Flagship SUV Combines Leading Electrification and All-Wheel Control Technologies

TOKYO, Oct 28, 2021 – (JCN Newswire) – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today premiered online its fully redesigned plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) model of the Outlander crossover SUV. Sales will commence in Japan on December 16, followed by Australia and New Zealand in the first half of 2022 and North America in the second half of 2022.

The all-new Outlander PHEV model is MMC’s flagship model which brings together its expertise in electrification and all-wheel control technologies, while also incorporating a newly-developed platform and an array of advanced technologies. Based on the product concept of “I-Fu-Do-Do” or authentic and majestic in Japanese, it adds a new dimension to the powerful ride, roomy interior spaces and wide-ranging functionalities expected of an SUV, along with the smooth yet powerful acceleration, and the safe, secure and comfortable ride unique to an electric vehicle (EV) in any driving conditions.

“With low CO2 emissions and environmental impact in terms of life-cycle assessment, the all-new Outlander PHEV model can be considered the best solution for carbon neutrality today,” said Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer, MMC. “With our electrification technology that delivers an exhilarating, eco-friendly ride, plus all-wheel control technology for safety and peace of mind in any kind of weather and road conditions, we are confident this new Outlander can make driving even more enjoyable and fulfilling.”

The Outlander was initially released in 20011 as MMC’s first crossover SUV. Since then, it has been rolled out globally over three generations and has become a core model in the company’s lineup, comprising approximately 20 percent of the sales volume. After the PHEV model was added to the previous generation in Japan in 2013, it was sequentially launched in regions including Europe, Oceania, North America and ASEAN, and has become a leader in the PHEV category with around 290,000 total units2 sold thus far.

Product overview

The all-new Outlander PHEV model has been given significant upgrades all over, focusing on the following three attributes.

• New-generation PHEV system that delivers more powerful road performance and greater driving range
• Safe, secure and comfortable driving in various weather and road conditions
• Exterior with powerful presence and advanced, high-class interior

New-generation PHEV system that delivers more powerful road performance and greater driving range

To further enhance its appeal as an EV, MMC has completely updated the Outlander’s PHEV components, extended its EV driving range and enhanced the exhilarating acceleration unique to EVs. With an increase of around 40 percent in the output of the front and rear motors and drive battery, the new model can keep driving in EV mode and avoid starting the engine as much as possible even when pressing hard on the accelerator, delivering the smooth, powerful and satisfying motor-based driving of high-output twin-motor 4WD. Switching to a large capacity drive battery with total capacity of 20 kilowatts (kWh) and raising the equivalent all-electric range to 87 kilometers (km, in WLTC mode)4, 5 has assured sufficient driving range even when using functions such as the air conditioner, while at the same time helping to reduce the frequency of charging. An increase in the capacity of the gas tank has also expanded the total possible range when combining EV driving with hybrid driving.

The power drive unit for the front motor is newly equipped with a booster function which bolsters driving force by raising the supply of voltage to the front motor while simultaneously improving electricity consumption by raising the efficiency of the generator. Unifying the rear motor with the control unit also secured enough floor space to install a third row of seats, enabling a seven-passenger seating layout. Installing the control unit on the outside of the passenger compartment has also helped to shut out high-frequency noise for superior quietness.

Newly added innovative pedal operation mode makes it possible to both accelerate and decelerate just by controlling the accelerator pedal. The accelerator pedal alone can exert proper braking force with no need to switch to the brake pedal when decelerating6, so drivers can concentrate on steering and have more peace of mind in slippery surfaces such as snowy roads, as well as reducing the fatigue caused by switching pedals.

Safe, secure and comfortable driving in various weather and road conditions

The S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control) integrated vehicle dynamics control system, based on a twin-motor 4WD system with one drive motor in front and another in the rear, has a new brake AYC (Active Yaw Control) function for the rear wheels. This allows the system to distribute the driving force to the front and rear wheels optimally according to road and driving conditions, while torque vectoring by controlling the brakes on the left and right wheels is also possible for the front and rear wheels. This makes it possible to extract the maximum performance from all four tires in a more balanced manner, delivering handling true to the driver’s intention and high operating stability.

