TheMitsubishi Debonair(Japanese:Tam lăng ・デボネア,Hepburn:Mitsubishi Debonea)is a four-doorexecutivesedanintroduced byMitsubishi Motorsin 1964 to serve as theirflagshippassenger vehicle in theJapanese market.The word "debonair" means gentle, courteous, suave, lighthearted, or nonchalant. Three distinct generations were available during its 35-year production run until it was discontinued in 1999. The first and second generation models were built mainly for senior level executives of theMitsubishi Groupand affiliated companies, essentially a Mitsubishi senior executive company car made by the motor vehicle division of Mitsubishi.
| Mitsubishi Debonair | |
|---|---|
 1976–1986 Mitsubishi Debonair Executive SE | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors |
| Production | 1964–1999 |
| Assembly | Japan:Okazaki, Aichi(Nagoya Plant) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Executive car |
| Body style | 4-doorsedan |
| Layout |
|
| Chronology | |
| Successor | |
Overview
editThe Debonair was first introduced at the 10th All Japan Motor Show (later renamed theTokyo Motor Show) in October 1963.[1]Its appearance at the time was described as "dignified". It was one of the first Japanese-built luxury sedans, using a 2.0-litersix-cylinderengine, with exterior dimensions just under the Japanese governmentdimension regulationsfor "compact" vehicles while offering a spacious interior.
At its introduction, it was the largest sedan Mitsubishi had built to date. In Japan, it was sold at a specific retail chain called theGalant Shopstarting in 1969 with the introduction of the Galant. At the time of the Debonair's introduction, Mitsubishi had a market reputation of building small, economical sedans, letting other manufacturers build larger, more expensive sedans. The Debonair was seen as a special purpose vehicle, and was not widely marketed towards the general motoring public. Production began in time for the1964 Summer Olympicsheld in Tokyo in October 1964.
Three distinct generations were available during its 35-year production run until it was replaced in 1999 with theProudiain an attempt to continue to offer a top-level luxury sedan. The first and second-generation models were predominantly used by senior level executives of theMitsubishi Groupand affiliated companies.[2]Aside from a very minor export push in the 1960s, the Debonair was mainly sold in Japan, although the second and third generations met with considerable success in South Korean license production.
As a result of the Debonair's perceived primary purpose as a "senior executive vehicle", it did not undergo regular improvements to its exterior appearance, while the mechanicals were routinely updated with the latest advancements as the years progressed. The engine displacement was held to the 2.0-liter limit to minimize the annualroad tax bill,and if it could be justified that thecar was for business use,the tax liability was further reduced.
First generation (A30/A31/A32/A33; 1964)
edit| First generation (A30/A31/A32/A33) | |
|---|---|
 Debonair Executive | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1964–1986 |
| Designer | Hans Bretzner |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission |
|
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm (105.9 in) |
| Length | 4,670 mm (183.9 in)[3] |
| Width | 1,690 mm (66.5 in) |
| Height | 1,465 mm (57.7 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,330 kg (2,932 lb) |
The Debonair was Mitsubishi's competitor to theNissan Cedric,Prince Gloria,Isuzu BellelandToyota Crown,and during the first generation's production, the appearance remained generally unchanged from 1964 until 1986, sharing a tradition with theToyota Century,that being also recognized as a senior executive sedan exclusive to the Japanese market. Although it received several minor redesigns (denoted I through IV), the vehicle proved popular enough in the Japanese market to remain in production for 22 years without major appearance modifications.
The Debonair was largely the result of formerGeneral Motorsdesigner Hans S. Bretzner,[4]while the result was largely influenced by the 1961Lincoln Continentaldesigned byElwood Engel,as evidenced by the slab-sided body panels, squared wheel wells, extended protrusions at the front of the vehicle, wraparound turn signals in the front, and tapered fins at the rear, with a rear taillight cluster, exhibiting a "Continental-esque" appearance.[5]It used adouble wishbonefront suspension withleaf springsand a differential for the rear axle for the entire generation.
