L.A. Auto Show: 2014 Mitsubushi Outlander

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 28, 2012

Earlier this month, Mitsubishi President Osamu Masuko said this,

"We have no intention whatsoever of withdrawing from the U.S. market. The U.S. market is a very important market."

This was in response to Suzuki vehicles leaving the U.S. Masuko said that despite decline the brand is currently experiencing, he expects sales to creep back up with the introduction of new products.

Today at the L.A. auto show, we got our first peek at one of the new products in the form of the 2014 Outlander.

Compared to the outgoing Outlander, the new 2014 is much more sleeker. There is a redesigned front end, wraparound headlamps, raised belt line, and a more contoured body. Mitsubishi says the new design is more aerodynamic than the old model, though Mitsubishi didn't mention any fuel economy improvements.

Inside, Mitsubishi has made some big changes including a revised control layout, and using more premium materials including a soft-touch instrument panel, woodgrain trim and glossy black "center waterfall" design. All Outlanders will come with seven seats.

Powertrains for the new Outlander are,

• 2.4L four-cylinder producing 166 HP and 162 lb-ft, CVT
  
• 3.0L MIVEC V6 producing 224 HP and 215 lb-ft of torque, Six-Speed Auto
  

Front-wheel drive is standard on the base ES and SE models. Mitsubishi's S-AWC all-wheel drive system is optional on the SE and standard on the GT.

Also new to the Outlander are lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and forward-collision mitigation.

The option list will feature a Rockford Fosgate stereo, a power tailgate activated from the driver's seat or by the key fob, and the next generation of Mitsubishi’s navigation system.

Mitsubishi hasn't announced a timeframe when the new Outlander will be arriving at your local Mitsubishi dealer.

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

The all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander compact crossover is expected to be one of the most fuel-efficient CUVs with standard 7-passenger seating in the North American marketplace (pending EPA fuel mileage rating).

What’s more, the mid-grade Outlander SE model will now be available with Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system – a welcome feature previously reserved exclusively for the top-flight Outlander GT model.

Joining its slightly smaller brethren, the made-in-America redesigned 5-passenger 2013 Outlander Sport, as part of Mitsubishi’s revised model lineup, the all-new 2014 Outlander elevates the level of luxury, refinement and fuel economy that consumers have come to expect from the affordably-priced crossover segment.

With its smooth surfaces and crisp, modern lines, the new exterior design of the 2014 Outlander lends the Japanese automobile manufacturer’s latest head-turning creation an air of elevated status and sophistication more akin to crossover vehicles residing within in a much loftier price point.

Perhaps the most prominent new feature of the exterior sheetmetal is the new streamlined front fascia, accentuated by a more urbane design that emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency as much as eye-catching appeal – an engineering necessity in these days of high fuel prices and increased fuel economy mandates.

Greatly aiding fuel efficiency of this captivating crossover is a wind-cheating advanced aerodynamic exterior design that is 7% more aerodynamically-efficient as well as a lightweight body that is approximately 200 pounds lighter than that of the car it replaces.

Other environmentally-friendly features include a new HVAC interior heating/cooling system that minimize energy consumption and a lighter version of the available Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system.

The potent yet smooth-operating 2.4-liter 4-cylinder powerplant receives the latest edition of the company’s exceptionally engineered MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) system with continuously-variable valve lift timing technology for optimal fuel efficiency and power production with reduced harmful emissions (all 2014 Outlander models meet LEV II - ULEV emission standards). This 4-cylinder engine produces 166 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4200 rpm.

This workhorse 4-cylinder engine is coupled to an advanced continuously-variable transmission (CVT) that mimics unique ratio patterns for improved “shift” feel as well as enhanced fuel economy. An all-new feature added to the new Outlander’s CVT is Acceleration Control that provides better throttle response at the early stage of acceleration and postpones upshifts until later in the rev range.

