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2006 Mitsubishi Raider Sport Truck Preview

New Mitsubishi Raider Offers Truck Buyers Something Completely Unique

A large crowd gathered in Mitsubishi Motors North Americas display stand in preparation of the Japanese automakers much anticipated Raider pickup truck and new Eclipse sport coupe, and those in attendance soon found out the wait had been worth it.

Pointed the way towards what could very well be a profitable new market segment for the brand, Mitsubishis new Raider pickup truck appears to be something completely new at first glance. Its assortment of stylish curves and sharp angles is unorthodox for the pickup truck

Mitsubishi debuted its much anticipated Raider pickup, and it looks well worth the wait. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

segment, but nevertheless should be welcome to those wanting a little more pizazz with their practicality.

If you were expecting something identical to the brands Sport Truck concept that showed up at last years Detroit show, you may be disappointed. While maintaining some

Mitsubishis new Raider pickup truck appears to be something completely new at first glance. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

of the styling cues that made the concept a hit wherever it was shown, the production truck is biased more toward traditional pickup truck usage, which was a smart choice by Mitsubishi.

History shows that pickup truck buyers may indeed want attractive design, but if the vehicle cant be used for hauling equipment or towing trailers, they wont buy it. Lincoln made this mistake

The new Raider pickup will be built on Dodges popular Dakota architecture. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

with its Blackwood, and its demise was a much publicized embarrassment for Ford.

While as functional as the Dodge Dakota that lends its rugged platform to the Raider, it is extremely fashionable inside as well, with high quality surfaces for this class, and impressive fit and finish. The seats are comfortable, switchgear intuitively laid out and of good tactile quality, and general ergonomics above average.

But why would Mitsubishi want to delve into

Mitsubishi sold more than 90,000 L200 Strada pickups worldwide in 2002. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

the highly competitive pickup truck segment during a time when it is undergoing a ground up restructuring? Isnt that a risky move?

It could be seen as risky for sure, as pickup truck buyers are normally loyal to their brands, a fact that both Toyota and Nissan have experience since launching their full-size trucks. The Mitsu is a midsize pickup, however, which should be more palatable to import buyers, of which some may have owned a Mitsubishi pickup sometime in their past.

Thats right, the Japanese automaker currently sells its L200 Strada pickup

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

in non-North American markets and previously sold the Mighty Max, also branded as a Dodge D50, in the U.S. back in the late 70s and early 80s.

As previously mentioned, the tables are turned this time around, however, as its Dodge that is providing the framework for the midsize Raider, derived from the popular Dakota.

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