Next-Generation Mitsubishi Outlander Brings Premium Sport-Utility Vehicle Technology To Compact SUV Segment
The all-new, next-generation Mitsubishi Outlander introduced for the 2007 model year offers a level of user technology generally associated with luxury-category, sport-utility vehicles, including several firsts for the compact SUV segment. The Outlander optionally offers a hard drive navigation system, a 650-watt (max) Rockford-Fosgate® Premium Audio system, SIRIUS® satellite radio with six month pre-paid subscription and hands-free calling through Bluetooth® wireless technology. For 2008, all Outlander models can be equipped with an accessory DVD rear seat entertainment system with a nine-inch wide-format LCD screen.
The 2008 Outlander is available in four trim lines for 2008, including the new 4-cylinder ES and Special Edition models and the V-6-powered Outlander LS and sport/luxury XLS models. The FAST (Freehand Advanced Security Transmitter) Key entry system is now standard on the Special Edition and the LS models. FAST Key allows passive vehicle unlocking and engine start/stop. An MP3/auxiliary input jack is now standard for LS and XLS models, and the LS 4WD model adds heated standard exterior mirrors, as well. FAST is also standard on XLS models.
FAST-Key Entry
Outlander ES features a standard remote keyless entry system, and all models include a standard anti-theft engine immobilizer and security alarm system. Outlander Special Edition, LS and XLS models add the FAST-Key system that allows the driver to unlock the vehicle simply by having the remote in a pocket or purse and grasping the handle on either of the front doors or the tailgate.
The FAST-Key system provides both convenience and security, since the driver does not need to search for a key or remote control while carrying packages, or when in a poorly lit area, for example. The system operates when the driver (carrying the remote unit) is within 27 inches of the front doors or the tailgate. While walking into that range, the system verifies the user i.d. Bioelectrical sensors are built into the door handles, and when the person carrying the remote grasps one of the handles, the door unlocks: grasping the driver's door handled unlocks only that door; grasping the front passenger door handle will unlock all four doors and the tail gate. (The customer can set system preferences so that grasping the driver's door handle will unlock all vehicle doors.)
Instead of inserting and turning a key to start the engine, the driver simply presses the ignition knob on the steering column to release the lock, and then twists it to start the engine. Turning the knob rearward turns off the engine. The system comes with two remote units, and up to four can be registered and programmed for the system. The remote houses an emergency key that can unlock and start the vehicle if the unit's battery runs down.
Satellite Navigation System - Plus
A satellite navigation system is available as a factory option for the 2008 Outlander XLS model and as a dealer accessory for ES and LS models. The system also includes AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA music file playback, DVD video capability and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capability. Navigation maps and directions are displayed on a crisp touch-panel, seven-inch LCD screen.
The navigation system stores map data for the contiguous United States and Canada on a 30-gigabyte hard drive. Using a hard drive for map storage rather than DVDs gives the Outlander navigation system ultra-fast search and access to the map data.
New for 2008, Diamond Lane Guidance is an industry-first development for the navigation system that gives the driver to have HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) lane information included with directions. Using HOV lanes, where permissible and accessible, can help reduce driving times.
For many customers, a key benefit to this hard drive-based navigation system is a music server function that reserves about 6 gigabytes of its capacity for digital music file storage and playback through the audio system (approx. 104 hours of music encoded in ATRAC3 Plus format at 128kbps). The navigation system's main operating controls are hard switches, with the touch screen accessing the search and destination-entry functions, among others.
The Outlander's navigation system also provides an extensive information display, including an onboard computer. This driving computer provides displays for outside temperature, average fuel economy, current fuel economy, distance to empty and driving time. Another display option brings up a screen with outside temperature and barometer, along with an altimeter, and another displays a vehicle maintenance reminder (oil, brakes, interior air filter) and calendar.
Controls for the audio, including the SIRIUS® Satellite Radio and available 650-watt (max) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio, can be accessed through the navigation screen. Adding another touch usually seen in some luxury vehicles, the navigation system includes an interface that allows owners to customize many of the vehicle's interior electronic system functions, such as central locking and lighting choices.
When the Outlander is also equipped with the accessory rear seat entertainment system (RSE), the navigation screen can display the video from a disc running in the rear (when the vehicle is stopped and the transmission in Park). Alternatively, the RSE can play video from a DVD running in the navigation system head unit.
