Mitsubishi Debonair
Mitsubishi Debonair | |
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![]() 1976–1986 Mitsubishi Debonair Executive SE | |
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors |
Production | 1964–1998 |
Assembly | Japan: Okazaki, Aichi (Nagoya plant) |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Executive car |
Body style | 4-door sedan |
Layout | FR layout (1964–1986) FF layout (1986–1998) |
Chronology | |
Successor | Mitsubishi Proudia |
The Mitsubishi Debonair (Japanese 三菱・デボネア) is a four-door luxury car, introduced by Mitsubishi Motors in 1964 to serve as their flagship passenger vehicle in the Japanese domestic market. The word debonair means gentle, courteous, suave, lighthearted, or nonchalant.
Model history[]
The Mitsubishi Debonair was first introduced at the 10th All Japan Motor Show (later renamed the Tokyo Motor Show) 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 L six-cylinder motor, with exterior dimensions just under Japanese government regulations for vehicles classified as "compact" while offering a spacious interior.
At its introduction, it was regarded as a luxury Mitsubishi Colt 1000, as the Mitsubishi Galant would not be introduced until 1969, and was the largest sedan Mitsubishi had built to date. In Japan, it was sold at a specific retail chain called the Galant Shop starting in 1969 with the introduction of the Mitsubishi 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 not marketed towards the general motoring public. Production began in time for the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo in October 1964. Mitsubishi had earlier used this approach to build an exclusive vehicle for senior members of Mitsubishi, with the first vehicle built by Mitsubishi, called the Mitsubishi Model A.
Three distinct generations were available during its 35-year production run until it was replaced in 1999 with the Mitsubishi Proudia in an attempt to continue to offer a top-level luxury sedan. The first- and second-generation models were used by senior level executives of the Mitsubishi Group and affiliated companies.[2]
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 litre limit to minimize the annual road tax bill, and if it could be justified that the car was for business use, the tax liability was further reduced. The international introduction of the Honda Legend in 1986 influenced many traditional Japanese luxury sedans to update the appearance of their vehicles, including the Debonair.
First generation[]
First generation (A30-A33) | |
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![]() A31 Debonair (1970–1973) | |
Overview | |
Production | 1964–1986 |
Designer | Hans Bretzner (1964) |
Layout | FR layout |
Powertrain | |
Engine |
|
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,690 mm (106 in) |
Length | 4,670 mm (184 in)[3] |
Width | 1,690 mm (67 in) |
Height | 1,465 mm (57.7 in) |
Curb weight | 1,330 kg (2,930 lb) |
The Debonair was Mitsubishi's competitor to the Nissan Cedric, Prince Gloria, Isuzu Bellel, and Toyota Crown and during the first-generation's production, the appearance remained generally unchanged from 1964 until 1986, sharing a tradition with the Toyota Century, that being iconically recognized as a senior executive sedan exclusive to the Japanese domestic market. Although it received several minor redesigns (denoted I through IV), the vehicle proved popular enough in the Japanese executive market to remain in production for 22 years without major appearance modifications.
The Debonair was largely the result of former General Motors designer Hans S. Bretzner,[4] while the result was largely influenced by the 1961 Lincoln Continental designed by Elwood Engel, as evidenced by the slab-sided body panels, squared wheel wells, extended protrusions at the front of the vehicle, wraparound turnsignals in the front, and tapered fins at the rear, with a rear tail light cluster, exhibiting a "Continental-esque" appearance. It used a double wishbone front suspension with leaf springs and a differential for the rear axle for the entire generation.
Powered initially by the KE64 1991 cc straight-six engine with twin carburettors and dual exhausts, the original A30 series developed 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) at 5000 rpm, and had a maximum speed of 155 km/h (96 mph). The front grille had an "MMC" badge, denoting the newly formed Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. From September 1970 the 6G34 Saturn 6 (1994 cc) engine was installed, and exclusive to the Debonair as the "Executive" trim package, 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). 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 a facelift: 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 a manual transmission, leaving the only choice of a three-speed automatic, sourced from Borg-Warner. When the 4G54 "Astron" 2.6 L four-cylinder engine was introduced June 1976, the trim package was renamed "Executive SE" and the model code became A32. The Debonair received additional technical advancements such as anti-lock braking system in 1979.[5] 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 and the chassis code was changed to A33.
