MITSUBISHI MONTERO AND MONTERO SPORT HAVE THE LUXURY OF PROVEN TOUGHNESS

Dakar Rally Winner Has a New Safari-Style Exterior for 1998

After experiencing Mitsubishi Montero's features, you'll have difficulty believing it's also one of the toughest vehicles around. Yet the exceptionally comfortable Montero proved its ruggedness when race-prepared versions of this luxury sport utility not only won the brutal 1997 Dakar Rally, they dominated the 5,000-mile, two-week trek across Africa by taking the first three positions.

IMPROVEMENTS - Buy The Montero Here

For 1998 the Montero has an aggressive, new exterior design that appears ready for a safari, and its interior has been enhanced to be more convenient. In addition, the 7-seat Montero, which travels in the well-respected company of the Lexus LX 450, Land Rover Discovery and Infiniti QX4, now comes in a single, comprehensively equipped model, befitting its status at the top of the Mitsubishi Motors' sport utility family which also includes the 5-seat Montero Sport. Mitsubishi Motors hasn't, however, changed what earned the Montero its international reputation as a powerful luxury vehicle with go-anywhere, do-anything ability. A 200-horsepower, 3.5-liter SOHC V6 and 4-speed automatic transmission provides all the power most buyers will ever need, and Montero's exclusive Active-Trac 4WD™ four-wheel dri ve system is ready for just about any on-or-off-highway adventure.

ACTIVE-TRAC 4WD - Buy The Montero Here

With Active-Trac 4WD, Montero offers the luxury of four different drive modes. Two-wheel drive allows efficient operation for most conditions, while for slick roads, the driver can choose shift-on-the-fly all-wheel drive to automatically apportion power among all four wheels to gain maximum traction. Then, when the pavement disappears, shifting Montero's transfer case lever locks the center differential to provide conventional four-wheel drive in low or high modes. If the going gets really tough, there's an available rear differential lock that will pull Montero out of all but the most extreme off-road condition. Overall, Montero's Active-Trac 4WD is an ingenious, easy-to-use system for a variety of driving situations that few sport utility vehicles can match.

TOUGHNESS - Buy The Montero Here

No other sport utility can boast Montero's proven, rally-bred toughness, either. For many years, a race-prepared version has traditionaliy held top finishes at the Dakar Rally, a two-week endurance championship that crosses Western and central Africa. Considered the toughest off-road racing event in the world, the 1997 Dakar Rally was so challenging, only about 60 percent of the 135 vehicles that started the event finished. The specially prepared Montero, however, did more than just complete the 5,000-mile race. It headed into the record books as the first vehicle in the Oakar Rally's 17-year history to take first, second and third places. In fact, it was a Mitsubishi Motors sweep as a race-prepped version of the Montero Sport followed its bigger brothers across the finish line in fourth position.

APPEARANCE - Buy The Montero Here

Montero's rugged looks, rally-bred engineering and competitive nature are only part of the story. Inside, Montero has the exceptional build quality, convenient features and elegance of a luxury vehicle. In this class, you'd expect the premium cloth or available leather seating surfaces and genuine burled wood trim that accents Montero's interior; the standard air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with cassette and six speakers, and power windows, door locks, and sideview mirrors - but, it's really the small details that set this vehicle apart. Montero has 12-volt accessory outlets on the console and in the cargo area, a cargo-door mounted tool kit that could almost double as a small hardware store, a portable inspection light, and a unique dash-mounted "Multi-Meter" that houses an LCD compass and outside thermometer plus voltmeter and oil pressure gauges. And, for 1998, the front sunvisors have extenders to reduce glare even more.

