2004 DAKAR RALLY

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The T2 Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Evolution was developed from the Super Production car regulations that came into force from 2002. It is the fusion of cutting-edge technology and knowledge accumulated over a 20-year time period in Mitsubishi’s challenge for success in Paris-Dakar rallies.

Cars in the Super Production class are limited to a maximum width of 2000 mm and a maximum suspension stroke of 250 mm. The Pajero/Montero Evolution complies fully with these regulations.

MMSP introduced several modifications to the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Evolution after a detailed test and development session in Morocco in July 2003.

The major development was the successful transition from a 3.5-litre V6 engine to a 4.0-litre V6 unit. The power plant was built and developed in Japan.

"The new engine is now available in road applications in Japanese and US markets as a 3.8-litre alternative and we decided to develop it for a 4.0-litre application", said MMSP’s Technical Director Thierry Viardot.

"The new anti-roll bar system is similar to the one used in the World Rally Cars", said Viardot. "It improves stability during cornering and ensures that the Evolution handles more like a WRC car. It is particularly useful on twisty special stages, narrow tracks and the traditional Prologue stage. Another of the system’s strengths is its adaptability on bumpy tracks and in sand holes".

Modifications have also been made to the suspension set-up and these were put into practice in the UAE. "We have worked on minor improvements, such things as spring ratios and damper cooling and roll cage has been reinforced around the windscreen and roof areas. The batches of components, such as drive-shafts, we will use on the Dakar were also used in Dubai and this has allowed us to look closely at potential component failures, heat treatments and improve the reliability. The plan is to develop a totally reliable car. Apart from a noisy differential on "Miki" Biasion's car, there was not one mechanical problem on the UAE Desert Challenge".

MMSP now uses Brembo brakes on all cars and this contract extends to the WRC program. The discs are slightly larger and offer better rigidity and are less susceptible to overheating in extreme temperatures and BF Goodrich tires will be fitted to all entries.

A 500-liter fuel tank has been retained, but the minimum weight has been extended from 1750 kg to 1825 kg as per FIA technical regulations.



© 2003 Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.