Mitsubishi's PZEV Outlander

Mitsubishi Motors is set to launch the North American market version of its all-new PZEV-capable Outlander SUV at the upcoming New York Auto Show. The Japanese version of the SUV - pictured here - was launched in October last year, where it has exceeded sales expectations. The North American Outlander will be powered by a new high performance, low emissions, and low fuel consumption 3.0-liter V-6 engine coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It will be offered with electronically-controlled four-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive.

Like the other members of Mitsubishi's new engine lineup, the 3.0-liter V-6 engine incorporates an aluminum cylinder block, a resin variable air induction system, and Mitsubishi's MIVEC variable valve timing system to improve power and torque. The new engine achieves this higher performance while being about 55 pounds lighter, and yielding about 5 percent better fuel economy, than its 6G7-type 3.0-liter V-6 predecessor. Based on its in-house testing, Mitsubishi expects the North American Outlander to receive the Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) designation under California emissions standards thanks to the use of a high-performance catalytic converter.