SPACE AND SAFETY - Buy The Montero Here

With the flexibility to carry up to seven people or over 67 cubic feet of cargo, Montero is also just as versatile as it is luxurious. The 50/50-split fold, second row seat can individually fold down or tumble forward, while the third row seats easily fold up and out of the way when not in use. There's tinted rear privacy glass from the B-pillars rearward, and third seat passengers have sliding rear quarter windows. Storage compartments include front door map pockets; a tray that slides out from beneath the front passenger seat to hide valuables or keep often used items close by; and, a roomy, redesigned front center console houses a slide-out dual cupholder. Safety is another Montero luxury. It's equipped with standard dual front air bags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plus 3-point safety belts and head restraints for all outboard passengers. Montero's door lock system ailows one turn of the key in the driver's door to unlock just that door, with a second turn unlocking the remaining doors and tailgate. And, the standard four-wheel, Multi-Mode™ anti-lock braking system (ABS) works in all Active-Trac 4WD modes, including four-wheel drive low range.

QUIET RIDE - Buy The Montero Here

For 1998, Mitsubishi Motors engineers took special care to make the Montero an even quieter vehicle. Insulation has been improved in the doors, quarter panels and around the engine and transmission. Carpeting inside the Montero is thicker and damping material has been added; and, in a quest to make it as quiet as possible, even Montero's new engine cooling fan is a low noise unit.

STANDARD FEATURES - Buy The Montero Here

Like any other luxury vehicle, Montero's standard equipment list is quite comprehensive. Several option packages, however, allow the buyer to better tailor it to their needs. The popular Value Package adds genuine burled wood interior accents, a security system with keyless entry, 10-disc compact disc changer, spare tire cover, roof rack, floor mats, wheel locks, plus a cargo area cover, protective mat and net. A touch of additional elegance can be obtained with Montero's Luxury Package which includes leather seating surfaces, power driver's seat, enormous power glass sunroof and Mitsubishi/Infinity® premium audio system with eight speakers and separate amplifier. For a bit of sportiness, the Premium Package has chrome wheels and driver adjustable 3-stage variable shock absorbers that allow soft, medium or hard settings. The Cold Weather Package, with its locking rear differential, headlamp washers, heated front seats and exterior door mirrors, is ready for the most avid off-road enthusiast. The 1998 Mitsubishi Montero offers a surprising amount of elegance and comfort. Yet, this Dakar Rally winner has proven ruggedness that's able to handle any on- or off-road adventure. And that may be Montero's greatest luxury of all.

1998 MITSUBISHI MONTERO TECHNICAL FEATURES

Engine - Buy The Montero Here

The Montero luxury sport utility vehicle -- available in one comprehensively equipped model for 1998 -- is powered by a 24-valve, 3.5-liter single overhead camshaft (SOHC) V6 engine that produces 200 horsepower (hp) at 5,000 rpm and 228 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. Proven features of the 3.5-liter engine include a cast iron block, aluminum heads, belt-driven camshafts, roller-type rocker arms and hydraulic valve lash adjusters that eliminate the need for periodic adjustment. The engine also has electronicaily controlled sequential multi-point fuel injection, as well as a distributorless, 3-coil microprocessor-controlled ignition system that monitors and adjusts ignition timing to control engine knock and continuously fine-tune performance. To increase overall engine rigidity and reliability, the cast iron cylinder biock incorporates heavy-duty 4-bolt main bearing caps and a full-web girdle that supports the crankshaft.

Transmission - Buy The Montero Here

For 1998, Montero is available exclusively with an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission. During normal driving, the automatic shifts into higher gears as quickly as possible, providing improved fuel economy and quiet operation. The transmission also makes gear changes very smoothly in normal driving conditions, providing more refined performance. If the driver steps on the accelerator abruptly or presses the pedal to the floor, the transmission automatically switches to Power mode. In this setting, the transmission will hold each gear until the engine reaches redline and will then shift quickly into the next higher gear. The transmission will also downshift more quickly to provide immediate power for maximum acceleration. When the driver resumes normal accelerator pressure, the transmission automatically returns to the smoother and more fuel efficient shifting behavior. Montero's automatic also features a special Winter Safety mode for driving on low-traction surfaces. Engaged with a simple toggle switch on the center console, the Winter Safety mode locks out first gear from a standing start and allows the vehicle to pull away in second gear. The result is a much slower and gentler acceleration for driving on snow-covered or icy roads. Additionally, the transmission will not downshift out of high gear once the vehicle is under way, greatly reducing the chance of skidding on slick pavement. A standard oil cooler improves transmission reliability and durability by maintaining normal fluid temperatures during severe on-road or off-road driving conditions.