Powered initially by theKE641,991 ccsix-cylinderengine with twincarburetorsand dual exhausts, the original A30 series developed 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) at 5,000 rpm, and had a maximum speed of 155 km/h (96 mph). This engine has overhead valves and a high mounted camshaft (not overhead), similar to Opel'scam-in-headdesign.[6]The front grille had an "MMC" badge, denoting the newly formedMitsubishi Motors Corporation.From September 1970 the6G34"Saturn 6" (1,994 cc) engine was installed, increasing the engine's power output to 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) which gave the car a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). From now on, the Debonair was only available in an "Executive" trim package. The badge on the front grille was changed to signify the Saturn engine was installed, and a "MCA-Jet"badge was also included. This model received the A31 model code. In October 1973, the Debonair underwent afacelift:the front turn signals were made smaller and moved upwards on the fenders, the front ventilation windows were deleted, and the L-shaped taillights were replaced by rectangular units. The model code was not changed.
The 1976 model saw the removal of amanualtransmission, leaving the only choice of a 3-speedautomaticunit, sourced fromBorg-Warner.When the4G54"Astron" (2,555 cc)four-cylinderengine was introduced June 1976, the trim package was renamed "Executive SE" and the model code became A32. The Debonair received additional technical advancements such asanti-lock braking systemin 1979. The badge on the front grille was again changed to signify the engines displacement of "2600" and the "Astron 80" update. These were replaced by "MMC" badges in November 1982.
In April 1978, responding to tightened emissions standards, Mitsubishi introduced a de-smogged model usingMitsubishi MCAand the chassis code was changed to A33.
The first-generation Debonair continued in production until the first quarter of 1986. By the end, its availability was largely academical: in its last full year of production (1985), 205 units were sold in Japan.[7]In total, 21,703 first-generation Debonairs were built in just over 22 years.[8]
Second generation (S11A/S12A; 1986)
edit| Second generation (S11A/S12A) | |
|---|---|
 Debonair V 2.0 Exceed (S11A) | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Hyundai Grandeur |
| Production | 1986–1992 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase |
|
| Length |
|
| Width |
|
| Height |
|
| Curb weight |
|
In July 1986,[9]Mitsubishi changed the appearance of the Debonair, as its previous version was seen as extremely rare and not a sales leader or image maker of Mitsubishi vehicles. The second-generation Debonair adopted afront-wheel drivelayout, a cost-effective way to increase interior space without investing money on engineering in an executive sedan. It also came with Mitsubishi's firstV6engines, the6G712.0-liter and the6G723.0-liter under the "Cyclone" moniker, which were shared with the Galant model line later. So as to comply with the Japanese government regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement, vehicles installed with the 2.0-liter engine were installed in a shorter and narrower body–accomplished by fitting smaller bumpers. Fitted with the 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) 3.0-liter V6 engine, the Debonair would reach 195 km/h (121 mph), if it wasn't for the mandatory 180 km/h (110 mph) limiter used in Japanese cars.[10]
The Debonair took full advantage of the front-wheel drive layout to allow for much passenger space. The cavernous trunk was also designed so as to ensure that two sets of golf clubs could be carried. The Debonair was a reasonable success; sales in its first full year (1987) were 6,230 cars in Japan, compared to a mere 205 of its predecessor in 1985.[7]
A 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp)superchargedversion of the 2.0-liter engine was added to the lineup in February 1987,[9][11]using the world's first needle rollerrocker armassembly. This generation wasbadge engineeredand was introduced to the Asian luxury car market as theHyundai Grandeur,giving Hyundai a luxury sedan to shuttle foreign dignitaries during the1988 Seoul Olympics.As Mitsubishi and Chrysler had a business relationship where automotive technology was being shared and used in both Chrysler and Mitsubishi products, this generation Debonair does have some superficial similarities with theChrysler New Yorkerof the same time period. The Debonair's platform, however, shares nothing with theChrysler "E","Y", or "K" platforms.The suspension was upgraded toMacPherson strutsfor the front suspension, and the rear suspension used athree-link torsion axle.The only transmission available was a four-speed automatic unit.
