the coming century; an automobile that receives information communications to realize outstanding amenity. To this end, HSR-VI is loaded with numerous advanced technologies for the two driving modes, concentrating on the four areas of safety, performance, environment and information.

1.Design.

• The exterior is designed so that HSR-VI fits into urban landscapes of the near future. The interior is presented as a relaxing space that incorporates a living room theme.
• " Constructure" is the exterior styling theme. The aim was to make the body design blend in with urban backdrops in the near future. In essence, each area of the body is considered to be a separate "part", each having its own distinct function. After being given the finishing touches, these parts are assembled together to constitute a single form.
• "Function" and "Furniture" are the interior styling themes. In the Automatic Driving Mode, the interior realizes a relaxing space through the extensive use of interior furnishing materials and of subtle lighting effects. In the Manual Driving Mode, meanwhile, the interior assumes an uncluttered design with all controls grouped together to enable the driver to concentrate on operating his vehicle.
• The lighting systems excel in both design and function. HSR-VI employs a Multi-communication Lighting System in which, using the same light source, fiber optics are used to guide light to prism-type Crystal Headlights that illuminate the way ahead, to provide vehicle perimeter lighting and to present color-differentiated information to the driver.

2.Optimum Cabin

• The cabin is designed to provide optimum levels of mobile environment, field of view, aerodynamics, entry and egress as well as comfort.
• The Dual Mode System optimally adjusts field of view and position according to driving mode. In the Automatic Driving Mode, the system lowers the cabin, reclines the seating and retracts the steering control to create a more relaxing living space. In the Manual Driving Mode, the system raises the cabin to give a sport utility degree of downward visibility and optimally adjusts field of view and driving position. The cabin height changes through 300mm between automatic and manual driving modes.
• Constructed of an extruded aluminum space frame with high impact-strength polycarbonate exterior panels, the Optimum Cabin works together with the body, which is designed to absorb impact energy effectively from all directions in the event of a crash, to offer excellent occupant protection.
• Major improvement in ease of entry and egress. HSR-VI features large-area gull wing doors which open in concert with the side protector moldings that incorporate a boarding step, enabling occupants to enter and leave the vehicle in a comfortable attitude. In the entry/egress mode the body is 150mm higher off the ground than in the Manual Driving Mode.

3.Mechanical specification, displays and controls realize comfortable ride

(1)Automatic Driving Mode control

• HSR-VI uses a combination of two systems to control the Automatic Driving Mode: (1) Autonomous automatic driving, in which image processing of pictures from the forward, rear and side cameras and laser radar are used for white line detection to keep the vehicle in its lane, beacon recognition and obstruction detection; (2) Communications automatic driving (control of throttle opening, brake pressure and steering), in which road-to-vehicle signals transmit information on lane markers, road environment and road conditions.

(2)All-wheel control

• To realize vehicle handling that responds in the way the driver wants it to, HSR-VI (1) Controls the functioning of the AAS (All-wheel Active Steer), TWIN-AYC (Active Yaw Control) and ASC (Active Stability Control), and ECS (Electronically Controlled Suspension) mechanical systems that control the vehicle's cornering performance; (2) Uses Multi-link Suspension on all wheels to maintain the optimum tire footprint.

(3)Adaptive information system

• In the Automatic Driving Mode, the Interactive Multi-display that is housed in the roof deploys and the driver controls the automatic operation of the vehicle by operating the Multi-dimension Controller on top of the center console to acquire information from the Internet and traffic and weather information services. In this mode, the automatic driving status is displayed in the Center Wide Display located in the middle of the instrument panel.
• In the Manual Driving Mode, only the information actually required by the driver to operate his vehicle is shown in the On-demand Display located on top of the instrument panel in a position that does not interfere with his line of vision. In this mode, the Center Wide Display shows a wide-angle landscape view of what is behind the vehicle.

4.Very high levels of safety and environmental suitability

(1)GDI engine mated with CVT

• HSR-VI is powered by a 2.4-liter version of Mitsubishi's revolutionary GDI engine, highly acclaimed for its ultra-efficient performance in regular production models, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). From the throttle opening and the operating status of the vehicle, the on-board computer determines the degree of acceleration and uses the CVT's stepless gear ratios to keep the engine operating at its most efficient speed. As a result, the GDI engine's characteristic very low fuel consumption and higher power outputs are taken to new levels.

(2)Aerodynamics

• The body is divided laterally into three sections with well-defined airflow channels. Air traveling over the body passes along these channels and is expelled from the tail end surface, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag. Lowering the cabin also achieves a reduction in HSR-VI's total projected area.

(3)Cameras and sensors

• In the Automatic Driving Mode, HSR-VI uses cameras and laser radar to visually monitor the periphery of the vehicle. Using this information, the system warns the driver when an obstruction is detected, or the vehicle is operated to avoid a crash. The use of color cameras has improved the system's ability to distinguish traffic lights and road signs.
• To prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue or drowsiness, a Driver Monitor Camera constantly assesses driver alertness by observing his eyelid movements and the degree of pupil contraction. When necessary, the system gives visual and aural warnings as well as urging the driver to stop and rest.

(4)Airbags

• Both driver and passenger seats are provided with a basic airbag system for frontal protection as well as a side airbag system.