Suspension - Buy The Montero Here

The Montero suspension has the ability to soak up rough terrain without upsetting the vehicle's poise and control. Rather than using a truck-type solid front axle, Montero uses a more supple and sophisticated design. A fully independent front suspension with unequal-length double wishbones (A-arms) and torsion bars provides much of the Montero's toughness while allowing extra-long suspension travel so the tires can individually climb over rocks and ruts without compromising control. At the rear is a stability-enhancing live axle precisely located by three links and suspended by progressive-taper coil springs. The Montero's rear suspension also provides maximum wheel travel while maintaining predictable handling and optimum control. Stabilizer bars are used front and rear to reduce body roll when cornering and enhance overall handling control. For even more precise control over a wide variety of uses and conditions, Montero offers optional 3-mode adjustable shock absorbers. The driver can choose one of three settings -- soft, medium or hard -- with a 3-position rocker switch conveniently located on the center console. The adjustable shocks allow the driver to tune the ride for smooth, relaxing highway comfort, or for maximum control on demanding mountain roads. The adjustable shocks also provide dividends off road, as the soft setting makes rough roads seem less severe.

Active Trac 4WD - Buy The Montero Here

Montero's Active Trac 4WD™ is one of the most technically advanced 4-wheel-drive systems offered on any sport utility vehicle. The system combines the best of all possible worlds, with 2-wheel-drive, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive available in one simple-to-use system. Active Trac 4WD combines a conventional 2-speed transfer case and automatic-locking front hubs. With an electronically controlled, vacuum-actuated and synchronized freewheeling front differential, 4-wheel drive can be smoothly engaged while the vehicle is moving. The Montero driver can "shift-on-the-fly" between 2-wheel drive (2H) and all-wheel drive (4H) at any speed below 62 mph. In 2-wheel drive, the synchronized clutch allows the front differential to freewheel for maximized fuel economy and vehicle acceleration. However, when the driver shifts from 2- to 4-wheel drive, the freewheeling mechanism automatically engages the front axle. In addition to allowing the flexibility of freely moving between 2- and 4-wheel drive without stopping, Active Trac 4WD incorporates a limited-slip viscous coupling unit (VCU) and center differential for all-wheel-drive operation. Not unlike the all-wheel-drive system offered in the Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX and 3000GT YR-4, the viscous coupling sends as much as 50 percent of the engine's torque to the tires with the most traction. Unlike less sophisticated 4-wheel-drive systems, Active Trac 4WD enhances Montero's grip, control and safety by permanently engaging all-wheel drive which improves traction on wet and slippery surfaces. When the weather and roads are clear, the driver can switch back to 2WD. In more challenging situations, Montero can be shifted into the off-road oriented 4-wheel-drive mode, which locks the center differential and sends equai power to both front and rear axles. This mode greatly enhances safety and traction on unstable surfaces such as mud, sand, loose rock and deep snow. Montero's optional electro-pneumatically actuated locking rear differential also provides additional traction and stability when traveling over extremely rough roads or severely hilly terrain. Aiding Montero's traction in all conditions are aggressive P235/75R15 mud- and snow-rated all-season radials.

Brakes - Buy The Montero Here

Montero is equipped with a large disc brake at every corner, with those up front featuring dual-piston calipers and ventilated rotors that resist heat build-up and fade, even under repeated hard use and long descents. Montero's Multi-Mode 4-wheel, 4-sensor, 3-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) functions in every drive mode, unlike some competitive systems that are disengaged in 4-wheel drive. This system's superiority comes from advanced technology, which automatically tailors braking performance to the road surface. In 2-wheel drive, Multi-Mode™ ABS operates for maximum stopping power on paved roads, while in all-wheel drive, the ABS is tuned for slippery surfaces. When Montero is in 4-wheel drive, ABS is adjusted to perform best on rough terrain. Multi-Mode™ ABS is even specifically designed to operate when the Montero's optional locking rear differential is activated in especially difficult conditions.

