Mitsubishi Names Its New Sport Truck Raider

Just like the concept, expect the new Raider to show up in production trim at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in

The new Raider is expected to show up in production trim at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, in early January. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

Detroit, in early January. More recently, MMNA dealers attending the U.S. national franchise convention saw the new truck first hand, along with the new Eclipse coupe also scheduled to make its first appearance at the Detroit event in production trim, no doubt boosting morale amid a challenging year.

The Raider, to be built at Chrysler Group's Warren, Michigan Truck Assembly Plant, will offer DaimlerChrysler-derived V6 and V8 powerplants, a choice of two cab configurations, Extended or Double Cab, two or four-wheel drive, and unique interior styling distinctive to the Japanese brand.

The base V6 will be a 260 horsepower 3.8-liter unit, featuring the same 260 lb-ft of torque. The top-line 4.7-liter V8 boasts 230 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque, ample to allow this sport truck to live up to its racy image.

A fully boxed frame will make its chassis stiff, improving driving dynamics especially when under load, enhanced by an

The Raider will be offered with a 260 horsepower 3.8-liter V6 producing 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 230 horsepower 4.7-liter V8 boasting 290 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

independent suspension with coil-over shocks up front and a live axle with multi-leaf springs in the rear - optimal for towing and hauling.

To keep up with its youthful styling the Raider will also offer a 500-watt audio system with 6-CD in-dash changer for optimal convenience and sound quality.

No doubt the new Raider pickup will strengthen MMNA's brand image and bottom line, while DaimlerChrysler will benefit by increased component production volume. The new model should also do well converting non-truck buyers into the more lucrative segment. It will arrive in dealerships in 2005, as a 2006 model.