2008 Mitsubishi Raider: A Rebadged Excite!
When you were to examine the new Mitsubishi Raider, your eyes would behold the unmistakable triad logo centered within the middle of its beefy seeking grille. Still, as you let your eyes run the full length from the truck's physique and have a look at its styling cues, you'd see something completely different, yet extremely familiar. Indeed, apart from some fascia, body, and cabin changes, the Raider is without a doubt a Dodge Dakota. Yes, the tables have been reversed and Mitsubishi's pick up truck is now a Dodge as opposed to the other way around. Beyond the obvious similarities there are some differences in between the models that gives the Raider a uniqueness all of its personal.
Back during the 1970s and 1980s when Chrysler needed compact vehicles and trucks to fill out its limited line up, the organization tapped its organization relationship with Mitsubishi to supply what it necessary. Included in the mix was a compact pick up truck, most lately the D50. When Chrysler created the midsized Dakota during the late 1980s, the want for the smaller Mitsubishi truck decreased and by the early 1990s the D50 was no far more.
Mitsubishi for its portion has lengthy been a builder of compact trucks, but because the automaker began to sell vehicles within the North American market place, its line up has grown appreciably. Demand for a smaller Mitsubishi pick up truck dropped so the "Mighty Max" was discontinued from its line up. Ultimately, the automaker decided to partner with DaimlerChrysler to sell rebadged Dakotas as Raiders.
The relationship is smart as the Raider fills a void for Mitsubishi whilst allowing DaimlerChrysler to keep its truck constructing capacity high. As odd as the relationship may perhaps seem, Isuzu and General Motors are doing the identical factor as each Isuzu autos sold within the U.S. are rebadged GMC trucks.
So, what sets the Raider apart from the pact, particularly its Dodge cousin? Value for one particular. Starting out at around $19,000, the truck is priced as low as a few of the smaller trucks out there such as the preferred Toyota Tacoma. Apparently, Mitsubishi wanted to have an entry level model to meet expected demand. Yes, bare bones versions with the Tacoma may be had for much much less, but that is what you get, bare bones. There is certainly no 4 cylinder Raider sold, you either get a 210 h-p V6 or a beefy 230 h-p V8 to energy your Raider. The V8 is particularly appealing to people who tow as its pulling capacity is usually a respectable 6500 lbs. Tranny possibilities include either four or five speed automatics or even a six speed manny tranny.
The Raider comes offered as either a 4x2 or even a 4x4 and with two or four door cab configurations. Seating capacity is often as high as six passengers though you wouldn't be as comfy riding inside a Raider/Dakota with six persons as you would be inside a full sized Ram.
What lots of Raider fans will like could be the added care Mitsubishi gave to the interior. In contrast to the Dakota, the Raider comes with trim attributes significantly more akin to a sedan than to a pick up truck. Sirius satellite radio, Alpine speakers, front bucket seats with heated leather surfaces, and energy every thing are a few of the attributes that make the Raider much more than a truck.
Ten years following the last "Mighty Max" choose up trucks were sold by Mitsubishi, a brand new truck has entered the fold due to an important relationship with DaimlerChrysler. Maybe the success of this relationship will spawn extra model sharing. Could we see a rebadged Dodge Ram soon sold as a Mitsubishi? In today of extensive model sharing, anything is doable.
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