Miscellaneous - Buy The Montero Here

For 1998, Mitsubishi Motors engineers took special care to make the Montero an even quieter vehicle. Insulation has been improved in the doors, quarter panels and around the engine and transmission. Carpeting inside the Montero is thicker and damping material has been added; and, in a quest ot make it as quiet as possible, even Montero's new engine cooling fan is a low noise unit.

1998 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT
PUTS FUN BACK INTO FUNCTIONALITY

Sport Utility Combines Rally-Bred Toughness with Room, Comfort and Value

Sport utility vehicles have become the vehicle of choice for many families, yet few can match the versatility and value of the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Even fewer have the rally-bred engineering that allowed a race prepared version of the Montero Sport mid-size sport utility to finish in a top position in the 1997 Dakar Rally, considered the most brutal off-road racing event in the world. For all its toughness, the Montero Sport is perhaps most notable for a unique exterior design, on-road smoothness and clever features. Its muscular, aggressive look is combined with a comfortable ride, an exceptionally quiet interior and a minimum of road harshness. Even the Montero Sport's ride height allows enough ground clearance for extreme off-road adventures plus convenient step-in and step-out accessibility.

DETAILS - Buy The Montero Sport Here

The interior of the Montero Sport displays just as much attention to detail. There are high quality fabrics and available leather trim, limousine-like rear legroom, and convenient features such as dash-mounted dual cupholders, seven grab handles, as well as a large cargo area with covered storage compartments and a 12-volt accessory outlet. This unsurpassed combination of proven toughness, ride comfort, and thoughtful equipment sets the Montero Sport apart from competitors such as Toyota 4-Runner, Nissan Pathfinder and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Montero Sport was a huge sales success in 1997, its first year on the market. While it was winning the respect of buyers at Mitsubishi Motors dealerships in the United States, a specially prepared version of the Montero Sport finished the 1997 Dakar Rally in fourth position. In fact, this sport utility completed the 5,000 mile South African off-road endurance challenge right behind race-prepped versions of the larger Mitsubishi Montero which finished first, second and third. Typical owners won't normally subject it to punishment like the Dakar Rally, but, they'll appreciate the fact Montero Sport is more than tough and roomy enough to handle the urban jungle of car pools, trips to the market, and weekend excursions. The available 2-speed shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive system provides low gearing for tough conditions and extra pulling power for steep hills. For more extreme off-road adventures, a choice of limited-slip or locking rear differential (new for 1998) is also available on certain models .

1998 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Engines - Buy The Montero Sport Here

Depending on the model, the Montero Sport mid-size sport utility is equipped with either a smooth 4-cylinder engine or a highly refined V6 engine. Montero Sport ES has a 16-valve, 2.4-liter single overhead camshaft (SOHC) 4-cylinder engine that produces 134 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 148 lbs-ft of torque at 2,750 rpm. Additional features of the 2.4-liter engine include counter-rotating Dual Engine Stabilizers, a cast iron block, aluminum head, belt-driven camshaft, friction reducing roller-type rocker arms and hydraulic valve lash adjusters that eliminate the need for periodic adjustment. The engine biock is also fortified with 2-bolt main bearing caps and full-web girdle that supports the crankshaft. The 4-cylinder also benefits from a throttle position sensor that gives the computer controlled sequential multi-point fuel injection more accurate response to the accelerator pedal. Combined with a crankshaft angle sensor that coordinates the firing of the spark plugs based on the actual position of the pistons, this big four strikes an excellent balance of power, fuel econemy and low exhaust emission.

