2009 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport: New Image Gallery and Details

Following a teaser press release earlier in July (see here), Mitsubishi has released further details and additional images on the all-new Pajero Sport SUV that will be publicly unveiled at the Moscow Auto Salon 2008 to be held at the Crocus Expo in Moscow between August 26 and September 7. The 2009 Pajero Sport will be sold in Russia, Australia, South America, Middle East and selected Asian markets but not in North America or Western Europe. Sales are expected to begin this fall.

The new Pajero Sport (also called Montero Sport or Challenger, depending on the market) is based on a new ladder-frame. Mitsubishi says that bending and torsional rigidity in the new frame are 100% and 50% (respectively) higher than before thus improving the vehicle's reliability in off-road use as well as improving handling and ride comfort. The new Pajero Sport SUV is also larger than its predecessor with an overall length of 4695 mm (compared with 4620 mm for the old model); overall width of 1815 mm (1775 mm); overall height of 1800 mm (1730 mm); and wheelbase of 2800 mm (2725 mm). -Continued

Power will be supplied by a choice of three engines including 2.5-liter and 3.2-liter turbodiesels and a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline unit. In Russia, the Pajero Sport will be offered exclusively with the 3.2-liter common rail diesel engine that produces an output of 163 HP at 3,500 rpm and 343 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. Transmission choices include a 4-speed Sport Mode automatic or a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The large SUV uses Mitsubishi Motors' All Wheel Control-inspired Super Select 4WD driveline which feeds maximum drive torque to the wheels with the most grip. The Pajero Sport will also be available with an optional rear differential lock that eliminates the speed differential between the rear wheels to help the driver extract his vehicle in sticky situations.

Depoending on the market, the Pajero Sport SUV will be available in either a 2-row (5-passenger) or 3-row (7-passenger) seating configuration both of which feature water-repellent seats and a waterproof luggage compartment floor. Adding to its versatility, the front seatbacks can recline fully to provide a flat surface together with the rear seats. The rear seats also boast a 150 mm slide travel, allowing various configurations for occupant and luggage spaces.