This is Mitsubishi's design for the next version of its popular SUV, the Pajero. First introduced back in 1981, the off-roader will continue to market itself as a strong working model, playing on its record of eight victories in the legendary Paris-Dakar desert rally.
While it will not be available before late 2005 and possibly 2006, the new model is expected to feature more comfort and safety elements than the current model.
It carries the new trademark steel logo and large spine up the centre of the bonnet - one of the first changes introduced by Mitsubishi's new design chief Oliver Boulay.
As can be seen in this styling, the Japanese firm plans to continue the charm of the robust desert-proved off-road machine while carefully adding a few lifestyle features. Top priority, especially for American demands, is a V8, likely to come from Chrysler. Diesel engines will come as six-cylinder units rather than four-cylinder units. However, the diesel engines will not be coming from Mercedes as an exchange of parts was refused by the Germans (an exception is the exchange of parts for the new Smart Fourfour and the Mitsubishi Colt).
As with the current model, the new Pajero will get a unibody construction as a rigid ladder frame was regarded as too heavy - especially since most customers use the car on road much more than off road.
The new model will come in five-metre four-door version (offering a third row of seats as an option), the new Pajero will also be available as a shorter two-door Sport-SUV, closely related to the Pajero Evolution concept car.