Could you not have a two 4-link axles, coilovers, and maintain enough handling manners for the woopdees and strength for big tires & travel?

This thread sounds like a "click this, select that" pre-advertisement for a custom build site...which would be cool. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

But if you get too feature-rich, you price out the folks that are going to buy it to haul lumber, family, whatever, and then build it for wheeling later, and you lose a ton of market. That's why its got to be a builder. Build it with potential that can easily be exploited. Toyota did this, with rock solid axles and drivetrain components and simple suspensions (until they went IFS) that could easily be modified. The problem is that they did the linked suspension, lockers front and back, end-of-the-world capable drivetrain... and then priced it out of the reach of common folk. Heck, FJZ80's are still expensive and get horrid mileage. Take that concept, make it fuel efficient and make it affordable for mere mortals, and you have a whole world of opportunities.

I think the best vehicle to compare this project to would be the FJ Cruiser. While the FJ Cruiser is a decent offroad vehicle it falls short of it's main competitor, the Jeep JK, when it comes to offroad prowess.

Despite it's lack of off road prowess the FJ Cruiser is a huge success because nostalgia and build quality. Toyota did something right because the FJ Cruiser has the highest resale value of any car on the market.

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/auto/top-cars-in-class-high-resale-value-7.aspx

For Mitsubishi to be successful they need to build a modern SUV that taps into it's racing heritage. I think it is critical that the name links the vehicle to this heritage as well. For instance, calling it the Mitsubishi Dakar would be a great idea.

From there, large wheel openings, no plastic molding, retro paint job, powerful modern engine like the 3.8 MIVEC, a 6 speed manual, Lockers, etc.

The one thing I am torn on is the front axle. Traditionally Mitsubishi has typically used independent front suspension but I think a solid axle is necessary to lure buyers away from Jeep and Toyota. If it had a diesel and a solid front axle it would be a run-a-way success and would move 100K units per year.

I agree with the link setup being radius/trailing arm style for cost effectiveness, Jeeps have really short arm setups and everyone and their brother makes a kit for those things. Lots of R&D involved and super multi links are not as reliable or as nice on road as traditional 2 link/panhard setups, the flex suffers but there's no denying the stoutness of these setups.

As for vehicle heritage, as stated in my top post the Pajero is still the flagship SUV for MMC and it will not be replaced. This truck won't have a history of it's own, some of the body features will be reminiscent to the older Montero's more to pay homage to them rather than continue their legacy. If that makes sense.

Like the current FJ and FJ40 I assume?

Why would any aftermarket company rely on data from a manufacturer to build a part? I wouldn't buy a part that hadn't been developed and tested on an actual vehicle. If you have the actual vehicle in your possession for testing and fitment then there's shouldn't be a need for data from the manufacturer, it's all on the vehicle right in front of you.

Just saw this post. This news sounds awesome. Kinda skimmed over and summarized the post. So Mitsu is looking at building a brand new 4x4 or base it off the Pajero/Montero and bring it back to the states to compete with the American 4x4 market?

Not in those words but yes, they want to compete with Jeep now. BUT for some reason they think going after the cherokee market with the Pajero is a good idea <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> I mean i guess both of those cars are fully independent unibody sedan wagons but whatever. It's better for us to have a new model 4x4 more geared toward rugged outdoorsy types anyway.

I have a Diesel Liberty (still the cherokee in the rest of the world) and Mitsu does NOT want to compete with it. Pretty much useless on anything rougher than a gravel driveway. If Mitsu wants to sell to glorified offroad soccer moms who need the 4wd capabilities to get out of a sports complex parking lot, then yeah go ahead. Pretty sure they've already got something with that much capability.

Kane

I'll wrap this up this week i think, compile the data and put it in voting form.
Any other ideas pile them on.