1 June 2011 (From The Source Of MMM)
Sabahans were treated to a taste of the Dakar Rally recently when the Dakar Rally Experience by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia rolled into Kota Kinabalu for the first time. Among the highlights of the event was the opportunity to sit in a special high speed taxi-ride with two-time Dakar Rally Champion Hiroshi Masuoka from Japan.
The Mitsubishi 4×4 Dakar Rally Experience took place at Alamesra from 28-29 May. Being the first 4×4 event of its kind to be held in Kota Kinabalu, the response was overwhelming when more than 5,000 people attended the two-day event, which concluded with a magnificent fireworks display.
Participants were given a rare chance to experience the ride of their lives with Hiroshi Masuoka behind the wheel, tackling special high speed off road rides that perfectly showcased the 4×4 capabilities of the award-winning Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Triton.
Masuoka, who became the second Japanese driver in history to win the Dakar Rally in year 2002 driving a Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero, took over 600 passengers around the high speed course and gave them a small taste of what a Dakar Rally stage feels like.
The easy going Masuoka was fully at ease, even while adapting to the rough terrain and power sliding around the corners. The champion barely broke a sweat over the two-day event and was in high spirits.
“I am very happy to be here in Kota Kinabalu for the first time. The rough terrains in KK have certainly put the Triton and Pajero Sport to the test and I am proud to say both of the Mitsubishi vehicles had conquered all rough terrains with proven 4WD capabilities for both off-road traction and on-road cruising comfort”, said Hiroshi Masuoka.
The public was also given a chance to experience the Triton pickup and Pajero Sport SUV’s good off-road handling, durability and superb performance. The award-winning vehicles were tested on a specially designed off road track, with the vehicles navigating over a 48-degree side traverse ramp, cross axle ramp and a 50-degree giant ramp.
Mr. Dulceh Yahya, who attended the event with his family said: “I was very excited to ride with the Dakar Rally Champion himself, Mr. Masuoka. I am also impressed by the performance of the Mitsubishi Triton and Pajero Sport which were of normal specification and did not go through modification. Even though the terrain was muddy and rough, I still experienced Mitsubishi 4×4 vehicles’ good off-road handling, durability and comfort in an exciting way. Thumbs up to Mitsubishi for bringing such an exciting event!”
“I drove the Mitsubishi Triton through the giant ramp to test its ability. I must say that I am impressed by its suspension, performance and capabilities to go through challenging off-road terrains,” said 4×4 vehicle enthusiasts En Mumtaz.
Visitors were also treated to fun activities and live band performances at the Mitsubishi 4×4 Dakar Rally Experience. With great deals to enjoy and fun activities for the whole family, the first 100 daily to test drive any Mitsubishi Motors models went home with an exclusive Mitsubishi Motors merchandise.
As part of Mitsubishi’s effort to serve East Malaysian customers better, Mitsubishi Motors now has six 3S centres in operation. Three more 3S centres are in the pipeline and will begin operations before end of this year. Mitsubishi owners can now visit its newly appointed authorised parts stockists, Standard Spare Parts Sdn Bhd in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.
Mitsubishi 4WD System
The Triton’s Easy Select 4WD and Pajero Sport’s Super Select 4WD system offer multi modes for all situations. 2H is for maximising efficiency on tarmac driving while 4H spreads drive 50:50 to all four wheels for more secure traction in slippery conditions. Drivers can switch between this two modes “on the fly” at speeds of up to 100 km/h.
When the going gets tough, there’s 4L mode in the Triton to tackle rough terrain. In this mode, 4WD joined by low range gears for maximum traction through mud or sand. The Pajero Sport’s Super Select 4WD system has two all wheel drive modes – 4HLc and 4LLc, the latter utilises low range gearing and locking differentials. Both models come with Hybrid LSD (Limited Slip Differential), which combines the torque-sensing benefit of helical gears and a speed-sensing benefit of a viscous coupling unit.
Besides top class 4WD hardware, both the Triton and Pajero Sport are powered by a robust and strong 2.5-litre commonrail diesel engine. This 136 PS and 314 Nm DI-D engine is a modern unit with DOHC, 16 valves and intercooler turbo. The range topping 3.2-litre engine in the Triton offers more power and torque still – 160 PS and 343 Nm to be exact. Both engines are paired to a smooth shifting 4-speed automatic transmission, with INVECS-II logic and Sports Mode in the Pajero Sport.
Car of the Year Awards
The Mitsubishi Triton has won best in Category Autocar ASEAN Awards at least four times as well as New Straits Times/Maybank Car of the Year Awards four times. It is the only truck in Malaysia that can claim to have an entire range of award-winning variants.
The Triton full range consists of the 3.2-litre 4×4 Automatic, Triton 2.5-litre 4×4 Automatic and Manual, Triton 2.5-litre 4×4 Standard Manual and Triton Lite 2.5-litre 4×2 Manual.
Motor Sports
Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in motor sports, including a record-breaking 7th consecutive victory at the Dakar Rally in 2007. Mitsubishi Motors has achieved an unequalled 12 overall victories in 25 years, a track record that is reflected in the performance and quality of the Mitsubishi Motors vehicles.
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