Mitsubishi R5 is launched

Mitsubishi R5 development programme gathers pace

Posted: March 17, 2015 9:38 AM

Following a series of successful tests in Sweden over the past few weeks, the development of the Mitsubishi R5 will move to its next phase in the second-half of this month, with the car set to take part in the Emmeloord-based Tank S Rally on 21st March and the Rally of North Wales a week later on 28th March.

With most of the running so far carried out in winter conditions, these two events will enable engineers to thoroughly appraise the car on asphalt and gravel surfaces in a competitive environment, as Tomas Weng of Mpart - the company behind the Mitsubishi R5 project - explains:
“We have been extremely satisfied with the performance of the car in all of the testing we have done, but up to now most of it has been on snow. Taking part in these two events will provide us with important information for asphalt and gravel surfaces. It will also enable us to measure the competitiveness of the car as it currently stands.”

Last month saw the Mitsubishi approved by the SBF to run in Sweden in its non-homologated form. It has since been approved to run in Holland and is due to be assessed by the MSA in order for it to compete in the UK.

The transition from snow to asphalt and then to gravel has seen Swedish suspension specialists Öhlins heavily involved, to ensure the Mitsubishi’s unique system operates effectively on each surface. The car has also undergone a series of minor upgrades in other areas since the last test.

The Tank S Rally starts and finishes in Emmeloord in Northern Holland and features 12 stages totaling 109kms on closed public roads in the Noordoostpolder area. The Mitsubishi will be driven by Tomas’ brother Hans-Erik Weng and run as a course car at the head of the field.

The team will then head to the UK to carry out gravel testing before the Rally North Wales. Based in Dolgellau, the event includes 41 miles of special stages in the region’s forests. Swedish driver Martin Berglund - who has carried out most of the testing on snow - will take over driving duties and, on this occasion, will be entered as a competitor.

Mitsubishi R5 is launched

Posted: September 24, 2014 6:20 PM

At 10.00am on Saturday 20th September, the all-new Mitsubishi R5 was officially launched at RallyDay - the annual event that celebrates the sport of rallying - at Castle Combe Race Circuit in Wiltshire, South West England. The car was revealed in front of an expectant crowd, who witnessed its first public appearance outside Scandinavia.

Based on the new Mirage (badged Space Star in European territories), the Mitsubishi R5 has been designed and developed by Tomas Weng of Mpart AB (Ralliart Sweden) and is built to comply with R5 Class regulations.

It is fitted with a 1620cc version of the Mitsubishi 4B11 engine that appeared in the Evolution X. It features a five-speed Sadev transmission and four-wheel-drive system, with MacPherson suspension all-round, mated to specially designed subframes and Öhlins dampers.

Following the unveiling, Tomas Weng was interviewed about his latest creation that has been 18-months in the making:

"A great deal of thought has gone into the design and development of this car. We have kept it as simple and efficient as possible and have used as many Mitsubishi parts as we can. We are confident this will make the car straightforward to maintain and has enabled us to offer it at a competitive price.

"We are extremely excited about this car and believe it has a great future. So far, customer enquiries have exceeded our expectations and confirmed sales have already reached double figures."

An extensive testing programme is due to commence in October and the car is scheduled to enter its first event early next year. Orders are now being taken. Customers requiring further details can visit:

www.mitsubishiR5.com

Engine
4-cyl, 16v, transverse 1620cc
Garrett turbo with 32mm restrictor
Gems ECU
Power/Torque
280 hp (approx) @ 7500rpm
450 Nm (approx) @ 7500rpm

Transmission
Sadev 5-speed sequential
Mechanical diff front & rear with AP coupling

Suspension
MacPherson strut, all-round
Öhlins dampers
Docal subframes

Brakes
AP 4-pot front & rear, ventilated disks:
Asphalt 355mm / gravel/snow 300mm

Wheels
Asphalt: 18 x 8''
Gravel: 15 x 7"
Snow: 16 x 5"

Dimensions
Length: 3740mm
Width: 1820mm
Height: 1490mm (depending on set up)
Wheelbase: 2470mm
Weight: 1230kgs (min)

Specifications subject to change.

www.mitsubishiR5.com