October 13th 2005
Mitsubishi - New Cars 2005/2006
Exciting New Mitsubishi 380
The Mitsubishi 380 is the result of the most exhaustive research ever undertaken by MMAL, and has been designed with two clear goals in mind - to be the best quality car ever built in Australia, and to redefine large car agility by designing a car for Australians.
Powered by a responsive and sweet-sounding 3.8 litre 24-valve SOHC MPI V6 engine that develops a continuous 175kW power at 5250rpm, and 343Nm of torque at 4000rpm the ‘380’ has all the performance that Australian buyers require. It does all this with outstanding fuel economy, more like that found in a medium sedan.
Understanding that outstanding handling and roadholding are all important, MMAL has developed a unique suspension system for the new 380, known as BOS (Body Optimised Suspension) system. The BOS system is a fully independent suspension – a robust MacPherson strut with coil over and lower A-arm at the front, and multi-link at the rear. Stabiliser bars are fitted front and rear, and the dampers have been specifically tuned to give a sporty and fun drive with high dynamic capabilities in line with the car’s positioning in the market.
The rigid body that has twice the bending and torsional stiffness of Mitsubishi’s previous benchmark – the result mainly of refined structural design, a one-piece body side and assembly using the ‘Toy Tabs’ method – is the perfect platform to allow optimum tuning of the suspension components.
Transmissions are five-speed fully synchronised manual especially developed for the torque of the large six-cylinder engine, and a five-speed INVECS II ‘Smart Logic’ automatic with ‘Sports Mode’ sequential mode available across the range.
Braking is provided by a large and specially developed braking package. The front discs are 294 mm diameter ventilated discs with 2-pot calipers, while the rear are 302 mm diameter ventilated discs with 1-pot calipers. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) optimises braking effort between front and rear, regardless of loading conditions and gentle or emergency stops.
The Mitsubishi 380 has a unique Diamond Product Strategy that begins with the standard 380 sedan. The customer then has the choice of either of two luxury variants (LS and LX) or a sporty variant (VRX). The pinnacle of the range (the GT) combines all the features of both the luxury and sporty variants.
Inside, there is a different treatment for each price line.
The 380 comes with an extensive list of standard equipment that includes a 2-DIN AM/FM radio with CD and MP3, automatic climate control air conditioning that is ducted to the rear cabin, power driver’s seat, remote keyless central locking with panic mode, engine immobiliser, power windows on all doors, power exterior mirrors, height adjustable power steering, EZ KOOL UV glass on all side and rear windows, integrated radio antenna in the rear windscreen, and a 10-function trip computer is housed in the instrument cluster that incorporates a speed alert, rest reminder and service reminder.
The new Mitsubishi 380 comes with the Company’s industry-leading 5/10 warranty (5 years / 130,000 kms bumper-to-bumper and 10 years / 160,000 kms non-transferrable drivetrain).
Mitsubishi’s Tarmac Scorcher
Unveiled in North America quasi-simultaneously with the new Evolution VIII, Tarmac Spyder stretches the envelope, just as the acclaimed CZ3 Tarmac concept did when it was launched in 2001. Only several steps beyond…
In this respect, the design brief for Mitsubishi Motors US design studio in charge of the project was clear: create a minimal four seat open top performance car (with provision for a removable hard-top), providing fun for four, with rally race car performance and styling. All in all, a light, compact machine with road gripping aggressive wheel-at-each-corner stance, and aimed at trendy, cutting edge drivers.
Sharing the sharpness of its siblings, Tarmac Spyder brings Mitsubishi Motors heritage to a younger audience indeed with its Lancer Evolution platform, compact size, no frill technical interior and no-folding-roof spyder concept, while accommodating four for fun.
With its 1,825 mm width for a length of only 4,055 mm, Tarmac Spyder barely disguises its powerful Evolution origins under its low, muscular bodyshell with wide fender flares.
All design elements serve the purpose, starting with the front end: a front hinging semi-clamshell hood for easy engine accessibility featuring the Mitsubishi Motors visual identity grille (Three-Diamond chromed logo on dihedron, extended into the hood through a spine) over a wide open meshed air intake with smaller meshed ducts on the side to cool the disc brakes hidden behind the 19” custom made charcoal colored alloy wheels.
