Mitsubishi Outlander gets a nose job

It was labelled a "design study" but the Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype was nothing less than the first look of the forthcoming production model.

Although Mitsubishi isn't saying when the new model will arrive, the New York preview indicates it will be sometime in 2009.

Sporting the same 'Jet Fighter' grille as the Lancer range the Outlander confirms Mitsubishi's plans to roll out the new styling across its passenger and crossover range.

The Outlander GT Prototype took the look to the next level with other parts inspired by the Lancer Evolution including bi-xenon headlights and reprofiled front and rear bumpers.

The centrepiece of Mitsubishi's stand at the New York show, the GT Prototype also featured a number of upgrades under the skin. The 3.0-litre V6 already found in the Outlander receives a reduction in intake restriction and optimised camshaft timing and compression ratio to raise the power to 171kW. The changes also benefit fuel economy and the company claims it improves the torque curve for better response in urban driving.

Also added to the Outlander GT is the Lancer Evolution's Super All Wheel Control system that uses an active front differential to help improve handling on a variety of surfaces.

But the technical details take a back seat to the styling.

"Basically it's a sneak preview of what the new Outlander will look like," says Mitsubishi Australia spokeswoman, Lenore Fletcher.

And while Fletcher admits we'll be getting a new look Outlander, when we can expect its arrival is a different matter. No production or sale dates have been announced anywhere in the world.

"No ETA yet," Fletcher says.

"Our current Outlander sales are quite strong. So we're happy with it at the moment.

"When that [new look] car does arrive I think it will be a good update for the range."

Fletcher did confirm though that there is little chance when the production model does finally arrive, that a GT or equally performance-oriented model would be a part of it.

"As far as I know, no," she says. "This is the first design update for that vehicle and it's looking at the front face."