2007 Mitsubishi Raider: A new Rebadged Joy!

For those who were to examine the new Mitsubishi Raider, your eyes would behold the unmistakable triad logo centered inside the middle of its beefy looking grille. Even so, as you let your eyes run the complete length from the truck's physique and have a look at its styling cues, you would see one thing completely different, but fairly familiar. Indeed, apart from some fascia, body, and cabin adjustments, the Raider is without a doubt a Dodge Dakota. Yes, the tables have already been reversed and Mitsubishi's choose up truck is now a Dodge as opposed to the other way around. Beyond the apparent similarities there can be some variations among the models that gives the Raider a uniqueness all of its own.

Back during the 1970s and 1980s when Chrysler necessary smaller vehicles and trucks to fill out its restricted line up, the corporation tapped its organization relationship with Mitsubishi to supply what it needed. Included in the mix was a little choose up truck, most not too long ago the D50. When Chrysler created the midsized Dakota throughout the late 1980s, the need for the small Mitsubishi truck decreased and by the early 1990s the D50 was no extra.

Mitsubishi for its element has long been a builder of compact trucks, but as the automaker began to sell vehicles in the North American industry, its line up has grown appreciably. Demand to get a little Mitsubishi choose up truck dropped so the "Mighty Max" was discontinued from its line up. At some point, the automaker decided to partner with DaimlerChrysler to sell rebadged Dakotas as Raiders.

The relationship is wise as the Raider fills a void for Mitsubishi whereas allowing DaimlerChrysler to help keep its truck developing capacity high. As odd as the relationship could appear, Isuzu and Common Motors are performing exactly the same issue as both Isuzu autos sold within the U.S. are rebadged GMC trucks.

So, what sets the Raider apart from the pact, particularly its Dodge cousin? Price tag for one. Beginning out at about $19,000, the truck is priced as low as some of the smaller sized trucks available on the market including the trendy Toyota Tacoma. Apparently, Mitsubishi wanted to have an entry level model to meet expected demand. Yes, bare bones versions with the Tacoma is usually had for much much less, but that's what you get, bare bones. There is no 4 cylinder Raider sold, you either get a 210 h-p V6 or possibly a beefy 230 h-p V8 to power your Raider. The V8 is particularly appealing to those who tow as its pulling capacity is known as a respectable 6500 lbs. Tranny selections incorporate either 4 or five speed automatics or a 6 speed manny tranny.

The Raider comes readily available as either a 4x2 or possibly a 4x4 and with two or 4 door cab configurations. Seating capacity will be as high as six passengers though you wouldn't be as comfortable riding inside a Raider/Dakota with six consumers as you would be within a full sized Ram.

What plenty of Raider fans will like could be the added care Mitsubishi gave to the interior. As opposed to the Dakota, the Raider comes with trim attributes more akin to a sedan than to a choose up truck. Sirius satellite radio, Alpine speakers, front bucket seats with heated leather surfaces, and power almost everything are a few of the characteristics that make the Raider a lot more than a truck.

Ten years just after the last "Mighty Max" choose up trucks had been sold by Mitsubishi, a new truck has entered the fold because of an important relationship with DaimlerChrysler. Possibly the success of this relationship will spawn additional model sharing. Could we see a rebadged Dodge Ram soon sold as a Mitsubishi? In as of late of extensive model sharing, something is attainable.

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