Mitsubishi magna

Following the stated $ 50 million estimate for development ^[1] , Mitsubishi introduced Magna in Australia in April 1985, initially as a sedan , and a station wagon was added in June 1987. They were manufactured in Tonsley Park, South Australia . as the TM series, and after the update, in 1987 and 1989, as the TN and TP series, respectively.

The only major aesthetic difference between Magna and its Japanese donor ( Mitsubishi Galant) was the width of the body, and the overall style and side profile were similar due to the common technological equipment. ^[1] At the same time, Magna was smaller and lighter than its rear-wheel drive rivals Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore . Equipped with a four-cylinder engine instead of the more traditional six-cylinder engines used by Holden and Ford, even despite a good drag coefficient Cx = 0.36, ^[1] Magna was not significantly more economical than its competitors. In particular, the average fuel consumption was officially assigned at 11.0 liters per 100 km when driving around the city and 7.8 liters per 100 km on the highway.

The first-generation Magna engine was a 2.6-liter transversely mounted in-line four-cylinder 4G54 engine from the 4G5 Astron family, compared to the Sigma engine, it was modified: hydraulic bearings and Silent Shaft (balancing technology developed and licensed for others car manufacturers by Mitsubishi Motors to reduce the vibrations inherent in large four-cylinder engines.

Magna was equipped with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission with electronic control and overdrive mode. Executive and luxury elite models, however, were only available automatically. The suspension of wheels on MacPherson struts with springs, the rear suspension with a torsion beam , two trailing arms and Panhard rod ), on wagons - a continuous axle on springs.

TM Series

At the time of launch in April 1985, the TM series included the following equipment: basic equipment GLX, mid-range SE and high-end Elite .. In August 1986, the range was expanded with Executive option. This new option included a new plastic steering wheel, power steering and air conditioning. SE and Elite - in addition to the above seats and upholstery were covered with velor, the driver's seat adjustment was expanded (seven instead of four directions), lumbar support for the driver and front passenger; folding rear center armrest, integrated head restraints, remote trunk opening, power windows, central locking and alloy wheels (standard for elite and optional on SE), metallic paint (two-tone for elite), radio / cassette players with side electric antenna and separate control buttons on the steering wheel. Elite also has an LCD instrument panel in line with the Japanese automotive trend of the late 1980s. Common to all models are the adjustable tilt of the steering column and the key to open the fuel tank flap.

Selling prices were a key decisive factor for the company's competitiveness, as MMAL managed to sell a better vehicle for less money than its main rivals, which was reflected in the highlighted “value for money” category of Australia’s most prestigious car award of the Year and the title "Car of the Year" in 1985 ^[2] .

The 4G54 engine with a carburetor produced 85 kW (116 hp) at 5,000 rpm and 198 N * m at 3,000 rpm.

Options:

• GLX (carburetor; manual or automatic)
• Executive (carburetor; manual or automatic))
• SE (carburetor; manual or automatic))
• Elite (carburetor; automatic transmission))

TN Series

April 1987 brought the first Magna update (TN index). Cosmetic changes included a new grille, transfer of the rear license plate to the bumper and a revised trim, and improved seats. An updated Astron II engine with EFI also appeared, a revised automatic transmission, improved audio and optional equipment.

The 4G54 ECI Multi engine with EFI (electronic fuel injection ) system began to produce 125 hp.

Since June 1987, a station wagon variant has been on sale, designed and manufactured exclusively in Australia. The declared carrying capacity was 1,200 kilograms (2,600 pounds). In June 1988, the sports equipment of the Elante station wagon (with EFI and more sporty suspension settings) and the luxurious Elite wagon appeared. Options:

• GLX (carburetor or EFI; manual or automatic)
• Executive (carburetor or EFI; automatic transmission)
• SE (carburetor or EFI; manual or automatic)
• Elite (EFI; Automatic)
• Elante sedan (EFI; manual or automatic)

Limited Edition:

• Challenge (EFI; Manual or Automatic)

TP Series

In June 1989, the latest update to the first generation of Magna, known as the “TP Series,” was released. Revised grille and taillights, as well as a new wheel design. An improved four-speed automatic transmission, interior, console and seats were also part of the upgrade. The power steering became standard on all trim levels in 1990, as did the EFI system. In September 1990, the Grand Tourer was released in a limited edition of 1,000 sedans - with large wheels and suspension settings from Elante.

