Mitsubishi Pajero

Changing the 4WD Concept

In 1982, when the Mitsubishi Pajero (Montero) was introduced to the market, it caught the attention of the world for its uniqueness as a 4WD vehicle. In their early years, 4WDs were looked upon as rough riders with only basic interior accompaniments.The Pajero was the new exception taking the world of 4WDs to new heights by offering a smooth comfortable ride and an interior more on a par with that of a passenger vehicle. But this stylish 4WD was much more than just a pretty face, as Mitsubishi Motors had left nothing to chance in the performance department. It came equipped with a choice of high-performance gasoline or diesel engines. The Pajero was also the first turbocharged diesel, multipurpose 4WD vehicle in Japan. With its power performance and built-in comfort features, the Pajero altered the concept of what a SUV should be for ever. The Pajero was a vehicle you would feel comfortable with going to the latest bistro in Paris yet tough enough to challenge the terrains of the African desert.

Pajero's reputation for durability and dependability was established at the very beginning. In 1982, shortly following its debut, production Pajeros were entered in the Paris-Dakar Rally, the longest and the most gruelling off-road rally in the world. At the goal in Dakar, the Pajero stunned the motoring world by taking 1st place in the production class, finishing 1-2 in the Marathon Racing (no replacement of major parts) and winning the "Best Team" award (all Pajeros entered completed the event). With this triple crown performance in its debut rally, the Pajero became a living legend in the world of motor sports. To prove that it was not a fluke, the following year, Pajeros again finished 1st in the production class and 1st in Marathon Racing and added a 1st in the modified production class (entered for the first time in this class). The Pajeros went one better in 1985 when two prototype Pajeros finished 1-2 overall.

Nine Pajeros helped make up the complement of Mitsubishi vehicles which were selected as official vehicles to the XIV Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia in 1984. The Pajero's 4WD performance was called upon by officials to tackle the snow-covered terrain of numerous events.

In 1991, the Pajero underwent its first major model change. While providing unparalleled performance on or off road, it adopted a new stylish exterior design, ensure even greater riding comfort and integrate new advances to further simplify driver operation. On the outside, the new design offers a rounder, friendlier image while the new interior was nothing short of luxurious by any standard. In the performance department, the new Pajero feature the latest in technological advances. To maximize traction under varying terrain conditions, the new Super Select 4WD system was incorporated. This system allows the driver to select between 2WD, full-time 4WD or high-range locked 4WD at speeds of up to 100km/h. To upgrade stopping performance, a Multi-mode ABS system was developed. This new Anti-lock Brake System allowed 4WD vehicles such as the Pajero to reap the benefits of ABS without the wheel wind-up problems previously encountered. In January 1992, the Pajero's 1-2-3 overall finish in the Paris-Cape Town Rally laid to rest any suspicions that the second generation Pajero's performance would take a back seat to riding comfort and styling.

Through two generations, the Pajero has developed a strong following from the media as well as the general public -- a strong indication of its growing popularity. The Pajero has also received numerous prestigious awards such as "Das Goldene Lenkard" (Golden Steering Wheel) award in Germany and the "Japanese Car of the Year Special Award" as well as special recognitions in numerous countries worldwide. In 1997, Pajeros manufactured for the Japanese domestic market adopted Mitsubishi Motors' latest ultra-efficient GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine.

In 1999, Mitsubishi announced the first fully redesigned Pajero series in eight and a half years. The themes behind the development of the 3rd generation Pajero center on 'Smart Design' and Conscious' while incorporating Mitsubishi's latest 4WD technologies to further enhance riding comfort, operational ease and performance. On the outside, the new styling offers a look of prestige and grandeur yet fully retains the dynamic appearance and functionality which clearly set it apart.On the inside, the new Pajero exudes an air of luxury and spaciousness. Along with advanced safety features, the new interior is ergonomically laid out for superior operational ease and total comfort. A lightweight monocoque body construction has been incorporated. This integrates the frame with the body shell, replacing the separate body and frame construction found in its predecessors.

In addition to reducing the weight of the long-body models by some 100kg, the new monocoque construction offers improved handling, running stability and riding comfort. The drivetrain of the new Pajero offers theSuper Select 4WD-II, an upgraded version of the
Super Select 4WD system. This new system assures improved operational ease, offering maximum traction under various terrain conditions and optimal handling stability through corners.

The 3rd generation Pajero also comes with the smart INVECS-II, 4-speed automatic transmission, or the INVECS-II with Sport Mode, 4- or 5-speed transmission, which incorporates Adaptive Shift Control and Optimal Shift Control, resulting in significantly safer and easier driving. The power behind the new Pajero comes from either the all-new 4M41 direct-injection diesel engine that combines high output and torque with very low fuel consumption or the improved version of the 6G74, 3.5 liter V6 GDI engine that realizes low fuel consumption and high power output as well as a dramatic reduction in exhaust emissions.