Booms Blog: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander GT

Monday, June 20, 2011

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander GT

Every model in the Mitsubishi Outlander lineup now features improved EPA fuel economy ratings for the new 2011 model year.Outlander XLS Receives the Top-of-the-Line GT Model Treatment
The 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS gains updated exterior enhancements that give it an enhanced appearance similar to that of the premium Outlander GT. Revisions include new xenon HID headlamps, rain sensing wipers, chrome beltline and tailgate accents, a blacked-out front fascia and Thule-plug roof carrier accommodation for the active outdoor set. Inside, the Outlander XLS also gains the slick-looking aluminum foot pedals that can be found inside every Outlander GT.Free 3rd Row Seat (Outlander SE). A welcome new addition to the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander SE (both 2WD and all-wheel drive versions) is a compact 3rd row seat that is now part of this particular model Outlander's standard equipment package."GT" and "S-AWC" Exterior Identification for the Outlander GT. The premier model in the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander lineup receives a "GT" rear badge along with a "S-AWC" rear decal, the latter alphanumeric designation signifying this crossover's exceptional traction enhancing Super All-Wheel Control system that was originally developed by Mitsubishi engineers for the company's legendary Lancer Evolution high-performance sports sedan.Exemplary 5-Star NHTSA Crash Test Rating. In crash testing conducted by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Mitsubishi Outlander has received the highest test score possible - a 5-Star rating - in several key crash tests undertaken by this governmental regulatory agency's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) including "Frontal Driver Rating," "Frontal Passenger Rating," "Side Driver Rating" and "Side Rear Passenger Rating" controlled crash test evaluations. These 5-Star ratings apply to all Outlander models and signify that the car's excellent engineering and included safety systems offer exceptional protection to both the driver and passengers in the event of front and side impact collisions.

Every 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander model features a wide array of advanced safety features as standard equipment. Among the long list are advanced dual-stage front air bags with seat positions sensors; side-impact curtain air bags (1st and 2nd row occupants); front seat thorax side air bags; active front seat headrests and head impact absorption roof and pillar trim. Electronically-controlled dynamic driving aids that help improve the driver's ability to control the car in adverse weather or traction situations include anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Active Stability Control (ASC) and Traction Control Logic (TCL). A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that can alert the driver should the air pressure decrease below an acceptable level within a tire is also included at no cost to the consumer.Other design elements to the Outlander crossover that help protect all of the vehicle's occupants are a lightweight all-aluminum roof structure that helps lower the vehicle's center of gravity for improved handling capability and stability (since aluminum is lighter than steel, a byproduct of this feature is that it helps to contribute to improved overall fuel economy as well) and the implementation of Mitsubishi's Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE), a patented safety body construction system that allows the Outlander's chassis to act as a rigid safety cell to help protect the vehicle's occupants while also absorbing energy in the event of a front or rear collision.Matching the all-around versatility of the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander are a pair of available engines that are more than up to the task of providing the motive force behind the company's best-selling crossover.Available with either the ES or SE Outlander models is a workhorse DOHC 16-valve 2.4-liter (2360 cc) normally-aspirated inline-4 engine that features Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) to maximize power production, improve fuel efficiency and minimize exhaust emissions. Utilizing an aluminum block and head, a compression ratio of 10.5:1 and a bore and stroke of 88.0 x 97.0 mm, this engine produces 167 horsepower at 6,000 rpm (161 bhp at 6,000 rpm for the PZEV-rated version) and has 167 lb.-ft. of torque on tap at 4,100 rpm (161 lb.-ft. at 4100 rpm PZEV). This engine has a 6,500 rpm redline and can run on regular unleaded-grade fuel as an added lower cost benefit of operation.