Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces a partial redesign of its popular CHALLENGER all-round sport utility series that lets driver and occupants enjoy a wide variety of motoring situations in comfort and safety and with minimum fuss. Powering some models of the new CHALLENGER series is the company's exciting V6 3.5-liter GDI engine. Other features include electronic management for diesel engine models, an improved equipment specification and new-look exterior and interior trim. The new CHALLENGER goes on sale throughout Japan at Car Plaza dealerships on Friday, August 22.

The new CHALLENGER is the fourth Mitsubishi series to be offered with the company's environment-friendly GDI engine after the GALANT / LEGNUM, PAJERO and DIAMANTE. The introduction of electronic engine management for the 2.8-liter intercooler / turbocharged diesel power unit, meanwhile, realizes class-topping power output a major factor in the purchase decision of consumers shopping in this category. GDI-powered models are fitted with Mitsubishi's INVECS-II with Sport Mode 5-speed "smart" automatic transmission that returns astonishingly low fuel consumption while delivering higher power and torque outputs. And with new-look exterior and interior trim, improved seating adjustment that enables a full-flat arrangement, and an improved safety equipment specification, the latest CHALLENGER realizes outstanding value-for-money.

CHALLENGER GDI-XR

I.Major Product Features

1.Significant improvement in performance

(1) Environment-friendly V6 3.5-liter GDI engine

The CHALLENGER now joins the GALANT / LEGNUM, PAJERO and DIAMANTE series in being powered by Mitsubishi's revolutionary GDI engine. A new benchmark for environment-friendly power units, the GDI engine realizes amazingly low fuel consumption, much reduced carbon dioxide emissions and more power than its port-injection predecessor. Reflecting the sport utility nature of the CHALLENGER, the GDI engine is tuned to deliver greater low-medium range torque and realizes a 30 percent reduction in fuel consumption, a 10 percent increase in power output in the normal working speed range (600rpm to 2,500rpm) and also reduces emissions of global warming carbon dioxide by 30 percent.

(2)2.8-liter intercooler/turbocharged diesel gives improved performance

Mitsubishi's 2.8-liter intercooler/turbocharged diesel has proved popular for its clean combustion and high power output and for its excellent driveability and response across the whole rev range. In the new CHALLENGER, the introduction of electronic management realizes class-topping levels of power and torque, and even cleaner combustion.

The electronically controlled injection system employs data from sensors monitoring water temperature, throttle opening and boost pressure to optimize injection rate and timing. This, an increase in the turbocharger boost pressure and optimization of the valve timing results in a significant improvement in dynamic performance and driveability.

In addition, detail changes and improvements have reduced black smoke emissions and vibration.

(3)INVECS-II with Sport Mode smart automatic transmission

All CHALLENGER models are fitted with Mitsubishi's INVECS-II smart automatic transmission that features Adaptive Shift Control and Optimum Shift Control systems to enable safer and easier vehicle operation.

GDI-powered models also feature Mitsubishi's Sport Mode manual override system that enhances a vehicle's fun-to-drive qualities by enabling the driver to operate the transmission as if it were a manual gearbox. Sport Mode enables the driver to hold a particular gear as long as required for better control, whether driving on pavement or off-road.

2.New-look exterior and interior trim

(1)Exterior trim

The new CHALLENGER looks more chic with a full-chrome front grille, chrome-plated door mirrors and handles and a new aerodynamically molded side step.

The choice of body colors is increased with a new Mariana Blue, Frazer Beige two-tone and Pyrennes Black monotone finish.

(2)Interior trim

Seating patterns are further expanded with the addition of a new full-flat mode arrangement. Removing the squab cushions from the middle row seats, folding the third row seat backrests forward and reclining the front seat backrests provides a flat area that is more than 2800mm long.

GDI models have an exclusive design of sporty seats.

GDI-XR and XR trim levels feature wood-grain paneling around the instrument panel, giving the interior a more luxurious touch. Other trim levels use a smart suede-finish instrument bezel.

3.Highly-accessible prices

While sporting a tremendous mechanical specification with the GDI engine, electronic management for diesel engines and the INVECS-II with Sport Mode 5-speed automatic transmission, and new-look exterior and interior trim, the new CHALLENGER series carry easily affordable price tags.

4.Rationalized model lineup

The new CHALLENGER model lineup has been rationalized by offering it with two engines only: the V6 3.5-liter GDI and the 2.8-liter I/C I/T diesel.

5.Nest and Nest Basic lite camping versions

The specially equipped CHALLENGER Nest and CHALLENGER Nest Basic versions that have proved highly popular with auto camping and fishing enthusiasts have undergone the same improvements as the CHALLENGER series and go on sale on Friday August 22.

II.Sales Target

CHALLENGER series:1,400 units / month (Nest and Basic Nest models included)

Principal Specifications:CHALLENGER GDI-XR

Dimensions & weights

Performance

Running gear

*The GDI CHALLENGER series includes a wide range of other models and trim levels.