It is named the Concept D:5 and it stood with 16 other vehicles in the exhibition booth of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.
Fans of the L300 will see shades of their favorite family van in the Concept D:5, which actually is the futuristic version of the Delica. Mitsubishi credits the Delica as the first four-wheel drive minivan which spawned a new category by bringing together the all-surface performance of the Pajero and the comfort of a regular sedan.
The Concept D:5 expands this heritage with many new features designed to embody the go-anywhere, high-performance concept car with "utmost safety."
It may not take too long for this concept vehicle to reach the showroom. The D:5 has systems that are already in the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander, which was launched only two days before the opening of the motorshow. Concept D:5 employs the same electronically controlled 4WD system, and it is powered by the same 2.4-liter MIVEC engine as the new Outlander. This powertrain mates a new 2.4-liter MIVEC engine to a Sport Mode 6-speed CVT.
The concept vehicle offers the driver three choices for operating mode: 2WD, which returns the best fuel economy on good surfaces; 4WD auto which automatically tailors torque traction and handling characteristics; and 4WD lock which maximizes traction.
To deliver "utmost safety," Concept D:5 brings new active and passive safety technologies to the minivan/SUV category. Interesting and helpful active safety vehicle (ASV) technologies are the peripheral monitoring system (10 approach sensors detect pedestrians or obstacles in the vicinity); lane trace assist (onboard camera monitors lane lines to correct straying): adaptive cruise control (uses millimeter-wave radar to monitor distance to the vehicle ahead and regulates engine power and reduces gear ratio).
Inside, the D:5 is defined by the "rib bone frame" which openly displays the frame structure to accent the solidly built construction and the stiffness of the body. This is contrasted by the wide crystal light roof that allows the outdoors to soften the interior ambience.
To embrace the "active slow life," the D:5 cabin can alternate as a living room, base camp and as a means of transportation. Its shape – a mono-box architecture that is unmistakably Delica – was designed to make it "blend in perfectly with its surroundings as well as evoking a matchless sense of cocooning its occupants in a comfort blanket of safety."
According to Mitsubishi engineers, "this is truly the shape of a vehicle that encourages the ‘active slow life’ design."
Mitsubishi has launched the new Outlander, a mid-size SUV that also meets the needs of both all-surface performance and versatile utility – the same mix that guided the development of Concept D:5.
This all-new model has a brand new powertrain that mates an aluminum cylinder block 2.4-liter 16-valve DOHC MIVEC engine to a new Sport Mode 6-speed CVT. It borrows from technology in the Lancer Evolution series, equipped with an aluminum roof panel and mono-tube shock absorbers.
The new Outlander can seat five to seven, with a neatly designed "occasional-use" third row seat that can be folded and stowed under the floor.
Its styling carries the familiar Mitsubishi look – elegantly tough. This Outlander is larger than the model launched in the Philippine market last year. It is 4640 mm (l), 1800 mm (w) and 1680 mm (h).
The Outlander is outstanding for carrying Mitsubishi’s All Wheel Control (AWC) philosophy. AWC, aided by Active Stability Control, and the electronically controlled 4WD system gives the Outlander a best-in-class level of handling and stability.
Two other extraordinary vehicles at the Mitsubishi hall are the Concept X and i minicar – which answers different purposes for the motor vehicle.
The Concept X which was developed to be "the fastest road car" — shows what the Lancer Evolution X promises to bring. It is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylineder DOHC MIVEC intercooler-turbocharged engine and delivers instant response across all engine speeds. It uses a six-speed auto-manual transmission that realizes slicker shifting and higher transmission efficiency than a regular manual transmission. Shifting is by paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.
Its major feature is also the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) which brings together world ranking levels of traction control and handling.
On the other hand, the i-minicar is designed to offer convenience, comfort and economy. Imaginative styling – the one-motion form resembling a single calligraphy brushstroke – gives the i-minicar a roomy interior. The rear-midship layout mounts the engine under the floor just forward of the rear driving wheels. It is powered by a brand new 3-cyliner intercooler turbocharged MIVEC engine.
Mitsubishi is showing 17 vehicles at the Tokyo Motor Show.
