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2 September 1999, Tokyo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces the
launch of the first fully redesigned PAJERO series in eight and a half
years. The company launched the first PAJERO series in 1982, since when
sales of this full-feature four-wheel drive utility vehicle, that always
incorporates the latest technology, have topped 470,000 in Japan alone
and 1,260,000 units overseas in 170 countries. Direct-Injection diesel
models of the new "Global standard PAJERO for the New Age" third series
will go on sale on Thursday 2 September, and GDI*1 models
on Friday 1 October at Mitsubishi's Galant dealerships throughout Japan.
Development of the new PAJERO centered on "Smart design" and "Ecology
conscious" themes as well as on further evolving its traditional functional
aesthetics, and benchmark-setting vehicular performance.
A brand-new ecology-friendly 3.2-liter direct-injection diesel power
unit enables the new PAJERO to clear the Japanese 2005 diesel vehicle
fuel consumption standards, and to comply with the Japanese Long-term
Emissions Regulations. Meanwhile, the ultra-efficient 3.5-liter V6 GDI
gasoline engine enables the new PAJERO both to clear the 2010 fuel consumption
requirements, and to comply with the Japanese 2000 Emissions Regulations.
Other features contributing to the new PAJERO's ability to combine
frugal mileage with high-power outputs, and its evolution into a Global
Standard PAJERO for the New Age, include Super Select 4WD-II (SS4 II)-the
latest edition of Mitsubishi's computerized four-wheel drivetrain-and
the smart INVECS-II with Sport Mode automatic transmission.
EXCEED (long body)
*1 : Gasoline Direct Injection. GDI is a Mitsubishi
Motors' registered trademark
PRINCIPAL PRODUCT FEATURES
1. Lightweight monocoque body + optimal-balance packaging
Monocoque body
The new PAJERO uses a lightweight but very strong monocoque construction,
in which the frame is an integral part of the body shell, replacing
the separate body and frame construction employed to date. In addition
to reducing weight of long body models by some 100kg, this construction
realizes improved handling stability and ride comfort, as a result
of its lower center of gravity, as well as a three-fold increase in
bending and torsional strength.
Packaging
Packaging has been designed to optimally meet needs and requirements
in both Japanese and global markets.
Long body models feature improved straight-line stability and ride
comfort from an overall length of 4735mm (+ 55mm), bumper-to-bumper
length of 4625mm (-5mm), and wheelbase of 2780mm (+55mm). Lowering
the floor 50mm, increasing overall width to 1875mm (+100mm), lowering
overall height to 1855mm (-45mm), and a ground clearance of 235mm
has lowered the center of gravity and realized a wider track for improved
handling stability.
Short body models feature significantly improved straight-line stability
and ride comfort from an overall body length of 4220mm (+160mm), bumper-to-bumper
length of 4110mm (+60mm) and wheelbase of 2545mm (+125mm).
2. Styling: Eye-catching PAJERO identity
Exterior design
The exterior styling has been developed to a "21st century curtain-raiser"
theme. While retaining the trademark "dynamic and functional" PAJERO
identity, the styling projects a very distinguished appearance that
clearly sets it apart.
For long body models, the styling has been developed to project
a grand and prestigious appearance that signals reassuring reliability
and quality. Short body models are distinguished by styling of a more
dynamic flavor and that hints strongly at the vehicle's functional
performance and go-anywhere mobility.
The headlight and turn signal are housed in a single molding of
aggressive design, adding to PAJERO's traditional feral looks.
The use of muscularly shaped front fenders adds to PAJERO's already
powerful appearance, and also improves forward-side visibility.
Short body models feature a more pronounced center pillar, which
makes the body look stronger and more solid and also points to the
new series' common lineage with its PAJERO iO and PAJERO MINI cousins.
Interior design
The theme chosen for the interior design called for the realization,
within an overall sense of power and strength, of a highly functional
and classy, new-look interior space. The interior has been molded
to provide a generous, relaxing occupant space, to impart a reassuring
sense of safety, and to project an overall appearance and feeling
of quality.
The instrument panel comprises a 7-inch LCD display for the Mitsubishi
Multi-Communication System, and individual dials and gauges in a design
that expresses distinctly the prestigious status of the vehicle. Other
features that enhance the new PAJERO's four-wheel drive functionality,
as well as its quality look as a luxury recreational vehicle, include
a larger floor console, and a more relaxed layout for the control
switches and levers.
3. Go-anywhere mobility; frugal mileage; environment-friendly
Engines
The new PAJERO is powered by Mitsubishi's brand-new 4M41 Direct-Injection
diesel engine that combines high output and torque with very low fuel
consumption. The 4M41 is a 3.2-liter in-line 4-cylinder power unit
with 4-valves per cylinder, a DOHC valvetrain, and intercooler-turbocharger.
