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| Home » Mitsubishi Pajero News » Paris Preview: Mitsubishi to Launch New Pajero SUV | ||
| 09/13/2006 TOKYO The Mitsubishi Pajero, the hulking SUV that Americans used to know as the Montero, is soon to be all-new. And Mitsubishi has decided to give the next-generation Pajero its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show, which opens its doors on September 30. Sales will soon start after the show ends, with Mitsubishi eventually shipping to some 170 countries and regions around the world. The Pajero, launched in 1982, was for many years Mitsubishi's major cash cow. The second-generation Pajero, in 1991, was another hit, but the third, in 2000, not so much. That, along with Mitsubishi's financial meltdown in 2004, means the company has not put a huge wad of cash into this new fourth generation, which is essentially an evolution of a well-proven design. The sheetmetal is all new yet familiar, and once again there will be short- and long-wheelbase versions. Mitsubishi has developed a new aluminum block 3.8-liter V-6 for the new model with MIVEC variable valve timing. That's the biggest engine yet for its star SUV, but European customers will be more interested in the new 3.4-liter four-cylinder common-rail diesel that's also available. The Pajero's Super Select 4WD system is essentially a carryover, albeit an improved one that is combined with Active Stability Control and rear diff lock. Mitsubishi is claiming significantly improved on- and off-road performance. The Pajero joins the Outlander SUV, i minicar, and soon-to-be-launched new Lancer and domestic Delica van at the forefront of Mitsubishi's renewed and impressive product offensive. What this means to you: Nice for the rest of the world to have an improved big SUV from Mitsubishi, even if the U.S. isn't getting it. Edmunds.com/Inside Line |