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The drivers of Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart in Dakar 2008 will receive support from Mitsubishi in the form of a Mitsubishi Outlander. The model was confirmed official support vehicle for the seventh successive winning Dakar team. Ralliart receives the Outlander with major safety improvements, however, the engine and transmission remains the same as the production model. The 2008 Dakar Outlander has also been modified with four racing bucket seats with full harness belts, a safety roll-cage, an additional fuel tank, under-body protection, dampers, navigational equipment, and a host of other features. The engine, running gear, and fundamental chassis architecture, however, remain identical to the standard production car. Carrying capacity is up to 1,691 litres. The exterior is finished in the full racing livery of the competition Pajero/Montero Evolutions. The production vehicle comes with AWC (All Wheel Control) technology, electronic 4x4 control system, developed by Mitsubishi. The system utilizes three modes to match the level of traction control to individual preferences and different road conditions. Mitsubishi has been developing 4x4 systems over the last 20 years.

Press Release

Mitsubishi Outlander Takes On Dakar 2008

The Mitsubishi Outlander has been selected to be the sole support vehicle for Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart’s title defence in 2008. The modified Outlander will tackle the support vehicles’ route, which differs only slightly from the competing cars. These vehicles require a high degree of off-road ability to cross the challenging terrain of the region's vast, sandy and rocky expanses.

The 2008 Dakar Outlander has been modified to comply with ASO's safety regulations and features four racing bucket seats with full harness belts, a safety roll-cage, an additional fuel tank, underbody protection, Bose dampers, navigational equipment, and a host of other features. The engine, running gear, and fundamental chassis architecture however remain identical to the standard production car.

It is finished in the full racing livery of the competition Pajero/Montero Evolutions and with a carrying capacity of up to 1,691 litres means that the four Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart team members and their luggage will be able to travel in comfort and safety throughout the two-week event.

The standard production vehicle comes complete with features such as active control of the four driven wheels, fully independent suspension, high performance brakes and a low centre of gravity which has been achieved in part by an aluminium roof which employs technology tested on Lancer Evolution IX.

Outlander calls on AWC (All Wheel Control) technology, the Mitsubishi-developed electronic 4x4 control system which allows drivers to choose between three modes to match the level of traction control to individual preferences and / or road conditions. Mitsubishi’s 4x4 systems have been developed over the last 20 years in all terrain vehicles and racing pursuits, the Outlander demonstrates the advanced technological development of the AWC through the switch dial selection.

Main Technical Specifications (Standard Outlander 2.2 Di-D)

Outlander is one of the symbols of the renewal of Mitsubishi Motors' line-up and was the brand's first car to be built on Mitsubishi's “Project Global” architecture, together with the new Lancer family (incl. Lancer Evolution X). It is also packed with Mitsubishi's legendary expertise in the realm of four-wheel drive technology and in the UK is powered by a choice of 2.2 Di-D 156PS (diesel), 2.0 Di-D 140PS (diesel), 2.4 MIVEC 170PS (petrol) engines.

Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 Di-D

156 PS @ 4,000 rpm and 380 Nm @ 2,000 rpm

From 39.2 mpg, 7,2 L/100km (combined cycle)

From 191 g/km (combined cycle)

0-62 mph/0-100km/h in 9.9 seconds

124 mph/200 km/h maximum speed

AWC (All-Wheel-Control)

6-speed manual gearbox