Details - Buy The Montero Sport Here

Montero Sport LS and Montero Sport XLS have a 24-valve, 3.0-liter single overhead camshaft (SOHC) V6 that is rated at 173 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 188 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 3.0-liter V6 was previously the powerplant for the larger, heavier Montero luxury sport utility. Its basic components include a cast iron block; cald-forged crankshaft; alloy heads; roller rocker arms; hydraulic valve lash adjusters; sequential multi-point fuel injection; and, a distributor-less 3-coil microprocessor-controlled ignition system with knock sensor that allows the engine's computer to fine-tune performance according to fuel grade and immediate driving demands. The V5 block is reinforced with a full-web girdle that supports the cranksha ft and reduces vibration. A structural aluminum oil pan insulates against engine noise, strengthens the lower portion of the cylinder block and also provides a more stable foundation for attaching the transmission. Long port intake runners improve the V6's low-speed torque and responsiveness. The expanded intake runners give incoming air a chance to build up speed and rush into the cylinders during the intake stroke. Even the cooling fan reduces drag on the engine and provides much quieter operation, while a self diagnosing alternator can alert the driver to a malfunction long before vehicle performance is affected. The V6 is also equipped with dual-mass crankshaft pulley damper that helps quiet and smooth the engine. Each of the Montero Sport engines have a sophisticated air flow sensor that use a Karmen vortex generator and a highly accurate hot wire monitoring device. This system ensures that an optimum mixture of fuel and air is always delivered to the cylinders, regardless of performance demands or weather conditions. Additional benefits are smoother performance and even greater reliability. The 4-cylinder and V6 also feature fuel injectors that not only resist the accumulation of fuel deposits, but also provide easier hot starts and quieter operation. Metal head gaskets are used to reduce the crevice between the head and block, minimizing the space where unburned fuel can hide during the combustion stroke. As a result, exhaust emissions are reduced, with the added benefit of better durability due to the metal gasket's ability to uniformly expand and contract as the engine heats and cools.

5-Speed Manual Transmission - Buy The Montero Sport Here

Montero Sport ES and Montero Sport LS 4WD have a standard 5-speed manual transmission. Double cone synchronizers for first and second gear result in smooth operation and easier downshifts. An anti-vibration panel in the transmission's lower case, and coupled with an increased mesh rate for second, third and fifth gears yield reduced noise, vibration and harshness.

4-Speed Automatic Transmission - Buy The Montero Sport Here

Standard on Montero Sport LS 2WD and both Montero Sport XLS models, and available on Montero Sport LS 4WD, is an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission. The 4-speed automatic features a winter safety mode, engaged with a toggle switch on the center console. The winter safety mode locks out first gear from a standing start and has the vehicle pull away in second gear. The result is much slower and gentler acceleration for driving on snow-covered or icy roads. Additionally, the transmission will not downshift out of high gear once the vehicle is underway, which greatly reduces the chances of skidding on slick pavement. A standard oil cooler on the 4-speed automatic improves transmission reliability and durability by maintaining normal fluid temperatures during towing or severe on- or off-road driving conditions. Its refined performance is further enhanced by a heavy duty torque converter and an aluminum lower brace that augments the normal mounting bolts between the engine and transmission. The brace couples the front of the transmission and the rear of the engine to create a very rigid powertrain assembly. Both Montero Sport 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions have proven themselves in the larger Montero luxury sport utility.

Suspension - Buy The Montero Sport Here

Built on a fully boxed ladder frame, the Montero Sport shares its basic foundation and 107.3-inch wheelbase and front suspension design with the Montero luxury sport utility. The front suspension has unequal-length double a-arms and long front torsion bars that reach well under the passenger compartment. By providing extra-long independent suspension travel, the tires are free to individually climb over rocks and ruts without compromising control or stability. Front and rear stabilizer bars keep the body steady when the vehicle is cornering. The rear suspension has multi-stage, semi-elliptic leaf springs that are controlled by staggered position shock absorbers. By placing one shock behind the solid axle and one in front of it, the tires are virtually leveraged against the road surface, which in turn reduces axle tramp. This design is particularly effective at keeping the rear of the vehicle more firmly planted to the pavement, especially during heavy acceleration, or when traveling over rough terrain. Isolating the suspension from the frame, and the frame from the body, are sophisticated bushings and mounting brackets that allow the tires to react to rough pavement without transmitting road shock and noise to the cabin. The bushings are engineered to provide soft vertical and rearward compliance for an easy ride, while also offering firm lateral resistance for outstanding stability and directional control. The long wheelbase, as well as carefully tuned shock absorbers and spring rates, also help to reduce the choppy ride that afflicts many sport utility vehicles. Steering for all models is provided by a power-assisted recirculating ball system that is specially designed to cope with the rigors of off-highway driving, rough roads, and high-profile, deep tread tires.