Seven drive modes can be selected depending on road surface conditions and driving style. Normal is the basic mode, optimized for normal driving on paved roads. Tarmac mode provides brisk acceleration response and high-cornering performance on dry paved surfaces. Gravel mode provides balanced operability and road handling ability on unpaved or wet paved roads, and Snow mode delivers stable vehicle behavior on snowy and other slippery roads. Mud mode optimizes tire slippage according to vehicle speed for superior road handling on muddy roads and deep trenches of snow, while also providing better ability to escape when stuck. Modes that can be used according to driving style are Power mode, which delivers powerful acceleration when needed, and Eco mode which prioritizes economic and environmentally friendly driving. These seven driving modes ensure a comfortable, enjoyable driving experience along with safety and peace of mind.

The newly developed platform and highly rigid structure of RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body design achieve a high level of safety and steering stability. In addition to greatly increasing the front body rigidity and torsional rigidity which contributed to improving steering stability, MMC has also used hot stamping method ultra-high tensile strength steel sheets (1,470 MPa). Incorporated around the passenger compartment, these sheets go beyond the conventional steel sheet reinforcement to form a highly durable passenger compartment with little deformation. Inclusion of the latest version of MMC’s active safety technologies, which detect collision risks with multiple sensors for safer driving, keep collision risks to a minimum while offering safety and peace of mind.

The all-new Outlander is equipped with evolved MI-PILOT7 single-lane driver assistance technology for highways. The control system integrates Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) to assist the driver in maintaining distance between vehicles while keeping in the center of the lane. It also detects speed limit signs and automatically adjusts the set speed accordingly. MI-PILOT with Navi-link utilizes map data to automatically adjust vehicle speed as needed according to curves, forks, and other circumstances on expressways. Also, the vehicle can automatically start within about 30 seconds of stopping in traffic, alleviating fatigue on the expressway.

Mitsubishi Connect is adopted for more safety, security and comfort behind the wheel. User can easily access emergency assistance, check the travelable distance of the drive battery, set charging times and alerts to avoid forgetting to charge, and display the positioning of a parked vehicle on smartphone app maps to see where it is located. Mitsubishi Connect also has a parental control function that sends notifications of vehicle driving status.

Exterior with powerful presence and advanced, high-class interior

Based on the bold expressions of functionality with which MMC has designed its SUVs over the years, the company developed the all-new Outlander under its new design concept — Bold Stride — which expresses a bold, fixating presence with a solid stance and dependability for drivers to take a new step forward.

On the front, MMC has evolved the Dynamic Shield for a new generation to create a front-end design with a sense of presence. Seen from the side, the large-diameter 20-inch wheels along with the muscular fender flares that house them combine with D-pillars inspired by the vertical tail of airplanes and a floating roof to conjure an image of powerful yet crisp road performance. The rear side of the all-new Outlander features tailgate design comprised of a hexagon motif, and the horizontally themed tail lights that extend to both edges create a styling that accentuates wideness and stability. Body color can be selected from a total of 10 colors including the vivid, crystalline, high brightness Diamond Color series – Red Diamond, White Diamond, and the new Black Diamond.

Inside, the horizontally sculpted instrument panel makes it easy to understand the position of the car while driving, and expresses robustness and a feeling of spaciousness. The center console is designed to project a broad high-class presence. Finely textured soft padding that is pleasing to the touch can be found all over the interior, with stitching added for a high-quality feel. Based on the Mitsubishi Touch approach, the monitors and gauges are designed to be reassuringly easy to see, while the selectors, dials and switches are designed to provide a confident grip and operation, resulting in a quality feel that appeals to the senses.

Trim levels and pricing

Three trim levels are available. The base model M (five passengers) comes standard with driver assistance technologies and active safety system, the fully equipped G (five or seven passengers) has additional features including 20-inch wheels and Mitsubishi Connect, and the high-end P (seven passengers) comes equipped with premium interior and exterior, Bose premium sound system and more.

The all-new Outlander PHEV model is priced from 4,621,100 to 5,320,700 yen (10% consumption tax included).

1. Sold as Airtrek in Japan
2. As of September 2021
3. Japanese specifications. Vehicle specifications may vary depending on model and/or market.
4. For the M trim level. Range of the P and G trim levels is 83 km.
5. WLTC: Worldwide harmonized Light duty Test Cycle is an internationally recognized test cycle that is composed of urban, suburban, and highway driving modes with average usage ratios.
6. Brake pedal must be used when stronger deceleration is required or when stopping the car.
7. MI-PILOT Assist in the U.S. and Canada.

