Mitsubishi Outlander

Coming off an exceptionally good year, the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander, five or seven passenger, compact SUV adds a new 2WD and 4WD model, a new fuel efficient engine, new exterior colours, more standard features, and several new choices for the trend setting Outlander consumer.
 
The Mitsubishi Outlander, well known for its performance, luxury and high style is adding a new model for 2008, the ES. Outlander ES will be available in 2WD and 4WD versions and will be powered exclusively by Mitsubishi's all new 2.4 litre engine. The ES will join the Outlander LS and XLS, both of which are 4WD with V6 power, to round out the product line. LS and XLS models also feature a fold away third row seat allowing up to seven passengers. Outlander has something for everyone, from fuel efficiency to luxury, from cutting edge styling, to outstanding performance in all weather conditions. Outlander offers value and technology, styling and functionality, performance and safety – all in one package.

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Front Angle
 
"The 2008 Outlander, quite simply, stands out from the crowd" said Koji Soga, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. (MMSCAN) "Whichever aspect you chose – looks or features, technology or functionality – Outlander's achievements are second to none".

Powertrain – A perfect combination for whatever your needs

The 2008 Outlander is offered in three different trim levels – ES, LS and XLS – and three different drivetrain combinations. Outlander ES is available in both FWD and 4WD versions and is powered exclusively by an all new 2.4 litre, DOHC, MIVEC 4 cylinder engine producing 168 hp @ 6000 and 167 lb-ft of torque @ 4100. This silky smooth powerplant is coupled to Mitsubishi's acclaimed Continuously Variable Transmission. CVT transmissions use a proven and ingenious pulley system which smoothly adapts to changing vehicle speeds, allowing engine speed to remain near peak efficiency; which improves both fuel economy and exhaust emissions. Outlander ES competes with other 4-cylinder offerings like Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue.
 
LS and XLS models feature the 3.0 litre, SOHC, MIVEC V6 producing 220 hp @ 6250 rpm and 204 lb-ft of torque @ 4000 rpm, mated to a six-speed Sportronic® automatic transmission, and are equipped with 4WD. XLS models also feature magnesium steering wheel mounted shifter paddles, a segment first, and a lot of fun to drive. All 4WD Outlanders use Mitsubishi's electronic All-Wheel Control system (AWC) combined with Active Stability (ASC) and Traction Control to ensure maximum grip and safety in all road and weather conditions.

Suspension, Wheels and Steering – Rides and drives like a sports sedan

Without a doubt the 2008 Outlander encourages driver engagement and exhibits precise steering, superior handling dynamics and outstanding stability. Outlander features a MacPherson strut type independent front suspension which also employs a strut tower bar to enhance lateral rigidity for improved steering response. The rear suspension is an advanced multilink and coil system that provides an excellent balance of handling and ride comfort. Stabilizer bars are used at both the front and rear. Steering is power assisted and uses a rack and pinion system with 3.16 turns lock to lock. Brakes are large ventilated discs in the front and solid discs in the rear. Outlander ES and LS feature 16-inch alloy wheels with 215/70 R16 tires. XLS models feature 18-in. alloy wheels with 225/55 R18 all-season tires to further enhance handling and style.

Chassis & Safety – A number one priority

Built on Mitsubishi's global performance platform, Outlander's rigid unibody makes extensive use of high strength steel and allows for sport oriented suspension tuning. This RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) unibody structure disperses energy loads during side and rear collisions and controls distortion, enhancing occupant protection and helping to protect the fuel system in the event of a rear impact. Safety equipment includes an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors, standard front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags (front and second row), energy-absorbing head protection interior pillars; child safety locks; LATCH system for CRS; plus front pedestrian impact crumple zones. All Outlander models feature anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and Active Stability (ASC) and Traction Control as well as a tire pressure monitoring system.

Exterior and Interior – Breakthrough style and thoughtful substance

Good looks attract attention. And the 2008 Outlander reflects a Mitsubishi design language that is attracting quite a bit. Clean, sharp lines, a diamond shaped front end and boldly sculpted fender flares evoke athleticism, and capture the performance oriented essence of the brand. Fluid shapes and a subtle aggression say leadership and sophistication normally associated with a premium SUV. And little styling touches like the rear LED tail lamp cluster add mystery to an already distinctive appearance.
 
