Other models taking center stage at the Mitsubishi booth are: the Tarmac Spyder concept model, a proposal for a futuristic hi-performance open sports car; and the U.S. market specification Lancer Evolution VIII, the latest in MMC's Evolution series.

Endeavor: Pioneering Project America

Endeavor is the first Mitsubishi model to be designed exclusively for the North American market under Project America. Announced in February 2000, this initiative calls for the company to design, develop and build in the United States products destined for core-model positioning in that market.

Endeavor is a new-generation SUV model that marries SUV go-anywhere utility with the dynamic performance and ride of a regular passenger model. Its new lightweight but stiff platform underpins sparkling road performance as well as enabling a spacious interior.

The U.S. market launch is slated for spring 2003 with a sales target of 70,000 units for the initial year. Endeavor comes with a very-accessible price tag in the US$25,000-US$30,000 bracket.

Tarmac Spyder: Targeting Gen Y

Tarmac Spyder offers a peek at the future direction of MMC's hi-performance open sports car development. Targeting the tech-savvy Generation Y, Tarmac Spyder offers the optimum balance between extreme sports car performance and fun-to-ride driving pleasure for all occupants.

Delivering significant improvements in acceleration, top speed, cornering, braking and other characteristics of the hi-performance sport car, Tarmac Spyder adds the joys of open car driving with its detachable hard top. The on-board CCD camera and DVD player make this a truly fun-to-ride vehicle for all its occupants.

1. Endeavor product features

Exterior design

• Stylish packaging embraces wide-&-low road-hugging proportions within an overall length of 4830mm and width of 1870mm - dimensions that place it in the mid-size SUV class - while keeping overall height to an easily manageable 1710mm.
• Under-body road clearance, at 210mm, is on a par with mainstream cross-country 4WD vehicles. The generous side sill height of 310mm also satisfies overall ground clearance requirements sought in a serious SUV.
• Design elements that identify and highlight Endeavor's novel personality include: a front visage distinguished by a prominent three-diamond logo in the center of the horizontal bar grille; heavy-duty front and rear bumpers; and, a forceful character line running the length of the side.

Interior

• Endeavor's stylish and sporty interior space is designed to a geo-mechanical theme elegantly represented in the dash, door panels and other elements.
• The distinctive dash and instrument panel lighting makes extensive use of blue LED's.
• Endeavor's roomy interior provides comfortable seating for five adults, as well as a generously sized luggage compartment.

Mechanical features

• Endeavor is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 ECI-Multi fuel injection engine that generates gutsy torque across the full rev range and is mated to Mitsubishi's innovative Sportronic ^TM Sequential-Shift 4-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive models use Mitsubishi's full-time AWD drivetrain that features a center differential fitted with a viscous-coupling limited slip differential and that has won high acclaim on the Lancer Evolution and other hi-performance MMC models.
• Endeavor uses a new lightweight and stiff platform that, supported by MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear independent suspension, delivers outstanding handling stability, go-anywhere off-road capabilities and ride comfort on a par with a similar class sedan model.

Model lineup

• The Endeavor series comprises three trim versions: LS, which boasts a comprehensive equipment and feature specification; the premium-class XLS, which adds power-adjust seats and an LED instrument panel; and the top-of-the-line XLS with leather seating and an exclusive exterior specification. Each trim level is available with either 2WD or 4WD drivetrains.

Major specifications

*1 Models fitted with roof rails
*2 AWD model

2. Tarmac Spyder overview

Exterior

• Tarmac Spyder's distinctive front visage showcases the new MMC design identity: the front grille featuring a raised triangular base embellished by a prominent three-diamond Mitsubishi logo.
• Packaged within the compact dimensions normal to a hi-performance sports car, Tarmac Spyder's easily detachable hard top enables all four occupants to enjoy the thrills and elation of open car driving with space to spare.
• A new sliding door design realizes a sweet balance between styling aesthetics and convenience.

Interior

• While employing materials and color schemes developed to satisfy the Gen Y consumer's appetite for the "genuine article", massive braces between the seats give expression to Tarmac Spyder's spartan design motif that evokes images of a racing car or even jet fighter cockpit.
• The dashboard and instrument panel use the wave-line styling theme that identifies MMC's new interior design identity to realize an interior that wraps round and embraces its occupants in sumptuous and reassuring comfort.
• The on-board CDD camera captures all the excitement of that trip down to the sea or into the outback, while individual LED monitors enable front and rear seat passengers to enjoy whatever's showing on the DVD player.

Mechanical features

• The powertrain uses the 4G63-type 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC engine mated to Mitsubishi's Sportronic ^TM Sequential-Shift 5-speed automatic transmission.
• Mitsubishi's All Wheel Control technology - comprising ACD, AYC and Sports ABS - has been optimized to realize dramatic improvements in fun-to-drive dynamic performance characteristics while also delivering relaxing and easy-to-drive controllability that accommodates a wide range of driving abilities.

Major specifications

3. MMC exhibits at Detroit Show