1997 Mitsubishi Tetra

TETRA (Thoroughbred styling Ergonomic multi function interior Technologically advanced sporty performance RISE & All-round information system)

(1) Concept

To a 'Sophisticated outdoor leisure vehicle for urban dwellers' theme, this new-genre SÚV brings together sporty performance and 21st century levels of safety, comfort and utility. Fun to own and fun to use in all situations, whether everyday driving about town or zipping down to your favorite leisure destination.

(2) Útility

Packaging

Measuring 4505 mm long x 1855 mm wide and 1645 mm high, TETRA's packaging combines sporty performance with superior carrying capacity for outdoor leisure equipment and other items.

Overall height is significantly lower than current SÚV's, and with its low center of gravity powertrain layout, wide tracks and wide tires, TETRA delivers agile, stable tarmac performance.

At 558 mm, the cabin floor is 200 mm lower than SÚV's on the market today, making loading and unloading bulky and heavy leisure equipment much easier. And at 1050 mm high, the luggage compartment takes mountain bikes and makes TETRA's interior ideal for outdoor leisure use. A low-friction floor covering makes shifting heavy items around easier, and is ideal for carrying wet equipment.

The front and rear doors both open at the center line, facilitating entry and exit and the loading of small items of luggage. The tailgate comprises a lower section with side-by-side gates that open at the center line, and an upper section with a power-operated window that slides up into the roof to open.

Seat arrangements

The rear seats are ultra-lightweight and have smaller squab cushions. They may be removed from the vehicle and used as beach chairs or folded back to provide a cargo retainer.

The two basic seating patterns provide seating for two with generous luggage space, or seating for four. A third row of seats may be fitted in the luggage compartment.

A walk-through aisle allows movement between the front seats and the luggage compartment. Opening the power-operated tailgate window realizes a pickup truck-like space ideal for carrying longer items.

(3) Safety

Pedestrian-friendly outer panels and shape

The leading edge of the engine hood is shaped for good visibility, and the flexible plastic bumper provides pedestrian protection. A gap between hood and internal frame provides a generous impact-absorbing stroke, while the hood itself employs an energy-absorbing construction. A flexible plastic protector runs around the perimeter of the body, helping to give TETRA safety performance superior to current SÚV's.

AYC (Active Yaw Control)

TETRA employs Mitsubishi's AYC advanced active safety system that transfers torque to the offside wheel and generates a yaw (turning) moment in a 4WD vehicle to equalize the loading on the tires and improve cornering performance.

Airbag system

Safety body

TETRA uses a high energy-absorbing body construction that meets Japanese crash safety requirements as well as providing high levels of frontal offset and side crash safety.

(4) Drivetrain

Engine

TETRA is powered by the 6G72 3.0-liter V6 GDI 24-valve DOHC unit, a member of Mitsubishi's revolutionary ultra-efficiency GDI family of eco-engines that combine frugal fuel economy with higher power outputs.

INVECS-II with Sports Mode 5-speed automatic transmission

Mitsubishi's smart automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control, Optimum Shift Control, clutch-less manual override and Japan's first Dash-Shift Selector makes driving easier, and more fun.

Electronically controlled full-time 4WD

TETRA uses a derivative of Mitsubishi's center differential full-time 4WD, incorporating fuzzy logic control of the hydraulically operated multi-plate clutch to provide optimal torque split ranging from 32:68 to direct-coupled 4WD, automatically and flexibly as required by different surface conditions.

(5) Design

TETRA's design wraps the comfortable mobile space and superior load capability required to enjoy outdoor leisure in an appearance characterized by a strong presence and a stability that befits a new-form SÚV. This concept model naturally gives careful attention to safety and environmental considerations.

(6) Other features

Wheels and tires

An exclusive design of alloy road wheel is shod with special 255 / 40ZR19 all-terrain tires to give TETRA mountain-goat traction on all surfaces.

Suspension

TETRA uses the LEGNÚM's 4-wheel multi-link arrangement optimally tuned for SÚV requirements. The rear suspension incorporates a self-leveling mechanism that keeps the body attitude regardless of the load.

Source - Mitsubishi