Mitsubishi Motors to Launch 4WD Flex-Fuel Vehicle (FFV) in Brazil

21 June 2007

The Pajero TR4 Flex.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and local production and sales company MMC Automotores do Brasil Ltda (MMCB) have developed the first full-feature four-wheel drive flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) to be released in the Brazilian market.

The Pajero TR4 Flex, featuring a 2.0-liter engine capable on running on blends from 100% gasoline to 100% ethanol, will be launched in July of this year.

Derived from the Pajero TR4 currently assembled and sold by MMCB, the Pajero TR4 Flex features several modifications. These include the use of different materials, modifications to the engine, and changes to the fuel system that allow the vehicle to run on any combination of gasoline and ethanol.

Modifications to the engine control unit allow for optimum combustion with any fuel mixture, and the redesigned parts of the fuel delivery system add toughness and dependability.

The 2.0-liter 16-valve engine that powers the Pajero TR4 Flex delivers similar levels of performance on ethanol-heavy or gasoline-heavy fuel mixes. Running on 100% gasoline it develops 98kW (131 hp) of power and 177 Nm (131 lb-ft) of torque; on 100% ethanol it develops 99 kW (133 hp) of power and 186 Nm (137 lb-ft) of torque.

MMC is currently pushing forward development of FFV as part of its response to the global trend towards alternative fuel sources. The company is also currently working on a flex-fuel model it plans to bring into commercial production for the US market in fiscal 2009.