Tokyo - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced that the Lancer Evolution IX MR high-performance 4WD sports sedan (GSR/RS) and the Lancer Evolution Wagon MR high-performance 4WD sports wagon (GT/GT-A) go on sale at affiliated dealerships throughout Japan on August 29, 2006.

The MR designation is an abbreviation for Mitsubishi Racing, and is restricted to the most prominent sports model in Mitsubishi's line-up. The new models are the second group of MR models released by MMC; the first being the Lancer Evolution VIII MR launched in February 2004. Tax inclusive prices range from 2,856,000yen to 3,622,500yen for Lancer Evolution IX MR (GSR/RS), and from 3,412,500yen to 3,486,000yen for Lancer Evolution Wagon MR (GT/GT-A).

The new models mark the 14th iteration of the series that began with the Lancer Evolution in October 1992.

 

The sedan and station wagon are third-generation compilation models and are designed with a focus on on-road sports driving. They will also be the last models to use the famed 4G63 2L DOHC intercooled turbo engine. The current engine incorporates new improvements to the turbocharger and other areas to enhance response, teamed with Eibach springs and Bilstein shock absorbers used on earlier models to produce a package that includes tuning to lower the ride height.

The Super AYC*1 control system is also tuned to give a sportier feeling, achieving superb handling performance that is particularly faithful to driver input in on-road sports driving. This advances the all-wheel-control (AWC) concept, delivering intuitive steering combined with outstanding stability.

The Lancer Evolution IX MR is available in two grades: the GSR, with a 6-speed manual gearbox designed for excellence in everyday driving as well in sports driving; and the RS, which has a 5-speed manual gearbox and is stripped down for motorsport competition. The Lancer Evolution Wagon MR also has two grades. The GT is equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox enabling the driver to enjoy sports driving to the fullest. The GT-A has a 5-speed automatic gearbox with sports mode to provide flexibility in a wide range of scenarios from easy driving to sport driving

*1 Super AYC (Active Yaw Control)

Mitsubishi's Active Yaw Control system uses electronic control to transfer torque between the rear wheels while maintaining drive equally to both wheels, thereby controlling the yaw moment acting on the car body. Road conditions are sensed from handling, lateral G forces, etc., and drive is actively allocated to left or right rear wheels through a planetary gear and acceleration/reduction gear mechanism.

The control acts as a limited-slip diff to enhance traction and deliver high cornering performance.

Photos: Mitsubishi

(August 29, 2006)

AUTHOR(S):
Ulrich W. Seiffert 
Hans Hermann Braess  

This latest edition and successor to the well-known German-language handbook last published by Professors Heinrich Buschmann and Paul Koessler comprehensively describes the fascinating world of the automobile and its development. Serving concurrently as a "time capsule" and a timely resource, this technical reference book covers all areas of automotive research and thoroughly examines the recent state-of-the-art and rapidly changing developments of the automobile. From powertrains and electronics to vehicle safety and future materials, this handbook provides the reader with wide-ranging insight into all assemblies, components, and systems of modern motor vehicles and the complete life cycle of the automobile.

In addition to gathering the most comprehensive information on automotive engineering technology, editors Hans-Hermann Braess and Ulrich Seiffert focus on balancing theory and practice and ensure they are communicated in a synergistic manner. Because of this desirable balance, more than 40 well-known authorities from the automotive and supplier industries engaged as contributors, and—although this text is based primarily on the writings of German authors—the global nature of the automobile industry ensures that its contents have worldwide applicability.

If you are an engineer or automotive specialist who seeks to expand his or her knowledge, or a technically interested person, student, and non-technical layman who wishes to learn more about the modern automobile and its systems, this handbook is the reliable source for day-to-day advice and information.

Contents cover:

ISBN Number: 0-7680-0783-6
Date Published: March 2005
638 Pages

Bridgestone Unveils New Safety Technology in GREATEC Extra-Wide Tires for Replacing Dual Drive Tires on Trucks and Buses
AIRCEPT system supports the load on the tire after sudden loss of air pressure Tokyo --Bridgestone Corporation has developed a revolutionary safety system, dubbed AIRCEPT, for its GREATEC line of truck and bus tires. DaimlerChrysler will use the GREATEC-AIRCEPT combination for upcoming models in its ACTROS line of trucks.

Bridgestone launched the GREATEC line in 2000 as ultralow aspect ratio tires to replace dual drive tires on trucks and buses with single tires. GREATEC tires improve fuel economy because a GREATEC tire and rim weighs less than two conventional tires and rims. The weight savings also allows for extra load carrying within the vehicle's total capacity. In addition, their single-tire configuration conserves space under large vehicles. That makes more space available, for example, in municipal buses for the aisle and seating.

Replacing dual tires with a single tire has heightened the importance of ensuring safety when a sudden loss of pressure occurs. Bridgestone has addressed that issue with its AIRCEPT technology. Basically, AIRCEPT fits around the rim inside a GREATEC tire. A sudden loss of pressure in the tire allows AIRCEPT to expand and support the load on the tire.

Bridgestone coined the name, AIRCEPT, as an amalgam of "assistant inner ring interceptor". AIRCEPT begins to expand as soon as the tire pressure drops below a specified level. By the time a total loss of pressure occurs, AIRCEPT has expanded to fill the entire interior of the tire, and supports the load on the tire. AIRCEPT operates in conjunction with a tire pressure monitoring system. The tire pressure monitoring system alerts the driver to the loss of air pressure, and the AIRCEPT system allows the driver to stop safely and change the tire.



1. How AIRCEPT Worksa.AIRCEPT is installed inside the tire flush against the wheel. In that position, AIRCEPT is safe from nearly any kind of damage to a tire. b.If the tire loses pressure suddenly, AIRCEPT expands instantly to support the load on the tire. c.A special valve developed by Pacific Industrial and Bridgestone, allows for inflating the tire and AIRCEPT to different pressures simultaneously through a single valve.

2. The AIRCEPT ConfigurationAIRCEPT's outermost layer is reinforcing sheath of nonwoven aramid fabric. The aramid fabric keeps AIRCEPT at its prescribed stand-by size in ordinary operation and allows AIRCEPT to expand instantaneously if the tire pressure drops suddenly.
[GREATEC Tires: Technical Summary]

GREATEC tires have an ultralow aspect ratio and allow for replacing dual-tire configurations on trucks and buses with single-tire configurations. The overall weight of the tire and rim is less than the aggregate weight of two conventional tires and rims. That improves fuel economy and also helps accommodate heavier loads. It reduces the amount of scrap rubber, too, which lessens environmental impact. In addition, a GREATEC tire occupies less lateral space under a vehicle than two conventional tires. In a bus, GREATEC's streamlined configuration increases the interior space available for the aisle or seating.


Advantages of replacing two tires with one GREATEC tire
 On municipal busesOn trucks*Sizes for comparisonConventional dual tires275/70R22.5315/70R22.5GREATEC tire435/45R22.5
(Diameter 964mm) 495/45R22.5
(Diameter 1035mm) Reduction of rolling resistanceMore than 10%More than 12%Weight reduction (including rim) 50kg45kgReduction of scrap rubber20%25%Reduction of aggregate tire width145mm175mm* AIRCEPT-equipped tires


GREATEC tires have an ultralow aspect ratio of 45%. Low aspect ratios entail a large amount of distortion in the bead and belt portions of the tire. Bridgestone has overcome that problem with a structure that it characterizes as a Waved-Belt and Tip Bead. That structure distributes the distortion smoothly and harmlessly through a broad area.