As a relative newbie, who reads all the 30-spline Dana triple hurt-locker full-floating live solid 37s comments like the Slovenian section of an IBM server install, I'd like to share a picture.



We all like to point a smug finger at the soccer moms and mall crawlers, but fact of the matter is, THEY are the ones buying NEW SUVs these days. At least, in any kind of volume. Just as 98% of all DSMs sold were the non-turbocharged, FWD models (much to the turbo, AWD guys' chagrin), I'd venture the numbers for the light truck market aren't so far off.

SO, I'm thinking light, simple, durable.
BUT, make sure it's got a couple possible upgrade paths - one for comfort, one for the crawling, with anything in between.

The reason for the 'Zuki picture is to remind everyone of the importance of simple elegance. As I was shopping for my Gen I, I spent an afternoon checking out Samurais for the heck of it. Good condition Samis seem to sell for double or even triple that of Monteros. Why? They're iconic, simple, PURE.

Whatever this new machine may become, I hope it will immediately convey a sort of blank canvas to anyone who sees it at the dealership. Yeah, they're going to have loaded models with leather, satnav, and polished rolling stock next to lifted models with lockers, winches, and exocages, but for this thing to be huge, I think anyone who likes them should also see that they can buy the simply-equipped, base model for New Mirage money and gradually upgrade as their budget permits.

My FIRST Mitsubishi was a BASE MODEL Mitsubishi. I put over 210,000 miles on that car over 14 years and, though I finally sold it years ago, I still miss Daisy a lot. Mitsubishi needs - and deserves - a big win. I want to see that happen. Maybe they could even fit one of their iMiEV motors to the prop shaft with a series of capacitors to act as a simple hybrid system to further improve MPG through acceleration assistance?

The proposal is base models only, all other options will be available at the dealer. This will keep the price of the truck down and you won't end up paying extra for things you don't want just to get the things you do want.

Example, buying a SR for the locker and getting the leather seats by default.

You know what would be HUGE? If they took the existing platform and modified it to accept a variety of potential engine/transmission mounts. I'm thinking something along the lines of reinforced plates on all (4) sides of the engine bay which could be drilled/tapped to install mounting brackets in the future.

Not so much so it's easy for me to bolt up a venerable 4G63T, though that might be possible, but more so that, when they come out with a new DI-D lump or 6-speed automatic or hybrid system in the future, I could take my little Ute in to the dealership, TRADE in my old engine/gearbox and finance the new hotness.

EDIT: To clarify the motor mount idea. I take my truck in because I want to step up to the 3.0L turbodiesel. I purchase the complete longblock and an upgrade/adapter kit, which includes things like all motor mounts, a new bellhousing, upgraded shocks/springs, and OEM flashtune. The technician at my dealership unbolts the old motor mounts from the chassis and lifts the old engine out. The new engine is lowered into place with its own mounts, which - TADA! - line up perfectly with another set of holes already in the engine bay. That make sense?

A) This extends chassis lifecycle.
B) Increases long term value.
C) Reduces buyer's remorse.
D) Closes some loops in MMC's supply chain.

A) My truck will continue to evolve as technology advances over the years, making it an exceptional value. Should I find I need something else, I know I'll get top dollar for my truck, as it's reputation for durability and potential is unmatched in the segment. I can buy the base model and upgrade as my budget and desire allows, knowing I have the best truck I could afford and it can only get better. And Mitsubishi can recycle my old parts to reduce the cost of supplies, ultimately making my upgrades less expensive while simultaneously helping the environment.

Win. Win.

I think the 2nd Gen Monty, with a solid front axle and optional locker, is just about perfect. Maybe a higher output v6 (3.8 MIVEC), and a diesel option. Other than that, just keep the body-on-frame and third row seats and I'm good.

Oh...and a 5- or 6-speed manual option. Optional weather-resistant interior (no carpet, neoprene seat covers, etc.).

Mitsubishi could BURY Jeep, but not by making yet another unibody crossover SUV. Give us real, no nonsense TRUCK.

Good stuff, I like the idea of neoprene seat covers too. Having a more universal truck would definitely increase resale value, when your new purchase worth is cut in half right off the lot like the Montero's did it makes regular Joes not want to buy another. Second and third owners are usually the modify crowd, so I'm thinking if they could sell more cars there would be more selections and sweet deals for those of us who can't afford a brand new rig. Gently used is second best.

Having just bought a brand new car from Mitsu (Lancer Sportback), I know that they can build value concious. My non-top of the line still has heated seats, bluetooth, voice activated, etc. It is also rated at 5.9L/100km on the hwy. All for under $20k.

Value and eco-friendly seem to be Mitsu's mantra these days (the first one is not new, but the second seems to be some kind of obsession). They can build diesels for every other market that are quiet, efficient, and powerful. I think the time is right (and has been for a while) for them to let us have some of our own. The NA market is waking up to diesel's potential - heck, even the Chevy Cruze has a diesel option now. I think this should be their number one priority with any new SUV offering.

I think all the previous points made are valid. Nostalgia, rally heritage, etc... We've been saying for years that they haven't capitalized on their motorsports successes. Its about time they started bragging/cashing in.

Ok, I was putting together some more stuff for us to do BUT they wanted the stuff i was working on which could be a good thing. Anyway I submitted a bunch of stuff i got here and a bunch of other forums (which was a lot of the same as we came up with here).

Really cool drawings and stuff i can't show you dudes <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

In my opinion, the one thing that killed the Pajero in the states, was not importing the soft top version. The soft top was a huge success around the world, why did they not bring it here. It's a shame that they want to compete with the Jeep NOW when they had the chance 20 years ago. But hindsight is always 20/20.
On a side not but related, I'm kinda getting sick of all the manufactures telling us we dont want 2 door vehicles in America. Build 2 door models and people will buy them. Not everyone has a family and a dog and needs 4 doors.
I would trade my new ST in for a 2dr SWB softtop 4WD Monty in a split second. As long as it is built as well as the GEN1. /endrant <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

As of right now the only body is a 2 door soft top.



Tell people to quit buying up 4 door JK's, it's not the manufacturers telling us we don't want 2 door vehicles it's the people who can afford new vehicles not buying enough 2 door vehicles. I've always seen more 4 door JKs than 2 door models, same for the Rodeo and Rodeo sport (Amigo) I see way more 4 door Rodeos out on the road than 2 doors.

Rumor is the JK will be going to IFS. NOW is the time for Mitsubishi to act! They could become the 4x4 of choice.