The Mitsubishi Pajero (; Spanish: [paˈxeɾo]; Japanese ãƒ'ジェãƒn> [padÍ¡Ê'eɾo]) is a three- or five-door, front engine, all/four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle manufactured and marketed globally by Mitsubishi â€" and now in its fourth generation.
Mitsubishi markets the SUV as the Montero in Spain, the Philippines and the Americas, except Brazil and Jamaica â€" and as the Shogun in the United Kingdom. The Pajero nameplate derives from Leopardus pajeros, the Pampas cat.
The Pajero is noted for having won the Dakar Rally 15 times.
History
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Mitsubishi presented the Pajero prototype at the Tokyo Motor Show in November 1973. The Pajero II prototype followed in 1978, five years later.
In January 1983, the first Pajero debuted at the Paris Dakar Rally, taking first place in 1985 at only the third attempt. Other wins followed, at events such as the Australasian Safari and Northern Forest.
First generation (L040; 1982â€"1991)
The first generation made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1981, and was launched in May 1982. Initially, it was a three-door, short-wheelbase model available with a metal or canvas top and three different engines options, although more were gradually added, ending with a 3.0-liter V6 on top of the range.
- 2.0-liter 4-cylinder petrol (2000/2.0)
- 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol (2000/2.0 Turbo)
- 2.6-liter 4-cylinder petrol (2600/2.6)
- 2.3-liter naturally aspirated diesel (2300 D/2.3 D)
- 2.3-liter turbocharged diesel (2300 TD/2.3 TD)
- 2.5-liter turbocharged diesel (2500 TD/2.5 TD)
- 3.0-liter V6 petrol (3000/3.0)
It included features unusual for a four-wheel-drive vehicle: a turbocharged diesel engine, a front double wishbone suspension with torsion bar springs, power steering and suspension seats.
In January 1983, only a year following its launch, mildly tuned production Pajeros entered the world of motor sport.
In February 1983, Mitsubishi introduced a long-wheelbase, five-door, long-wheelbase model, available with a choice of two different engines; a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol (badged as "2.0 Turbo" and "2000 Turbo" in some markets) and a 2.3-liter turbocharged diesel. It also came in Standard, Semi-High Roof and High Roof body styles.
The long-wheelbase model increased seating capacity to seven, with available third row seats, which could be folded to the sides for additional trunk space or combined with second row seats to form a bed.
In 1984, the Pajero received turbo diesel engines with higher power/torque ratings, whilst the long-wheelbase models received standard four-wheel disc brakes and four-way adjustable shock absorbers as standard equipment.
A flagship model was introduced in 1987 with two-tone paint, 15-inch light alloy wheels, front-seat heaters, wool seat covers, leather headrests, a three-spoke steering wheel and a sound system with radio/cassette. In 1987, a version of the Pajero/Montero was rebadged by Dodge as the Raider, which ran through 1989.
In 1988, a 3.0-liter SOHC V6 engine was made available, alongside a 2.5-liter turbo diesel engine, with the first 4x4 intercooler. The long-wheelbase models received a coil link suspension system for better ride comfort and off-road ability.
It was available with a 3-door body for a short wheelbase (SWB) or a 5-door body for a long-wheelbase (LWB). Engines included a 2.6Â L I4 with 82Â kW (110Â hp/112Â PS), a 3.0Â L V6 with EFI and 104Â kW (139Â hp/141Â PS) and a turbocharged 2.5Â L OHC diesel I4 with 62Â kW (83Â hp/84Â PS) or an intercooled 70Â kW (94Â hp/95Â PS). Part-time four-wheel drive was standard on all models.
The first generation platform was later built under license by Hyundai Precision Products as the Hyundai Galloper from 1991 to 2003, and exported to Europe for a brief time. While it used first generation mechanicals, the Galloper's body was closer to the second generation Pajeros.
- Australia
The NA series was released to Australia during January 1983 in short- (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) three-door wagon formats, with the 2.6-liter petrol or 2.3-liter turbo diesel, both mated to a five-speed KM145 manual transmission. Brakes were ventilated front discs and rear drums. The five-door, high-roof LWB model was introduced in May 1984 with the same powertrain options. The five-door offered a luxury Superwagon trim and also had a shorter final drive than the SWB models, to make up for the increased weight.
The NB of November 1984 included a revised grille, deleted the LWB three-door body style and the diesel engine for the remaining SWB three-door. Mitsubishi Australia released the NC series in November 1985, introducing optional power steering, while the long-wheelbase five-door switched to a low-roofed design.