Outlander, the Entertainer
The 2008 Outlander comes equipped to provide high-quality sound, with a standard total 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with 6 speakers and digital signal processor. The Outlander XLS models add a standard 6-disc in-dash CD changer.
The optional Sun and Sound package available for 2008 Outlander XLS models includes a power glass sunroof and the most powerful audio system in the compact SUV segment: the Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio System with PUNCH® control. Similar to the option offered for the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Lancer models, this audiophile-quality system is designed to reproduce all types of music with stunning clarity and power. The Rockford-Fosgate system is standard in the 2008 Outlander Special Edition.
The Rockford-Fosgate system is custom-tuned for the Outlander's interior acoustics. The Sun and Sound option package also includes SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with a six-month pre-paid subscription.
The Rockford-Fosgate system uses an 8-channel amplifier to produce up to 650 watts maximum output, playing through nine speakers in seven positions: 1.4-in. soft-dome tweeters mounted in the door mirror delta provide an accurate soundstage; front door-mounted 6.5-in. midbass drivers; rear door-mounted 6.5-in. coaxial two-way speakers using a bridge-mounted tweeter, and a 10-in. subwoofer in its own sealed enclosure located in the left rear of the cargo compartment. Mitsubishi and Rockford-Fosgate engineers worked together to tune the doors to function as speaker cabinets, extending response, increasing clarity and reducing coloration.
The subwoofer provides extremely high-power bass performance, but that doesn't make the Outlander's Rockford-Fosgate system simply a "boombox on wheels." The system will please the ears of any discerning music listener, because it is designed to provide crystal clear, low-distortion fidelity to make any type of music come alive in the vehicle.
Digital signal processing allows the listener to customize the Rockford-Fosgate system's performance for five types of music - "normal," "pop," "rock," "hip-hop" and "country" - and four soundfields - "normal," "stage," "live" and "hall." The system automatically compensates volume for vehicle speed as well as equalization for road and wind noise.
Rear Seat DVD Entertainment
A DVD rear-seat entertainment (RSE) system is available as an accessory for all 2008 Outlander models. The RSE features a flip-down 9-inch wide-screen LCD and includes a remote control and one set of infrared wireless headphones. When Outlander is equipped with both the RSE and Navigation system, this versatile configuration allows front and rear occupants to watch different DVD programs, or the same program; the factory - installed RSE can send its video signal to the navigation system's screen, and vice versa. However, the transmission must be in the Park position for video to play on the navigation display screen.
Steering Wheel Controls
Steering wheel-mounted controls for the cruise control system are standard for Outlander Special Edition, LS and XLS and are included with the ES model's optional Convenience Package. The controls are mounted on the right side spoke. The LS and XLS models also add standard steering wheel audio controls mounted on the left side spoke.
Echoing user technology seen on luxury vehicles, the steering wheel audio controls operate whichever factory audio system the customer chooses, including the optional Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system, and the SIRIUS® Satellite Radio when so equipped. The basic controls include volume, station seek for the radio (including SIRIUS Satellite), category selection (SIRIUS Satellite) and track selection and fast-forward/fast-reverse for the CD player (including MP3 CDs).
When the Outlander is equipped with the optional navigation system, the steering wheel buttons also provide control for the digital music server and, if also equipped with the rear seat entertainment system, front and rear DVD video. Controls for the DVD are similar to those on home equipment, including chapter selection.
Hands-Free Calling
An available hands-free Bluetooth cellular phone interface system with voice recognition allows hands-free calling from compatible phones, which can help to reduce driver distraction. When using a compatible Bluetooth-enabled phone, the driver can initiate calls from the steering wheel controls, answer incoming calls and hang up. With voice recognition, the user can speak a phone number to dial it, or speak the name of a person in the stored phone book. Voice recognition understands commands in English, American Spanish or Canadian French. The microphone is located near the map light. The audio system display (or navigation screen, if equipped) provides a status display, including Bluetooth connection, roaming, phone battery level and signal strength, plus the number being dialed or the number for the incoming call.
Premium Warranty
Mitsubishi cars and light trucks are backed by a comprehensive new-vehicle limited warranty that covers the vehicle from bumper to bumper for five years/60,000 miles. In addition, the powertrain is covered by a 10-year/100,000 mile limited warranty, while body panels have a seven-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty. The program also includes 24-hour emergency roadside assistance with free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer for warranty-related repairs for five years/unlimited miles.
