Mitsubishi car history
1917
The Mitsubishi Model-A takes its place in Japanese history as a pioneer
of the first mass-production passenger car.
1936
PX33 is introduced as Japan’s first 4-wheel drive production car. This
was the origin of Mitsubishi 4WD technology.
1962
Mitsubishi Motor’s inaugural international motorsports event, the Macau
Grand Prix (under 750cc class). Mitsubishi 500 sets a new course record
and wins its class.
1970
Mitsubishi begins building a reputation in America with the launch of the
Colt under the Dodge nameplate.
1970
Galant GTO launches in Japan, featuring the first 4G-series engine and setting
the stage for development for the Lancer Evolution.
1972
Mitsubishi enters the Colt F2000 Formula racecar and wins in a highly competitive
Japanese open-wheel grand Prix. Mitsubishi applies aircraft technology to equip
the Colt F2000 with a side radiator and wedge line.
1974
Looking for the ultimate test of durability, Mitsubishi enters the Lancer 1600GSR
in the East African Safari Rally and dominates the competition with a first-second-
third place sweep.
1976
Mitsubishi develops breakthrough Silent Shaft engine technology, leading to a patented
method to reduce vibration in large-displacement four-cylinder engines. The technology
allows four-cylinder engines to operate comparably with six-cylinder engines in terms of
smoothness. Mitsubishi then licenses the technology to Porsche. Saab and fait.
1980
Mitsubishi is the first to engineer a turbocharged diese! engine for passenger cars in Japan.
1982
The Mitsubishi Motors marquee is introduced in America with three subsequent models: the Tredia,
Cordia and Starion, and begins the development of Japanese turbocharged technology.
1985
With his third appearance in the toughest race in the world, Patrick Zaniroli makes endurance
race history by winning the Dakkar Rally with the Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero the first of many
rally wins to come.
1989
Motor Trend magazine names the Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 Import Car of the year.
1990
Mitsubishi is first in the world to design a Traction Control System.
1990
The breakthrough 3000GT uses active aerodynamics to increase downforce at higher speeds, the first
Japanese production vehicle to utilize this technology. Also equipped with innovative features such
as six-cylinder twin-turbo engine. Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) and all-wheel steering.
1990
Mitsubishi Motors launches the Eclipse in America with the turbocharged 4G63 engine and all-wheel
drive technology. Makes Car and Driver’s ’10 Best List from 1989 through 1992.
1994
Japan Car Research and Journalist Conference honors Sportronic INVECS adaptive shift control as
Technology of the Year.
1995
Company leads the development of environmentally friendly engineering by launching the world’s first
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine. Unlike ordinary engines GDI enables fuel to be injected directly
into the cylinder for lean-burn combustion.
1996
With a Dakar Rally-tested Active TracTM 4WD system, Montero Sport quickly establishes itself as a highly
capable off-road midsize SUV in the U.S and around the world.
2003
Mitsubishi introduces the Lancer Evolution in America and Automobile magazine promptly honors it as 2003
Automobile of the Year.
2005
The 4th generation Eclipse’s beautiful design follows the design cues of Eclipse Concept E, which earns a
2005 industry Design Excellence Award.
2006
The 2nd generation Outlander is the first compact SUV to offer an environmentally friendly PZEV V6 engine,
a lightweight aluminum roof, magnesium paddle shifters and a 3D GB HDD navigation system with digital music
server.
2007
Mitsubishi is first to score seven straight Dakar rally wins. This marks the 12th Championship win.
2008
The 2nd generation Lancer Evolution hits the streets across America, introducing a host of engineering
breakthroughs that include Super All-wheel Control and the TC-SST transmission.
2008
Mitsubishi Motors proudly announces Drive@Earth, our pledge to create vehicles that can exist complete
harmony with people, society and the environment.
2009
The Fuse Hands-free Link System is unveiled in the redesigned 2010 Outlander. This revolutionary technology
combines a Bluetooth 2.0 handfree phone interface with advanced voice control, allowing drivers to control
their music, phone and phone book through voice command.
2009
Mitsubishi introduces the all-new Lancer Sportback, a fast, fun and versatile five-door with the same DNA as
the race-inspired Lancer Evolution. Critics and drivers praise the sports car that’s into whatever you’re into.
2010
The PX-MiEV concept vehicle is revealed to the public. Powered by Mitsubishi’s all-new plug-in hybird system,
PX-MiEV employs both serial and parallel hybrid technologies to maximize on-road performance while remaining at
harmony with the earth.
2010
After intense speculation by the automotive press and years of development by Mistubishi engineers, the production
version of the 2010 Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle (i-MiEV) was made available for retail sale in Japan.
2011
The Lancer does it again for the fifth time. After being named a Top Safety Pick’ for four years in a row by the
Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) our popular compact sedan takes home the prize once more. The covted
IIHS award recognizes vehicles that do the best job protecting people above and beyond the current federal safety
standards.
