October 2002 Volume 83 Number 10 "serving the protectors"
Motoring
By Jim Barnett

Dusting off the rivals

Mitsubishi claims that, in its hot new Ralliart Magna, it has a sedan that will dust off Ford’s XR6 and XR8, and Holden’s HSV XU6.

And its performance is exceptional. Driven sedately, it exhibits that smooth refined feel, for which Magna is renowned. Plant the foot, and this thing bites. Its acceleration is exhilarating.

Looking like a Batmobile, it goes from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.71 seconds, and covers 400 metres from standstill in 14.78 seconds.

It also corners, brakes and steers superbly, and even has an exhaust with a bark.

Under the bonnet is a souped-up version of Mitsubishi’s punchy 3.5-litre V6 engine. Improvements include:

• A high-lift camshaft.
• Sports exhaust.
• New cylinder head.
• Increased compression ratio.
• Stainless steel exhaust headers.
• Revised engine management calibration.

Peak power is an impressive 180kW at 5,500rpm and maximum torque 333Nm at 4,000rpm.

On the outside, an aggressive body kit makes this the most purposeful looking Magna ever built. The sporty air dam up front is just a bit too low and could be easily damaged. Side body skirts and 17-inch Enkei alloy wheels with 225/50 Pirellis enhance its profile. At the rear is a large exhaust outlet and monstrous twin-deck boot spoiler.

Inside, firm but very comfortable sports-style seats feature red inserts and the Ralliart logo. Red gauges and a unique red and black, leather-bound Momo steering wheel contrast with silver finishes to the centre dash and console areas.

Mitsubishi has used a torque-sensing limited-slip differential on the manual version but, when pushed hard, it can exhibit harsh torque-steer in lower gears. A very good traction-control system – on auto models – controls things better. Both transmissions are five-speed; the auto features a “sports” (manual) mode.

Engineers used the same spring rates as those on the VR-X, but Koni struts and shock absorbers were substituted. Twin-piston front callipers, larger rotors (ventilated on the front) and ABS with EBD ensure good stopping.

Ralliart Magna is stacked with goodies and retails for $48,990. Its standard equipment includes:

• Trip computer.
• Climate-control air conditioning.
• High-power six-disc multi-speaker audio system with remote control.
• Cruise control.
• Dual airbags.

The only option is an electric sunroof for $1,850.

Belting out the power

Diesel-engine technology has come a long way in the past few years. The latest offerings are a far cry from the sluggish oil-burners of old. Mitsubishi has introduced a new diesel to the NM Pajero which, on paper, blows the opposition away. Replacing Pajero’s dated 2.8-litre diesel engine is a new turbo-charged 3.2-litre four-cylinder direct-injection power plant.

Codenamed 4M41, the new engine belts out an impressive 121kW of power at 3,800rpm and has 373Nm of torque available at 2,000rpm. It boasts more power and torque than any other diesel in its class. On a Police Journal test drive it gave a performance akin to a vehicle with a V6 petrol engine.

In addition to its larger displacement, the new engine features direct injection, through which the fuel spray goes directly into the combustion bowl on the top of the piston. This reduces heat loss and makes the engine much quieter than an indirect diesel engine.

Improved breathing efficiency is a result of its new four-valve, DOHC configuration. This translates to claims of 25 per cent better fuel economy, a 25 per cent increase in power and a 28 per cent increase in torque over the engine it replaces. Where the old 2.8-litre took 17.3 seconds to reach 100km/h from a standing start, the new motor takes just 12 seconds.

This engine’s on-road performance is spectacular for a diesel. Around town it has no trouble keeping pace with the traffic. On the highway, it has very long legs – the engine spinning is a leisurely 2,300rpm to maintain 110km/h. Highway overtaking is accomplished quickly and effortlessly.

Impressive torque provides plenty of punch on long hills, often without the need to change out of overdrive. As for fuel efficiency, one 4x4 magazine recently quoted 10.7 litres/100km on a test that included off-road work. As with most diesels, low range reduction is very good.

All diesel models now have cruise-control as standard equipment, while a slick five-speed sports-mode automatic transmission is optional. Mitsubishi should see a substantial increase in demand for its diesel Pajeros, especially the automatic version.

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