What’s more, a new driver-activated ECO-mode setting that is standard on all 2014 Outlander models helps to further reduce fuel consumption by slightly reducing engine power on initial acceleration as well as the airflow volume of the air conditioning. Furthermore, when Outlander models equipped with Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) are driven with 4WD engaged, the driver-activated ECO-mode will allow the vehicle to function as a 2WD vehicle until sensors instantaneously reactivate 4WD when deemed necessary.

The premium 2014 Outlander GT model receives a power upgrade in the form of a 24-valve 3.0-liter V-6 MIVEC engine that produces a full 224 horsepower at 6250 rpm and a plentiful 215 lb.-ft. of torque at 3750 rpm. This spirited engine utilizes low viscosity engine oil (0W-20) and iridium spark plugs to help maximize fuel efficiency. A refined 6-speed automatic transmission is a paragon of efficiency, directing power to the driven wheels with improved torque converter performance and a new final drive ratio contributes to improved fuel mileage.

Mitsubishi designers and engineers put a special emphasis in endowing their stylish all-new crossover with numerous cutting-edge advanced safety technologies (available on SE and GT models). Among these are:

• Adaptive Cruise Control - a radar-based sensor in the vehicle’s front grille constantly measures distance between the Outlander and the vehicle in front of it, allowing the driver to select three different following distance settings.
  
• Forward Collision Mitigation - a radar-based system that detects obstructions in front of the Outlander and automatically warns and then applies the brakes to help minimize a collision with the vehicle in front.
  
• Lane Departure Warning - a camera-based system that helps to monitor lane position of the Outlander and warn the driver via visual and audio warnings should they begin to veer into the next lane.
  

Standard safety features include a 7 airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) including side curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, and a completely redesigned new airbag for the driver’s seat; a new Brake Pedal Recession Protection Structure to reduce driver leg injury in the event of a high-speed frontal impact; enhanced pedestrian protection with the redesigned hood and front fenders; Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL); Hill Start Assist (HSA); anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); and an all-new ultra-rigid chassis that benefits from the most advanced form of Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) impact-absorbing safety cell technology ever.

Along with these new class-leading safety technologies, particular attention has been paid within the all-new Outlander’s interior to make it not only an exceptionally quiet and comfortable cabin but also one that makes use of the highest grade materials available.

Consumers who appreciate the finer things will immediately notice the all-new premium surfaces consisting of a soft-touch instrument panel, lovely wood grain appearance trim (GT model) and attractive high-gloss black center console panel.

Additionally, all seven seating positions have been completely reconfigured for improved comfort/ergonomics as well as for ease of operation of the fold-flat seats (2nd and 3rd row seating sections) allowing up to 128.6 cubic feet of passenger room.

Other impressive upscale appointments included as standard equipment are a high-resolution meter cluster; air conditioning with micron filter; a dynamic-sounding 6 speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system; privacy glass, cruise control; tilt and telescopic steering column and a newly designed steering wheel.

The mid-level Outlander SE builds on the base ES model’s already expansive standard equipment package with a 6-inch touch-screen display audio system; rearview camera system; HD radio; fog lamps; 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control; heated front seats; FAST key passive entry system with push-button engine ignition on/off switch; and Mitsubishi’s FUSE Handsfree Link system™ with USB that allows voice activation of iPod™ and cell phone via simple voice commands.

Among the higher grade Outlander GT standard features are the potent yet fuel-efficient 3.0-liter V-6 MIVEC engine/6-speed automatic transmission combination with steering wheel mounted paddle shifter; Mitsubishi’s proven Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system with Active Front Differential (AFD); Super wide-beam high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights; wood grain appearance trim; and the addition of SiriusXM™ satellite radio to the already excellent 6 speaker audio system.

Available luxury features (SE and GT models) include a state-of-the-art 9 speaker 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate® sound system with DTS Neural Surround, PremiDIA® Surround, HD Radio and Dolby Volume; an intuitive next-generation High-Definition navigation system with 3D mapping, expanded Point of Interest (POI) information and road speed limit display; a convenient remote power tailgate that can be activated from the driver’s seat or by the FAST-key entry remote fob; and leather seating surfaces.