About Mitsubishi Motors

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE:7211), MMC–a member of the Alliance with Renault and Nissan—, is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has more than 30,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, mainland China, the Philippines, Viet Nam and Russia. MMC has a competitive edge in SUVs, pickup trucks and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and appeals to ambitious drivers willing to challenge convention and embrace innovation. Since the production of our first vehicle more than a century ago, MMC has been a leader in electrification–launched the i-MiEV – the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2009, followed by the Outlander PHEV – the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric SUV in 2013. MMC announced a three-year business plan in July 2020 to introduce more competitive and cutting-edge models, including the Eclipse Cross PHEV (PHEV model), the all-new Outlander and the all-new Triton/L200.

For more information on MMC, please visit the company’s website at
https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/

Fans of the 86 can test-drive and compare the GR86 and Subaru BRZ at FUJI 86 STYLE with BRZ

Toyota City, Japan, Oct 28, 2021 – (JCN Newswire) – TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) commenced sales of the all-new GR86 at GR Garage and Toyota dealers nationwide, on October 28.

The GR86 was jointly developed with Subaru Corporation (Subaru). In September 2019, Toyota and Subaru entered into a new business and capital alliance, and have promoted their goal of making ever-better cars in new fields, such as by jointly developing the new Toyota bZ4X battery electric vehicle (BEV). But the two companies also share a desire to continue delivering the excitement, thrill, and joy of driving sports cars; to this end, they have also engaged in the joint development of sports cars that embody the unique qualities of both companies.

The GR86 shares the same base as the Subaru BRZ. However, Toyota focused on delivering the unique driving feel of a GR vehicle, with intuitive handling and instinctive responsiveness, linear response, and outstanding agility at the upper limits of performance. While carrying on the tradition of the 86 and engaging in friendly rivalry with Subaru’s BRZ development team, TGR sought to develop a vehicle that would realize a GR-like evolution. As a result, the new GR86 has been reborn as a car designed with outstanding driving feel that is both direct and satisfying.

To mark its launch, TGR will exhibit the new GR86 at FUJI 86 STYLE with BRZ 2021 (86 Style)(1), which is hosted by Fuji International Speedway Co., Ltd. The event will provide fans with the chance to drive the new GR86 at the earliest opportunity(2) and compare its ride with the Subaru BRZ, while other activities are planned to enable visitors to experience the driving feel of the GR86. Also, the event will be streamed live on TGR’s official YouTube channel.

Overview of 86 Style

Date: November 21, 2021
Location: Fuji Speedway
Host: Fuji International Speedway Co., Ltd.
Sponsors: Subaru Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation

For further details, including how to attend the event, please visit the following website
only)
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCtALHup92q5xIFb7n9UXVg

Sales Outline:
1. Base sales volume 700 units
2. In-store presentations December 11-12, 2021
3. The new GR86 will also be available via the KINTO ONE car subscription service3 from October 28. For the first time in KINTO ONE’s history, customers will be permitted to modify the GR86 (illegal modifications and other exclusions apply); the vehicle will be available from 21,450 yen4 per month (including tax).

For further details, please visit the KINTO ONE GR86 website: https://kinto-jp.com/lp/gr86/ (Japanese only)

Production Plant:
Main Plant of Gunma Plant, Subaru Corporation

(1) 86 Style complies with government guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. To this end, various measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be taken, including taking visitor body temperatures at entry gates.
(2) There are limits to the number of test-drive opportunities available. For further details, please visit the following website
only)

For more information visit https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/36247827.html.

New Orleans is an amazing and unique city. Everyone knows about Mardi Gras, but have you heard of the most haunted house in New Orleans or eaten alligator for breakfast? In this article, we have compiled some of the most unusual facts about “NOLA,” as called by the locals. Some are well-known and some new, but they are all fun new things to learn about the Big Easy!