II.TECHNAS: Principal Features

1.Concept

• TECHNAS takes as its theme, "A refined outdoor leisure vehicle for urban dwellers": one which is fun to use in a wide range of situations, whether for daily use, for visiting holiday resorts or for making trips out in the field, and which is a joy to own. In concept, it is a completely new type of sport utility, embodying sporty performance and satisfying on a high level the safety, comfort and utility requirements expected in the 21st century.

2.Utility

(1)Packaging

• At 4,505mm long by 1,855mm wide and 1,645mm high, the packaging brings together nimble performance and a mobile space that offers excellent comfort and load carrying capacity.
• A body height that is significantly lower than other SUVs and a low center of gravity powertrain with wide track give TECHNAS fleet-footed, stable and road-hugging tarmac performance.
• At 558mm, the cabin floor height is some 200mm lower than on other SUV's, thus facilitating the loading and unloading of outdoor leisure equipment. 1,050mm high inside, the luggage compartment provides the optimum space for outdoor leisure use. The luggage compartment floor has a plastic covering that facilitates the movement of luggage around the compartment and also lets the driver load wet leisure equipment without having to worry about soiling or damage.The left and right doors open at their center line, thereby offering outstanding entry and egress and making it easier to load luggage. The bottom half of the tailgate also opens at its center, while the glass top half slides up into the roof.

(2)Seating arrangements

• TECHNAS uses pipe cot-type seats front and rear. With smaller cushions, the rear seats are ultra-lightweight: they can be removed from the vehicle and used as beach chairs, and folding back the double cushion panel enables them to be used as a luggage retaining net.
• TECHNAS offers two basic seating patterns:(1) 2-seater with spacious rear compartment;(2) 4-seater with modest luggage space. In addition, a third row of seats may be added to the cabin space.
• The interior permits an unobstructed walk-through to the cabin space. The tailgate has a power-operated window that slides up into the roof, and a lower section that opens at the center line. These features make for outstanding utility, enabling luggage to be loaded and unloaded as in a pickup truck.

3.Safety

(1)Pedestrian-friendly materials and outer panel shape

• The design of the front end leading edge permits excellent forward and downward visibility, and at the same time employs a soft plastic bumper for added pedestrian safety. The body has a crash energy-absorbing structure in which ample spacing between the front fenders and engine hood and the body frame provides a generous impact-absorbing stroke. And with the plastic molding that runs around the perimeter of the body, TECHNAS surpasses today's SUV's in terms of safety concepts.

(2)AYC (Active Yaw Control)

• TECHNAS employs Mitsubishi's advanced Active Yaw Control system to enhance its cornering performance. On an all-wheel vehicle, AYC transfers torque between the rear wheels to generate a yaw moment and thereby extract the full performance potential of the tires.

(3)Airbag system

• In addition to the SRS airbag system for driver and front passenger, TECHNAS employs side airbags, mounted in the seat back outer pad, which are deployed instantaneously when sensors detect a side impact to offer enhanced occupant protection.

(4)Safety body

• TECHNAS uses a high crash energy-absorbing body construction that achieves high levels of impact safety in offset and side impacts as well as meeting Japanese safety standards.

4.Driveline

(1)Engine

• TECHNAS is powered the new 6G72 3.0-liter V6 24-valve DOHC engine, the latest in Mitsubishi's revolutionary GDI engine series. The GDI engine is an ultra-efficient, environment-aware power unit that significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions while also delivering higher power outputs and returning very low fuel consumption.

(2)INVECS-II with Sport Mode 5-speed automatic transmission

• Mated to the GDI engine is the INVECS-II "smart" automatic transmission that uses Mitsubishi's own Adaptive Shift Control and Optimum Shift Control systems to enable safer and easier vehicle operation. And the Sport Mode clutch-less manual override enhances fun-to-drive qualities by enabling the driver to operate the transmission as if it were a manual gearbox.

(3)Electronic full-time 4WD

• TECHNAS uses Mitsubishi's new electronically controlled all-wheel drive system that is derived from the company's proven center differential-with-VCU (viscous coupling unit) system. Employing fuzzy logic to control the hydraulically operated multi-plate clutch, the new system enables the automatic and flexible variation of front/rear torque split from between 32:68 right up to fully locked all-wheel drive.

5.Design

• After giving due consideration to safety and environmental requirements, the design aims to express a commanding presence and a stable appearance befitting this new type of SUV, while at the same time permitting TECHNAS to fulfill its outdoor leisure functions-in other words, creating a comfortable mobile space and providing excellent load carrying capability.

6.Other features

(1)Tires

• TECHNAS is shod with large 255/40ZR19 all-terrain tires designed exclusively for it to assure positive driving control and comfort over all types of surfaces.

(2)Suspension

• TECHNAS uses the same multi-link suspension system as the Mitsubishi LEGNUM station wagon, optimally tuned for the SUV's particular requirements and characteristics. The suspension employs a self-leveling system that keeps the body horizontal regardless of body attitude or the load carried.

III.New CARISMA-First GDI Model in Europe

• Mitsubishi Motors will announce and have on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show the New GDI CARISMA, the first GDI engine-powered Mitsubishi model outside of Japan.

IV.Other Mitsubishi Models On Display

In addition to the HSR-VI and TECHNAS, Mitsubishi Motors will be displaying the following production models on its stands at the Frankfurt Motor Show:

• GALANT
• COLT (MIRAGE in Japan)
• LANCER
• ECLIPSE
• 3000GT (GTO in Japan)
• SPACE RUNNER (RVR in Japan)
• PAJERO
• L200 (STRADA in Japan)