A KM148 automatic gearbox became optional on the petrol Superwagon for the October 1986 ND update, while the 2.5-liter turbo diesel replaced the old 2.3-liter unit. For the October 1987 NE series, the Japanese 2.6-liter petrol was replaced with the Australian-made Astron II version. Brake dimensions were also increased across the range.
The NE three-door Sports and five-door Superwagon added a limited slip differential, front bumper overriders, spare wheel cover, side pin striping, 16-inch chrome wheels, and optional two-tone paint over the base cars. The most expensive models also received an inclinometer, volt meter, oil pressure gauge, stereo cassette player, remote fuel filler release, suspension driver's seat, carpeting, and tweed and velour cloth trim (over tweed cloth and vinyl).
September 1988's NF facelift saw the introduction of a 3.0-liter V6 engine in the top-line Superwagon, delivering 105Â kW (141Â hp) and 228Â Nâ‹…m (168Â lbâ‹…ft) via a five-speed V5MT1 manual or four-speed KM148 automatic. Suspension became a three-link coil spring design at the rear. Rear disc brakes were fitted to the V6 only.
The final NG refresh from September 1989 to April 1991 was a minor trim and equipment readjustment. The KM148 automatic transmission was replaced by the V4AW2 with lockup. High-end NG models (i.e. not the base Commercial trim) now received chrome, truck-style side mirrors. An intercooler was also added to the 2.5-liter turbo diesel models in 1990.
Second generation (V20; 1991â€"1999)
Mitsubishi redesigned the Pajeros for a second generation, which debuted in January 1991, although exports did not commence until later in the year. Just about everything was now new and further enhanced. A new, larger body was available in four different versions; Metal Top, Canvas Top Convertible (short wheelbase), Semi High Roof Wagon and High Roof Wagon (long wheelbase). The short wheelbase models were stretched by 70 millimetres (2.8Â in) and the long-wheelbase models by 30 millimetres (1.2Â in). The available engines included a 3.0-liter 12-valve SOHC (6G72) with ECI-Multi electronic fuel injection and a 2.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine (4D56T) with an intercooler.
The second generation also saw the introduction of Super Select 4WD (SS4) [known as ActivTrak 4WD in some markets], multimode ABS, which were firsts on Japanese four-wheel drives, and electronic shock absorber. SS4 was ground-breaking in the sense that it combined the advantages of part-time and full-time four-wheel drive with four available options: 2H (high-range rear-wheel drive), 4H (high-range full-time four-wheel drive), 4HLc (high-range four-wheel drive with locked center differential) and 4LLc (low-range four-wheel drive with locked center differential). Another advantage of this second generation system is that it gave the driver the ability to switch between two-wheel drive and full-time four-wheel drive at speeds up to 100Â km/h (62Â mph), whereas the first generation Pajero had to be stationary to switch from rear-wheel drive to four-wheel drive (but not from four-wheel drive back to rear-wheel drive). In addition to the SS4, an air locking differential was included as factory option. Either 4HLc or 4LLc mode must be engaged to perform this operation. Multimode ABS, on the other hand, was equally innovative. This meant ABS would be fully functional in all modes of SS4, as braking with a locked center differential requires completely different braking parameters. The new electronic shock absorber was also factory option with three settings: S (soft), M (medium), and H (hard). This meant driver can change ride quality and handling depending on road conditions via a switch on center console.
In July 1993, two new power plants were introduced; a 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC with ECI-Multi and a 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel with an intercooler. A new, larger transmission and transfer case was also part of the upgrade.
In 1996 the 3.0 V6 engine was revised, staying SOHC but changing to 24v. At the same time the ignition system was upgraded from the old distributor system to solid state coil packs. Power to 177Â bhp (132Â kW). The 2.4 engine was introduced as a smaller power plant available only on SWB body with revised minor interior and exterior. Recaro seats was available as option and new styling shark fin spoiler was standard.
The Pajero Evolution was introduced in October 1997, which was developed in response to new entry requirements for the Paris â€" Dakar Rally's T3 Class. The Pajero Evolution came standard with a 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control (MIVEC). A new, dual plenum variable intake helped increase power and a new independent rear suspension made the ride even smoother.
