Mitsubishi Pajero 2007 MY07
Mitsubishi's long succesful Pajero SUV, has gone through a minor cosmetic changes for the upcoming 2007 (MY07) model. The fourth generation Pajero SUV is on display at the 2006 Paris Motor Show and is expected to go on sale in Australia and Japan in October 2006.
The first generation Mitsubishi Pajero was launched in 1982 and 2.5 million Pajeros have so far been sold worldwide.
Mitsubishi has released a very small amount of information regarding the 4th generation Pajero, but says that the latest Pajero offers reliability forged in the crucible of grueling competition and use under the harshest conditions to be found on our planet, referring to its many Dakar Rally victories.
The new Pajero is set to retain the all-round SUV specifications of its predecessor, including ground clearance and other all-terrain performance parameters. New features for the Mitsubishi SUV include new engines, which will include a 3.2-litre 4-cylinder diesel with common rail direct fuel injection and a 3.8-litre V6 gasoline unit with variable valve timing.
Another new feature that Mitsubishi has revealed is the 4WD system. It will be comprised of a new system dubbed Super Select 4WD-II, complete with a transfer case with both ASTC2 and a rear differential lock. The new features on the vehicle is a welcome change from the Pajero's somewhat ancient feel.
Mitsubishi says that the new 4WD system was developed to deliver significant improvements in both off-road and tarmac performance, and with the new updates and chassis tweaks the Pajero's Dakar Rally exploits are expected to continue.
The Mitsubishi Pajero is being built at the Pajero Manufacturing facility in Gifu Prefecture in Japan. I look forward to more pictures of the new Pajero at the Paris Motor Show alongside the similarly-styled next generation of Pajero Evolution which will be entered at the 2007 Dakar Rally.