The 4M41 tops its class by generating maximum output of 175PS and
torque of 39kg-m, as well as returning 27% better fuel consumption
than its predecessor and clearing the Japanese 2005 diesel vehicle
fuel consumption standards. The use of injection pump, catalytic converter
and other advanced technology also enables the new engine to comply
with Japanese Long-term Emission Requirements.
Gasoline models are powered by an improved and even cleaner version
of Mitsubishi's 6G74 3.5-liter V6 GDI power unit that realizes low
fuel consumption with high outputs, as well as being easy on the environment.
Despite its large displacement, and high 220PS output and 35.5kg-m
torque, this engine meets Japanese 2010 fuel consumption standards.
It also reduces carbon monoxide and NOx emissions by 70% to comply
with Japanese 2000 Emission Requirements.
These ecology-friendly engines mean that all models in the new PAJERO
series qualify for the lower vehicle acquisition tax rate introduced
by the Japanese government for low-fuel consumption motor vehicles
in April this year.
Drivetrain
The new PAJERO series features the Super Select 4WD II drivetrain,
the latest evolution in Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD system that
assures go-anywhere performance over all types of surface. Evolutionary
changes in the system include the replacement of the mechanical drive
mode selector by an electrically driven selector, realizing a significant
improvement in operational ease. In addition, the new SS4 II automatically
switches front-rear torque split between 3:7 and 5:5 to achieve maximum
traction for any given surface condition and thereby realize optimal
handling stability through corners.
The new PAJERO series is available with either 4-speed version of
Mitsubishi's smart INVECS-II automatic transmission or INVECS-II with
Sport Mode automatic transmission in 4- or 5-speed versions, which
incorporates Adaptive Shift Control and Optimal Shift Control for
safer and easier driving.
All-round independent suspension is by double wishbone with coil
springs at the front and by a multi-link arrangement at the rear.
This gives improved ride and comfort whether driving on tarmac or
off-road and, together with the new PAJERO's lower center of gravity,
wider track and longer wheel stroke, realizes very high levels of
handling stability under all driving conditions.
The use of a hydraulic booster improves braking performance and
response.
4. Comprehensive specification; high levels of safety
Equipment
Replacing the flip-up seats on the previous series, the third-row
seat can now either be stowed under the floor or removed from the
vehicle to realize a totally flat cargo space when required.
More models in the new PAJERO series are fitted as standard with
the Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System (MMCS), which uses a 7-inch
display panel to show information relating to the navigation system,
in-car entertainment, and air-conditioner status.
The floor-mounted console box in the front compartment is now larger
and has been made more convenient and easier to use by integrating
it with the central armrest and by fitting it with on an adjustable
slide.
The tailgate door now houses the emergency triangle, as well as
a detachable and portable tool kit.
Safety
The new PAJERO uses Mitsubishi's RISE (Realized Impact Safety Evolution)
advanced safety body, which comprises high impact-energy absorbing
front and rear sections and a very strong and rigid cabin structure,
in a monocoque construction.
All models are fitted as standard with SRS airbags for driver and
front passenger, Mitsubishi's multi-mode anti-lock braking system,
child seat locating rear seat belts, and power windows fitted with
Mitsubishi's anti-trapping device.
Side airbags and a rearview camera are available.
To prevent theft, all models are fitted as standard with an engine
immobilizing system. The system comprises a transmitter built into
the ignition key, an immobilizing unit with integral antenna, and
an engine ECU. Unless a key that is recognized by the system is used,
the system prevents the engine from being started by shutting off
the fuel supply.
5. Special specification model (PAJERO Nest Basic)
All long body models are available with a special body for auto
camping, fishing and other outdoor activity enthusiasts, and that
still permits the legal number of occupants. The Nest Basic series
will be launched at the same time as the new PAJERO series.
The special body is mounted by Pajero Manufacturing Co., Ltd., with
parts and accessories supplied by Works-K Co., Ltd.
Sales information
1. Monthly sales targets
| New PAJERO series: |
3,000 units |
| PAJERO Nest Basic: |
20 units (included in 3,000 total) |
2. Prices (nationwide in Japan)
| Short body models: |
2,993,000 - 3,785,000 yen |
| Long body models: |
3,193,000 - 4,295,000 yen |
| PAJERO Nest Basic: |
166,000 yen on top of cost of model |
| (1) |
Prices are the same for gasoline and diesel models. |
| (2) |
Customers may choose from the two tax systems to
receive a deduction in acquisition tax. |
An acquisition tax deduction of 15,000 yen per model due to the
introduction of lower vehicle acquisition tax rate for low-fuel consumption
motor vehicles from April this year.
Gasoline models qualify for the lower vehicle acquisition tax rate
for low emission vehicles introduced in April this year and will receive
a 1% deduction of acquisition tax.
New PAJERO Specification (Long body)
The New PAJERO series is available in a wide range of other models
and trim levels.
*2 : Intercooler-turbocharger
New PAJERO Specification (Short body)
The New PAJERO series is available in a wide range of other models
and trim levels.
*3 : Intercooler-turbocharger
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