Mitsubishi shares Outlander platform architecture

MITSUBISHI’S ZG Outlander is the first of a host of new models to be built off the company’s new GS platform.

Devised in concert with DaimlerChrysler, which dubs the platform ‘JS’, it also serves as the basis for a variety of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep passenger vehicles.

Australians have already had a taste of GS/JS with the Dodge Caliber small car released here in August. For Mitsubishi, the GS platform will see action underneath the next all-new Lancer.

Due in the last quarter of 2007, and to debut at the Detroit motor show in January, it will underpin the boldly styled four-door sedan.

A fastback-like five-door hatchback does not arrive until around October 2008. Hot-performance fans will have to wait a little longer, however, with the Lancer Evolution 10 not expected to arrive in Australia before the end of 2008.

The Lancer cannot come soon enough for Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd (MMAL), as it struggles to keep its ageing, and conservatively styled, CG Lancer series competitive against much newer and more dynamic competition.

Mitsubishi will also use a variation of the GS platform for the replacement of its long-lived Delica crossover.

Announced on October 30, and to be launched in Japan early next year, the Delica D-5 (for fifth-generation Delica the model dates back to 1968) uses contemporary monobox styling, and can seat up to eight people.

Previously based on the commercial van-based Express, the Delica combines 4WD ability with a people-mover body style. DaimlerChrysler is also expected to use the Delica’s GS platform development for its own version of an SUV crossover, although the similarities between the two vehicles will end there.

Still on Mitsubishi, the next-generation Galant, a close relative to the company’s Adelaide-built 380 sedan, is expected to be spun off a further development of the GS platform.

Little is known of this car, except that its release is not too far away for the lucrative US market, where the current, North America-only Galant is produced.

It is highly unlikely that it will arrive in Australia in the short to mid-term, as the Galant’s similarity to the 380 makes it an unviable proposition for MMAL.

An indication of the size of the next Galant is probably ascertainable by studying the recently unveiled Chrysler Sebring, DaimlerChrysler’s big hope against the hugely popular Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, and a proud user of the JS hardware.

Due in Australia in the middle of 2007, the Sebring has also already spawned a close cousin, in the Dodge Avenger.

Also coming early next year are the first passenger car-based Jeep models: the Compass and the squarer-jawed Patriot.

Employing the JS platform, as well as variations of the Outlander’s 2.4-litre engine, both are charged with giving the US 4WD icon a stronger presence in the popular compact/urban SUV segment.

DaimlerChrysler is also set to build the second-generation PT Cruiser retro wagon on the JS base.