The TP Series sedan remained in production until April 1991, and the station wagon was sold along with the new TR series sedan until May 1992.

Options:

• GLX (carburetor or EFI; manual or automatic)
• Executive (carburetor or EFI; manual or automatic)
• SE (EFI; Manual or Automatic)
• Elite (EFI; Automatic)
• Elante sedan (EFI; manual or automatic)

Limited Editions:

• Encore (EFI, Manual or Automatic)
• Grand Tourer sedan (EFI; manual or automatic)
• Grand Tourer wagon (EFI; Manual or Automatic)
• Safari wagon (EFI; manual or automatic)

TR / KR Series

Magna was modernized “from scratch” with the introduction of a large sedan in April 1991 (the station wagon was released in May 1992). this series was designated TR and was equipped with a power unit from the previous generation. Unlike the first generation, whose wide-body was developed in Australia, the second generation inherited the platform of the Japanese Mitsubishi Diamante (as for the Mitsubishi 3000GT ). MMAL estimates that between 1989 (when the project began) and the station wagon was launched in 1992, the total investment in the new Magna was a total of $ 389 million.

With a more aerodynamic body with a drag coefficient of Cx = 0.33, the TR Series was also heavier than the first generation by about 100 kilograms (220 pounds). The 4G54 engine was again upgraded, and became available only with EFI. As a result, the engine increased power to 98 kW (133 hp) at 4,750 rpm and 212 Nm at 3,750 rpm when using gasoline with an octane rating of 91, and 102 kW (139 hp) at 4,750 revolutions per minute and 220 N * m at 4000 rpm when using gasoline with an octane rating of 95. A little later in the same year 1991, the GLX equipment reappeared, but only with a carburetor engine and at a price lower than that of other models, so that make the new Magna more affordable.

In July 1991, MMAL introduced an elite version under its own name Mitsubishi Verada with a 3.0-liter V6 engine , the series was designated KR. Magna and Verada had one body, although the latter had a unique grille and larger bumpers for exporting models to the United States, as well as luxurious fittings. The installed 3.0-liter V6 from the Cyclone family was codenamed 6G72 . Its characteristics ranged from 120 kW (160 hp) at 5500 rpm and 235 N * m at 4000 rpm on the AI-91 to 124 kW (169 hp) at 5500 rpm and 244 N * m at 3000 rpm on the AI-95. An automatic transmission was used with four- and six-cylinder engines, it was equipped with the first generation INVECS ( Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control System) proprietary electronic control system.

In Australia, due to the recession of the early 1990s and rising oil prices, the six-cylinder Magna was not produced. Finally, in 1993, with the economic recovery and stabilization of oil prices, the V6 engine was first offered at Magna for the first time and then as an option. This 3.0-liter V6 was only available in Executive trim, which was also equipped with larger 15-inch wheels and a different trim. The small “V6” badge on the trunk lid was distinguished by a six-cylinder model.

At the time of the launch of the TR series, Magna came out in the Executive sedan, SE sedan, and Elite trim levels. The Verada with its V6 Ei engine was about the same level as the Magna SE, except that air conditioning was standard. The top-of-the-range Verada Xi also includes alloy wheels, central locking, climate control, cruise control, high-quality audio system, steering wheel with cruise control and audio system, power windows, electrically adjustable driver's seats. In addition, the Xi could be equipped with an electronically controlled suspension with four-way adjustable shock absorbers and adjustable pneumatic elements in addition to standard springs. This system automatically adjusts the stiffness of the suspension in proportion to road conditions, speed and driving style. It also became possible to equip an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and a driver's airbag for the first time on both Veradas trim levels.