Brakes - Buy The Montero Sport Here

Montero Sport ES, LS and XLS 2WD models have front ventilated disc and rear drum brakes. Montero Sport LS 4WD and XLS 4WD models have front ventilated and solid disc rear brakes with a 4-sensor, 3-channel Multi-Mode™ anti-lock braking system (ABS). Montero Sport's ABS operates in both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive settings. In rear drive, the 4-sensor system provides 3-channel actuation, braking the front wheels independently and the rear wheels as a pair. In 4-wheel drive, the ABS alters its behavior to provide braking performance that is better suited to extremely slippery or off-road conditions. The rear wheels and the front wheel on the side with the least grip braked simultaneously, while the front wheel with the better traction is braked independently.

Four-Wheel Drive - Buy The Montero Sport Here

The Montero Sport 4-wheel drive system offers shift-on-the-fly convenience with free-wheel front hubs and a 2-speed transfer case that are all engaged by a console-mounted lever. For additional traction, a limited-slip rear differential is optional for LS 2WD, LS 4WD and XLS 2WD, while a locking rear differential is standard on XLS 4WD and optional for LS 4WD. All Montero Sport models are equipped with engine and fuel tank skid plates, and 4WD models have a transfer case skid plate. Front and rear tow hooks are also fitted to all Montero Sports.

Refinement - Buy The Montero Sport Here

The Montero Sport body is assembled with single piece stampings for the side structure, eliminating unnecessary gaps and welds and improving door sealing, weather protection and noise, vibration and harshness (NlIH). A one-piece stamping is also used for the vehicle's front structure, providing a more solid and precise foundation for the hood, bumper and headlamp assemblies. The one-piece stampings ensure exceptionally tight and even body panels. Beneath the floor are lateral braces under the passenger compartment, crossmembers under the rear seat and additional supports under the cargo compartment. These reinforcements provide added measures of strength and rigidity to the body, over and above the massive foundation of the ladder frame. The one-piece stamping techniques combine with the bracing in the cabin's floor to provide an extremely solid body structure. To achieve Montero Sport's low interior noise and vibration levels. Mitsubishi Motors engineers employed a wide range of insulating and noise reducing techniques. The entire floor, front wheel housings and inner firewall are covered with a heat-treated noise reducing melting sheet insulation, with the rear wheel housings and upper dashboard mounting surface covered with their own unique vibration and sound insulating material. The dashboard is attached to the vehicle with large damping pads that keep it from chaffing against the body structure. Even the floor carpeting and cargo compartment are specialiy lined and insulated to reduce road noise. Under the hood, the engine inhales through a large capacity air cleaner that is attached to the vehicle with double-layer anti-vibration damping material. Combined with the large capacity muffler, the engine is luxury car quiet.

Miscellaneous - Buy The Montero Sport Here

To provide a lower center of gravity and more balanced weight distribution, Montero Sport employs a lightweight rear seat design; the standard spare tire is located under the cargo area; and, the fuel tank is safely tucked ahead of the rear axle. With a well-balanced front-to-rear weight distribution, Montero Sport provides excellent stability and highly predictable reflexes. Even fully loaded with five passengers, weight distribution stays nearly even. For drivers who frequently travel off-road, an available locking rear-mounted spare tire on Montero Sport LS 4WD increases rear ground clearance and improves the angle of departure.

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