Unusually for Japan, there was also a full stretch limousine version available briefly, beginning in 1987. These were largely handbuilt by Mitsubishi'sAichidealership chain and were stretched between the doors by 600 mm (24 in) for a total overall length of 5,465 mm (215 in).[9]
This generation was also the first to install a V6 engine, and the car was called the Debonair V, with a badge on the back of the trunk, and a "V"hood ornament.The name also continued the naming of the various iterations of the previous generation Debonair by Roman numerals I, II, III, and IV, an approach shared with the North AmericanLincoln Mark seriesand theJaguar Mark 1on a luxury car. The Roman numeral identification approach was also used on Mitsubishi's top-of-the-line sports car, theStarionto identify specific trim packages. In the third quarter of 1989, a twin-cam version of the 3.0-liter V6 engine withfour valves per cylinderwas introduced, by which time the supercharged 2.0-liter unit was dropped as the regular 2.0-liter engine received a power upgrade. Power for this version jumped from 155 PS (114 kW; 153 hp) to 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp).[12]This engine became the only option for theAMGversion. Top speed for the 24-valve 3.0-liter V6 engine is 215 km/h (134 mph) according to period sources.[12][13]
In 1990, the Debonair was joined by a newer, more modern looking and sporting executive sedan, called theDiamante(also known as the Sigma) in an attempt to keep Mitsubishi competitive with newer executive sedans, such as the Honda Legend and other Japanese luxury sedans as the Debonair continued to be perceived as dated in appearance. The motivation to introduce a modern looking, executive level luxury sedan also took place in what has become known as theJapanese asset price bubbleperiod that began after thePlaza Accordagreement in 1985.
German tuner AMG was brought in to enhance this version of the Debonair, which primarily consisted of exterior body treatments.[14]The AMG version came in two configurations; the standard length and later the Debonair V 150 AMG, with 150 mm (5.9 in) added to the wheelbase. The "150" limousine (only with the 3.0-liter engine) was first shown in October 1990.[9]In the Japanese crime drama TV showGorilla,a Debonair AMG is used. British luxury apparel manufacturerAquascutumwas also commissioned to design an exclusive interior appearance package for the Debonair, soon after the company had been purchased by Japanese textile conglomerate companyRenown Incorporated;the supercharger was installed optionally with this particular trim package.[15]
Even after the introduction of the more modern Diamante, the Debonair underwent one last facelift, mostly in order to update the passive safety of the car.[9]Along with light cosmetic changes, this took place in May 1991. It included a slight power upgrade for the 24-valve 3.0-liter V6 engine to 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp).[16]By October 1992, production of the second-generation model had ended as the third-generation Debonair was being introduced.
| type | layout | displ. | output | dates | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS | kW | at (rpm) | ||||||
| 6G71 | V6,ECI | 1998 cc | 105 | 77 | 5000 |
| ||
| V6,ECI Multi | 120 | 88 | 5500 |
| ||||
| superchargedV6 ECI | 150 | 110 | 5,000 |
| ||||
| 6G72 | SOHC V6 ECI | 2972 cc | 150 | 110 | 5000 |
| ||
| SOHC V6 ECI multi | 155 | 114 |
| |||||
| DOHCV6 ECI Multi | 200 | 147 | 6000 |
| ||||
| 210 | 154 |
| ||||||
Third generation (S22A/S26A/S27A; 1992)
edit| Third generation (S22A/S26A/S27A) | |
|---|---|
 Debonair Executive I (S22A) | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Hyundai Grandeur |
| Production | 1992–1999 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Related | Hyundai Dynasty |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 5-speedINVECSautomatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase |
|
| Length | 4,975–5,125 mm (195.9–201.8 in) |
| Width | 1,815 mm (71.5 in) |
| Height | 1,440 mm (56.7 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,590–1,840 kg (3,505–4,057 lb) |
The third-generation Debonair debuted in late 1992, which were longer and wider than its predecessors. The wider range of available engines was topped by a 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) 3,496 L6G74DOHC V6 engine, and as Mitsubishi's domestic flagship incorporated much of the company's technology. It was introduced after the more mainstream 1990 Diamante.
Some of the technologies used were:
- Four-wheel steering
- Four-wheelanti-lock braking system
- Electronically-controlled suspension
- GPS-guidedautomotive navigation system
- Rear-focused camera
- Self-closing doors
- Lidar-baseddistance detection system(Japanese market only). Marketed as "distance warning", this early system only warned the driver about vehicles ahead, without influencing throttle, brakes or gearshifting.[17][18]
- INVECS5-speed automatic transmission withtraction control system[19]
In July 1993, a limited edition, long wheelbase model called the Debonair 150 (as it was extended by 150 mm) was added to the lineup. It was only available in a single model with the 3.5-liter V6 engine and the top, Executive III equipment grade.[20]The Debonair 150 was discontinued in September 1994, when the ine underwent a gentle update and rearrangement of the lineup. As this generation was Mitsubishi's flagship model, the body style that was compliant with Japanese government regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement was no longer offered. The rear suspension was upgraded to amultilinkapproach. Much of the technology installed in this generation Debonair was shared with theGTO/3000GT.
