Misubishi Motors’ involvement in motor sports has been the driving force behind the evolution of the Pajero over four generations with an incredible record at the Paris Dakar rally.
Last month team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart succeeded in making an outstanding achievement by achieving a seventh successive victory in the grueling 2007 Dakar Rally, a record breaking twelth win.
For the third time in four years the French crew of Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Cottret won the event in their Pajero Evolution, and defeated their team mates Luc Alphand and Gilles Picard by a margin of seven minutes and 26 seconds, after 15 days of thumping all terrain competition across Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania, Mali and Senegal.
In the wake of such an accolade the new Mitsubishi Pajero was unveiled last week at a media event appropriately utilizing the off road track at the BIC affording guests from the media to taste and experience the versatility, control and power of what is being touted as “The fastest 4 x 4 in the world.”
Built into the rugged desert landscape of the BIC this off-road 4 x 4 course comprises 30 daring obstacles, steep climbs and exhilarating descents and really is designed to test the world’s leading 4 x 4 vehicles.
Speaking at this launch event, Nawaf Al Zayani, managing director Zayani Motors, said: “Promoting a brand is about showcasing a flagship. This is our flagship and from that we can market the entire range of Mitsubishi vehicles. We intend to make a considerable dent in the SUV market and for it to be a market leader in its segment.”
The new Pajero is powered by a choice of two engines that feature detail improvements to realise a happy marriage between high output and environmental performance.
Available in three or five door options, the Pajero is now available with a new 3.0 litre V6 24 valve SOHC or 3.8 litre V6 24 Valve SOHC connected to a new multi option 4WD system providing unmatched “go anywhere” capabilities over all road surfaces.
Some of the new technologies distinguishing the new model include an upgraded active stability and traction control system, a weight-reducing aluminium engine hood, and the use of more plated steel sheet for improved durability and reliability.
The interior is comfortably appointed and has a tastefully designed dashboard complemented with a twelve speaker Rockford acoustic design sound system that brings audio and visual entertainment from a variety of sources to rear passengers in full home theatre surround sound.
Dubai-based Mitsubishi Motors general manager, Masahisa Niimi, addressing the media said: “The Pajero may not be the fastest car in the world, but it is the fastest way to drive around it. Whether you drive it on rocky terrains or take it for a spin on lush country roads, the new generation sporty Pajero has set its mark as a global all round SUV that is more adventurous than ever and at the same time promises a car-like handling and comfort like never before. I am sure that our latest edition to the Pajero family will prove immensely popular and an instant SUV market stealer!”