In 1998, vehicles destined for General Export and the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council countries) received a facelift. Wider fenders, new headlights, grille, bumper, fog lights and sidesteps were all part of the redesign. The wide fenders are often called "blister flare fenders". Driver and front-passenger SRS airbags were made standard on models equipped with the 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, whilst still remaining optional on GLS models with the 3.0-liter SOHC V6. 1080 of these units were also assembled in Iran by Bahman Khodro Group before being taken off production. An upgraded interior wood trim was made available on 3.0-liter GLS and 3.5-liter models. A leather-wrapped or leather and wood trim steering wheel was also made available, alongside an upgraded suspension and steering system. The 3.0-liter 12-valve SOHC engine was now available with a 24-valve configuration. Models without wide fenders remained as base models (GLX), available with a 2.4-liter 16-valve DOHC engine, producing 147Â hp (110Â kW). The 3.0-liter 12-valve engine was optional on these GLX models, and remained the base engine on the GLS.
The second generation was introduced on 22 January 1991 and manufactured until 1999. It retained the two body styles, but design was rounder and more city-friendly than the previous bulky model. The 3.0Â L V6 gasoline engine was retained, now available with a 24-valve head, capable of 136Â kW (177Â hp/185Â PS), while the 2.5Â turbodiesel's power was slightly increased to 73Â kW (98Â hp/99Â PS). In 1993, the Pajero was slightly restyled, and larger engines were introduced, a 3.5Â L V6 with 153Â kW (215Â hp/208Â PS) and a 2.8Â L SOHC turbodiesel rated at 92Â kW (123Â hp/125Â PS). These versions introduced Mitsubishi's Super Select four-wheel-drive system (known as Active-Trac in the United States), with an electronic transfer shift that could split power between both axles without the need to stop the car. It worked at speeds up to 100Â km/h (62Â mph).
The first generation Pajero was also marketed as the Hyundai Galloper in Korea, Europe and GCC Countries, while the second generation was in production elsewhere.
This model Pajero remained in production in India till 2012 as the Pajero SFX; the latest generation is sold as the Montero. In the Philippines it is marketed as the Pajero "Field Master" 4x2 with the 2.8L TD engine, alongside the fourth generation Pajero. The 4X4 version was taken out of production in 1999. It is also produced in Colombia from Complete Knock Down parts (CKD) till 2012, with a 2.4l 16 valve SOHC (130Â PS) or 3.0l 12 valve V6 (148Â PS), both engines are available as a three-door hard top, the five-door wagon only with the 3.0-liter V6.
In Venezuela, the second generation was manufactured from 1992 to 1995 under the name of Mitsubishi Montero, it was available in long and short wheel base. From 1996 to 2009 its name was changed to Mitsubishi Montero Dakar, it was only available in short wheel base with 6G72 engine and manual five-speed transmission.
In China, the second generation Pajero was manufactured 2005â€"2013 and marketed under the name Liebao Heijinggang (猎豹奇兵-é»'é‡'刚 Leopaard Black King Kong, whereas 猎豹 can be translated to 'cheetah' instead of 'leopard') by GAC Changfeng Motor Co. Ltd. (广汽长丰, a Guangzou Automobile Group company). It was replaced by a facelifted Leopaard Q6 in 2014,.
The second generation Pajero was discontinued in 1999, and replaced by a new-generation Pajero. Even after ending production, the second generation Pajero gained unwanted attention in 2002 when TLC member Left Eye was killed in a car crash involving a second generation Mitsubishi Pajero, on a highway in La Ceiba, Honduras. She was the only fatality in the crash. A camera man was filming from the front passenger's seat, and his camera was destroyed on impact.
Third generation (V60; 1999â€"2006)
Designed in house, the third generation Pajero debuted in the Japanese domestic market in 1999, and in other markets in late 2000 as a 2001 model â€" and in the Philippines and other developing nations in 2003.
The third generation was redesigned with a lower, wider stance and unibody construction with integral ladder frame chassis for increased torsional rigidity. The fuel tank was relocated to between the axles. This generation was full-sized SUV, rather than mid-sized, and featured a fold and tumble, reclining second row 60/40 split seat and a stowable/removeable third row seat.
The SS4 system was also further refined, as bevel gears were replaced with planetary gears. This meant the front-to-rear torque setting ranged from 33 to 67, with the ability to adjust to 50/50 depending on surface conditions. The system was also made fully electronic, meaning the vehicle didn't have to be in gear to switch between drive modes. After all the upgrades, the system was renamed to Super Select 4WD II (SS4-II).
Alongside rack and pinion steering (as opposed to the recirculating ball system on previous generations), the Pajero also offered a choice of three transmissions; a five speed manual, a four speed INVECS-II automatic and a five speed INVECS-II tiptronic.
