Mitsubishi Motors to Unveil 'SUW Advance' and 'SUW Compact' concept cars At 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces that it will be displaying a total of 22 exhibits at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show, to be held on Tuesday 14 September through Sunday 26 September. The 'SUW Advance' and 'SUW Compact' concept cars will be joined on the stands by the GDI*1-Sigma series and models such as the Pajero Pinin, Carisma, Space Star, Galant, Colt (Mirage in Japan), Eclipse, Space Runner (RVR), Pajero, L200 (Strada), Pajero Dakar Rally 99 model.

Mitsubishi Motors looks to the future with the SUW Advance concept car with GDI-HEV power train

Mitsubishi's car making philosophy for the future centres on developing cars, which are friendly to people and the environment. The Mitsubishi SUW (smart utility wagon) Advance is one embodiment of that philosophy. It has been developed to be an ultra-economical car with worldwide appeal and features what Mitsubishi Motors calls 'smart design' and incorporates 'ecology conscious' technologies.

GDI-HEV power train contributes to an exceptional fuel economy of just 3.6 litres per 100 km

The GDI-HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) power train, which drives the SUW Advance, is one of the GDI-Sigma technologies that Mitsubishi Motors has developed to maximise the inherent advantages of the GDI engine (see full story in GDI-Sigma Press Release). The GDI-HEV can deliver greater efficiency, performance and compactness than an HEV powered by a conventional engine at an accessible price due to the GDI's precise combustion control and response.

The heart of the system is a naturally aspirated, 1.5-litre GDI engine that delivers 105 PS and 14.3 kgom of torque. Unlike a conventional petrol engine, in the GDI, petrol is directly injected into the cylinder. Other system components include a simple CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), an integrated motor-generator, and small lithium-ion batteries.

Precise control of the engine and transmission makes possible a multi-mode HEV system that allows drivers to choose between normal mode and power mode. In normal mode, the SUW Advance demonstrates outstanding fuel economy. Power mode delivers satisfying acceleration comparable to that of much larger power plants

The GDI-HEV also uses the GDI's precise torque control abilities to minimise the abrupt jerking, which can occur when the engine cuts in and out, giving a noticeably smoother driving experience than previous hybrid systems.

To reduce energy consumption further, the GDI-HEV has a brake energy regeneration system to convert the SUW Advance's kinetic energy into electricity, which is stored by the batteries until needed. In situations where the lack of deceleration means that there is little brake energy regeneration, the GDI runs in Ultra-Lean Combustion Mode.

Perhaps most importantly, the cost of this extremely economical and practical HEV is not prohibitive. The GDI engine is a proven, mass-production technology (over 600,000 in use worldwide up to August 1999). Harnessing the GDI's inherent advantages reduces the size and power requirements (as well as the price) of the motor and batteries.

Ecologically conscious design from start to finish

Designing an ecologically sound vehicle means considering many different factors such as aerodynamics, weight, rolling resistance, and recyclability. The SUW Advance takes all of these to new levels of sophistication.

Its sleek body promotes smooth airflow because it has minimal body protrusions, tapered roof and sides, and optimised curves and angles. There is a flat undertray and rear suspension design to keep airflow smooth below the body. The rear underside's two-stage diffuser reduces lift and drag. The front grille only opens fully when the water temperature rises. At higher speeds, it opens just wide enough to ensure adequate cooling, thereby minimising drag. Otherwise, it remains closed as an HEV system characteristically requires little cooling.

The SUW Advance weighs just 980 kg, without compromising collision safety. Aluminium was used for the bonnet, doors and suspension components. The bumper, wings and other exterior body panels were made from durable lightweight resin. The result is a lightweight body that maintains structural integrity.

The SUW Advance's specially designed tyres reduce rolling resistance, yet maintain excellent grip, even on wet surfaces. The tyres resist wear and last longer, thereby further reducing environmental impact. Their 'run flat' construction allows a larger cabin by eliminating the need for a spare tyre.

Mitsubishi Motors has designed the SUW Advance to encourage recycling. The SUW Advance is made of modular units for easy disassembly. Many components share the same material or compounds, and all the resin parts are labelled for easy sorting. As a result, more than 90% of the SUW Advance can be recycled.

An eco-driving advice system monitors the driver's actions and provides advice such as when to brake and accelerate, further encouraging economical driving. The driver can use the system to communicate with other users via the Internet to exchange views about environmental preservation, or to contact Mitsubishi about the car itself.

Intelligent active safety features help the driver avoid accidents

Other technologies ensure that the SUW Advance contributes to both economy and safety. These include ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems), which promote safer, more efficient and stress-free highway travel. These systems will integrate the latest external traffic control information with the vehicle's on-board navigation systems to guide drivers to their destinations using the most efficient and least congested routes. ITS will also eliminate the need for drivers to stop at tollbooths on motorways, as it will simply scan and record fees automatically. The millimeter wave radar sensor instructs the car's main computer to maintain a safe and efficient distance from the vehicle in front.

Good visibility is critical to accident prevention. The forward-facing camera alerts the driver that he or she is inadvertently wandering within the lane or has drifted out of the lane. A lane tracking system first warns the driver with an aural alarm and then by vibrating the steering wheel. If necessary, it will correct the steering and slow the vehicle. The rear-facing camera in the tailgate shows its view on the large central monitor, allowing safer lane changes by eliminating rear blind spots.

Smart design makes SUW Advance friendly to people of all ages

The exterior was designed to be 'a compact car with worldwide appeal that is comfortable for both children and adults.' The pronounced curves of the rounded silhouette and the smooth-flowing lines of the aero-roof and aero-cabin reflect the owner's sophisticated tastes. The rectilinear lower body looks reassuringly stable, while hinting at the comfortable ride and expansive interior space.

