Mitsubishi has announced that it will be offering its twin-clutch Sport Shift Transmission (SST) in the European version of its 2009 Outlander -- a gearbox that the automaker unveiled in its new Lancer Evolution. Mitsu is billing the transmission as a first for an SUV.
The SST transmission, which made its production debut in the latest Lancer Evolution MR, is said to offer a variety of benefits including an almost seamless transmission of power and torque through shifts, quicker shifting between gears, and lower fuel consumption due to the system's overall efficiency. The gearbox will give the driver two mode selections of Normal or Sport and will also come with a Hill Start Assist function.
The Outlander 2.2 Di-D Twin Clutch SST will debut later this year at the Paris Motor Show with production slated for the first quarter of 2009.
Memo to Mitsubishi: we'll take a version over here if you don't mind. While there are no immediate plans for equipping U.S. Outlanders with SST, it would seem like a great addition to set the model apart in one of the world's largest SUV markets.
Source: Mitsubishi Motors