Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) continues to enhance the value of its Endeavor mid-size crossover SUV model, making the Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC) system standard on front-wheel drive models for 2008. (The ASTC system was already standard on the all-wheel drive models.) Additional refinements for 2008 add a premium character to Endeavor while preserving its excellent customer value.

Endeavor is available as the high-value LS and the luxuriously equipped SE that challenges near-luxury brand models, but at a better value. All models are powered by a 225-hp 3.8-liter SOHC V-6 engine that requires regular-grade fuel. In addition to three rich new exterior colors, the 2008 Endeavor offers a sumptuous new two-tone leather seating option in the SE model grade. The Suki Beige seating is accented by black side bolsters for a truly luxurious appearance.

"Endeavor brings bold, sporty style to the mid-size segment and today remains a compelling choice, thanks to its smooth, easy-to-drive performance, comprehensive safety technology and generous standard equipment," said Dan Kuhnert, vice president for marketing and sales, Mitsubishi Motors North America.

Endeavor's standout design was inspired by the Mitsubishi Motorsports SUVs that have conquered the world's toughest rallies, including winning the 5,569-mile Dakar Rally for the seventh straight time in 2007. Such racing experience has helped Mitsubishi infuse Endeavor with the everyday durability and reliability that leads to high owner satisfaction.

Convincing Choice for Safety
Endeavor delivers the level of safety that family buyers especially demand, achieving 5-star ratings for frontal (driver) and side impact (front and rear seat) crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded Endeavor its highest ranking - "Good" overall - in its frontal offset crash test.

All Endeavor models come equipped with a full array of advanced safety features, including: advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors, standard front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and rollover-sensing side curtain air bags. Standard driving safety technology includes Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC), an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Endeavor's available all-wheel drive system divides power evenly front-to-rear, adjusting the distribution in response to wheel spin.

Luxury with Value
The Endeavor blends high-torque V-6 performance with roomy, mid-size versatility. Unibody construction and 4-wheel independent suspension ensure a comfortable, quiet ride and confident handling. Externally, Endeavor conveys a premium appearance with color-keyed bumpers and chrome grille trim, with the SE model adding color-keyed door handles, side mirrors and rear license plate garnish.

A long list of standard equipment makes the LS model a strong value. The SE builds on the generous LS feature content and is in addition offered with a Sunroof Package and a Navigation Package. Endeavor SE comes with standard leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and side mirrors and a power driver's seat.

One of Endeavor SE's most appealing features is the standard 360-watt Rockford Acoustic Design™ premium audio system featuring steering wheel audio controls, plus SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with a six-month pre-paid service subscription. In contrast, even the high-end versions of some competitive SUVs make premium audio an extra-cost option.

For added convenience, SE models also come with a standard multi-information display that integrates readouts for a compass, outside temperature, a trip computer and maintenance recorder. This feature also provides an interface that allows the owner to customize settings for many of the vehicle's interior functions.

Spacious, Agile and Quiet
Combining spaciousness with agility helps make Endeavor a standout choice in its segment. Endeavor is built on a 108.3-inch wheelbase, which contributes to a spacious rear seat area, featuring a generous 38.5 inches of legroom. Large doors and ideal ride height facilitate easy entry and exit. At the same time, the driver and passengers benefit from an elevated command seating position, and front seats are among the widest in the segment.

Endeavor was designed to handle families or outdoor enthusiasts with equal ease. The rear tailgate swings upward to reveal a versatile cargo area that can accommodate a four-foot-wide sheet of plywood or very large packages. On SE, the curved rear hatch glass can be opened independently of the rear tailgate. With the 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded, Endeavor offers 76.4 cu. ft. of cargo capacity, with 40.7 cu. ft. available when the seatbacks are up.

The roomy front center console provides additional storage, and all Endeavor models come equipped with 12v power outlets. Standard tubular roof rails are included on all Endeavor models, and crossbars are available as an accessory.

Endeavor's low-mounted, multi-link rear suspension reduces protrusion into the rear cargo area. Hydroformed crossmembers help minimize road noise and improve suspension performance by reinforcing the rear suspension mounting points to reduce flex. Standard 17-inch, five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/65 R17 all-season tires deliver a solid combination of responsive handling and a smooth, quiet ride.

Power and Traction for All Conditions
The Endeavor's 3.8-liter, SOHC V-6 engine generates 225 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 255 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,750 rpm. With abundant torque available at lower engine speeds, Endeavor yields responsive yet relaxed performance, along with quiet powertrain operation. The standard 4-speed automatic transmission features a Sportronic® mode that allows the driver to control gear shifting manually for a more engaging driving experience.

Endeavor is available in front-wheel-drive or full-time all-wheel-drive configurations for excellent wet-weather handling and light-duty off-pavement capability. The standard traction control system (TCL) on all Endeavor models provides a "virtual" limited-slip differential effect by helping to prevent wheel spin during start up and acceleration in slippery conditions.

In the all-wheel drive Endeavor models, a transfer case combines a center differential with a viscous coupling to provide a 50:50 torque split between the front and rear wheels. This full-time automatic AWD system provides optimal grip on all road surfaces, and in all weather. Wheel slippage at either set of wheels causes the viscous coupling to transfer more power to the opposite set.

The advanced ASTC system in all Endeavor models helps to keep the vehicle traveling in the driver's intended direction by helping to prevent side slipping (spin and side drift) as a result of sudden steering wheel operation or on slippery roads.

The ASTC system takes data input from a number of sensors, including steering angle, individual wheel speed and yaw, as well as from the powertrain electronic control unit (ECU). If the onboard sensors detect side-slip, ASTC helps the driver maintain direction through braking and throttle corrections.

Mitsubishi Value

The Endeavor LS is one of the most comprehensively equipped models in the segment, featuring as standard: air conditioning with rear heater ducts; aluminum alloy wheels; cruise control with steering wheel switches; power windows with driver's auto-down; power mirrors and door locks; 140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 capability and six speakers; keyless entry with integrated remote key, and a rear seat center armrest. Details such as the standard tubular roof rails, a color-keyed stone guard, front mudguards, auto-off headlights, front floormats and multiple folding assist grips are reminders of the inherently strong value in Endeavor LS.

In addition to all SE equipment described on page 2, the SE Sunroof Package upgrade combines a power glass sunroof, fog lamps, and a retracting cargo cover. The SE Navigation Package upgrade includes a DVD-based navigation system featuring a seven-inch LCD touch screen. The navigation system features male or female voice guidance and a choice among English, Spanish or French languages. This versatile system also replaces the functions of the standard trip computer.

All 2008 Endeavor models are equipped with a standard towing prep package featuring an automatic transmission cooler, power steering fluid cooler, increased-capacity radiator (AWD models only), a full-size spare tire and a trailer hitch wiring harness. The front-wheel drive Endeavor SE can tow a trailer up to 2000 lbs., and all-wheel drive raises that to 3,500 lbs.

All Endeavor models are built in the Mitsubishi manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill., one of the industry's most flexible assembly plants. This facility produces four different models: Endeavor, Eclipse coupe and Spyder, and the Galant mid-size sedan.

Premium Warranty

Mitsubishi cars, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks are backed by comprehensive new vehicle limited warranties. Mitsubishi Eclipse, Lancer, Galant, Endeavor and Outlander vehicles come with a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty; along with a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty. The high-performance Lancer Evolution is covered by a 5-year, 60,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, along with a 3-year/36,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty. Mitsubishi pickup trucks are covered by a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty that also includes powertrain components.

All Mitsubishi vehicles have a 7-year /100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty, along with 5-years/unlimited miles Roadside Assistance, which includes free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 500 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.