In a bold move to capture the new generation of truck buyers with upscale tastes, urban style and a passion for performance, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today unleashed its 2006 Raider midsize truck at the North American International Auto Show.
Embodied in the Raider DNA is Mitsubishi's vision of what a light truck can be, redefining the traditional pickup in terms of youthful design, content and quality. Its aggressive exterior design and sophisticated interior amenities stand out from the crowd, seizing the essence of Mitsubishi in spirit and function.
The Raider is yet another example of the automaker's ability to develop a distinctive product for a unique consumer group. It is designed for younger, affluent truck buyers who have a strong sense of purpose and exhibit the confidence needed to get them where they want to go in life.
Despite its stylish look, there is no question that power and toughness are not compromised in Mitsubishi's vision of a midsize truck. The Raider evolved from the base architecture of the 2005 Dodge Dakota, whose lineage is long known for its power, performance and reliability. True to its heritage, the Raider is the only midsize import nameplate pickup truck to offer a 4.7-liter V8 engine.
Available in extended and double cab versions, two- and four-wheel drive and potent V6 and V8 engines, the Raider feeds its target audience's insatiable appetite for adventure and fun.
Mitsubishi's re-entry into the truck market rounds out its model lineup that features world-class sedans, SUVs and sporty cars, including the Galant, Endeavor and Eclipse - each a standout in its respective import segment.
"Whether at work or play, our target buyers have a real passion for everything they do each day, and the Raider captures this sense of unbridled excitement and purpose in the truck they drive," said Rich Gilligan, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America. "The Raider takes them where they want to go in style, with no excuses."
STANDOUT EXTERIOR DESIGN
Charged with establishing a new benchmark in truck design, designers at the Mitsubishi Motors Design Center in Cypress, Calif., stepped well outside the box in creating the new Raider. Its dynamic look with an urban edge is highlighted by a sporty "one line" flush profile and curved full surfaces complemented by a distinctive hood, flared wheel arches and step-side style fenders that give the Raider a toned muscular physique. A thin upper grille and thick lower bumper provide it with an aggressive demeanor reminiscent of other Mitsubishi models. High tech-style headlamps and taillights round out the Raider's standout design.
POWER AND TOUGHNESS
The Raider takes no prisoners in terms of performance. Its biggest-in-class V8 engine -and only import nameplate V8 in the midsize truck category - produces 230 horsepower with 290 pound-feet of torque. The truck bed features more than 40 cubic feet of hauling capacity, ideal for handling a variety of jobs. Its fully-boxed, hydro formed and roll-formed steel frame is eight times stiffer in torsion and two times stiffer in bending. than the last-generation Dodge Dakota.
UNEXPECTED INTERIOR AMENITIES
The Raider lacks few interior amenities, distinguishing it from other, more conventional midsize trucks. Premium options tailored to the Raider's new generation target driver include leather seating surfaces, Sirius(R) satellite radio, Bluetooth interface and a premium sound system with six-disc CD changer and MP3 player - sure to please even the most discernable driver.
MODELS AND FEATURES
LS Extended Cab
The Raider LS Extended Cab model features a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 235 pound-feet of torque. It is available with a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The chassis features power rack and pinion steering, heavy duty suspension, vented front disc brakes and rear drum brakes with anti-lock braking, and front and rear stabilizer bars. The LS trim line features 16x7-inch full-face steel wheels and 245/70/R16 on-and-off road tires, with a full-size spare tire.
Other standard features include air conditioning, tachometer, tinted glass, rear access doors, rear fixed window, large 5x7-inch adjustable side view mirrors, fender whip antenna, variable intermittent wipers, AM/FM/CD player with four speakers, cargo bed tie-downs, front bench seat (40/20/40 split), power outlets, dual front reading lamps and front and rear cupholders.
LS Extended Cab Convenience Package options include power windows and locks, keyless entry, 5x7-inch power mirrors, second-row seat, floor mats, cruise control and a tilt steering column.
DuroCross V6 Extended Cab
The Raider DuroCross V6 Extended Cab version adds a number of standard performance and appearance enhancements for more adventuresome drivers. These include 16-inch alloy wheels, 255/65/16 all season tires, fog lamps, power 6x9-inch heated fold-away mirrors, deep tinted side glass, leather-trimmed steering wheel, DuroCross floor mats, fender flares with mudguards, side steps and a box bedliner, as well as a number of exterior trim enhancements. The 4x4 model adds 265/70/16 BFGoodrich All Terrain tires, high-pressure gas shocks with increased ride height, a skid plate package and limited slip differential.
DuroCross V8 Extended Cab
The DuroCross V8 Extended Cab model packs a punch, featuring a powerful 4.7-liter V8 engine that comes combined with two- or four-wheel drive. Additional standard equipment includes machine-finished alloy wheels and satin-finish interior accents. An optional high-output sound system features premium audio with AM/FM/six-disc CD changer, Sirius(R) satellite radio and steering wheel audio controls.
LS and DuroCross Double Cab Models
Raider LS Double Cab is available with Mitsubishi's 3.7-liter V6 engine and DuroCross Double Cabs come with either the V6 or largest-in-class 4.7-liter V8. More than 100 cubic feet of interior space in all Raider Double Cab models provides comfortable room for up to five people and gear. Both Durocross Double Cab models can be equipped with a Sound Package featuring a premium audio system with overhead trip computer, AM/FM/six-disc CD changer, Sirius(R) satellite radio and steering wheel audio controls. A trailer tow package is standard on DuroCross V8 models.
XLS Double Cab
The XLS Double Cab comes standard equipped with a 4.7-liter V8 engine, five-speed automatic transmission, hands-free communication, auto dimming rear view mirror, trailer tow package and Sound Package. Also standard is the Sports Package featuring bucket seats, center console, sliding rear window, power 6x9-inch heated mirrors, and the Leather Package, featuring heated leather seating surfaces. A full-time AWD package also is available. In addition, a Safety Package is offered with side and head curtain airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes and a sentry key immobilizer.
WARRANTY AND MANUFACTURING
As part of Mitsubishi Motors "Best-Backed Car" program, all 2006 Raider models are backed by a comprehensive new vehicle limited warranty that covers the vehicle from bumper-to-bumper for five-years/60,000 miles. In addition, the powertrain is covered by a 10-year/100,000 mile limited warranty, while body panels have a seven-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty. The "Best-Backed Car" program also includes 24-hour emergency roadside assistance with free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer for warranty-related repairs for five years/unlimited miles.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States and Canada. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 650 dealers.
Source: Mitsubishi
