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Four wheel drive systems have played a large role in the brand development of Mitsubishi over the last few decades, vehicles such as the Galant, Lancer Evolution, Pajero and Triton paving the way for future iterations.
A Four wheel drive vehicle is designed with both road and rough surfaces in mind, for that reason much of Mitsubishi’s development throughout models is apparent in 4WD and differential systems. So where did it all begin I hear you ask...? Rewind to 1983, when Bob Hawke had become prime minister, the final episode of M*A*S*H was aired and Michael Jacksons Thriller video was played on MTV; things were looking good.
In amongst all this the Mitsubishi Pajero was set to hit the market and take on the big guns in the 4WD scene. Featuring Easy Select 3 Mode 4WD (2H/4H/4L) selected with a mechanical floor shift lever this was the raw beginnings of the systems we all know so well today. Coupled with manual or optional mechanical auto locking front freewheeling hubs and an optional limited slip rear differential the Paj was shaping up to be a more than capable competitor.
Fast forward to 1986 and the L200 was released in its revised guise, and the triton was now on the market, solidifying Mitsubishi as a real threat in the 4WD and off-road market. Utilising the same underbody systems from the Pajero (a trend set to continue) and providing options to those shopping for a capable Mitsubishi off road vehicle.
Then, something amazing happened, in 1991 Pajero was redefined with the optional Super Select system being introduced for the first time. Optional Super Select (4 mode – As above) 4WD featured 2WD High, 4WD High, 4WD High with locked center differential and 4WD low with lock; selected via mechanical floor shift lever.
Full time 4WD was available in 4H with a conventional centre differential and viscous coupling featured in the Super Select 4WD model. Combined with manual or optional vacuum actuated auto (pictured below) front freewheeling hubs and an open or optional limited slip or locking rear differential.
Once again these systems found their way into the triton shortly after, the 1997 update bringing a modern touch to the triton platform.
When the third generation Pajero made its debut in 2000, the Easy Select (3 mode) system was still the factory fitted system, though the optional Super Select II (4 Mode 2H,4H,4H lock and 4L lock – pictured above) was shaking up the party. With both mechanical shift lever (easy select) and electronic floor shift lever (SS II) this new Pajero featured full time 4WD in 4H mode, with planetary gear set (fixed 33F:67R torque split) and viscous coupling in the Super Select model.
As well as vacuum actuated auto locking/unlocking front hubs, hybrid rear limited slip differential and the optional Mitsubishi all terrain technology system (MATT) – incorporating traction and stability control with the 4WD system. The same foundation that found its way into the 2007 Triton.
The 2007 Pajero saw a big change to Mitsubishi’s 4WD line-up, doing away with the easy select system and fitting Super Select II 4WD in all models. This model also featured an electronic floor shift lever to adjust between the well-oiled machine SS II had become.
Carrying over to the 2015 Triton, easy select and the optional Super Select II both feature in cabin adjustment via the rotary position select switch mounted on centre console.
The Super Select model also featuring Full time 4WD, available in 4H position through torsen type centre differential with a 40F:60R torque split. High and Low range is provided via a planetary gear set to save weight and space; with the Limited slip or optional locking rear differential completing the package.
So what’s to come for the future? I guess we will just have to wait and see, but the assurance of continuous research and development is something that Mitsubishi have provided their customers with since the launch of easy select back in 83’.
For more information on the current 4x4 range head over to: http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/
A Four wheel drive vehicle is designed with both road and rough surfaces in mind, for that reason much of Mitsubishi’s development throughout models is apparent in 4WD and differential systems. So where did it all begin I hear you ask...? Rewind to 1983, when Bob Hawke had become prime minister, the final episode of M*A*S*H was aired and Michael Jacksons Thriller video was played on MTV; things were looking good.
In amongst all this the Mitsubishi Pajero was set to hit the market and take on the big guns in the 4WD scene. Featuring Easy Select 3 Mode 4WD (2H/4H/4L) selected with a mechanical floor shift lever this was the raw beginnings of the systems we all know so well today. Coupled with manual or optional mechanical auto locking front freewheeling hubs and an optional limited slip rear differential the Paj was shaping up to be a more than capable competitor.
Fast forward to 1986 and the L200 was released in its revised guise, and the triton was now on the market, solidifying Mitsubishi as a real threat in the 4WD and off-road market. Utilising the same underbody systems from the Pajero (a trend set to continue) and providing options to those shopping for a capable Mitsubishi off road vehicle.
Then, something amazing happened, in 1991 Pajero was redefined with the optional Super Select system being introduced for the first time. Optional Super Select (4 mode – As above) 4WD featured 2WD High, 4WD High, 4WD High with locked center differential and 4WD low with lock; selected via mechanical floor shift lever.
Full time 4WD was available in 4H with a conventional centre differential and viscous coupling featured in the Super Select 4WD model. Combined with manual or optional vacuum actuated auto (pictured below) front freewheeling hubs and an open or optional limited slip or locking rear differential.
Once again these systems found their way into the triton shortly after, the 1997 update bringing a modern touch to the triton platform.
When the third generation Pajero made its debut in 2000, the Easy Select (3 mode) system was still the factory fitted system, though the optional Super Select II (4 Mode 2H,4H,4H lock and 4L lock – pictured above) was shaking up the party. With both mechanical shift lever (easy select) and electronic floor shift lever (SS II) this new Pajero featured full time 4WD in 4H mode, with planetary gear set (fixed 33F:67R torque split) and viscous coupling in the Super Select model.
As well as vacuum actuated auto locking/unlocking front hubs, hybrid rear limited slip differential and the optional Mitsubishi all terrain technology system (MATT) – incorporating traction and stability control with the 4WD system. The same foundation that found its way into the 2007 Triton.
The 2007 Pajero saw a big change to Mitsubishi’s 4WD line-up, doing away with the easy select system and fitting Super Select II 4WD in all models. This model also featured an electronic floor shift lever to adjust between the well-oiled machine SS II had become.
Carrying over to the 2015 Triton, easy select and the optional Super Select II both feature in cabin adjustment via the rotary position select switch mounted on centre console.
The Super Select model also featuring Full time 4WD, available in 4H position through torsen type centre differential with a 40F:60R torque split. High and Low range is provided via a planetary gear set to save weight and space; with the Limited slip or optional locking rear differential completing the package.
So what’s to come for the future? I guess we will just have to wait and see, but the assurance of continuous research and development is something that Mitsubishi have provided their customers with since the launch of easy select back in 83’.
For more information on the current 4x4 range head over to: http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/
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