On each side of the car, movement is visually provided by slim headlamps running the length of the hood and featuring three beams mounted in series, to complement the central spine. Further up, the upper part of the front fenders ends up mid-way on the A-pillars, framing the bottom of the windshield for true spyder feel.
Tarmac Spyder long wheelbase (2,515 mm) provides accommodation for four, unlike traditional spyders. Together with the wide tracks and very short overhangs, it also creates the sure-footed stance appropriate for a race-bred machine. From a design stand point, the long side panels escape blandness through a discreet upper character line. Lower down the doors, a stronger line adds to the feeling of motion, even when standing still.
Just as interesting, the rear end of Tarmac Spyder echoes the front with a similar treatment, including the central spine on the trunk lid, the metallic-finished lens barrels as well as the character lines on flanks ending up in a V-shape below the trunk opening.
Last but not least, on-road entertainment is provided by the Lancer Evolution mechanicals, namely:
- 2.0 litre DOHC 16 valve turbo-charged intercooled 300hp+ engine
- Electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic function (shifting controls on the steering wheel)
- Full time all-wheel-drive system with computer-controlled Active Centre Differential (ACD) and rear differential with electronic Active Yaw Control capability (AYC)
In addition, in-car entertainment is also available on board, thanks to:
- Adjustable DVD flat screen displays for front and rear passengers
- Front display features a flat video screen with mouse-operated climate, audio and telematic units
- High power CD audio system
- Side mirror mounted digital cameras to record inspiring laps or run. A replay option allows passengers to quickly and easily view their favourite run as an on-board video game.
Principal specifications:
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Overall length: |
4,055 mm |
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Overall width: |
1,825 mm |
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Wheelbase: |
2,515 mm |
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Seating: |
4
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Engine:
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2.0-litre inline four 16-valve DOHC, turbo-charged, intercooled, 300hp +
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Transmission:
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Full time all-wheel-drive system with computer-controlled Active
Centre Differential (ACD) and rear differential with electronic Active Yaw Control capability (AYC).
Electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic function
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Wicked Evo IX
Powered by the legendary two litre 16-valve DOHC intercooled and turbocharged 4G63 four-cylinder engine, Evolution IX now gains the benefit of Mitsubishi’s MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic lift and Control) variable valve timing that constantly matches inlet valve timing to engine speed and load. Maximum power of 206kW is achieved at 6000rpm, and maximum torque of 355Nm is achieved at a low 3000rpm and is put to the ground through a new six-speed fully synchromeshed manual transmission.
However, it is the car’s handling that sets Lancer Evolution apart from its imitators, and this is achieved through Mitsubishi’s electronically controlled advanced 4WD drive-train. The harmonious integration – by a single ECU – of the Active Centre Differential, Super Active Yaw Control and Sports ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution has resulted in awesome advances in acceleration, speed, cornering, braking and other dynamic performance parameters.
However, such performance development would be irresponsible if the roadholding and braking was not commensurate with the car’s capabilities, and Evo IX’s inverted MacPherson strut and coil-over front suspension and multi-link and coil rear suspension makes sure that the drive gets to the road. Add 235/45ZR17 high performance tyres, and the huge (320mm front, 300mm rear) Brembo ventilated disc brakes to the equation, and the Evo IX driver is assured their car will handle and stop as they would wish.
Evolution IX’s external appearance has received a freshen up with a new mesh front grille with floating chrome three diamond symbol, and front bumper design, while the new rear bumper design, with its diffuser undersurface that stabilises air flow detachment and reduces drag while enhancing Evo IX’s sedan racer looks, completes the major exterior styling changes.
Add Data Dot security identification, a feature-packed tracking system and 5-year premium roadside assistance as standard, and Mitsubishi has made every effort to protect both the car and its driver.
Evo IX costs $56,789 from the network of specialist Ralliart dealers throughout Australia.
Options are a Performance Pack (Bilstein shock absorbers and forged lightweight BBS alloy wheels) for $3,700 and metallic / pearlescent paint for $300.
