Mitsubishi Motors Develops New 3 and 4 Cylinder MIVEC Engines

Tokyo August 5, 2005; (JCN) - Mitsubishi Motors has announced two MIVEC aluminum cylinder block engines to power two new models slated for introduction in the domestic Japanese market later this fiscal year.

The new Outlander SUV, due to debut in showrooms this October, is to be powered by a new 4-cylinder 2.4-liter MIVEC engine. The new-concept minicar i, scheduled to join the MMC lineup in January next year, will use a new 3-cylinder 660cc MIVEC engine.

The concept behind the technologies built into the two new MIVEC engines is also common to the A9-type engine jointly developed with DaimlerChrysler in 2004. The A9 engine currently powers Mitsubishi Colt and Colt Plus and enjoys high critical acclaim both in Japan and Europe.

Both new MIVEC engines employ weight-reducing technologies such as the aluminum cylinder block to achieve a more than 10 percent weight reduction, which contributes to improved fuel economy and driving performance.

Also, in order to assure high quality and reliability, these engines have been developed through strict development processes that conform to the MMDS (Mitsubishi Motors Development System) as well as the company's vehicle development processes.