Sunday, August 1, 2010

Mitsubishi CUV











At the 2010 New York International Auto Show, Mitsubishi Motors expanded the Outlander family lineup with the debut of an all-new crossover utility vehicle (CUV). Designed from the bottom up with a striking design and rigid, lightweight body, the smart-sized crossover combines fuel efficiency with stylish and feature-rich premium performance. Using lightweight, dent-resistant plastic front fender body panels, regenerative braking and enhanced class-leading aerodynamics, engineers have brought estimated highway fuel economy into the 31mpg range. Boosting the new crossover's list of premium features are such standard technologies as Active Stability Control (ASC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Electric Power Steering (EPS), a comprehensive seven-airbag safety system, and a cutting edge, high-contrast LCD instrument display. Active and stylish buyers will also appreciate the available LED-accented Panoramic Glass Roof, 710W nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system and FUSE Hands-free Link system.

Two trims will be offered in the U.S. market for 2010: the budget-minded ES with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or the premium SE with a standard sportronic 6-speed CVT with magnesium-alloy paddle shifters. Standard for all models is a fuel efficient, 148hp MIVEC-equipped 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. A CVT transmission is available on ES trim and electronically controlled All-Wheel Control (AWC) is available on SE models.

Mitsubishi CUV


BOLD SIGNATURE DESIGN

One of the core concepts for the new Mitsubishi CUV is a striking new design language known as "compact dynamism", providing a functionally vibrant look that uses proper, flowing aerodynamics to maximize visual impact and fuel efficiency. Featuring Mitsubishi's distinctive front "jet fighter" grille treatment, the clean and refreshing body lines are both emotionally stirring and high grade. By merging the Outlander's driving position and high-impact SUV design with the vigor of a smaller package, designers have created a cutting-edge entry level CUV that fits a broad range of lifestyles.

The new Mitsubishi CUV also features smoothly refined aerodynamics and a class-leading 0.33 coefficient of drag, beating the Mazda CX7 (0.34), Hyundai Tuscon (0.37), and Subaru Forester (0.38). Special steps were taken during the design process, resulting in a wind tunnel tested front face, sloping sides, and gently curving roof. With a lower coefficient of drag, the vehicle's slippery shape is able to cut through air with less effort, increasing both fuel economy and acceleration.

A wide range of eight body colors is available, including new exterior paint options Mercury Gray and Laguna Blue. The ES trim features standard high-rigidity, lightweight 16-in. wheels, available in either steel or aluminum alloy. For those looking for an even sportier look, the SE models include 18-inch alloy wheels and fog lights with chrome bezels. Owners can personalize that exterior with an array of accessories including an optional Exterior Sport Package featuring an alloy fuel door, tailgate spoiler, front skid plate, rear diffuser garnish, and front corner extensions.

Accenting the CUV's exterior treatment and functionality are the addition of LED rear combination taillights on both models and Super wide range High Intensity Discharge (S-HID) headlamps on SE models. With 35% greater light output than standard HID headlamps and a wide coverage beam, S-HID headlamps provide extra visibility and security when driving on dark roads.

SMART-SIZED PACKAGING

In essence the Outlander's "little brother", this entry-level crossover merges the Outlander family's impressive real world capability with a smaller, more maneuverable urban package. Designed to fit with a wide range of active lifestyles, the vehicle features the easy entry, exit, and turning radius of a smaller vehicle yet also the higher sightline and interior volume of a CUV. Seeking to create a dynamic new shape without compromising interior space, designers came up with a spacious five-passenger body that is 14.6-inches shorter than the Outlander. Compared to the Lancer passenger car, the new Mitsubishi CUV features a visual reference point that is almost 5-inches taller.

The entry-level CUV is also more agile and maneuverable than its competitors, featuring an independent suspension design and dynamic shape that leads to easier parking and driving. At just 34.8-ft., its turning circle is smaller than the Ford Escape (36.7-ft.), Nissan Rogue (37.4-ft.), and Honda CR-V (37.8-ft.).

The new crossover's dynamic and compact design is also lightweight at just 3,042-lb. for the ES 5-speed manual transmission model. This reduction in weight was achieved through the use of thinner high-strength steel in the hood, tailgate, and doors, recycled plastic front fenders, and new interior materials. Just a few examples of the design team's attention to detail include changing the handle lock body from zinc to magnesium and using less door trim. Compared to the Hyundai Tucson's 3,179-lb., Nissan Rogue's 3,281-lb. (with roof rails), and Mazda CX7's 3,496-lb., Mitsubishi's new CUV's lower curb weight allows it to deliver better fuel economy and better handling.

SMART PERFORMANCE

All models come standard with a MIVEC-equipped 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 148hp at 6,000rpm and 145lb-ft of torque at 4,200rpm. Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) models produce 143hp at 6,000rpm and 143lb-ft of torque at 4,200rpm. In order to reduce weight, the engine block is cast out of lightweight aluminum and MIVEC variable valve timing technology is used to improve both engine output and efficiency.

Paired with the 2.0-liter engine in ES models is a 5-speed manual transmission or a steering column-mounted paddle shift 6-step Sportronic CVT available. SE trims come standard with the fuel economy-optimized CVT transmission. Mitsubishi engineers have spent countless development hours optimizing the CVT transmission's shift patterns and gear ratios, as well as reducing friction within its hydraulic oil control for greater fuel economy. To enhance the driving experience, magnesium alloy paddle shifters are mounted just behind the steering wheel, allowing the driver to switch between automatic and manual shifting modes without moving their hands. The CVT's manual gear shifting Sport mode can be selected by either pulling the paddle shifter while the lever is in "D" or by selecting Sport mode with the shift lever. After Sport mode is activated, the driver can shift up or down using the paddle shifters. Pulling the right paddle shifter for at least two seconds will deactivate Sport mode.

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