Electric Cars

A Legacy Reimagined: The Return and Expansion of Pajero

The Grand Return of a Legend

After a five-year absence, the Mitsubishi Pajero has made a triumphant return. To compensate for its hiatus, the resurrected off-road vehicle will not be a standalone model. Mitsubishi has revealed ambitious plans to transform the esteemed nameplate into a comprehensive family of vehicles, integrating at least two smaller SUV variants alongside the flagship.

Introducing the Flagship Model and Its Siblings

The initial member of this renewed family has already been unveiled. This new Pajero stands as a formidable off-roader, built upon a ladder-frame chassis derived from the robust Triton pickup truck. During its global debut, smaller, covered prototypes of a compact and an even more diminutive SUV were briefly showcased in the background. While specific details regarding these forthcoming models remain scarce, their significantly smaller dimensions were evident.

Dimensions and Robust Construction of the Flagship

The flagship model is notably the largest within the burgeoning lineup. It boasts a length of 4,920 millimeters (193.7 inches), a width of 1,925 mm (75.8 inches), and a height of 1,910 mm (75.2 inches), conforming to the expected footprint of a full-size SUV. A generous 2,870-mm (113.0-inch) wheelbase ensures ample space for three rows of seating, while its ladder-frame construction provides the essential durability for demanding off-road excursions.

Structural Design for Future Pajero Models

A key question revolves around the structural integrity of the forthcoming smaller models. Mitsubishi has yet to confirm whether the compact and smaller SUVs will feature the robust body-on-frame construction, akin to the flagship, or opt for more conventional unibody architectures. The latter seems more probable, particularly for the entry-level Pajero, which appears remarkably compact. Developing an entirely new platform would entail significant costs, a consideration for any automotive manufacturer.

Market Launch and Global Reach

The flagship Pajero is scheduled for its initial release in Thailand, where it is manufactured, before its phased introduction into other global markets. Mitsubishi intends to launch the new Pajero in over 100 countries and regions, with the "Montero" designation being adopted in certain areas. Regrettably, North America is not included in the immediate launch plans, but a recent teaser image offers hope for a future introduction to the region before the decade concludes.

Strategic Expansion and Brand Integrity

Mitsubishi's decision to evolve the Pajero into a family of vehicles is a sound strategic move, moving beyond a mere nostalgic revival. The flagship model's robust capabilities justify its heritage, while smaller derivatives could attract a broader customer base who may not require a full-sized SUV. If Mitsubishi effectively positions these new models, the Pajero brand could rival the increasingly diverse Land Cruiser series. This trend is also evident with Mercedes-Benz's development of a smaller G-Class, underscoring the enduring appeal of off-road SUVs.

Maintaining Off-Road Credibility

The crucial challenge lies in how much of the flagship's rugged character will be retained in the smaller variants. While a trio of ladder-frame SUVs may not be necessary, the smaller Pajeros must possess sufficient off-road prowess to uphold the brand's reputation. After previous strategic missteps with nameplates like the Eclipse, it is encouraging to witness Mitsubishi re-establishing the Pajero with a clear connection to its roots. The company's next step is to ensure that these new models enhance, rather than dilute, the distinctive qualities of the Pajero name.

Ford's Heritage Fleet has triumphantly brought back to life a legendary, one-of-a-kind V10 Mustang prototype. This extraordinary vehicle, which had been relegated to storage for an extended period, was perilously close to being dismantled. Its revival is a cause for celebration among automotive enthusiasts, offering a rare glimpse into Ford's inventive engineering past.

The Reawakening of a Ten-Cylinder Beast

The saga of this distinct Mustang began approximately twenty-five years ago. A team of Ford engineers embarked on an ambitious, seemingly impractical endeavor: to equip a Mustang with a ten-cylinder engine. This clandestine initiative ultimately bore fruit in the form of the V10 Boss 351 Prototype, a fully operational Mustang coupe.

Recently, Ford's Heritage Fleet, collaborating with several members of the original design team, undertook the meticulous task of restoring the car to its former glory. Given its prolonged dormancy, the prototype necessitated extensive restoration work beyond a mere jump-start. The team systematically refurbished its electronic and mechanical systems. Following this comprehensive overhaul, the Mustang underwent a dynamometer test, revealing an impressive output of over 510 horsepower and 480 lb-ft (651 Nm) of torque at the wheels. While an exact crankshaft horsepower figure was not disclosed, an estimated 15 percent drivetrain loss suggests the engine's output is close to 600 hp, a remarkable achievement for its era.

Instead of repurposing a Triton V10 from Ford's existing truck lineup, the engineers ingeniously adapted the 4.6-liter four-valve DOHC Modular V8 engine from the Mustang Cobra R. They essentially augmented the architecture with two additional cylinders, integrating components from two 4.6-liter engines and crafting bespoke cylinder heads and camshafts. This innovative approach resulted in a 5.8-liter, all-aluminum, short-stroke, high-revving DOHC V10 engine.

For the powertrain management, the engineers devised a creative, improvised solution. They interconnected two Triton Engine Control Units (ECUs), with each unit overseeing a bank of cylinders. Power was efficiently transmitted to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

The return of this V10 Mustang prototype underscores a pivotal moment in Ford's history, showcasing a period when engineering creativity flourished without the constraints of mass production feasibility. This vehicle stands as a powerful reminder of the audacious spirit that once drove automotive innovation, allowing engineers to push boundaries and explore unconventional concepts. Its preservation is not merely about restoring a car; it's about safeguarding a tangible piece of automotive heritage that continues to inspire and captivate enthusiasts, reinforcing the idea that some experiments, no matter how unconventional, are truly worth saving.