Mitsubishi L200. Great story of a little pickup truck

1978, Japan, Mitsubishi Motors launches its first pickup with a carrying capacity of 1 ton, it is called Fortebut it will be exported under several names, including Mitsubishi Truck e L200, and will be sold worldwide in 40 years and 5 generations in approximately 4,7 million units.

First Mitsubishi L200

A month after launching in Japan in September, the Forte was immediately exported to North America, where there was strong demand for small pickups. Initially available single configuration with one cab (Single Cab) and can be equipped with Gasoline engines 2,0 and 2,6 liters. for North America and 1,6 for Japan. Export models, on the other hand, were equipped with 2,3 l diesel.

With a wide front track (1.360 mm) and a wheelbase of 2.780 mm, the Forte provided excellent driving stability, while the design was inspired by the compact sedan GALANT Σ.: an elongated front, a miniskirt - debuted on a van body - and four round headlights.

Ancestor of Pajero and Montero

Among the technical characteristics of a small Japanese pickup truck: front disc brakes, double cross member with coil springs for front suspension e rigid axle with leaf springs for the back.

Fort cabin it was also very quiet, thanks to an uncompromising approach to NVH levels, thanks to a two-piece propeller shaft and extensive use of strategically placed sealing materials.

Dearaccumulated experience in the construction of jeepsThe Asian manufacturer has added a newly developed non-full-wheel drive system with a silent, straight-link chain, which has reduced mechanical noise and power loss when reaching high road speeds. In short, this model was the predecessor scale 4 × 4 Mitsubishi Motors, including Pajero, Montero and Delica.

The second generation

In 1986 year complete restyling We have also expanded the offer of configurations with three body options: Lunga e Corta Single Cab, Club Cab and Double Cab, two- and all-wheel drive systems: two gasoline engines with a volume of 2,0 and 2,6 liters and a diesel engine with a volume of 2,5 liters.

Five years later Strada model (only in the version with a double cab), which was named L200 (in North America Mighty Max or RAM 50, for sale by Dodge, Australia Triton).

Third Generation

In 1995 was new L200 Strada It was the third generation of the small pickup truck, radically redesigned both in the interior and exterior.

Three versions are available: Single Cab, Club Cab and Double Cab (for export), with motors. 2,5 liter diesel (intercooled turbo diesel) o 2,8 liters and four-wheel drive caccording to the "Easy Select 4WD" system... Onboard, comfort and car security systems.

Produced and sold in Thailand, it has been exported to Europe, Oceania, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

Fourth generation

Ten years later, even fourth generation L200, which has undergone a major restyling, was first launched in Thailand as Tritonand then it was gradually commercialized in other Countries 150.

Always three configurations: single cab, club cab, double cab and engine choices including new diesels with Common Rail 2.5 and 3.2... The traction can be rear or integrated with the Easy Select 4WD system or «Super Select 4WD».