All new 2011 Outlander Sport powered by proven four-cylinder architecture and fast and efficient continuously-variable transmission (CVT)

Engine: Proven Architecture
Powering the all-new 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a tried and true stalwart of an engine - a 4-cylinder powerplant that can be found under the hood of the company's most popular sedan - that has been reconfigured to provide outstanding efficiency and power production in this new crossover application.

Designated the 4B11, this four-cylinder engine architecture serves as the basis for not only the Lancer sedan and five-door but also for the legendary ultra-high-performance turbocharged/intercooled Lancer Evolution four-door as well.

Featuring a light but strong cast-aluminum cylinder block as its foundation, this normally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine produces 148 bhp @ 6,000 rpm (143 bhp for PZEV-rated vehicles) and 145 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,200 rpm (143 in PZEV). More importantly, this engine features a very wide and usable power band with at least 120 lb.-ft. of torque being produced anywhere from just over 2000 rpm to slightly below its redline at 6500 rpm.

With the engine's bore and stroke each measuring 86.0 mm (3.4 in.), this 2.0-liter (1,997 cc) engine features a "square" design with a bore-stroke ratio of 1.0. Its compression ratio is a lofty 10.0:1.

Even the engine mounting system is high-tech: A 4-point inertial axis mount system not only provides sturdy support for the 4-cylinder powerplant but helps further isolate noise and vibration from penetrating the cabin. This is accomplished through a combination of cylindrical-shaped hydraulic engine mounts, a lightweight but highly rigid cast-aluminum bracket on the right side of the engine and a high-strength steel plate bracket on the left side of the engine; steel being used in this instance instead of aluminum as the material reduces gear noise better than the lightweight alloy does.

MIVEC - Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system
Another technology that greatly aids power production while simultaneously improving fuel efficiency is Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control system (MIVEC).

Like Mitsubishi's legendary high-performance Lancer Evolution, the Outlander Sport features this cutting-edge engine technology applied to both the intake and exhaust sides of the valve train. Adapting this continuously-variable valve technology for both the intake and exhaust camshafts makes for a more optimal valve setting to suit the engine's speed and load, thus boosting overall power output while improving fuel economy and emissions across a wide rev range.

Low Speed/Low Load
In the low load, low rpm conditions (such as idling), the valve overlap is decreased to stabilize the combustion, enhancing fuel efficiency and lowering emissions.

Low Speed/High Load
Under low speed, high load conditions, the intake valve closing timing is advanced to ensure sufficient air volume while the exhaust valve opening timing is retarded for higher expansion ratio and improved cycle efficiency. The result: optimal torque production.

High Speed/Low Load
At high speed and low load, the valve overlap is increased to reduce pumping losses, while the exhaust valve opening timing is retarded for a higher expansion ratio. This helps to optimize fuel consumption and emissions.

High Speed/High Load
With full or heavy throttle input (both high engine speed and load), the intake valve closing timing is retarded to synchronize the intake air pulsations for larger air volume. This allows the engine to produce maximum power.

An identical engine-optimizing MIVEC system is employed on Mitsubishi's ultra-performance car, the Lancer Evolution X.

High-Efficiency Accessories

"Smart" Alternator and Brake Energy Regeneration
A new "smart" alternator featuring the Brake Energy Regeneration System has been employed for the first time on a Mitsubishi vehicle with the introduction of the all-new Outlander Sport for the purpose of reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The engine ECU, monitoring battery current and temperature sensors, can detect battery charging conditions and control power generation more efficiently. This reduces the amount of power the battery takes from the engine's alternator, resulting in lower fuel consumption. This newly-developed alternator can adjust its voltage between 11.5 and 15.5 V.

A technology incorporated into gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles, the Brake Energy Regeneration System improves fuel efficiency by actively utilizing kinetic energy captured during deceleration for generating power and by restraining power generation during other running circumstances. When braking, the Outlander Sport's battery is intensively charged; when idling, accelerating and cruising in steady-state, power generation is restricted until energy stored within the battery decreases to a certain level, then the alternator begins to generate power to recharge the battery (even during the recharging stage, the alternator's load on the engine can be reduced).

Electric power steering
Another fuel-saving feature is the Outlander Sport's new electric power steering system.