New Orleans – or N’awlins – has a rich culture reflected in its food, music, and festivals. French colonists established the city as La Nouvelle-Orléans in 1718.  In 1862, following the Louisiana Purchase from France, New Orleans took on a new role as part of the United States. Since then, the city has established itself as one of the most prominent cities of the state of Louisiana – if not the entire country. Let us take a look at some of the most intriguing features of New Orleans.

The Motorcycle Culture

The sense of camaraderie and community that connects motorcycle riders across the world is almost unrivaled. In New Orleans, this scenario is especially vivid. There is an array of riding experiences that you can acquire from this city.

Go out on a sunny day in the streets of NOLA, and, chances are, you will witness a massive group of bikers riding in unison. You might also see groups of “old-school” bikers bursting through the empty streets on their chromed Harleys. Even their attires are unique, with stylish leather jackets and heavy boots being their most prominent features, aside from the intensely customized bikes. 

The female riders are hardly different, except for their clothing which they hardly wear while biking. The New Orleans Motorcycle Culture is fascinating, especially for tourists who have never seen anything like it ever before. In fact, a visit to NOLA might be the perfect opportunity to ride a motorcycle on the highway for the first time. You don’t want to miss out on that.

The City’s Haunted Nature

New Orleans is home to the most haunted places in the United States. Of course, there’s no government-issued data on which cities are the most haunted in the United States. However, whether you are a skeptic of the spectral or have a passion for the phantom, it is easy to see why New Orleans – with its creepy cemeteries, voodoo practices, and ties to the occult – has earned its reputation as a refuge for souls yet to depart.

There are endless horror stories associated with the city. The slave tortures, the Royal Street estate murders committed by Delphine LaLaurie, the massacre at Gardette-LePretre Mansion, the child’s presence at Hotel Monteleone, the poltergeists of Muriel’s restaurant – you name it! The city has it all. The city plays host to countless tourists every year just for this very reason. Talk about the ultimate experience of a haunted city!

The World’s Longest Continuous Bridge

In the Guinness Book of World Records, the iconic Lake Pontchartrain Causeway holds the record for being the longest, over-water, continuous bridge in the world. The record has remained untouched ever since the bridge was built back in 1956. It is a remarkable landmark, something every tourist in the city must visit. The bridge is so astonishingly long, drivers have claimed that they lose sight of land when they reach the middle. 

Imagine how scary it can be! There have also been reports of mothers giving birth on the bridge as they could not cross the bridge and make it in time to the hospital. We suggest every New Orleans tourist go check the Causeway out. Chances are, they will stay baffled for days!

The Birthplace of Poker and Craps

The globally recognized card games Poker and Craps originated from the city of New Orleans. Poker was initially a French game called Poque and was quite popular during the 17th century. With the arrival of French colonists, the game entered US soil (New Orleans, to be precise) and stayed. American settlers converted the name into English and began calling it Poker. Over time, many rules changed, but the theme remained the same. The story behind craps is also similar, with its initial name being Crapaud – French for frog.

Mardi Gras Is a Children’s Event

While Mardi Gras might seem like an all-out party from the outside, the event is for young children. The kids of New Orleans grow in a unique environment because of Mardi Gras, as nothing can compare with it in the entire country.

When the occasion hits, you will witness never-ending parades – throwing doubloons, beads, trinkets, and whatnot, to the children screaming their lungs out in the streets. At St. Charles Avenue, you will see hundreds of beautifully-dressed children waiting in line to join the massive costume party, which is a feature of Mardi Gras.

The Strange Cemeteries Are Different

If you happen to breathe your last breath in New Orleans, there is a big possibility that you will not be buried “six feet under.” Instead, you may end up in one of the iconic above-ground necropolises in the city. 

The geographic placement of NOLA means it is basically below sea level. The entire city contains wet soil, making it unwise to bury the dead in the ground. Thus, mausoleums and tombs were built to solve this horrendous problem.

As time passed, these tombs developed. Nowadays, you will see colossal family tombs and grand cemeteries. This method of burial has now made its way into the core culture of the city. There are more than 40 legendary cemeteries in New Orleans – the largest being the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. If you happen to visit the place, make sure you check out the famous tombs of Marie Laveau, the Voodoo queen, and Homer Plessy, the civil rights activist.

Final Thoughts

Every city in the world has its own set of unique features. However, when it comes to New Orleans, the attributes are just too many. If on a short trip, there is every possibility that you will not be able to cover even half of what the city has to offer. 

