Mitsubishi Concept-X and D5 World Debuts

Press Release

MITSUBISHI Concept-D:5 (show car)

MITSUBISHI Concept D:5 is a concept for the next-generation Delica model. In a go-anywhere-anytime, high-mobility, high-functionality new 4WD mono-box concept, it wraps together the classy living space and functionality sought by owners in today's minivan and Delica's legendary all-terrain capabilities. Deriving from its advanced 4WD system, MITSUBISHI Concept D:5 offers a refined but rugged design that projects a reassuring sense of protective safety.

To deliver maximum driving pleasure and in line with Mitsubishi's All Wheel Control (AWC) philosophy, MITSUBISHI Concept D:5 employs the same electronically controlled four-wheel drive system as Outlander. The powertrain mates a new 2.4-liter MIVEC engine to a Sport Mode 6-speed CVT to deliver brawny all-surface go-anywhere performance. To bring a reassuring sense of safety that is more than skin deep, MITSUBISHI Concept D:5 incorporates active safety vehicle (ASV) technology that assists the driver in operating his vehicle safely and minimizes strain. MITSUBISHI Concept D:5 also brings new active and passive safety technologies to the minivan/SUV category.

Design

The styling creates a wide-&-lifted mono-box architecture that is unmistakably Delica in taste. Pushing the New Mitsubishi Motors Design, the styling threads and weaves handsome, purposeful lines into a function-oriented appearance.

"Super-mobility" was the keyword driving design development: creating a vehicle that encourages driver and occupants to set off for any destination with a deeply reassuring sense of safety. This approach can trace its roots to the successive Delica series. In creating the basic form, the design team went for a mono-box architecture crafted with straight lines and with an understated nose. Minimizing design elements, the understated surface composition readily invokes the powerfully built lines of the Delica series while adding a fashionable tautness to create a robust and solid appearance.

The major defining feature of MITSUBISHI Concept D:5's interior is its exposed "Rib Bone Frame"5 structure that serves as a visual device to accent the solidly-built construction and the stiffness of the body. Other identifying elements are the full-size glass roof panel, which creates a very airy and open ambience, and the use of both metallic and natural materials. This contrast between stiff and soft elements is used to express the melding of a reassuring sense of protective safety with an enriching sense of interior comfort that distinguishes the design.

Powertrain

MITSUBISHI Concept D:5 is powered by the same all-new 2.4-liter MIVEC engine as Outlander. This new-generation lightweight and compact aluminum unit delivers high output while returning low fuel consumption and low emissions. The powertrain mates the engine to a Sport Mode 6-speed CVT to deliver powerful and tough motive performance.

4WD system

In line with Mitsubishi Motors AWC principles, MITSUBISHI Concept D:5 employs the same electronically controlled 4WD system as Outlander. The driver is offered a choice of three operating modes: 2WD, which returns the best fuel economy on good surfaces; 4WD AUTO, which automatically tailors torque traction and handling characteristics to different surfaces; and 4WD LOCK, which maximizes traction for full 4WD performance over harsh terrain.

Chassis

The suspension features a MacPherson strut at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. The generous stroke enables the suspension to soak up punishment off-road while delivering superior road holding performance and a classy, comfortable ride on tarmac. The exclusive tires allow the owner to extract the full potential of MITSUBISHI Concept D:5's performance over all surfaces on and off-road.

Safety technology

MITSUBISHI Concept D:5 points the way ahead in terms of minivan and SUV active safety and comfort through the proactive introduction of the several advanced safety vehicle (ASV) technologies. MITSUBISHI Concept D:5 also features a comprehensive passive safety specification that provides effective occupant protection in the event of a crash or other accident.

ASV technologies

Peripheral monitoring system: 10 approach sensors detect pedestrians or obstacles in the close vicinity of the car. The system promotes safety by audibly urging the driver to take extra care.

Lane Trace Assist. An on-board camera monitors the lane dividing lines and the system applies a corrective torque to the electric power steering when it senses the vehicle is starting to depart from its lane, thus alleviating driver strain and fatigue.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): The ACC system uses millimeter-wave radar to monitor the distance to the vehicle ahead and regulate engine power and the CVT reduction gear ratio accordingly. By maintaining a safe following distance at all times, ACC enables safe and strain-free cruising.

MITSUBISHI Concept-D:5 specifications

i (show car)

Developed to an "innovative new-age minicar" key phrase, i proposes a totally new and original set of values.

i proposes the following three new values:

• A comfortable marriage between original exterior lines and roomy interior living space
• All-directional crashworthiness
• Nimble, athletic performance and a classy ride

The development team adopted a totally new approach to the challenge of building these three core values into the space limitations dictated by minicar dimensions. The solution is the rear-midship layout. There can be little doubt that the near future will see the growth of a market for a new breed of minicar that offers premium levels of reliability, material quality, and design to extend the choices of prospective purchasers.

Design

The one-motion silhouette appears to gently cocoon its occupants, while the large diameter wheels and tires and the 2500mm super-long wheelbase combine to project a new sense of movement that is nimble and pleasing to the eye. The clean and leisurely proportions promise the kind of richly satisfying experience that makes the beholder want to jump aboard right away. It is, of course, the new rear-midship layout that made such proportions possible. The absence of the engine at the front allows the purposeful cab-forward stance and also allows the wheels to be placed further forward.

i offers a fresh and feel-good ambience inside. The rear-midship layout brings extra cabin room and with the large windshield and forward sloping beltline create a space that is pleasantly airy and open. The smooth surface, low-line dashboard appears to hover and adds to the airiness of the cockpit while the use of accent colors in the rounded seats injects a pleasant tautness to the cabin.

Engine

i is powered by a brand new 3-cylinder intercooler-turbocharged MIVEC engine that pumps out a muscular 47 kW (64 PS) of power. The MIVEC valvetrain also realizes low fuel consumption and clean emissions over the full speed range of the engine. The use of a silent camshaft drive chain and increased engine rigidity has reduced noise and vibration levels. Together, these features realize the high output, clean and quiet operation to be expected of an engine powering a truly innovative new minicar.

Body, chassis, crashworthiness

Maximum occupant safety in the event of a crash requires the provision of sizeable crushable zones to absorb impact energy. The rear-midship layout locates the engine towards the rear of the body and although the one-motion silhouette makes the nose appear somewhat stubby, the layout actually provides a sizeable front crushable zone and reconciles the conflicting requirements of good crashworthiness and a comfortably generous interior length.

i specifications