|  Mitsubishi Motors North America unveils the U.S. version of its next-generation Outlander compact sport-utility vehicle at the 2006 New York International Auto Show. The all-new, larger Outlander, which will reach Mitsubishi dealerships in November, offers a compelling blend of driven-to-thrill dynamics, bold styling, five- or seven-passenger versatility, plus numerous user-technology firsts for the compact SUV segment.
The 2007 Outlander is based on a new performance-engineered global platform that will also form the foundation of the next-generation Mitsubishi Lancer and Lancer Evolution models. All Outlander models for 2007 will be powered exclusively by a new 220 hp aluminum MIVEC V-6 engine teamed to a six-speed Sportronic(R) automatic transmission with available magnesium Sportronic steering wheel paddle shifters - a segment first. In another segment first, the California-emissions V-6 will be the first in the compact SUV segment to be P-ZEV certified. . The 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander will come in two trim levels, the LS and the XLS. There will be only one engine available, a V6, that replaces the current four-cylinder engine. The V6 is larger, 3.0 liters versus the four-cylinder's 2.4 liters. And it's much more powerful, with 220 horsepower, up by 60 over the 2006 model's, and 204 pound-feet of torque, up by 62 pound-feet. California models will be certified PZEV (Partial-Zero Emissions Vehicle), a rating second only to electric cars in terms of cleanliness. The Outlander will come with a six-speed automatic transmission with a Sportronic feature allowing drivers to shift using steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Its 105.1-inch wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear tires) is up almost two inches; this may not sound like much, but even fractions of an inch make a difference in ride quality, so the new Outlander should in theory offer a smoother ride and more stable handling. Likewise for the approximately one inch wider track (the distance between the wheels, side to side), which combines with a lower center of gravity, which holds the promise of sharpened steering response, improved stability and reduced body roll (or lean) in turns. Overall length (bumper to bumper) grows by almost three inches, to 182.7 inches.
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