Because there is no belt-driven hydraulic pump constantly running, the electric power steering helps boost fuel efficiency. But while some of these EPS systems fitted to many other automobile manufacturer's vehicles feel numb and don't offer the driver much in the way of steering feel, this is not the case with the new Outlander Sport, thanks to these design features:

• The use of a brushless motor helps improve steering feel and assist control.
• A ball slider-type intermediate shaft that offers both better steering feel and high-assist torque.
• Sensors that detect the steering wheel position and rate of rotation, along with vehicle speed and conditions detected by the stability control system, are taken into account. This information, along with input from a steering torque sensor mounted in the steering shaft, is fed to the power steering control module to determine precisely how much steering assist is required.

Other New Features and Technologies

• New resin-coated pistons help reduce friction and improve fuel efficiency.
• The camshaft has improved surface smoothness, another fuel mileage-boosting improvement thanks to less friction.
• The underside of the hood features a new type of felt material for improved noise reduction.
• Electric power steering
• High-efficiency alternator

Revised Intake and Exhaust
On the intake side, though the air cleaner volume is the same as that found on the original Outlander at 6.5 liters, the overall length of the air duct is now one inch shorter at 22.8 inches (580 mm) versus 23.8 inches (605 mm). Additionally, the Outlander Sport's system makes use of two resonators as opposed to the Outlander's three. This setup makes for a quieter operation while optimizing engine performance.

The exhaust system has also been thoroughly reworked. Not just a matter of making the most of engine performance while reducing noise and ensuring reduced emissions, the short rear overhang of the new Outlander Sport made packaging an issue as well. But this challenge resulted in an exhaust system that not only meets emission standards for all of the countries where the vehicle is sold but, because of the new muffler's flat, low-profile shape and position (tucked high and tight against the underbody), helps the aerodynamics of this sleek looking crossover. And despite the packaging constraints, the muffler also has a larger volume (19.3 liters) than the original Outlander's (18.0 liters).

Shifting Priorities

5-speed Manual
A 5-speed manual gearbox that is based on the unit available with the original Outlander is the standard transmission for the ES model Outlander Sport (the INVECS-III CVT Sportronic continuously-variable transmission is also available).

Sliding smoothly and seamlessly through each gate thanks to the adoption of triple synchros for not only first but second gear as well and the addition of a slide bearing for reduced shaft friction when shifting, Mitsubishi's 5-speed manual transmission not only makes shifting a breeze but also a delight. What's more, the engineers have selected gear ratios for this manual gearbox that strike an excellent balance between dynamic performance and fuel efficiency - the first and final gear ratios found in the Outlander Sport's manual have been changed from the original Outlander's set of cogs to help reduce fuel consumption. Both units weigh the same at just under 102 lbs.

INVECS-III CVT Sportronic Transmission
Mitsubishi is constantly researching and developing new automotive technologies and advancements that reduce fuel consumption and emissions. But the company has not forgotten about its enthusiast customer base that considers driving ease and enjoyment a priority when considering important characteristics that should be included with their next car purchase.

These are precisely the reasons why the company has introduced the INVECS-III CVT Sportronic transmission.

Available on both ES and SE versions of the all-new 2011 Outlander Sport, the company's latest continuously-variable transmission (CVT) allows for improved fuel economy, smooth function in automatic mode and exhilaratingly quick driver-selected shifts via steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters.

Based on the continuously variable transmission equipped in the original Outlander, among the improvements on the redesigned unit found on the all-new Outlander Sport are unique ratio patterns for improved fuel efficiency and optimized oil pressure control for reduced friction within the system.

The control systems for the CVT transmission have also been reconfigured so that the shift schedule better balances fuel economy and dynamic driving performance on flat roads.

When switched to Sport mode, the CVT becomes a high-performance "manumatic” manually-shifted, close-ratio 6-speed transmission that offers even greater driving enjoyment as the system's pulley hydraulics intensify in responsiveness for even faster shifting. This configuration allows for even greater driving enjoyment as gear selection is executed via a pair of paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel (upshift on the right, downshift on the left). The paddle shifters are composed entirely of magnesium not solely because it is a strong and lightweight alloy but mainly because of this element's very rapid heat-dissipation properties - they stay cool to the touch even when the outside temperature rises into the triple digits.

Improved fuel economy and lightning-fast shifts – the INVECS-III CVT Sportronic transmission delivers the best of both worlds.

Premium Warranty
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 and Ralliart models are 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.

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