Mitsubishi shows the Outlander GT Prototype in New York and confirms its launch

The off-roader from Mitsubishi has been updated inside and out, and to showcase the changes, the Japanese brand brought a modified prototype called Outlander GT to the New York Show. However, as was to be expected from its polished look and not overly implausible design, Mitsubishi has confirmed that it will go into production, although with some minor changes.

The prototype features a new front end inherited, as it already did on the Colt, from the Lancer Evolution. There are also new high-intensity bi-xenon headlights, a rear bumper, more sporty side skirts and a curious aluminium roof that reduces the weight of the car. Apart from this last detail, the rest will be seen on the road version of the new Outlander.

Other elements exclusive to this prototype include the lowered suspension, the Brembo perforated brake discs and the 19-inch OZ wheels. The production Outlander will indeed get the Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system which, by combining the different traction and stability systems, manages to prevent loss of control on any type of surface while also delivering great performance and efficiency. It will have three driving modes: “Normal”, “Snow” and “Traction”. This system is complemented by a Hill Start Assist system.

The Outlander GT prototype is equipped with a 3.0 DOHC MIVEC V6 engine producing 230 horsepower, but Mitsubishi claims that the production version will have even more horsepower, while keeping consumption in check. The interior has also been improved in quality and appearance, and the prototype features details such as the aluminium pedals from the Lancer Evolution, though it is not yet known whether these will make it to the new production Outlander.

The equipment includes a FUSE system for voice activation of the navigation system with 40GB of storage, the Rockford Fosgate sound system and Bluetooth, as well as USB ports and a connection for an iPod or an improved alarm system.

Mitsubishi has announced that the new Outlander, equipped with the V6 engine and the S-AWC system, will cost around 22,000€ ($30,000) when it goes on sale. What has not yet been confirmed is the launch date, which will differ for the American, European and Japanese markets.

Via | Autoblog