But smart design does not stop at the exterior: It goes far deeper than that. The SUW Advance is packed with features that make driving and using the vehicle an interesting, exciting and rewarding experience. When driving, the easy-access door handles are recessed into the body to improve aerodynamics. Touching the pivot causes the handle to pop out.

The unique double doors make it easy for people of all ages to enter or leave the SUW Advance. The doors open fore and aft, with no central pillar blocking access for people or goods. Built-in overlapping pillars, frame and sturdy latches at the top and bottom of the doors provide excellent protection in a side collision.

The low and flat floor makes the interior incredibly spacious and versatile. With a wide variety of seating arrangements, and a two-way tailgate, the SUW Advance has a comfortable interior that is ideal for people and all the things they like to take with them.

The cabin has a host of high technology features. There is an IC card, which memorises personal driving information, such as seating and steering column positions, and ensures that each driver is in the perfect position. A convenient multi-joystick groups many controls together, allowing the driver to concentrate on driving.

With the SUW Advance, Mitsubishi Motors has a very clear vision of how the future will look, feel and drive.

Mitsubishi Motors' SUW Compact concept car combines ecological consciousness and universal design

The Mitsubishi SUW (smart utility wagon) concept involves developing cars that are more friendly to both people and the environment. The SUW Compact is Mitsubishi's vision of the compact cars for the near future: environmentally friendly, versatile, nimble and safe. Tomorrow's urban sophisticate will benefit from the advances that are being introduced in this intelligent new car that is everything an urban car should be: compact and stylish outside, yet spacious and comfortable inside.

A new type of urban compact car

The SUW Compact is the latest embodiment of Mitsubishi's corporate policy, which is to provide superior, distinctive products that are ecologically conscious and have smart design. The objective of smart design is to create a car that offers all its occupants, not just the driver, a stress-free journey. Detailed attention to utility and comprehensive safety technology will make the SUW Compact an integral part of its users' lifestyles.

The development theme of the SUW Compact was a 'smart urban runner,' based on the SUW concept. Leading-edge technology was then added to the underlying ecologically conscious and smart design elements, creating a vehicle that lives up to its name. The SUW Compact offers lively, highly responsive performance, while being extremely economical. Its compact body is perfect for urban mobility, yet provides plenty of interior space and a reassuring level of safety.

GDI-ASG gives the SUW Compact outstanding fuel economy and natural-feeling starting

The SUW Compact features a newly developed 1.1-litre GDI rated at an impressive 78 PS/6,000 rpm and 10.5 kgom/4,000 rpm, providing the kind of perky performance needed in a modern urban setting. The real advance in terms of ecological consciousness is the addition of the ASG (Automatic Stop & Go) system, part of Mitsubishi Motors' GDI-Sigma technologies (see separate release for complete details).

The GDI-ASG takes advantage of the GDI's fasting starting ability to overcome the major disadvantage of previous idling-stop systems, namely delayed restart. Because the GDI takes only 1/6 of revolution to start, GDI-ASG restarts the engine before the clutch is completely engaged and the gear lever moved. This superior starting gives the SUW Compact the kind of performance that will feel natural to most drivers.

Ecological awareness, economy and style come to town

In addition to the 1.1-litre GDI, the SUW Compact has other measures that make it extremely economical. Despite its semi-tall body, it has an outstanding drag coefficient of just CD 0.30. With these and other measures, the SUW Compact's fuel economy is an excellent 4.5 litres per 100 km. If the vehicle's weight is reduced by another 50 kg and is fitted with a semi-automatic transmission with a dry clutch, the SUW Compact will comply with the European 3-litre car standard (3.8 litres of petrol per 100 km). Harmful substances have been minimised in favour of environmentally friendly materials that have been, and can be, recycled.

The SUW Compact will allow urban users to enjoy every aspect of driving, from dynamics to comfort and relaxation, while remaining environmentally responsible.

Smart design leads to a people-friendly car

The SUW Compact's exterior design theme was 'smart and active runner.' This was achieved through its distinctive aerodynamic shape with well-defined curves and flowing lines. Its free-flowing organic shape also projects the driver's ecological awareness.

Safety was the top priority from the fundamental construction down to the smallest details. The SUW Compact's safety-enhanced body structure demonstrated excellent occupant protection from every direction in tests, which included the European 64 km/h ODB (Offset Deformable Barrier), 50 km/h side and 50 km/h rear tests. The safety-enhanced body is complemented by an array of other safety features like SRS front airbags, SRS side airbags built into the seatbacks, ABS and brake assistance.

The SUW Compact has dimensions that really live up to its name. It is a mere 3,580 mm long, 1,685 mm wide and 1,515 mm high. Short front and rear overhangs give it the excellent manoeuvrability vital to an urban runabout. An attribute assisted by a turning radius of just 4.4 metres.

Inside as well as out

Despite its modest overall dimensions, the SUW Compact has a relatively large cabin. The interior design theme was 'user-friendly universal design'. Getting in and out of the SUW Compact is easy for people of all ages. The doors are 1,270 mm long and open to a wide 65o. Once inside, the 590-mm hip point allows occupants to sit in a natural posture. This, combined with the high eye line and low belt line, makes the car airy, comfortable and easy to drive.

The interior is a haven of gentle design in the harsh city environment. The free-flowing lines of the wings are continued in the armrests and door trim. The highly legible instruments are housed in an innovative central cluster and the left and right hand sides of the dashboard have storage compartments large enough to hold a woman's handbag. The harmony between the exterior and interior design makes the SUW Compact extremely distinctive and gives it worldwide appeal.

by Mitsubishi