A Century of Innovation
Mitsubishi's history comprises an impressive number of innovations that helped move the automotive industry forward. First, the brand holds the distinction of introducing the first production car in Japanese history with the Model-A in 1917. In the following decades, Mitsubishi would go on to design the first full-time four-wheel drive sedan on the Japanese market in 1936 as well as pioneer the use of an Active Electronically Controlled Suspension on the Galant VR-4.
In 1990, Mitsubishi introduced the world's first electronically-controlled Traction Control System to feature not only a slip control function but also a preventive safety function that calculated the course of the vehicle and adjusted the traction force to restrain lateral slip or skidding. Today, this spirit of innovation remains alive and the brand is leading the industry in the introduction of the latest technologies. Solid resume, isn't it!?
All-Wheel Control
We've mentioned that Mitsubishi was a pioneer in the development of four-wheel drive vehicles with the PX33 in 1936. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Since then, Mitsubishi has built a stellar reputation for producing some of the world's toughest and most advanced four-wheel drive vehicles.
For instance, the brand has gone on to win four driver's and one manufacturer's world title in the World Rally Championship. Moreover, the brand holds the all-time record for the number of wins at the legendary Paris-Dakar Rally, with an amazing 12 wins. With this kind of resume, it comes as no surprise that Mitsubishi knows how to engineer a great four-wheel drive system.
Mitsubishi's standard All-Wheel Control is an impressive system. Available in the Outlander and RVR, it operates thanks to a simultaneous interaction of Mitsubishi's electronically controlled coupling, active stability control and anti-lock brakes, ensuring safety and capability. Notably, this system features three driver selectable modes, allowing the driver to expertly face any condition as well as optimize fuel economy and 4-Wheel Drive capability without compromising safety.
The ultimate in performance comes with Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control, available on the Eclipse Cross, Outlander GT S-AWC and Outlander PHEV. In addition to the technology included on the All-Wheel Control system, S-AWC offers an Active Front Differential that limits the differential speed between the right and left front wheels with an electronically controlled clutch and Active Yaw Control. Thanks to these torque vectoring technologies, Super All-Wheel Control provides even better cornering and predictive handling, bringing control, capability and confidence to the next level.
Dependability
It's almost impossible to talk about Mitsubishi without mentioning words like reliability, dependability and warranty. The brand boasts of carrying "the best backed cars in the world," and it's easy to see why. In addition to proving the mantle of their cars in some of the world's most demanding off-road races, Mitsubishi is so confident in the quality, reliability and durability of their cars that they back them with their legendary 10-5-5 warranty.
What does 10-5-5 mean? First, it's a bold 10-year, 160,000 km powertrain warranty that will last long after the new-car smell fades. Second, it's a 5-year, 100,000 km new vehicle limited warranty that backs just about every part in a Mitsubishi vehicle. And finally, it's 5-year, unlimited mileage Mitsubishi Motors Roadside Assistance available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All considered, if you're after dependability and peace of mind, Mitsubishi sounds like the perfect choice for you!
Steering to the Future
Mitsubishi is a brand that is constantly innovating. As mentioned, they have pioneered technologies such as four-wheel drive and traction control, and Mitsubishi is fully turned towards the future with their development of electric propulsion. In fact, the Japanese manufacturer began researching and developing electric vehicle technologies as early as the 1970s, and in 1999, their FTO-EV prototype earned a Guinness World Record by being the first electric car to travel 2,000 kilometers in 24 hours.
In recent history, the brand has produced and sold over 50,000 i-MIEV electric cars, while in 2014, the MiEV Evolution III beat the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb's EV prototype course record by over 30 seconds, with MiEV Evolution III's finishing first and second in the competition. In order to help develop a plug-in SUV, Mitsubishi also tested its EV and Twin-Motor 4WD technologies in the Baja Portalegre 500 off-road race.