1997 Mitsubishi Tetra (Technas)

Original name: 三菱テトラ

TECHNAS: Principal Features

1.Concept

TECHNAS takes as its theme, "A refined outdoor leisure vehicle for urban dwellers": one which is fun to use in a wide range of situations, whether for daily use, for visiting holiday resorts or for making trips out in the field, and which is a joy to own. In concept, it is a completely new type of sport utility, embodying sporty performance and satisfying on a high level the safety, comfort and utility requirements expected in the 21st century.

2.Utility

(1)Packaging

At 4,505mm long by 1,855mm wide and 1,645mm high, the packaging brings together nimble performance and a mobile space that offers excellent comfort and load carrying capacity.

A body height that is significantly lower than other SUVs and a low center of gravity powertrain with wide track give TECHNAS fleet-footed, stable and road-hugging tarmac performance.

At 558mm, the cabin floor height is some 200mm lower than on other SUV's, thus facilitating the loading and unloading of outdoor leisure equipment. 1,050mm high inside, the luggage compartment provides the optimum space for outdoor leisure use. The luggage compartment floor has a plastic covering that facilitates the movement of luggage around the compartment and also lets the driver load wet leisure equipment without having to worry about soiling or damage.The left and right doors open at their center line, thereby offering outstanding entry and egress and making it easier to load luggage. The bottom half of the tailgate also opens at its center, while the glass top half slides up into the roof.

(2)Seating arrangements

TECHNAS uses pipe cot-type seats front and rear. With smaller cushions, the rear seats are ultra-lightweight: they can be removed from the vehicle and used as beach chairs, and folding back the double cushion panel enables them to be used as a luggage retaining net.

TECHNAS offers two basic seating patterns:(1) 2-seater with spacious rear compartment;(2) 4-seater with modest luggage space. In addition, a third row of seats may be added to the cabin space.

The interior permits an unobstructed walk-through to the cabin space. The tailgate has a power-operated window that slides up into the roof, and a lower section that opens at the center line. These features make for outstanding utility, enabling luggage to be loaded and unloaded as in a pickup truck.

3.Safety

(1)Pedestrian-friendly materials and outer panel shape

The design of the front end leading edge permits excellent forward and downward visibility, and at the same time employs a soft plastic bumper for added pedestrian safety. The body has a crash energy-absorbing structure in which ample spacing between the front fenders and engine hood and the body frame provides a generous impact-absorbing stroke. And with the plastic molding that runs around the perimeter of the body, TECHNAS surpasses today's SUV's in terms of safety concepts.

(2)Active Yaw Control (AYC)

TECHNAS employs Mitsubishi's advanced Active Yaw Control system to enhance its cornering performance. On an all-wheel vehicle, AYC transfers torque between the rear wheels to generate a yaw moment and thereby extract the full performance potential of the tires.

(3)Airbag system

In addition to the SRS airbag system for driver and front passenger, TECHNAS employs side airbags, mounted in the seat back outer pad, which are deployed instantaneously when sensors detect a side impact to offer enhanced occupant protection.

(4)Safety body

TECHNAS uses a high crash energy-absorbing body construction that achieves high levels of impact safety in offset and side impacts as well as meeting Japanese safety standards.

4.Driveline

(1)Engine

TECHNAS is powered the new 6G72 3.0-liter V6 24-valve DOHC engine, the latest in Mitsubishi's revolutionary GDI engine series. The GDI engine is an ultra-efficient, environment-aware power unit that significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions while also delivering higher power outputs and returning very low fuel consumption.

(2)INVECS-II with Sport Mode 5-speed automatic transmission

Mated to the GDI engine is the INVECS-II "smart" automatic transmission that uses Mitsubishi's own Adaptive Shift Control and Optimum Shift Control systems to enable safer and easier vehicle operation. And the Sport Mode clutch-less manual override enhances fun-to-drive qualities by enabling the driver to operate the transmission as if it were a manual gearbox.

(3)Electronic full-time 4WD

TECHNAS uses Mitsubishi's new electronically controlled all-wheel drive system that is derived from the company's proven center differential-with-VCU (viscous coupling unit) system. Employing fuzzy logic to control the hydraulically operated multi-plate clutch, the new system enables the automatic and flexible variation of front/rear torque split from between 32:68 right up to fully locked all-wheel drive.

5.Design

After giving due consideration to safety and environmental requirements, the design aims to express a commanding presence and a stable appearance befitting this new type of SUV, while at the same time permitting TECHNAS to fulfill its outdoor leisure functions-in other words, creating a comfortable mobile space and providing excellent load carrying capability.

6.Other features

(1)Tires

TECHNAS is shod with large 255/40ZR19 all-terrain tires designed exclusively for it to assure positive driving control and comfort over all types of surfaces.

(2)Suspension

TECHNAS uses the same multi-link suspension system as the Mitsubishi LEGNUM station wagon, optimally tuned for the SUV's particular requirements and characteristics. The suspension employs a self-leveling system that keeps the body horizontal regardless of body attitude or the load carried.

SOURCE: Mitsubishi. Please mention www.allcarindex.com if you use this text.

Engine & performance:

Position: front

Type: V6, DOHC

Capacity: 3000 cc

Power: 240 hp @ 5570 rpm

Torque: 304 Nm @ 3500 rpm

Drive: 4WD

Dimensions:

Length: 4505 mm

Width: 1885 mm

Height: 1645 mm