There were a multitude of trim packages with varying levels of equipment. The trim level names started with Executive (I, II, and III), Exceed, Exceed Contega, and Exceed Type A, B, and C. Each model year rearranged the trim level names according to the perceived market conditions.[21]
The Debonair was discontinued in November 1999 and directly replaced by theProudia.However, Mitsubishi also developed its firstV8engine for theDignitylimousine around this time, and it was this latter model which took position as the domestic flagship of the company.
References
edit- ^"240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology - Mitsubishi Debonair".Archived fromthe originalon 2010-08-31.Retrieved2012-11-09.
- ^http://www.justacargeek.com/2010/09/rough-1965-mitsubishi-debonair-some.htmlreference to senior level purpose-built car
- ^"Specifications of Mitsubishi Debonair".240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology. Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan, Inc. (JSAE). Archived fromthe originalon 2010-08-31.
- ^"Mitsubishi Debonair".Mitsubishi Motors.Mitsubishi.Retrieved7 April2018.
- ^Odin, Lorenzo C. (2012-04-07)."1964 Mitsubishi Debonair".Automobiles of the World.Archived fromthe originalon 2023-11-25.
- ^"【 chiêu hòa の danh xa 122】 tam lăng デボネアは, 22 niên に độ って chế tạo されるロングセラーカーとなった"[Showa era famous car 122: Mitsubishi Debonair became a long-selling car, manufactured for 22 years].Web Motor Magazine(in Japanese). 2019-12-22. Archived fromthe originalon 2019-12-22.
- ^abTazawa ( điền trạch ), Kōichi ( hoảng nhất ), ed. (1997).Tuyệt bản xa カタログ quốc sản xa biên Part5 1980~1989[Japanese Historic Car Graffiti: Car Catalog part 5, 1980–1989]. Eichi Mook (in Japanese). Tokyo:Eichi Publishing ( anh tri xuất bản ).p. 38.ISBN4-7542-5120-2.
- ^Ogawara, Kazuyo, ed. (2015-06-30),Chu khan nhật bổn の danh xa[Famous Japanese Cars Weekly], vol. 75, Tokyo: K.K. DeAgostini Japan, p. 7
- ^abcdeBiệt sách CG: Tự động xa アーカイヴ 80 niên đại の nhật bổn[Car Graphic: Car Archives Vol. 11, '80s Japanese Cars] (in Japanese). Tokyo: Nigensha. 2007. p. 223.ISBN978-4-544-91018-6.
- ^Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (5 March 1987).Automobil Revue 1987(in German and French). Vol. 82. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. p. 404.ISBN3-444-00458-3.
- ^Mitsubishi Debonair Supersaloontechnical spec
- ^abBüschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (8 March 1990).Automobil Revue 1990(in German and French). Vol. 85. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. pp. 428–429.ISBN3-444-00495-8.
- ^Quattroruote: Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1992(in Italian). Milano: Editoriale Domus S.p.A. 1992. p. 589.
- ^Karow, Justin (2008-06-05)."Mitsubishi Debonair V 3000 Royal AMG".Classic JDM Cars.7tune.com. Archived fromthe originalon 2012-12-27.Retrieved2013-01-18.
- ^http://www.tradecarview.com/used_car/japan%20car/mitsubishi/debonair+v/11736924/Mitsubishi Debonair V Aquascutum
- ^Åhman, Michael, ed. (1991).BilKatalogen 1992(Swedish edition of GermanAuto Katalog)(in Swedish). Borlänge, Sweden: Bilkatalogen AB. pp. 104, 258.
- ^"Archived copy"(PDF).Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 2003-10-11.Retrieved2014-12-30.
{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)Vehicle technologies to improve performance and safety - ^http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/corporate/aboutus/history/1990/index.htmlArchived2014-12-30 at theWayback MachineHistory of Mitsubishi Motors
- ^https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgK-IEeW930Television review of 1992 Debonair (Japanese)
- ^"Tam lăng デボネア 3.5 150 エグゼグティブIII (1993/07～1994/09)"[Mitsubishi Debonair 3.5 150 Executive III (1993/07-1994/09)].Response Catalog(in Japanese). IID, Inc.
- ^http://www.goo-net-exchange.com/catalog/MITSUBISHI__DEBONAIR/#10/19921992–1998 Mitsubishi Debonair trim packages and specifications
External links
edit
- Official history of the Debonair,Mitsubishi Motors South Africa website