2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor -- Unibody and Safety

The 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor's unibody is built upon a versatile, all-new, front-engine platform that can be configured for front-wheel or full-time all-wheel-drive. This new chassis has been designed specifically to meet the consumers needs of the North American market and it is manufactured at Mitsubishi Motors Manufacturing of America's modern Normal, Illinois facility. The Endeavor's chassis bears mechanical similarity to a car and utilizes a nimble passenger-car style, four-wheel independent suspension that is attached to a pair of thick, flex-resistant, reinforced steel front and rear subframe members that are joined by supports spanning the length of the floorpan. This all-steel structure features multiple reinforcement locations with strategically placed support members that help develop a very stiff, safe SUV unibody. Built using modern construction that includes the use of hydroformed members and adopting MASH seam welding techniques to help improve structural rigidity without incurring major weight penalties, this vehicle attains a high level of strength and rigidity for improved suspension performance and safety. Mitsubishi's own evaluations have confirmed that the Endeavor meets and exceeds the federally mandated performance criteria in the 30 mph frontal, 30 mph oblique, and the 35 mph rear collision tests.

Rust Proofing

Enhanced rust-proofing techniques utilized on the Endeavor unibody and undercarriage ensure superior resistance to corrosion. All exterior and unibody metal below the vehicle's beltline consists of galvanized, rust-resistant metal. In addition, water drainage channels provided in the vehicle's body have been carefully designed to minimize the possibility of blockage by debris that could lead to an accumulation of moisture that could result in the formation of rust.

Doors

Endeavor's doors are made of reinforced steel for improved rigidity and attach to the unibody through flex-resistant, reinforced steel hinge mounts that help maintain a durable and precise fit. These refinements to the door construction significantly improve minimum door closing time and effort.

Engine and Transmission Mounts

The Endeavor's engine mounts rely on the same inertial main shaft system used with great success on our front-engine, front-wheel-drive passenger car models. In addition, strategic placement of each mount coupled with the use of liquid-filled insulators within the mounts significantly dampens the noise and vibration transmitted to the passenger compartment. The dome - shaped mount inserts use viscous liquid and soft rubber elements to dampen and absorb noise and vibration while also effectively limiting excess movement of the powerplant during acceleration to improve response, performance and ride quality.

The transmission mount also uses a liquid-filled insulator within a highly rigid aluminum bracket that helps control engine vibration and transmission movement. For the new 3.8-liter motor, the insulator diameter of all drivetrain-mounting bushings has been increased to handle higher output and load from the larger engine, and ensure effective powertrain stability under all conditions.

A flexible, steel support with rubber isolators extends from the front suspension crossmember under the engine and transmission, cradling the assembly and providing front and rear roll controlling mounting points that further stabilize the engine and transmission in the unibody.

Bumper System

The Endeavor's front and rear bumpers utilize highly rigid steel bumper beams covered with an impact resilient, energy absorbent foam to enhance the absorption of energy in small impacts. The effectiveness of this material in protecting the structural integrity of the rigid steel bumper supports is also expected to help reduce costly repairs in the event of an accident.

Collision Safety

The Endeavor is equipped with de-powered driver and front-seat passenger front air bags in order to optimize occupant safety. Driver and front-seat passenger side impact airbags are optional on the XLS and standard on the Limited model. Seatbelts are equipped with pre-tensioners and force limiters to help control occupant motion during a collision and minimize the potential for serious injury.

Child Restraint System

Designed with families in mind, the Endeavor is equipped with upper tether anchor points for a child restraint system. The mounting points are physically attached to the inside roof rail structure, behind the headliner material.

Electronic Traction Aid

For the 2004 model year, the Endeavor Limited offers as an option Mitsubishi's Anti-skid and Traction Control system (M-ASTC).

The M-ASTC system controls the brakes and throttle to help reduce lateral slip and assist the vehicle in following the course intended by the driver. The system constantly monitors signals from each wheel speed sensor, a steering wheel angle sensor, and a deceleration and yaw rate sensor. A micro-processor interprets the data to determine any differences between the vehicle's actual course and the driver's intended course, then applies brake pressure to the appropriate wheel to create a yaw moment that helps to counteract vehicle skid.

The Endeavor's M-ASTC system also helps prevent wheel spin upon acceleration by adjusting the engine output through the throttle-by-wire controls to reduce engine speed and consequently assists in regaining traction.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

The Endeavor Limited also includes a tire pressure monitoring system that relies on wheel-mounted pressure sensors to detect when a tire's inflation pressure falls below a set value. Each battery-operated sensor regularly transmits a 433 mhz signal to a headliner-mounted receiver antenna. The system will turn ON a warning lamp if it senses that the tire pressure has fallen below 25.25 psi, if a system component is damaged, or if a transmitter/sensor battery is low.

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