MITSUBISHI MOTORS INTRODUCES UPDATED 2000 MONTERO SPORT
Mid-Size Sports Utility Vehicle Offers Aggressive Styling,
Convenient Features, Even Smoother Ride

NEW YORK - Significantly updated and restyled with interior and exterior revisions by the California-based Mitsubishi Motors R&D of America, Inc. (MRDA) design studio, the 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport also features several technical improvements, including a new 3-link rear coil spring suspension.

"The 2000 Montero Sport's styling and interior updates were developed to specifically reflect the tastes of American car buyers," said Pierre Gagnon, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. (MMSA). "The result is a very stylish sport utility vehicle that offers a combination of excitement, practicality and a user-friendly interior."

With thoughtfully designed features inside and out, the updated Montero Sport boasts a distinctive style and new refinements that allow it to stand apart in the heavily populated sport utility market. Making its world debut at the New York International Auto Show, the 2000 Montero Sport will be available at Mitsubishi Motors' dealerships in early summer.

Rugged Exterior Design

A lean, muscular look has always been Montero Sport's trademark. That tradition continues for 2000 with an aggressive front and rear exterior restyling. From a new grille, front bumper, fog lights and bodyside moldings to revised taillamps and rear garnish, Montero Sport displays even more rugged style.

With this revised exterior design, Montero Sport LS becomes the sporty version in the line with its new, 3-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels and charcoal colored fender flares and bodyside molding. The popular XLS continues Montero Sport's traditional two-tone paint scheme - with the accent color and its integrated fender flares and new side steps in either metallic beige or a new gray - and features 16-inch, 8-spoke alloy wheels.

Montero Sport Limited offers an even more sophisticated exterior design for 2000 with its new monochromatic look. The Limited's exterior door handles, mirrors, integrated side steps and fender flares are all body-color. And, its exclusivity continues with its polished 16-inch wheels and the availability of a new pearl white exterior color.

Refined Interior

Whether you're going cross-country or simply across town, Montero Sport's cabin has been updated to offer a high level of comfort while providing convenient new features, such as a third auxiliary 12-volt power outlet. The vehicle's two front cupholders are now located in the new center console, which also boasts ample storage space for items commonly used by today's busy consumers.

Other new elements of the Montero Sport's spacious cabin include a two-tone instrument panel scheme, new fabrics and orthopedically improved front seats, with the drivers side now offering adjustable back support.

Montero Sport now features an immobilizer system built into its ignition key, which reduces the chance of theft and potentially lowers the cost of insurance. A new AW/FM/CD audio system is standard on all models, with an Infinity 8-speaker system on Limited and available on XLS.

Fun to Drive Performance

For the first time, every Montero Sport is powered by a V6, providing owners with the power to tackle any adventure. ES, LS and XLS models are powered by a 173-horsepower* 3.0-liter 24-valve V6 engine, while Limited has the 200-horsepower**, 3.5-liter SOHC 24-valve V6 from Mitsubishi's larger Montero luxury sport utility vehicle.

Montero Sport's already smooth ride is enhanced by a new 3-link rear coil spring suspension, providing comfort and stability on or off the road, while a limited slip differential -- for both 2WD and 4WD -- is standard on Limited and available on XLS.

All 2000 Montero Sports feature a 4-speed automatic transmission with "optimum shift control" to improve shift quality and be more responsive to driving conditions. The system factors in accelerator position, vehicle speed, brake application and road conditions to select the appropriate gear.

Popular Features, High Value

The 2000 model-year Montero Sport meets every need of today's sport utility vehicle owners, while maintaining its reputation as a top value in its class. Pricing will be announced as Montero Sport's summer introduction nears.


*165-horsepower with CA/NLEV emissions
*197-horsepower with CA/NLEV emissions