Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (Challenger) official details

Mitsubishi has released more details about its second major debut planned for August’s Moscow Auto Salon, the all-new Pajero Sport seven-seater SUV. Joining the Pajero Sport will be the Racing Lancer rally vehicle, which Mitsubishi plans to use in the 2009 Dakar rally. Unlike the Racing Lancer, the new Pajero Sport is destined for production and will be go on sale towards the end of the year in selected markets.

The Pajero Sport’s primary markets will be Russia, South-East Asia, the Middle East and South America. In Australia and Latin America the vehicle will be called the Challenger, while in South America it will carry a Montero Sport badge. Surprisingly, Mitsubishi has decided not to sell its new SUV in Central & Western Europe or in North America.

The new model moves one size up over its predecessor with an overall length of 4,695mm (compared with 4,620mm for the old model); overall width of 1,815mm (1,775mm); overall height of 1,800mm (1,730mm); and wheelbase of 2,800mm (2,725mm).

Under the sheet metal sits a ladder frame chassis built on Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD system. The Pajero Sport is also available with an optional rear differential lock. The suspension set-up features a double-wishbone coil spring configuration at the front and a 3-link coil spring arrangement at the rear.

Mitsubishi has only confirmed that a 162hp (120kW) 3.2L turbodiesel engine with 343Nm of torque will be available at launch, however a smaller 2.5L turbodiesel and 3.5L petrol V6 are expected to join the ranks soon after the initial launch. Drive is sent to all four wheels via a 4-speed Sport Mode automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Sales are expected to start soon after the SUV’s debut next week.