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January 11, 2006
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Mitsubishi Motors Lineup at 2006 North American International Auto Show


Photo: Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Concept-CT

Detroit/Tokyo - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and its manufacturing and sales unit in the United States, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA, based in Cypress California) will give the Mitsubishi Concept-CT[1] MIEV[2] 4WD sport compact concept and the new Eclipse Spyder convertible their world premieres at the 2006 North American International Auto Show (Detroit Motor Show). Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV uses outer rotor type in-wheel motors and a lithium-ion battery system to drive all four wheels, together with a gasoline engine in a hybrid configuration. The 2006 NAIAS runs from January 8 to 22 at the Cobo Center in Detroit and is open to the general public from January 14.

MMNA president and CEO Hiroshi Harunari, who took up his new post on January 1, made the following remarks at a press conference held at the show on January 9.

"The size and potential of the American market makes it one of our most important markets. In Mitsubishi Motors' drive toward success on a global scale it is vital that we continue to rebuild and improve the sales and profitability of our operations in this market. To put the U.S. operations back on a healthy foundation, last year we called upon the leadership of Rich Gilligan and his fine team to promote the rebuildingof the Mitsubishi brand and the enhancement of our sales performance. Sales operations are being normalized and profitability improved through a process of introducing new models, curtailing fleet sales, and reducing inventory levels. Offering appealing sales finance products to customers is anotherprofitability improving policy this is being implemented. It is clear that these steps are starting to pay dividends.

 

 

 

However, the impact of high oil prices has led to increasing uncertainty in the U.S. market, especially for the automotive industry. For this reason, the relationship between MMC and MMNA has been strengthened to allow for more flexibility in responding to market changes. The company will continue to take steps to normalize sales operations, raise operating efficiencies and increase profit opportunities by actively promoting exports from MMNA's Illinois factory to other markets. Management of both companies are committed to working together to improve operations in North America and to accelerate implementation of existing policies and introduction of more detailed measures."

MMC and MMNA are displaying a total of 11 models including Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV and Eclipse Spyder, most of which are produced in the United States.

Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV walkaround

A concept for a new kind of sports compact that captures the essence of the Mitsubishi Motors brand as it combines driving pleasure with low fuel consumption.

Hybrid powertrain system

Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV is the first vehicle to apply a hybrid drive system to the Mitsubishi Motors' MIEV next-generation electric vehicle concept that utilizes in-wheel motors and high energy-density lithium-ion batteries as core technologies. Features include:

  • A series-parallel hybrid drive system that delivers higher power and an extended cruising range.

  • A new 1.0-liter 3-cylinder MIVEC[3] engine (generator) that produces a maximum of 50 kW (68 ps).

  • A lithium-ion battery system with a 50 kW maximum output housed under the rear seats and under the front hood.

Outer rotor type in-wheel motors, developed first for Lancer Evolution MIEV, are fitted to all four wheels, producing a maximum power of 20kW each. The system allows drive power and braking to be independently regulated with high precision at each wheel and thereby capitalize on Mitsubishi Motors' hallmark all-wheel control technology and know-how to a maximum advantage. The result is a high-performance hybrid vehicle that delivers not only highlevels of environmental performance, but also power and driving performance superior to that in conventional gasoline vehicles.

Eclipse Spyder walkaround


Photo: Mitsubishi

Eclipse Spyder is the open-top model for the new fourth generation Eclipse coupe, which was introduced in 2005 andis acclaimed for its sporty, dynamic styling. Eclipse Spyder is the third generation open-top model. Eclipse Spyder is offered in two trim levels: the GT and the GS powered by 3.8-liter V6 and 2.4-liter 4-cylinder MIVEC engines respectively.

Engine, transmission, and brakes

The Eclipse Spyder GT mates a 3.8-liter V6 MIVEC engine to either a six-speed manual transmission or a sport-mode equipped five-speed automatic. Pumping out a maximum of 195 kW (260 ps) and 35.7 kg-m (350 N-m) of torque, the Spyder GT accelerates from zero to 60 mph (zero to 96 km/h) in about seven seconds.

The Eclipse Spyder GS mates a 2.4-liter in-line 4-cylinder MIVEC engine to either a five-speed manual transmission or a sport-mode equipped four-speed automatic. Producing a maximum power of 119kW (162ps), the Spyder GS returns excellent fuel efficiency, rated to achieve 30 mpg (12.7 km/liter) in highway driving by EPA testing standards.

The GT employs 4-wheel disc brakes, while the GS uses a drum-in-disc system for the rear brakes.

(January 10, 2006)

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