Amazingly, the outdated first generation Debonair continued in production until the summer of 1986. By the end, its availability was largely academical: in its last full year of production (1985) a mere 205 units were sold in Japan.[6]
Second generation[]
Second generation (S10) | |
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![]() Mitsubishi Debonair Royal 3.0 V6 | |
Overview | |
Also called | Hyundai Grandeur |
Production | 1986–1992 |
Layout | FF layout |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 2.0 L 6G71 V6 SOHC 3.0 L 6G72 V6 SOHC 3.0 L 6G72 V6 DOHC |
Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,735 mm (107.7 in) 2,885 mm (113.6 in) (Royal 150) |
Length | 4,690 mm (185 in) (2.0 V6) 4,865 mm (191.5 in) (3.0 V6) 5,015 mm (197.4 in) (Royal 150) |
Width | 1,695 mm (66.7 in) (2.0 V6) 1,725 mm (67.9 in) (3.0 V6) |
Height | 1,425 mm (56.1 in) (2.0 V6) 1,460 mm (57 in) (3.0 V6) |
Curb weight | 1,400 kg (3,100 lb) (2.0 V6) 1,620 kg (3,570 lb) (3.0 V6) |
In July 1986,[7] Mitsubishi dramatically changed the appearance of its top-level flagship sedan Debonair, as its previous version was seen as extremely rare and not a sales leader or image maker of Mitsubishi vehicles. The all-new Debonair adopted a front-wheel drive format, a cost-effective way to increase interior space without investing money on engineering in an executive sedan. It also came with Mitsubishi's first V6 engines, the 6G71 2.0 L and the 6G72 3.0 L under the "Cyclone" moniker, which were shared with the Galant model line later. So as to comply with Japanese government regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement, vehicles installed with the 2.0 L engine were installed in a shorter and narrower car - accomplished simply by fitting smaller bumpers. Fitted with the 150 PS (110 kW) 3-litre V6, the Debonair would reach 195 km/h (121 mph), if it wasn't for the mandatory 180 km/h (111.8 mph) limiter used in Japanese cars.[8]
The Debonair took full advantage of the front-wheel drive 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 new Debonair was a reasonable success; sales in its first full year (1987) were 6230 cars in Japan, compared to a mere 205 of its predecessor in 1985.[6]
A 150 PS (110 kW) supercharged version of the smaller engine was added to the line-up in February 1987,[7][9] using the world's first needle roller rocker arm assembly. This generation was badge engineered and was introduced to the Asian luxury car market as the Hyundai Grandeur, giving Hyundai a luxury sedan to shuttle foreign dignitaries during the 1988 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 the Chrysler New Yorker of the same time period. The Debonair's platform, however, shares nothing with the Chrysler "E", "Y", or "K" platforms. The suspension was upgraded to MacPherson struts for the front suspension, and the rear suspension used a three-link torsion axle. The only transmission available was a four-speed automatic unit.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/20101003_hyundai_grandeur_001.jpg/220px-20101003_hyundai_grandeur_001.jpg)
Unusually for Japan, there was also a full stretch limousine version available briefly, beginning in 1987. These were largely handbuilt by Mitsubishi's Aichi dealership chain and were stretched between the doors by 600 mm (24 in) for a total overall length of 5,465 mm (215 in).[7]
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 American Lincoln Mark series and the Jaguar Mark 1 on a luxury car. The Roman numeral identification approach was also used on Mitsubishi's top-of-the-line sports car, the Mitsubishi Starion to identify specific trim packages. In the fall of 1989 a twin-cam version of the three-litre V6 with four valves per cylinder was introduced, by which time the supercharged two-litre was dropped as the regular two-litre engine received a power upgrade. Power for this version jumped from 155 PS (114 kW) to 200 PS (147 kW).[10] This engine became the only option for the AMG version. Top speed for the 24 valve V6 is 215 km/h (134 mph) according to period sources.[10][11]
For model year 1990, the Debonair was joined by a new, more modern looking and sporting executive sedan, called the Mitsubishi Diamante (also known as the Sigma) in an attempt to keep Mitsubishi competitive with new 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 the Japanese asset price bubble period that began after the Plaza Accord agreement in 1985.
type | layout | displ. | output | dates | ||||
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PS | kW | at (rpm) | ||||||
6G71 | V6, ECI | 1998 cc | 105 | 77 | 5000 |
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V6, ECI Multi | 120 | 88 | 5500 |
| ||||
supercharged V6 ECI | 150 | 110 | 5,000 |
| ||||
6G72 | SOHC V6 ECI | 2972 cc | 150 | 110 | 5000 |
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SOHC V6 ECI multi | 155 | 114 |
| |||||
DOHC V6 ECI Multi | 200 | 147 | 6000 |
| ||||
210 | 154 |
|
German tuner AMG was brought in to enhance this version of the Debonair, which primarily consisted of exterior body treatments.[12] The AMG version came in two configurations; the standard length and later the Debonair V 150 AMG, with 150 mm added to the wheelbase. The "150" limousine (only with the three-litre engine) was first shown in October 1990.[7] In the Japanese crime drama TV show Gorilla, a Debonair AMG is used. British luxury apparel manufacturer Aquascutum was also commissioned to design an exclusive interior appearance package for the Debonair, soon after the company had been purchased by Japanese textile conglomerate company Renown Incorporated; the supercharger was installed optionally with this particular trim package.[13]
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.[7] Along with light cosmetic changes, this took place in May 1991. It included a slight power upgrade for the 24-valve V6, now with 210 PS (154 kW).[14] By October 1992, production of the second generation model had ended as the third generation Debonair was being introduced.
