Mitsubishi Outlander Airtrek First generation

Class	Motor Car SUV
Model code	CU, ZE, ZF
Production	2001–2008 (Airtrek) 2003–2006 (Outlander)
Assembly	Japan
Engine	Petrol:2.0 L 4G63 I4 Petrol:2.0 L 4G63T turbo I4 Petrol:2.4 L 4G64 SOHC I4 2003 Petrol:2.4 L 4G69 MIVEC I4 Petrol:2.4 L 4G64 GDI I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-5 speed INVECS-II automatic
Wheelbase	2,625 mm (103.3 in)
Length	4,410 mm (173.6 in) (Airtrek) 4,545 mm (178.9 in) (Outlander)
Width	1,750–1,780 mm (68.9–70.1 in)
Height	1,540–1,585 mm (60.6–62.4 in) (Airtrek) 1,605–1,685 mm (63.2–66.3 in) (Outlander)
Curb weight	1,605–1,745 kg (3,538–3,847 lb)

The Outlander is based on the platform of the Mitsubishi Lancer , was developed jointly with Daimler and the engine range is similar to that of the Mitsubishi Galant . It is a stylistically revised version of the Japanese Airtrek designed for foreign markets .A Leisure car with permanent 4-wheel drive. 2.0 4-cylinder engine (Europe), 2.4 4-cylinder (USA), or 2.0 turbo (Japan). Launch (Europe) spring 2003, Airtrek summer 2001. 2005: 2.0 turbo also for Europe. 2.0 16V -136/202 hp Fuel injection/Turbo

The Mitsubishi Outlander is an SUV of the Japanese car manufacturer Mitsubishi , which is manufactured since spring 2001.Derived from Mitsubishi’s innovative Active Sport Crossover ASX concept car of 2000, Outlander was designed, packaged and styled to amalgamate the best qualities from the off-roader, estate and saloon car segments.Rather than simply re-launch the Japanese-market Airtrek into the more demanding and aggressive European market, Mitsubishi’s then newly-appointed head of design Olivier Boulay decided to create a bespoke model for Europe. The task was handed over to the designers at Mitsubishi Design America, the company’s pioneering styling house based in Cypress, California.Aiming to infuse the car with a robust off-roader attitude, the Airtrek’s neat but conservative styling and cabin were replaced with a bold new exterior and interior design which successfully marries off-road and estate styling and gives Outlander its own unique identity and feel. 

It has been sold in the Asian market since March 2001 under the name Mitsubishi Airtrek and since May 2003 also in the North American market.

Outlander is powered by Mitsubishi’s 2.4-litre four cylinder MIVEC engine. This advanced 16-valve 2378cc four cylinder engine develops a healthy 158bhp at 5750rpm and 159lb ft of torque at 4000rpm, enough for a 0-60mph sprint in 11.2sec, a 119mph top speed, 28mpg combined economy and a CO2 rating of 240g/km

The all-alloy engine is fitted with MIVEC, Mitsubishi’s Innovative Valve timing and lift electronic Control variable valve timing, which features low-speed and high-speed double overhead cams on each camshaft. The cam profiles on the intake and exhaust valve camshafts are switched according to the engine speed, boosting torque at low speeds and increasing power at higher speeds.

The drive of the Outlander is in the base engine (2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, 100 kW / 136 hp) either on the front or on all wheels. All other models have permanent four-wheel drive. All Outlander have independent suspension. The version with the 2.4-l four-cylinder gasoline engine (118 kW / 160 hp) is also available with 4-speed automatic transmission. Body type, weight: Station wagon, 5 doors, 5 seats; empty from 1550 kg, Turbo from 1590 kg; permissible total 2070 kg.This power is handled by Mitsubishi’s INVECS-II 4-speed semi-automatic gearbox. By constantly monitoring driving patterns, this intuitive transmission uses advanced electronic controls to ‘learn’ a driver’s particular driving style. To do this, the transmission employs two shift control programs – Optimum Shift Control and Adaptive Shift Control – and a sophisticated control logic that simulates the decision making process of the human brain.

Outlander uses the modified platform, semi-automatic INVECS-II four speed gearbox and rally-derived all-wheel-drive system from the award-winning Evolution VIII.Essentially a multi-plate clutch, the viscous coupling unit houses a silicone fluid between the plates that absorbs any minor difference between the rotational speeds of the front and the rear axles.  However if the front and rear wheels begin to slip heavily on low-friction surfaces like ice, mud or gravel, the relative speed between the front and the rear wheels changes greatly. The increased shear resistance of the silicone fluid forces the plates linked to the front and rear wheel to spin together. This limits slip, while transferring torque to the wheels that are spinning the least.

With a 4545mm length, 1750mm width, 1670mm height (including roof rails) and long 2625mm wheelbase,Outlander rides on a MacPherson front strut and independent multi-link rear suspension set-up. It’s similar in principle to the layout used in the Evolution VIII, but modified and tuned for more compliancy and motorway friendliness - when tuning the suspensions, Mitsubishi’s engineers were aware that Outlander would be driven primarily on road.The front and rear suspension cross-members are attached to the chassis cross-members to increase the stiffness of the suspension mountings, offsetting the layout’s lateral stiffness due to the car high ground clearance.The front struts are longer than those of conventional passenger cars to take off-road bumps and jolts in their stride, while the offset coil spring housings are directly attached to the lower panels of the suspension mounting points to enhance lateral and vertical stiffness.  At the rear, the independent multi-link suspension consists of trailing, upper and lower arms, and lower toe-control links.

Mitsubishi’s engineers aimed to make Outlander’s chassis as stiff as possible to enhance suspension control and lower the levels of noise vibration and harshness entering the cabin. To this end, the longitudinal and lateral stiffness of the suspension mounts has been enhanced to provide a smoother, quieter ride as well as improving steering response. The front and rear sections are reinforced with sturdy cross members, while the rear suspension is mounted relatively low with a cross-member joining the upper section of the wheel housings to the floor panel, for improved cornering stability.

The 2.0-liter turbo engine with 148 kW (201 hp) uses the technology of the 8th generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and gives the Outlander good acceleration values. The reduced horsepower results from a different turbocharger and modified ECU software. The changed exhaust emissions are also the reason that the Outlander Turbo / Airtrek Turbo had 148 kW (201 hp) (instead of 177 kW (240 hp) as in Japan). Characteristic of the Outlander Turbo is the eye-catching air scoop on the bonnet, which serves as a vent for the intercooler.

Outlander uses a rack and pinion steering set-up with 3.1 turns between locks. Power assistance is variable and is dependent on engine speed – at lower urban speeds, the assistance level is high for quick and easy manoeuvrability, while during high speed motorway work, assistance drops it enhance straight-line stability. fitted with 295mm vented front and 622mm solid rear disc brakes. The system is baked up with four-sensor, three-channel ABS anti-lock and EBD electronic brake-force distribution, to modulate the front-rear braking pressure for ideal braking force at all times, irrespective of load or surface conditions.

The Outlander offers generous front and rear accommodation, and plenty of usable storage space. Folding front and rear seats and split rear bench means Outlander’s loadbay increases from 402 to 1049litres and it can swallow objects up to 2400mm long.