Mitsubishi to Show Euro 5 Diesel Concept at Frankfurt

29 August 2007

MMC’s Concept-cX

Among the vehicles Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will highlight at the Frankfurt Motor Show is a new diesel-powered Concept-cX SUV/sports hatchback crossover. (Earlier post.) MMC has decided to go regional with powertrain solutions matching different regional needs, driving patterns and infrastructures, and its emerging family of Euro-5 diesels is key for the European market.

The concept car uses a new Euro-5 compliant, 1.8-liter diesel engine, featuring a variable geometry (VG) turbocharger for optimum boost control and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) with diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the exhaust system. MMC developed the diesel jointly with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine delivers 100 kW (134 hp) at 4,000 rpm and develops 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque at 2,000 rpm.

MMC is bringing forward the start of production of this engine family for Europe to early 2009, one full year earlier than scheduled. Following the European introduction these powerplants will also be phased into other markets. (Earlier post.)

For this concept car application, the 1.8L diesel is coupled with Mitsubishi Motors’ Twin Clutch SST technology. (Earlier post.) The new automated manual transmission employs dual clutches to realize power transmission efficiencies on a par with a normal manual gearbox while also allowing slick and swift shifting while returning lower fuel consumption due to its high-efficiency power transmission mechanism.

Twin Clutch SST allows the driver to switch between 3 shifting programs to cover the full range of driving situations.

Normal mode scheduling uses relatively low-speed shift points to deliver unobtrusive shifting for maximum comfort together with optimum fuel economy. For more demanding driving or when engine braking is required, a Sport mode uses higher shift points and quicker shifting to deliver instant throttle response. Compared with Sport mode, S-Sport mode scheduling keeps the engine turning at higher revs while allowing lightning-fast shifting.

Concept-cX also uses “Green Plastics”, MMC’s proprietary plant-based resin technology made from bamboo and other plant-based resins for interior trim materials, such as floor mats, door trim, tail gate trim and seat back panels.