2006 Mitsubishi Raider Sport Truck Preview

The joint project is another confirmation of the two automakers' decision to join forces on strategic projects, therefore

The Raider is another confirmation of Mitsubishi and Chrysler's decision to join forces on strategic projects. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

increasing economies of scale and decreasing development costs. DaimlerChrysler AG was previously quoted as saying it signed a contract with Mitsubishi Motors Corp. on Wednesday, September 22, 2004, to renew each automaker's commitment to joint production and development projects (see automotive news section for Sept. 23, 2004: DaimlerChrysler Secures Joint Project Deal with Mitsubishi).

While Mitsubishi and Chrysler Group have a long history building trucks together, the name Raider was ironically affixed to a Dodge SUV based off of an early Montero. It suits the new truck well, however, and will no doubt be more acceptable in today's rough and tough truck world than Mighty Max.

The larger pickup will fit Mitsubishi's North American target audience better than its current offerings in other jurisdictions.

As a note, the Japanese brand sold more than 90,000 L200 Strada pickups

The Raider was penned in the Mitsubishi Motors Design Studio in Cypress, California. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

worldwide in 2002, a model that finished last year's Dakar Rally in fourth position - just behind three other Mitsubishi vehicles incidentally.

Also, the forthcoming Raider will differ dramatically in styling when compared to the Dakota. Where the Dodge is sharply creased, with origami angles, the Japanese truck is smooth, flowing and positively racy. The Raider was penned in the Mitsubishi Motors Design Studio in Cypress, California, while sharing the Dakota's architecture as well as the majority of its components.