In New Zealand, cars were sold under the Magna and V3000 brands , based on their respective four- and six-cylinder models. Magna included GLX and Super Saloon, and V3000 Executive, Super Saloon, Elite (station wagon only) and SEi.

The new Australian car was developed including for export on an international scale, its build quality has increased sales in Japan, the United States, Britain and New Zealand several times relative to the planned initial volumes. The Verada station wagon formed the basis of a large MMAL export program under the name Diamante and Sigma , and Australia became the only manufacturer of these station wagons worldwide.

Options:

• GLX (carburetor; manual or automatic)
• Executive (EFI; Manual or Automatic)
• Executive V6 (manual or automatic)
• SE (EFI; Manual or Automatic)
• Elite (EFI; Automatic)

Limited version:

• Profile sedan (automatic transmission)

TS / KS Series

All second-generation Mitsubishi Magna models were updated in March 1994 with the advent of the new TS and KS series. Their engines have also been improved. The revised Verada received additional equipment that had previously been reserved for export markets. It included a different grille, more expensive headlights (relative to cars for Australia to highlight luxury and sports equipment) and other equipment to maintain a more premium status than the gaining popularity of the Magna V6. In December 1995, a limited edition export version of the station wagon with the V6 Verada Touring was released (81 with manual transmission and 99 with automatic transmission). The successful introduction of Verada as the flagship of the luxury class and the upgrade of the Magna SE class led to the exclusion of the Magna Elite.

The TS and KS series were replaced by the third generation in 1996, however, station wagons remained on sale until 1997 due to the delay of the new generation station wagon.

Options:

• GLX (carburetor; manual or automatic)
• Executive (EFI; Manual or Automatic)
• Executive V6 (manual or automatic)
• Advance V6 (manual or automatic)
• SE (EFI; Manual or Automatic)
• SE V6 (automatic transmission)

Limited versions:

• Challenge (sedan and station wagon)
• Profile wagon (manual or automatic)
• Safari wagon (manual or automatic)
• V6Si sedan

TE / KE series

In April 1996, MMAL launched the new generation of Magna, and in July Verada, which was largely based on the second-generation Japanese Mitsubishi Diamante , as Mitsubishi sought to create a competitor for BMW in the US market. Both cars in this series won the 1996 Car of the Year Award in Australia.

As in the case of the second generation, the TE and KE series were released on a common platform, which received the code name YR ^[3] . The bodies became larger (10 mm higher and longer than the TS series) and stiffer (13 percent), but only slightly heavier (about 20 kg) due to the greater use of aluminum alloys. The new Verada was again distinguished by more luxurious decor elements and larger bumpers.

For the first time, Magna’s engines included the Japanese 2.4-liter four-cylinder 4G64-C4 105 kW (143 hp) and 205 N * m, 90 percent of the parts of which did not overlap with the one installed on the previous Magna 4G54. A new 3.5-liter V6 with the 6G74 index (for Verada) also appeared.

Initially, the models included Executive and Altera versions (instead of SE), both were available with either engine and a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The new INVECS II four-speed electronic automatic gearbox could adapt to the driver’s usage pattern and road conditions to select the optimal gear for any situation, thanks to the “non-linear logic”. Although the rack and pinion mechanism with the amplifier had the same attachment points as Diamante, the components were manufactured according to MMAL specifications in Australia by TWR. The wheel suspension became independent, with MacPherson struts in front, instead of the Diamante multi-link design, and the rear multi-link for the sedan (for the station wagon, another, more compact design is adopted). All-wheel disc brakes (front ventilated) with Bosch ABS 5.3.

Verada was available in the EI and XI versions with a 3.5-liter V6 (which produced 147 kW (200 hp) and 300 N * m) paired with an automatic transmission. These highest figures formed the basis of the MMAL export program, making Diamant the only one in all world markets except Japan, where the Japanese-built Diamant was still available. In the largest export market in the US, Diamant competed in the “near luxury” segment.

TF / KF Series

TH / KH Series

TJ / KJ Series

TL / KL Series

TW / KW series