All-New Mitsubishi Outlander Makes Global Debut

NEW YORK, March 27 -- Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. (MMSA) today unveiled the all-new 2003 Outlander S.U.V. at the 102nd edition of the New York International Auto Show. Outlander is an exciting, entry- level, crossover S.U.V. that combines bold styling, all-weather capability, and urban utility in a compact package that presents an exciting alternative to the sedan theme. ``Outlander is a spirited 5-passenger sport-ute for the young at heart who crave a stylish vehicle that's equipped to handle the challenges of an energetic urban and outdoor lifestyle,'' said Pierre Gagnon, president and chief operating officer of MMSA.

2003 OUTLANDER: A USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN

With utility similar to a Swiss Army® knife, a 3-in-1 universal remote control, Vise-Grips® or a Cuisinart®, the Outlander compact S.U.V. is a model that will have car buyers wondering how they ever got this far without it. Whether it's a trek to the hills for a mountain bike ride, a lap around the airport, or a Sunday shopping-bender at the mall, Outlander's smart design lets it serve its owner as a user-friendly accessory that helps tame the challenges of urban life. For instance, an ideal ride height facilitates the easy entry and exit for occupants while maintaining the empowering, elevated driving position that S.U.V. drivers prefer over sedans. Outlander's easy and playful demeanor help create a vehicle that's fun to drive, and thanks to a taut chassis with four-wheel independent suspension, it's easy to maneuver and blessed with nimbleness uncommon in an S.U.V.

Exterior

Outlander's exterior styling offers a unique, aggressive departure from the ``me-too'' compact S.U.V. designs that currently inhabit the market. Outlander XLS' clear rear tail Iight lenses add a dosage of urban-chic and tuner styling to the compact S.U.V. class. For those in pursuit of an adventure less urban, optional tubular roof racks can be adapted to carry bikes, surfboards, skis or just about any equipment required. A two-tone body treatment offsets painted sheet metal with warm gray on the Outlander's bumpers and chip resistant urethane side sills.

Interior

On the inside, Outlander is a compact S.U.V. replete with all the conveniences and interior styling cues one would expect to find in a more upscale model. The interior, much of it covered by new, textured materials, features intuitively laid out gauges and controls that are easily monitored from the ergonomically attuned, raised driving position.

Outlander's flexible seating and expandable cargo space make trips to the hardware store a much simpler chore. The versatile rear cabin area, with split, flat-folding rear seats yields a generous cargo area that can handle a variety of stowage headaches. The hydraulically assisted rear lift gate can be operated with one hand and swings high to clear taller heads, while a knee- height cargo floor which hides the spare tire, eases the lift-over and accessibility of loading.

Drivetrain and Chassis

All Outlanders will come equipped with the same reliable power train; a torque rich 2.4-liter, 16-valve, in-line four-cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed Sportronic(TM) transmission. Rated at 140 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, the engine achieves its peak torque of 157 lbs.- feet at just 2,500 rpm. With peak torque so low in the rev-range and optimized with taller gear ratios, the Outlander displays brisk acceleration, maximizing the engine's responsive throttle. The Sportronic transmission can operate in traditional fully automatic mode, or can actuate clutchless shifts for more spirited driving.

Outlander buyers can select either a front-wheel drive format or all-wheel drive that puts the power down through a proven viscous-coupling center differential, which improves inclement weather driving security, traction and handling dynamics. Outlander's suspension utilizes Macpherson struts up front and a multi-link, coil sprung arrangement at the rear for superior vehicle control and stability with a decidedly light, car-like sense of handling.

The four-wheel independent suspension supports Outlander's rigid, computer-designed unibody that also features a long 103.3-inch wheelbase that improves ride quality without sacrificing handling. Outlander's unibody structure is carefully designed to help optimize occupant safety in the event of a collision. The vehicle's front and rear sections are engineered as crush zones to absorb impact energy, while passengers are protected by a high- strength cabin structure at the center of the vehicle. Standard driver and passenger air bag systems, optional side-impact airbags and optional ABS add measures of vehicle safety.