An all-new 3.8-liter SOHC 24-valve V6 powerplant was also introduced on this generation. This engine utilized an Electronic Throttle Valve (ETV), to deliver a refined cruising power with power to spare for off-road ventures.
The third generation was introduced on 2 August 1999 and was scheduled to be replaced by the Autumn of 2006. It received a minor facelift in 2003. The 3.0Â L engine's power was increased to 130Â kW (175Â hp/177Â PS), and the 3.5Â L engine was given gasoline direct injection, increasing power to 162Â kW (217Â hp/220Â PS) in the Japanese market (export versions kept the standard EFI engine, now with 149Â kW (200Â hp/203Â PS). The 2.8Â L Diesel was retained only for developing markets, and was replaced by a new 16-valve direct injection engine, with 3.2Â L and 120Â kW (161Â hp/163Â PS).
In the North American market, the 3.5Â L engine was replaced for 2003 by a more powerful 3.8Â L unit, with 160Â kW (215Â hp/218Â PS). This engine was later made available to a few export markets such as South America and Australia, whilst it replaced the GDI V6 in the Japanese lineup in 2005. The short wheelbase model is not available in North America, where the Montero is the only SUV in Mitsubishi's lineup with standard four-wheel drive. The Montero left the US market after the 2006 model year.
Fourth generation (V80; 2006â€"present)
The fourth generation debuted at the Paris Motor Show on 30 September 2006. Revised interior and exterior styling were accompanied by dual-stage SRS front airbags as well as new side-impact and curtain airbags. The Super-Select 4WD II system was retained, complemented by an improved Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC) system and electronic brakeforce distribution â€" as well as skid plates, heavy weight components and 8.7 inches (220 mm) of ground clearance.
The engines were upgraded with the 3.2Â L diesel gaining Common Rail technology, a DPF for cleaner emissions and producing 125Â kW (167Â hp/170Â PS) and the 3.8Â L V6 gaining MIVEC variable valve timing to boost power to 184Â kW (247Â hp/250Â PS). Both engines meet new Euro IV emissions standards. The 3.0Â L V6 is retained for the Japanese and GCC markets.
From 2009, the 3.0L V6 engine was dropped in the GCC markets, and was replaced by a 3.5L V6 engine, rated for 141Â kW (189Â hp/192 ps) and 306 Nm torque. Further revisions to the 3.2L Turbo Diesel in the 2011 model year saw the power and torque increased to 147Â kW/197Â hp/200Â PS and 441Nm respectively. Engine meet new Euro V emissions standards. The 3.8L petrol engine remained at 184Â kW and 329Nm (using 95RON fuel). There is also a panelled Van version available in markets where such a model can be registered at a lower tax rate.
For the 2010 model year the Pajero gained a Rockford acoustic sound system and two interior color options, black and beige, in some markets.
For 2012, the Pajero model has been minimally restyled and given an improved monocoque body and suspension.
For the 2015 model year Pajero received an updated front fascia with a revised grille, LED daytime running lights and a new spare tire cover. The interior was revised to include metallic trim, piano black accents for the VR II, wood grain trim for the Exceed and Super Exceed and additional sound deadening material. The engines will be carried over and they will include the 3.0-liter 6G72 V6, the 3.5-liter 6G74 V6, the 3.8-liter 6G75 V6, the 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel 4M40, and the 3.2-liter 4M41 common rail four-cylinder turbo diesel.
Safety
Future
In October 2014, Mitsubishi announced the next generation Pajero will have a plug-in hybrid version, scheduled for market launch in 2018, together with the conventionally powered Pajero. The Concept GC-PHEV features a powerful 335 horsepower supercharged MIVEC V-6 engine/electric motor plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain, an 8-speed automatic transmission, Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) full-time all-wheel drive and advanced next-generation high-tech features.
During the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubshi president and chief operating officer, Tetsuro Aikawa confirmed that the current-model Pajero would continue in production for some time, but refused to rule out that the full-sized off-roader would be missing from Mitsubishi's longer term plans.
Following Mitsubishi joining the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance through Nissan's controlling 33% stake, it's expected that the next-generation Pajero will become a rebadged version of the Nissan Patrol/Armada.
Production and sales
See also
- Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution
References
External links
- Media related to Mitsubishi Pajero at Wikimedia Commons
- AutoPasion18. GALLOPER history (in spanish)