Third generation[]
Third generation (S20) | |
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![]() Mitsubishi Debonair Executive I (S22A) | |
Overview | |
Also called | Hyundai Grandeur |
Production | 1992–1999 |
Layout | FF layout |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 2.5 L 6G73 V6 3.0 L 6G72 V6 LPG fuel 3.5 L 6G74 V6 |
Transmission | INVECS 5-speed |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,745 mm (108.1 in) |
Length | 4,980 mm (196 in) 5,125 mm (201.8 in) |
Width | 1,810 mm (71 in) |
Height | 1,445 mm (56.9 in) |
Curb weight | 1,590 kg (3,510 lb) 1,840 kg (4,060 lb) |
The third model debuted in late 1992, longer and wider than its predecessors. The wider range of available engines was now topped by a 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) 6G74 3.5 L DOHC V6, and as Mitsubishi's domestic flagship incorporated much of the company's technology. It was introduced after the more mainstream 1990 Mitsubishi Diamante.
Equipment[]
- four-wheel steering
- four-wheel anti-lock braking system
- electronically controlled suspension
- GPS guided automotive navigation system
- rear-focused camera
- self-closing doors
- worldwide first production car to offer a Lidar-based distance 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.[15][16]
- INVECS 5-speed automatic transmission with traction control[17]
Vehicles installed with the 3.5 V6 were longer, while the wheelbase remained unchanged for the regular versions. As this generation was Mitsubishi's flagship limousine, the bodystyle that was compliant with Japanese government regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement was no longer offered. The suspension was upgraded to MacPherson struts for the front suspension, and the rear suspension used a multilink approach. Much of the technology installed in this generation Debonair was shared with the Mitsubishi GTO.
It was discontinued in November 1999 and directly replaced by the Proudia. However, Mitsubishi also developed its first V8 engine for the new Dignity limousine around this time, and it was this latter model which took position as the domestic flagship of the company.
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.[18]
References[]
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-08-31. Retrieved 2012-11-09.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ http://www.justacargeek.com/2010/09/rough-1965-mitsubishi-debonair-some.html reference to senior level purpose-built car
- ^ http://www.jsae.or.jp/autotech/data_e/1-37e.html Archived 2010-08-31 at the Wayback Machine Specifications of Mitsubishi Debonair
- ^ "Mitsubishi Debonair". Mitsubishi Motors. Mitsubishi. Retrieved 7 April 2018.
- ^ http://automobilesoftheworld.blogspot.com/2012/04/1964-mitsubishi-debonair.html Mitsubishi Debonair yearly specifications
- ^ a b Tazawa (田澤), Kōichi (晃一), ed. (1997). 絶版車カタログ 国産車編 Part5 1980~1989 [Japanese Historic Car Graffiti: Car Catalog part 5, 1980–1989]. Eichi Mook (in Japanese). Tokyo: Eichi Publishing (英知出版). p. 38. ISBN 4-7542-5120-2.
- ^ a b c d e 別冊CG: 自動車アーカイヴ 80年代の日本 [Car Graphic: Car Archives Vol. 11, '80s Japanese Cars] (in Japanese). Tokyo: Nigensha. 2007. p. 223. ISBN 978-4-544-91018-6.
- ^ Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (5 March 1987). Automobil Revue 1987 (in German and French). 82. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. p. 404. ISBN 3-444-00458-3.
- ^ Mitsubishi Debonair Supersaloon technical spec
- ^ a b Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (8 March 1990). Automobil Revue 1990 (in German and French). 85. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. pp. 428–429. ISBN 3-444-00495-8.
- ^ 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 from the original on 2012-12-27. Retrieved 2013-01-18.
- ^ 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 German Auto Katalog) (in Swedish). Borlänge, Sweden: Bilkatalogen AB. pp. 104, 258.
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2003-10-11. Retrieved 2014-12-30.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.html Archived 2014-12-30 at the Wayback Machine History of Mitsubishi Motors
- ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgK-IEeW930 Television review of 1992 Debonair (Japanese)
- ^ http://www.goo-net-exchange.com/catalog/MITSUBISHI__DEBONAIR/#10/1992 1992–1998 Mitsubishi Debonair trim packages and specifications
External links[]
![]() |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mitsubishi Debonair. |
- Official history of the Debonair, Mitsubishi Motors South Africa website
- GAZOO.com Mitsubishi Debonair (first generation (Japanese)
- GAZOO.com Mitsubishi Debonair ��second generation (Japanese)
- GAZOO.com Mitsubishi Debonair (third generation (Japanese)
- Mitsubishi Motors vehicles
- Cars introduced in 1964
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