Make sure you do your research and identify the spots that you desire to visit before booking the tickets.

If you are a car owner and live in a busy city, where the roads are always packed in the peak hours, then every single drive can be daunting and strenuous. It’s not just about being careful and driving with absolute caution, but also, it’s about patience and keeping yourself under control so that nothing unfortunate happens. No matter how many buses, taxis, cars, and pedestrians are slowing you down, you need to keep your wits about and make sure that you don’t end up making a mistake that you will come to regret. To make this ordeal more manageable for you, we have created some tips to help you out in a busy city street. 

Make Up Your Mind 

Before anything else, you need to accept that you live in a traffic-jammed city where everything goes slow. If you don’t embrace this reality, you won’t expect to find yourself stuck in bad traffic, which could lead to stress building, irritation, and emotional outbursts. However, if you allow your brain to completely accept your condition and make up your mind that these traffic jams are going nowhere and that they are a part of your life now, trust us, things will start to get easier with time. Since you will expect a slow drive through the busy city street, it won’t anger you as much any longer. And if at times the jam isn’t that bad, you will feel that your mood is lifted! 

Go Slow

People, especially in road blockages, tend to drive more aggressively due to the pent-up aggression caused by the slow progress of reaching your destination. In this hype of emotional build-up, you are more likely to rush every time there is a small window of space to move your car forward, potentially leading to either a small dent or a car crash against another vehicle or another present obstacle. That’s why it’s always recommended that you keep your speed slow despite all the frustrations and whatnot. This will enable you to plan your movements more accurately and anticipate any dangers that lie ahead, especially if the car in front of you jams its emergency breaks. In that case, going slow will provide you the much-needed time to apply your brakes to avoid any collision. 

Keep Your Distance 

It’s always highly tempting to keep your car clamped against the rear bumper of the vehicle in front of you when you find yourself packed in traffic congestion. Any small space you find, you want to rush over and put your car in it, no matter how insignificant it is. Despite how much we all want to do it, we shouldn’t! The less the distance between our car and the automobile in front of us, the less time you will have to respond to any emergency or mistake that the drive in the front makes could lead to a small or significant collision. And who will be at fault? No one, except you, because you were the one who failed to respond to the driver ahead and caused the crash. Now, on top of suffering the traffic jam still, you also will be paying for the repair cost of your and the other party’s vehicle, making the situation infinitely worse. If you have an accident and have some damage to your bumper, then DingGo can put you in touch with a professional in your area who can help fix the damage.

Plan Your Trip with a Dash Cam 

It’s always helpful that you plan something before doing it. The same formula applies to taking out your car in a busy city. Studying the area beforehand will help you identify streets, locations, and the time they are jammed, which will allow you to plan your trip accordingly so that you can avoid the whole traffic congestion altogether by using a route that’s either free from traffic jams or has fewer blockages. It’s always a good idea to completely clear off school areas, special parties, sports matches, and other similar events that can potentially make the experience of driving by them a living nightmare. 

If, however, you want complete accuracy when charting out the route you want to talk about and want real-time updates to the situation of road blockages and empty streets, then consider getting yourself a Dash Cam. They are packed with useful functions that allow you to drive more safely, make the whole driving experience more accessible and comfortable, and identify the best available route that will lead you straight to your destination. Thanks to the high-tech GPS feature integrated into these devices, the traffic jams that you will receive will always be accurate. 

Pedestrians and Vulnerable Road Users 

It’s not just the other vehicles that you need to look out for in a busy city. The streets crawl with pedestrians crossing the road or people cycling down the lane, which you always need to look out for. When the streets are packed, and the cars are moving slowly, pedestrians are more likely to take a chance to cross the road even if it’s not a designated area. You might even encounter some road users wearing earphones or using their mobile devices and are completely unaware of their surroundings. It would help if you were extra careful in such a situation because any distraction or minor slip-up can lead to severe consequences that can genuinely ruin your evening and pull on-road individuals in peril. 

Ever Considered Alternatives?! 

It’s a busy city that you live in, and possible it will never change. But you can. Change your transport mode, and you might find it more comfortable, accessible, and downright a better experience. Walking, cycling, or using public transport could get you to your destination faster than your car ever did!