Mitsubishi receives "Best New Technology" Award for its super all-wheel control system

Mitsubishi Motors continues to deliver uncompromising performance and industry-leading technology to consumers, capturing prestigious awards along the way. The latest honor comes from the independent Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), which recently named Mitsubishi's advanced Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system as the "Best New Technology" for 2009 and is standard on the acclaimed Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

"Mitsubishi's grasp of advanced all-wheel drive technology comes in part from many successful years in the Dakar and World Rally Championship where the demands far exceed those for a street car," said Mitsubishi Motors North America Executive Vice President of Operations John Koenig. "The best news is that so much of what we've learned from rally competition works to our advantage on the streets and circuit as well."

The Mitsubishi S-AWC system was chosen from a list of seven entries for the "Best New Technology" award, and judged by a panel of AJAC members with specific technical qualifications who regularly report on industry engineering and technical trends.

"The AJAC Best New Technology award was established to allow a group of technical writers to identify new and innovative technologies of significant benefit to the consumer," explained Canadian Car of the Year and Technology Award Chairman Richard Russell. "The significance of the Best New Technology award has been growing steadily over the past few years as has the degree of rigor to which entries are submitted."

The S-AWC is not just another all-wheel drive system, but an advanced vehicle dynamics control system that reads and reflects driver intent in real time. S-AWC regulates drive torque at each wheel by controlling a network of dynamic handling technologies, including Active Center Differential (ACD), Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential, Active Stability Control (ASC) and Sport ABS brakes.

The ACD uses an electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch to vary the front/rear distribution of torque up to a ratio of 50:50 during acceleration and deceleration to improve overall traction and cornering.

The AYC rear differential enables the electronic control of torque between the left and right rear wheels to assist cornering. Importantly, AYC also limits the yaw moment acting on the vehicle as traction conditions change. The system also employs a helical-type limited-slip front differential that constantly biases torque to the wheel with more traction.

Mastered by the S-AWC system, ASC works in concert with Sport ABS to further control vehicle behavior by regulating torque transfer to each wheel through braking when necessary. ASC may also be turned off for track driving.

The entire system is enhanced by choosing one of three modes to match road surface conditions: tarmac, gravel or snow. When employed, these components allow for heightened safety and unparalleled driver control.

For a more detailed description of Mitsubishi's S-AWC system, please visit:
http://media.mitsubishicars.com/detail?mid=MIT2007111626132&mime=ASC

About Mitsubishi Motors North America:
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 480 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.