Equipment Packages: LS and XLS

Outlander's amazing versatility is exemplified in the four models offered, and the range of features and optional equipment available to consumers. Available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, Outlander features two trim levels, LS and XLS. The LS trim level includes a myriad of standard exterior features like color-keyed door handles, gray painted bumpers and side sills, as well as air conditioning, a 100-watt CD audio system, cruise control; power windows, door locks and mirrors; rear intermittent wiper, reclining rear seats, and dual vanity mirrors. Alloy wheels, a tubular roof rack, keyless entry, cargo cover and privacy glass are available as options on Outlander LS model.

Outlander XLS improves on the LS model's exterior with amenities like a tubular roof rack, a large rear spoiler, color keyed side mirrors, privacy glass, fog lamps, 16`` 5-spoke alloy wheels, and clear tail lamp lenses. The XLS interior adds a white-faced I/P cluster, a matching white-faced analog clock, see-through headrests, metallic painted climate control knobs, upgraded seat cover materials and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Options for Outlander XLS include a Sound and Sun Package that offers a premium 6-speaker, 210-watt Mitsubishi/Infinity sound system, and power sunroof. Also available on XLS is a Luxury package that adds heated leather seating, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass and temperature readings, side airbags and heated side mirrors.

Debut of 2003 Outlander Will Fuel Next Phase of Mitsubishi Motors' North American Growth Strategy

New Sport Utility Vehicle Combines Youth Appeal and Winning SUV Heritage

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. (MMSA) today opened the latest chapter in the company's aggressive North American growth strategy when it debuted the all-new 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV at a press conference during the 2002 New York Auto Show.

Outlander combines the Mitsubishi brand's strong connection to young consumers with the company's legacy of building world-class sport utility vehicles, and adds an entry-level vehicle to an SUV lineup that also includes Montero and Montero Sport.

``We're pleased to give entry-SUV buyers a choice that is hip, cool and thoroughly Mitsubishi in its youthful attitude, styling and performance,'' said Pierre Gagnon, MMSA president and chief operating officer. ``Outlander takes Mitsubishi into a new segment with enormous growth potential and will broaden our sales base and attract a whole new group of customers.''

Mitsubishi set a yearly sales goal of 40,000 units for Outlander and a starting price of less than $19,000. The company expects that Outlander's aggressive styling, urban utility and all-weather capabilities will appeal to the youthful consumers at the heart of the Mitsubishi brand. Mitsubishi is a leader in the youth market, having the youngest average buyer age of all Japanese competitors while 38 percent of Mitsubishi's customers are under the age of 35.

Gagnon attributes Mitsubishi's strong connection with Gen X and Gen Y to a growing product line geared toward people with a youthful spirit, and a brand identity that appeals to consumers looking for something stylish and expressive.

``In every segment, our buyers are younger than our competitors','' said Gagnon. ``Outlander will join vehicles like Lancer, Eclipse and the forthcoming Lancer Evolution high-performance compact sedan by appealing to the young at heart.''

Mitsubishi's entry into the fastest growing segment of the SUV market will add fuel to a growth strategy that is already well on track. Through February 2002, Mitsubishi's U.S. sales were up 26 percent over 2001 and the company is on pace to set a yearly sales record for the fourth consecutive time.

In addition to Outlander, Mitsubishi also unveiled in New York its updated 2003 Montero flagship SUV, which now includes more engine displacement, improved power, electronic traction control, and design refinements. Montero is legendary for its dominating performance at the grueling Dakar rally where it's won a record seven championships. This year Mitsubishi captured nine of the top 10 positions.

In the next nine months Mitsubishi will add another stylish, all-new mid- sized crossover SUV to an already powerful SUV lineup that now includes Montero, Montero Sport and Outlander. Mitsubishi is expecting to sell 400,000 vehicles in North America by 2004.

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc., was established in 1981 by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Tokyo, and markets a full line of vehicles, including coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles. Its Web site can be accessed at www.mitsubishicars.com .

For additional information and images, please contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at 888-560-6672