2024: a record year for Mitsubishi in Canada
The story of Mitsubishi's Canadian division is an incredible one. Established in the early 2000s, it has gone through difficult times, but has always bounced back stronger than ever. Today, it is a...
It's well known throughout the industry that Mitsubishi offers one of the best all-wheel drive systems in the business. To understand how the company got to where it is today, it's important to look to the past to understand how its system evolved.
Indeed, the evolution of Mitsubishi all-wheel drive is a story of constant innovation, of advances that reflect the brand's commitment to performance and safety. From its beginnings in the 1930s with vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive systems, Mitsubishi has progressively perfected this technology to adapt it to the needs of models intended for the general public, and to the world of motorsport.
The early days: rudimentary technology
The first 4x4 system was simple in its early days, but it evolved, particularly in the 1950s. Designed for ruggedness and rough terrain, these systems were mechanical and lacked electronic sophistication. Nevertheless, they met the essential need for traction on difficult terrain.
Innovation in the 1980s: the integrated drivetrain
With the launch of models such as the Pajero/Montero SUV and the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo, Mitsubishi introduced more advanced all-wheel drive systems. These vehicles incorporated differentials that could be locked and torque transfer systems, resulting in improved power distribution between the wheels for better grip. These advances laid the foundations for the development of more modern integrated systems.
The advent of intelligent all-wheel drive : AWC and S-AWC
In the 1990s, Mitsubishi made a quantum leap with the introduction of the All-Wheel Control (AWC) system, designed to combine all-wheel drive, power management and enhanced stability. This innovation has been refined to meet the demands of the competition, notably with the legendary Lancer Evolution, whose versions have benefited from integrated technologies such as Active Center Differential (ACD) and Active Yaw Control (AYC).
The pinnacle of this evolution is the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, launched with the Mitsubishi Outlander at the turn of the decade and now widespread across the range. It uses a sophisticated combination of sensors and software to manage power, braking and torque distribution to each wheel. It integrates Active Stability Control (ASC), ABS and AYC to offer optimum control in all conditions, whether snow, rain, ice... or perfectly clear roads.
The future: electrified S-AWC
Mitsubishi has also adapted its S-AWC system to its plug-in hybrid model, the Outlander PHEV SUV. By integrating independent electric motors on the front and rear axles, the electrified S-AWC system optimizes fuel efficiency while maintaining exceptional grip. In fact, it's more responsive and efficient during certain power transfers, thanks to the contribution and immediacy of electric response.
Ultimate safety
There's a lot of talk about automotive safety these days, but before all the systems come into play, a model's grip is the first line of defense. Mitsubishi's all-wheel drive system acts as a pillar of safety for all.
In short, the evolution of Mitsubishi all-wheel drive is a perfect example of forward-thinking technology that adapts to the times while constantly pushing back its limits. Today, thanks to the S-AWC, Mitsubishi offers its drivers the ultimate, highly safe driving experience.
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