Mitsubishi's Customised Cars: SEMA 2006

Motoring Channel Staff - 3/Nov/2006

Las Vegas, America — Alongside the customised Volkswagens, Fords, Chryslers, Volvos and Chevrolets, Mitsubishi had a large presence at the 2006 SEMA event, showing off a number of vehicles that mirror the company's improving fortunes.

Motors North America (MMNA) addressed the tuner market by presenting an exciting new Evolander concept vehicle, the off-road race-ready Baja Raider truck, the Feast Audio "i" minicar, the LOUD-lander by Rockford Fosgate and several new Special Edition models at the 2006 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.

Evolander
"The Evolander builds upon the reputation that the Lancer Evolution sedan has built among tuners and car enthusiasts," said Dan Sims, managing director of Mitsubishi Research and Design America. 

"Like the Evo, the Evolander boasts a forced induction engine, electronic all-wheel drive, and a tuned suspension that deliver on its Evo-ness. A vehicle like Evolander, which blends Evolution-style design cues and sport SUV themes, might help inspire tuners to apply their wares to the compact SUV segment," said Dan Sims.

This unique vehicle, which headlined the marquee of Mitsubishi's SEMA display, was created by the Mitsubishi Research and Design of America (MRDA) team in Cypress, California, and started life as a 2007 Outlander, which is an all-new addition to Mitsubishi’s line-up that goes on sale in America in November.

For the Evolander, the output of the Outlander’s 3.0-litre V6 engine (normally rated at 220hp/164kW) swells to 300hp or 224kW with the help of an ATI/Roadrace Engineering Procharger system that uses a centrifugal compressor to produce 6 psi of boost. The increased power is fed through a 6-speed automatic transmission that is actuated by the same magnesium-alloy paddle shifters that will be equipped on the next generation performance model. 

The Evolander puts power to pavement using Mitsubishi’s newest electronically-controlled AWD system offering exceptional, rally-car like roadholding in an SUV. The list of Evolander’s dynamic enhancements also includes a Roadrace Engineering/Muellerized coilover suspension system that enhances handling to help dice corners with precision and rides on lightweight 20-inch OZ wheels wrapped in high performance Yokohama Advan ST performance rubber. Brembo’s new 6-piston monobloc-style brakes squeeze massive cross-drilled front rotors, and a set of cross-drilled rear rotors were added to help bring the vehicle to a swift, safe sudden halt.

As well as Recaro sport seat, the interior of the Evolander maintains full use of the 2007 Outlander's new 30 GB hard-drive navigation system (with 1200 song music storage capability), as well as the rear DVD entertainment system, and the eardrum-rattling Rockford Fosgate 650 watt audio system.

Baja Raider
The Mitsubishi Motors display at the 2006 SEMA Show also featured the Baja Raider, a competition version of the Raider truck campaigned by DXR (Desert Xtreme Racing). The Baja Raider will compete in the SCORE Stock Mini category at the Baja 1000 (November 16th), which closely regulates the modifications that can be made to this relatively showroom-stock class of off-road race truck. Consistent with the class rules, the Baja Raider sports a rugged 3.7-litre V6 under the hood; the engine receives basic induction and exhaust enhancements to improve response. The Baja Raider’s transmission and 4WD system relies on the same durable hardware found on a showroom Raider.

The suspension revisions will allow the Baja Raider to maintain a swift pace over the harsh terrain of the Baja peninsula. The front suspension’s travel is maximised and dampened with the help of King Customs 2.5-inch coilover racing shocks and triple bypass racing shocks to help control wheel travel over the harshest terrain. At the rear of the Baja Raider, the truck’s solid rear axle is supported by King custom 3” triple-valved race shocks, Deaver racing leaf springs and Mastercraft limit straps.

DXR’s Dan Fresh has 10 years of competition under his belt, and is no stranger to the rigors of desert racing: he enjoyed several class championships as well as previous success in the Baja 1000. "The Baja 1000 is about as grueling a challenge as off-road racing can offer," said Fresh. "That desert certainly tests equipment, it is also a contest of skill, preparation, determination and guile. There are no easy victories in the Baja, and we feel can be very competitive with the Baja Raider."

LOUD-lander by Rockford Fosgate
Simply put, LOUD-lander is the world’s loudest Outlander. Harnessing 2700 watts of total system power through 18 speakers, LOUD-lander practically weaponises a vehicle’s "sound system". Rumor has it that at full song the LOUD-lander’s sonic fury is capable of loosening dental fillings and deforming contact lenses.

This epic audio system relies on five amplifiers (two 450 watt units and three 600 watt units) to power twelve Rockford Fosgate Punch P162S 6 ¾ inch speakers and six Rockford Fosgate Punch P215S4 15-inch sub woofers. Both the speakers and the subwoofers are constructed using a molded polypropylene cone mated to a stamped steel frame for improved durability, deep, consistent bass and high performance. The LOUD-lander’s awesome power is enhanced with a Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty.2 Interactive Signal Processor that helps provide outstanding clarity and sound definition for this Herculean compact SUV audio system.

FEAST/ROAR “I”
Direct from Japan to the SEMA show floor, the FEAST "i" minicar shows how exciting the diminutive "kei" class of vehicles can be. The "i" is powered by a turbocharged 660cc (0.6-litre), 3-cylinder engine, as specified by vehicle class limitations. Output on the FEAST "i" is estimated at about 70hp (52kW), which is directed to the rear wheels through a 4-speed automatic transmission. It is the unique rear-midship engine placement of "i" that allowed designers to maximise the interior space upon the vehicle's relatively long 2550mm wheelbase. 

The FEAST "i" receives exterior enhancements such as ROAR front spoiler, air dam extension, side sills, and rear air dam. A FEAST designed carbon fiber hood and vinyl decal kit finish off the unique exterior of the "i".

In addition, the FEAST "i" is equipped with a BLITZ dual outlet exhaust system that provides a baritone rumble for this tiny vehicle, and the car’s ride and handling is also enhanced for better cornering with the addition of a Blitz Super Flex Suspension kit.

With an interior that looks more like the cockpit of a small spaceship than a passenger car, the FEAST "i" offers drivers a unique and futuristic operating space. The interior surfaces (door panels, center console, etc.) feature a custom pastel interior finish, as well as numerous new speaker locations that are connected to an Alpine audio system. The Alpine head unit is mounted in a custom dashpod and an Alpine equaliser is mounted in a custom center console. A Panasonic center monitor resides in a custom built dash-top mounted centerpiece, and additional LCD monitors are located in a custom-built package tray/speaker enclosure at the rear of the vehicle.

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- Mitsubishi Evo VI (TME): Road Test
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- Mitsubishi Evo IX: Road Test
- Mitsubishi Ralliart Colt: Road Test
- Mitsubishi Evo X Concept
- Mitsubishi Outlander 2007 Model