Ryugo Nakao Product Executive (C-seg), Corporate Planning, Product Strategy, Environment Affairs & Corporate Affairs Group Headquarters

The Outlander SUV, Mitsubishi Motors' global strategic vehicle, is doing very well. This is a totally new model, designed and constructed from scratch, for people who want a powerful driving experience both on- and off-road. Its impact has been far greater than expected since its launch last October, and we are now looking forward to its appearance on overseas markets. The "back to basics" development approach, which we saw as the key to corporate restructuring, is proving to be a central factor in the revival of the three-diamond brand.
 

Which aspect of the car has been best received?
Its extremely stable driving performance. First of all, the 4-cylinder, 2.4 liter MIVEC engine, the suspension system and the electronically controlled 4WD are all custom made, and in addition to this we strove for extra stability in the body design. Using technology developed for the Lancer Evolution, we put an aluminum panel in the roof giving a lighter body and a lower center of gravity. Furthermore, the smoother ride provided by the installation of 6-speed CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) has greatly reduced the sluggishness and unstable cornering that is otherwise typical of SUVs.

What were the major priorities during the development of this model?
The Outlander is the first step in the "rebirth" of Mitsubishi Motors, so the main target was superlative handling. First of all, we designed a special platform, which acts as a part of the high rigid body. Whether or not you are able to create a high-quality body for a new model determines its success, and is the most basic element in its development. From the outset, we strove to optimize reliability and performance, and achieved an excellent balance between robustness and comfort. The major driving forces behind the successful fusion of these elements were of course the technology gained through our experience in developing sports cars and the creative enthusiasm our staff derived from literally creating something out of nothing.

What was the key to developing this model for the overseas market?
The biggest task is to bring together the conflicting needs of each region in terms of climate and road conditions, and then reflect this in the performance of the car. In the case of the suspension development, we took a prototype developed for the Japanese market and adjusted it for European drivers, who prefer sharper suspension, and then made further adjustments for the American market, thus creating a model perfectly adjusted to international needs. Making trial and error adjustments based on cooperation between Japanese, European and American engineers is a long process, but we were able to cut costs and shorten lead times through the use of computer-aided design.

As the first overseas launch for the Outlander, how does the American market look?
The excellent fuel economy and stylish design of the Outlander have been very well received abroad. We are very proud of this powerful global strategic vehicle, and have made a 6-cylinder, 3.0-liter model for the American market with a premium audio system with sound quality adjusted to American tastes. We believe that this model is well able to compete in the international market and that it will be very well received by users.