2006 Mitsubishi Raider Blazes New Trail With Style And Sets New Performance Standard For Import-Brand Mid-Size Trucks

• New mid-size truck is the only import brand to offer a 4.7-liter V-8 engine
    . 230 hp, class leading 290 lb-ft of torque
    . Five-speed automatic transmission exclusive to V-8
• Excellent towing capacity – 6,500 lbs
• Standard 3.7-liter V-6 engine
    . Getrag six-speed manual or four-speed automatic options with V-6
• Bold, aggressive stance and distinctive styling
• Fully boxed steel frame with hydro-formed rail tips
• 40 cubic ft cargo capacity
• XLS luxury appointments include leather-surfaced bucket seats, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, power driver’s seat, Bluetooth hands-free phone link, optional 500-watt sound system with six-disc CD/MP3 player, available side-curtain air bags
• Raider starts at the surprisingly low price of less than $20,000

PORTLAND, Ore. (Aug. 8, 2005) – Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) introduces a bold new face to the mid-size truck market, with a name to match. The 2006 Mitsubishi Raider’s styling underscores the truck’s active, muscular appeal, undeniable attitude and purposeful stance. The design incorporates signature cues from the Mitsubishi family of vehicles – including the Endeavor SUV and the all-new Eclipse coupe.

But the Raider is much more than just a pretty face. Powered by a V-6 or optional V-8 engine, the Raider is available in two different cab configurations, as well as unique interior and exterior styling distinctive to Mitsubishi. The Raider, based on the Dodge Dakota mid-size truck, will be built at DaimlerChrysler’s Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Mich.

“Whether at work or play, our target buyers are passionate about what they do, and the Raider captures this passion and sense of purpose in the truck they drive,” said Rich Gilligan, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America. “The Raider gets the job done, in style.”

The Raider is yet another example of Mitsubishi’s ability to develop a distinctive product for a unique consumer group. It is designed for active truck buyers; people who need the cargo-carrying capacity of a truck, but who do also want the aesthetic appeal that has become synonymous with Mitsubishi. Many will view this truck as an SUV alternative.

But despite its stylish look, power and toughness have not been compromised in Mitsubishi’s mid-size truck. True to its heritage, the Raider is the only mid-size import nameplate pickup truck to offer a 4.7-liter V-8 engine. Available in a combination of extended and double cab body styles, two- and four-wheel drive models and potent V-6 and V-8 engine options, the Raider offers a configuration for nearly every conceivable need.

Mitsubishi’s re-entry into the truck market rounds out its model lineup that features world-class sedans, SUVs and sporty cars, including the Galant, all-new Eclipse, Endeavor and Lancer Evolution — each a standout in its respective import segment.

Standout Exterior Design
Charged with establishing a new benchmark in truck design, designers at the Mitsubishi Motors Design Center in Cypress, Calif., stepped outside the box in creating the new Raider. Its dynamic look with an urban edge is highlighted by a sporty “one line” flush profile and curved full surfaces complemented by a distinctive hood, flared wheel arches and step-side style fenders that give the Raider a toned, muscular physique. A thin upper grille and thick lower bumper provide the Raider with an aggressive demeanor reminiscent of other Mitsubishi models. High-tech head lamps and tail lamps round out the Raider’s standout design.

Power And Toughness
The Raider takes no prisoners in terms of performance. The Raider’s V-8 engine – the largest among mid-size imports and in fact the only import nameplate V-8 in the mid-size import truck category – produces 230 horsepower and class–leading 290 pound-feet of torque. The truck bed features more than 40 cubic feet of hauling capacity, ideal for handling a variety of jobs and odd-shaped cargo. Its fully boxed, hydro-formed and roll-formed steel frame creates an extremely rigid body, and in combination with the front independent suspension, helps to create a comfortable and capable ride and handling package.

Unexpected Interior Amenities
The Raider is loaded with interior amenities, distinguishing it from other, more conventional mid-size trucks. Premium options tailored to the Raider’s target buyer include leather seating surfaces, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone link interface and high-output sound system with 10-inch subwoofer, six-disc CD changer and MP3 player – all sure to please even the most discernable driver.

Models And Features

LS Extended Cab
The Raider LS Extended Cab model features a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 engine that produces 235 pound-feet of torque. It is available with a choice of Getrag six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The chassis features power rack and pinion steering, heavy duty suspension, vented front disc brakes and rear drum brakes with anti-lock brakes, and front and rear stabilizer bars. The LS trim line features 16x7-inch full-face steel wheels and 245/70R16 on-and-off road tires, with a full-size spare tire.

Other standard features include air conditioning, tachometer, tinted glass, rear-access doors, rear fixed window, large 5x7-inch adjustable side-view mirrors, fender whip antenna, variable intermittent wipers, AM/FM/CD player with four speakers, cargo bed tie-downs, front bench seat (40/20/40 split), power outlets, dual front reading lamps and front and rear cup holders.

LS Extended Cab Power and Convenience Package options include power windows and locks, keyless entry, 5x7-inch power mirrors, second-row seat, floor mats, cruise control and a tilt steering column.

DuroCross V-6 Extended Cab
The Raider DuroCross V-6 Extended Cab adds a number of standard performance and appearance enhancements for more adventuresome drivers. These include 16-inch alloy wheels, 265/70R16 all-season tires, fog lamps, power 6x9-inch heated fold-away mirrors, deep tinted side glass, sliding rear window, leather-trimmed steering wheel, DuroCross floor mats, fender flares with mudguards, side steps and a box bed liner, heavy duty cooling system and 750-amp battery as well as a number of exterior trim enhancements. The 4WD model adds LT265/70R16 BFGoodrich All Terrain tires, high-pressure gas shocks, a skid plate package and limited slip differential.

DuroCross V-8 Extended Cab
The DuroCross V-8 Extended Cab model packs a considerable punch, featuring a powerful 4.7-liter V-8 engine that combines with two- or four-wheel drive. Additional standard equipment includes machine-finished alloy wheels, power driver’s seat, satin-finish interior accents and Bluetooth hands free phone link. A heavy-duty towing package is standard. An optional high-output premium sound system features AM/FM/SIRIUS Satellite Radio, six-disc CD changer, subwoofer, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Bucket seats are installed with this optional package.

LS and DuroCross Double Cab Models
The Raider LS Double Cab is available with Mitsubishi’s 3.7-liter V-6 engine and DuroCross Double Cabs come with either the V-6 or largest-in-import class 4.7-liter V-8. More than 100 cubic feet of interior space in all Raider Double Cab models provide comfort and room for up to five people and their gear. Both Durocross Double Cab models can be equipped with a Sound Package featuring AM/FM/SIRIUS Satellite Radio with six-disc CD changer and steering wheel audio controls. A heavy-duty trailer tow package is standard on DuroCross V-8 models.

XLS Double Cab
The XLS Double Cab comes equipped with a 4.7-liter V-8 engine, five-speed automatic transmission, hands-free communication, automatic dimming rear view mirror, Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package and High-Output Audio Package. Also standard are front bucket seats, center console, rear window defrost, power 6x9-inch heated mirrors, and the Leather Package, featuring heated leather seating surfaces. A Full-Time AWD Package also is available. In addition, a Security Package is offered with side curtain air bags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes and an engine key immobilizer.
 

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