Privacy tinted rear glass is standard. On XLS models, a color-keyed front bumper with silver skid plate extension, silver painted roof rails, silver door handles and a standard power moonroof help emphasize the upscale look. Outlander ES 4WD and LS offer a glass power moonroof as part of the Sun and Sound Option Package.
 
Mitsubishi wanted the Outlander interior to look and feel like a premium sport sedan. Smooth forms and sculpted door panels are set off by silver accent trim, and the deeply contoured front bucket seats and motorcycle style instrument panel gauges suggest sports car more than an SUV. The premium upholstery combines a suede style knit and sporty mesh fabric and underscoring Outlander's attention to usability, all models feature as standard a unique odor-defeating head liner.
 
Outlander offers ample room for five or seven in LS and XLS models, which feature a standard underfloor-stowable compact third row seat that folds flat into the floor when not needed. The five seat ES models feature an under floor storage compartment. The second row seat moves fore and aft to optimize passenger room and features 60/40 split fold-and-tumble seat backs that expand cargo capacity. Additionally, the seatbacks recline allowing second-row passengers to tailor their own comfort.

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Interior

Another segment first is Outlander's flap-fold tailgate, which folds more than eight inches lower than on the original Outlander, making loading bikes or large packages much easier. Moreover, when lowered, the tailgate can also serve as a seat for outdoor activities, with a capacity of 200 kg. (440 lbs). Overall cargo volume behind the front seats measures 2056 litres (72.6 cu. ft.), a gain of 348 litres (12.3 cu. ft.) over the first generation Outlander. With the second row seats up cargo room measures 1104 litres (39.0 cu. ft.), and 422 litres (14.9 cu. ft.) behind the third row seats on LS and XLS models.
 
Ample storage spaces include useful bins and compartments, a movable front center console and door panel bottle carriers. ES models can tow up to 680 kg or. 1500 lbs, LS and XLS, which feature an increased capacity radiator and an automatic transmission cooler can tow up to 1,588 kg or 3500 lbs.

Comfort & Convenience – The list is long, but you're worth it.

Outlander standard equipment includes • 140-watt CD/MP3 player with 6 speakers, digital signal processor and speed compensated volume and equalization control (ES & LS) • MP3/Auxilary stereo input jack • manual air conditioning • automatic climate control (XLS); leather seating surfaces; power adjustable driver's seat; heated front seats; 6CD/MP3 in dash changer (NA with Navigation package); Sportronic® steering wheel paddle shifters (XLS) • power central door and tailgate locks • power windows with auto up/down drivers switch • steering wheel mounted cruise control • steering wheel audio remote control switches • leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob • FAST-key entry system with panic alarm (LS & XLS) • Steering wheel Bluetooth™ cell phone ‘ready' pre-wire switch (requires dealer installation of microphone and Bluetooth™ cellular interface module) • Hands-free Bluetooth™ cellular phone interface system with voice recognition microphone (Std on XLS, Acc on ES & LS) • driver and passenger visor/vanity mirror • three 12-volt accessory outlets • anti-theft engine immobilizer • anti-theft security alarm system • ambient lighting monitor • cargo tie down utility hooks • remote fuel lid opener • and much more

Packages & Premium Technology

The 2008 Outlander offers many technologies typically available only on premium SUVs. On XLS and LS models, the standard FAST (Freehand Advanced Security Transmitter) Key entry system allows passive vehicle unlocking and engine start/stop simply by carrying the remote control. In addition to high technology upgrades, Outlander showcases innovative engineering such as the new CVT transmission or Sportronic® steering wheel paddle shifters on XLS models.
 
HDD Navigation & Music Server Package

XLS models can be optionally equipped with an available HDD 30-gigabyte navigation system with music server and a CD/DVD rear seat entertainment system with a nine-inch wide-format LCD screen.
 
Sun & Sound Package – Std on XLS, Pkg on ES 4WD and LS

Sirius® satellite radio with six months complimentary service • 650-Watt (max) Rockford-Fosgate Punch® premium sound system with 9 speakers including a 10 inch dual-voice coil subwoofer, custom 20 litre sub-enclosure, digital signal processor, speed compensated volume and equalization • Power glass sunroof with sunshade.

Source: Mitsubishi

Gallery: Mitsubishi Outlander (2008)