Mitsubishi Motors introduces all-new 2007 Strada 4x4, Eclipse, Lancer Evo IX

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation formally unveiled at Fort Bonifacio Global City over the weekend the 2007 Mitsubishi Strada 4x4 — the all-new version of the 7-time bestselling 4x4 pickup in the country — as well as the latest model of the fearsome Lancer Evolution series, the Evo IX, and last but not least, an all-new Eclipse sports coupe.

Super-sedan and sexy coupe aside, the star of the show was undoubtedly the curvaceous new Strada. As trucks go, this one’s got more curves than some sports cars. Bulging fender flares, a mean-looking front end reminiscent of the Paris-Dakar-conquering Pajero Evolution, and a few radical design touches like that head-turning cutline between the cab and the bed, a sloping tailgate, wraparound tail lamps, and those sculpted-looking rear doors and windows combine to make the ’07 Strada look more like a concept truck at an international motor show rather than a mass-produced workhorse.

Compared to the previous model, the new Strada is 80 mm longer, 25 mm wider, and 20 mm taller. Its cabin has grown to provide 150 mm more interior length, 60 mm more rear legroom, 25 mm more front headroom and 13 mm more rear headroom. The Strada GLS’ interior offers top-of-its-class comfort and convenience with all-power amenities, a first-in-its-class 3-mode opening slide-vent window, high-grade fabric sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knobs, silver center and power window control panels, auto climate control, and a multi-information display monitor. Other amenities are high-contrast meter cluster with silver accent rings, an iPod-ready (via USB interface) AM/FM single in-dash CD/MP3 player, ignition key cylinder illumination, door courtesy lamps, and a host of useful compartments.

This new truck is powered by a new Euro-2-compliant 2.5-liter 4D56 Mitsubishi Direct Injection Diesel with Hyper Common-Rail DOHC 16-valve intercooled turbo engine. Mitsubishi used the bore and stroke of the proven 4D56 engine and strengthened its internals to withstand the additional power from the mechanical and electronic upgrades. Power output is rated at 136 ps @ 3,500 rpm with an impressively high torque of 314 Nm @ 2,000 rpm.

The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. Either transmission delivers power through the Easy Select 4WD system. This rally-proven system enables the driver to choose three drive modes: 2H for smooth, paved highways, 4H for wet and slippery surfaces, and 4LLc for rough tracks and rock climbing. Drivers can shift on-the-fly from 2H to 4H and back even while traveling at up to 100 kph.

The underchassis of the all-new Strada has also been redesigned, with the double wishbone front suspension using coil springs instead of torsion bars for greater comfort. The truck rides on big 245/70R-16 tires.

Safety of the new Strada has been improved thanks to Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) frame, which incorporates front and rear crumple zones with reinforced beams to absorb collision force and direct it away from the vehicle’s interior. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, dual front airbags, no-pinch power windows, and a tailgate-mounted third brake lamp are standard safety items on both Strada GLS and GLX.

Prices of the new Strada are pegged at P1,050,000 for the enter-level GLX M/T, P1,200,000 for the mid-level GLS M/T, and P1,250,000 for the range-topping Strada GLS A/T. They come in Solid White, Cool Silver, Metallic Red, Dark Gray Mica, and Medium Blue Mica.

New Lancer Evolution IX

Sports and rally car enthusiasts, however, marveled at the Lancer Evo IX and Eclipse also on display. The Evolution IX will be available in two variants, the limited production MR and the RS. Both Lancer Evos are powered by the potent 280-ps (with 36.2 kg-m of torque) 4G63T MIVEC engine that propels this car from 0-100 kph in 4.5 seconds. A large front-mounted intercooler with water sprayer helps achieve these power figures by making the forced air coming from the twin-scroll titanium turbocharger denser.

A close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission and an advanced all-wheel drive system with an Active Center Differential transmit the engine’s power down to the pavement. The ACD adjusts front and rear torque distribution based on inputs like steering angle, throttle input, wheel speed, and slip angle to create amazing traction in virtually any type of driving surface.

Extensive weight reduction was applied to the Evolution by using aluminum body panels (roof, hood, front fenders, and side impact beams), forged aluminum suspension arms, magnesium valve cover, hollow camshafts, and lightweight 17-inch Enkei wheels. Oversized Brembo brakes clamped by 4-piston calipers in front and 2-piston calipers in the rear combine with sport-tuned ABS and EBD to deliver astounding stopping power. Other standard features of the Lancer Evolution IX are a MOMO steering wheel and dual front airbags.

Additional features exclusive to the MR model are a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission, Bilstein dampers, Recaro seats, ultra-light 17-inch BBS wheels with high-grip Advan tires, and HID headlamps. Only five units of the Evo IX MR is allocated to the Philippines and these will be available next month at selected dealerships.

The road going version of the famous World Rally Championship car is priced at P2.448M for the RS and P2.868M for the MR.

New Eclipse GT

Finally, nine years after the second-generation cult car was introduced here in the Philippines, MMPC launched the exotic car-like 4th-generation Eclipse GT. Retaining styling cues from that well-loved 2nd-gen model, the new Eclipse shows strong muscular styling derived from the Mitsubishi Concept-E show car.

Inside, one finds an 8-way power seat and a cool ice-blue LED instrumentation. To entertain passengers, a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate premium audio system is standard. It includes nine speakers plus a booming 10-inch subwoofer. The premium audio system also includes features such as an in-dash 6-disc changer that can play MP3 files. Basic audio controls are mounted on the leather steering wheel.

A solid chassis provides 100% more bending rigidity than the previous car for sharper steering. The Eclipse GT is further enhanced with a chassis-stiffening front strut tower brace. With this solid chassis, the Eclipse GT should handle higher g-forces generated by the 225/50-R17 tires.

The 263-hp 3.8-liter V6 engine of the new Eclipse has 24-valves and MIVEC variable valve timing which allows the engine to switch between low-end torque mode and a high-end power mode. Power delivery to the front wheels is through a 5-speed INVECS-II automatic with Sportronic manumatic shifts with switchable Traction Control.

Safety features of the Eclipse GT include dual front airbags with two-stage inflators, seat-mounted side airbags, and ceiling-mounted curtain airbags for both front seat occupants.

The Eclipse GT will be available at Mitsubishi dealerships for P2.5M starting December. They come with a 3-year 100,000-km warranty.