Dodo2 - many thanks for the link; I was wondering where dr_max_facts got the info in his original post, and now I know. Nothing pleases me more than to see that his info is a copy of a press release from Mitsubishi themselves!

I've enjoyed reading everyone's posts; I've probably read each one very carefullyat least twice! The Outlander's appeal is really growing on me; this may be the subcompact SUV/crossover that I purchase. It's certainly my front runner.

From the article that Dodo2 linked, it says: "In dry conditions, 4WD Lock mode places priority on performance." My interpretation is that yes, you can safely operate the Outlander in "4WD-Lock" on dry pavement. Given info in the chart that appears in the article, however, you will not acheive the best fuel economy in "4WD-Lock".

Well, I will probably read everyone's posts one or two more times very carefully to make sure I have a handle on this. Likewise I'll read the article that Dodo2 linked a couple more times.

Thanks again.

Dave

 

And indeed we need a "black and white" official statement from Mitsu regarding how this system really works. I am in agreement that the manual offers only the very basic info about the 4WD system. I would also agree that for some people, they won't even bother reading the manual, but this is not reason enough to leave out technical details about how the system works and how it should be operated. While the website is a nice reference, especially it's the official Mitsu website, wouldn't you agree it could have been helpful if that info was on the manual? Or if not on the vehicle owner's manual itself, it should have come as a separate booklet, just like the MMCS (Nav unit booklet). I, for one, wants to know in depth how best I will be able to maximize the use of my cars 4WD system, because I have some off-roading plans for this vehicle too, although not as tough as those where only Pajeros and Landrovers go.

 

The system is mentioned here briefly in this video and states in 4WD or 4WD LOCK there is UP TO 50% torque sent to the rear wheels and ONLY when the front wheels start to slip

http://www.whatcar.com/popups/video_...nder_512kws.rm

 

The whattcar video is incorrect. The assumption of a locked 50-50 split (in a conventional sense) is not correct. Front wheel slippage before torque distribution is not correct. Mitsubishi's own website clearly details how the system works (as pointed out multiple times in this thread):

http://media.mitsubishicars.com/deta...40260&mime=ASC

Its all in this article. The "lock" nomencalture on the dial is a misleading, especially for those of us familiar with old-school 4WD. The new generation of 4WD/AWD systems is redefining these definitions. Its interesting to note that the recent ability to monitor acclerator pedal position and/or drive-by-wire systems has added the ability to make the ECU in these system smarter. Prior to this, the brains of the system were only monitoring the after effects of driver intentions. By keeping an eye on pedal position and in some systems, steering wheel position, the system can react proactively in microseconds to driver intentions as they are happening. Damn smart enginnering.

 

Based on my experience, and this is another example, DO NOT believe everything the reviewers say. Take their comments and check them out for yourself. You will be surprised by how muchBS they put out. One recent review of the Outlander, in a big newspaper with a weekly auto section, claimed thatthe car has a CVT transmission. The reviewer built a whole case around that as how sluggish the Outlander's performance is because of that and of course this was his dislike of the car LOL.
This forum andfew othersare the best source of information becausepeople get to discuss, analyze and share knowledge about the car they driveevery day.

 

I am glad some poeple agree the manual has to cove rmore info on the 4WD system, which by the way, is a good system, I am rather enjoying using it. BUt as someone pointed out, most shmucks don't read the manual, which to me cuts the life of a car by 1/3 as you will do and not do a lot of stuff and end up causing damage or improper car to the vehicle. Dude, reviews on a car help, but since every car is "built differently" (one has a ton of creaks and the other doesn't, one the pedal is stiff, the other is not) I would not reply on their perception of the vehicle's mechanical parts too much. I bet that some people would say they feel no difference between 2WD and 4WD auto. So your perception doesn't really cover all the facts. How could anyone think the Outie has a CVT??? Dude, the transmission is good and very well designed and paired for the engine, but CVT?!?! [&:]

 

"How could anyone think the Outie has a CVT??? Dude, the transmission is good and very well designed and paired for the engine, but CVT?!?! [&:] "

My point was NOT to believe EVERYTHING (please note that I did not say ANYTHING) that the reviewers say in their articles, but filter the information for yourself. And this was in response to "Zontarh"'s concern after seeing the review that stated that the 4WD Lock mode in the Outlander splits the torque 50-50 front-rear, which weproved it's not a correct statement.
In addition, to support my point, I've given this other example from a review I'verecently read ina newspaper, where the author was stating that the Outlander has a CVT transmission.As we all know, it's incorrect as well.
If I was to believe the review and don't do my homework, I would have thought that indeed, the Outlander has a CVT and I would have not consider it as an option for my purchase.
I hope this time I explained myself good enough.

 

just so you all know, the outlander DOES come with a CVT transmission in nearly all other countries. and it comes attached to a 4 cylinder, neither of which we get in the states (but will soon).

 

The same ******* is at it again in this video with the new x-trail (about only when the front wheels start to slip) do you think this guy is saying it on purpose? lol

http://www.whatcar.com/popups/video_...v&vtype=WM

 

The 08 Lancer will have the new CVT tranny then maybe the Outlander.