Mitsubishi Motors has revealed something a little more than just the facelifted Outlander at the 2015 New York International Motor Show, because what’s more interesting is that the seven-seater SUV (formally known as the Airtrek) is officially the first model of their current range to carry the carmaker’s new “Dynamic Shield” design language.
This new design pays most attention to the front end, with heavy use of chrome and appears stylistically bolder to give better road presence. Almost all design cues from the outgoing model is renewed here, and the Outlander doesn’t look nearly half as ridiculous as the new Alphard despite the excessive chrome touches.
Among new niceties added to the front include the restyled front fenders, halogen projector headlights with LED positioning lights, lower door sections, 18-inch alloy wheels, power folding side mirrors, rear fascia and LED tail lamps. On the higher specced GT trim, the Outlander gets full LED headlights.
Inside, Mitsubishi says the revised cabin includes a new steering wheel, seating surfaces, accent trim, rear folding seats, headliner and a brand new display audio system. Mitsubishi claims that these improvements are among 100 new engineering and design enhancements, and that the Outlander marks a new era for the brand in terms of style, refinement and overall driving experience.
In the region where it’s launched, the Outlander’s powertrain remains the same – a 2.4-litre SOHC inline-four or a 3.0-litre SOHC V6 engine that make 166 hp at 6,000 rpm and 220 Nm of torque and 224 hp and 292 Nm of torque respectively. What’s new here is the CVT gearbox, which is said improve acceleration, performance, shift feel and torque delivery.
Other major refinements are done to the chassis in order to make the SUV dynamically better than the preceding model. As such, it gets a more rigid body and suspension, electric power steering, noise-isolating windshield and rear door glass, new front suspension setup and rear differential dampers. More emphasis is placed on comfort as well, so the Outlander comes with better sound insulation throughout the vehicle and improved weather strips and engine compartment trims.
Now, with all that said, we wonder what the Lancer Evo 11 would look like bearing this Dynamic Shield design. Let’s just hope that the folks at Mitsubishi are working on the 8-year old Lancer‘s successor for all our sakes.
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