The all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander is available (SE and GT models) with the company’s outstanding Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system that has been optimized for the vehicle’s new Brake Control and Electric Power Steering, allowing for even better vehicle performance and stability. Derived from similar computer management system hardware found in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the Outlander’s S-AWC system includes sensors that monitor vital vehicle dynamics including engine torque, gear ratio, steering angle, longitudinal and lateral acceleration as well as yaw rate to deliver an exceptional degree of vehicle stability, traction and safety in both adverse and every day driving conditions.

Available in 6 striking colors – Cool Silver Metallic, Cosmic Blue Mica, Mercury Gray Metallic, Copper Metallic, Diamond White Pearl or Labrador Black Mica – the all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander is the perfect vehicle for environmentally-conscious, active individuals or families requiring a comfortable, well-equipped sophisticated crossover that provides the latest in advanced safety technologies, ecology and comfort.

Key Specifications

Wheelbase: 105.1 in.

Length: 183.3 in.

Height: 66.1 in.

Width: 70.9 in.

Engine: 2.4-liter aluminum SOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine (ES or SE model)

Horsepower: 166 @ 6000 rpm

Torque: 162 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

Transmission: Continuously-variable transmission (CVT)

Fuel Economy: EPA fuel mileage rating TBD

Engine: 3.0-liter aluminum SOHC MIVEC 6-cylinder engine (GT model)

Horsepower: 224 @ 6250 rpm

Torque: 215 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission (6AT)

Fuel Economy: EPA fuel mileage rating TBD

Major Standard Features (ES Model)

• 6 speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 player audio system
  
• Reduced-weight body
  
• RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) chassis safety cell construction
  
• 3rd row fold-flat seating
  
• Air conditioning with micron filter
  
• Heating ducts for 2nd row passengers
  
• Electric assist power steering
  
• Anti-theft engine immobilizer
  
• Anti-theft alarm system
  
• Halogen headlamps
  
• Dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors, curtain side air bags, driver's knee air bag, and front seat mounted side-impact air bags
  
• Power windows and door locks
  
• Tilt & telescopic steering wheel
  
• Remote keyless entry
  
• Cruise control
  
• Intermittent rear wiper with washer
  
• Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
  
• Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL)
  
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
  
• Speed-sensitive windshield wipers
  
• Privacy glass
  

SE adds over ES:

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
  
• FUSE Handsfree Link system™ with USB/iPod™ port
  
• 140-Watt Digital HD Radio/CD audio system with MP3 playback capability and 6-inch touch-panel display audio screen
  
• High contrast meter with full color MID-display
  
• Heated front seats
  
• FAST key passive entry system with push button on/off engine switch
  
• Rearview camera system
  
• Automatic dual-zone climate control
  
• 18-inch alloy wheels
  
• Fog lamps
  
• Available Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive with Active Front Differential (AFD)
  

GT adds over SE:

• 3.0-liter V-6 MIVEC engine
  
• 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters
  
• Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) with Active Front Differential (AFD)
  
• Super-wide beam High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights
  
• SiriusXM™ satellite radio
  
• Rain-sensing windshield wiper system
  
• Exterior chrome beltline accent
  
• Wood grain appearance trim
  

Outlander Options:

Premium Package (SE and GT models) adds: Panoramic glass sunroof; Leather seating surfaces; Power driver’s seat; Remote power tailgate; 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate® premium audio system with DTS Neutral Surround, PremiDIA® Surround and Dolby Volume features with 9 speakers including 10-inch subwoofer (includes wood grain appearance trim and SiriusXM™ satellite radio on SE model)

Touring Package (SE and GT models) adds: 7-inch touch panel navigation system with real-time traffic; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system; Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system; Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system.