Mitsubishi Raider

Mitsubishi Raider
Overview
Manufacturer	DaimlerChrysler (2006–07) Chrysler (2007–2009)
Production	2005-2009
Assembly	Warren, Michigan
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size pickup truck
Body style	2-door truck 4-door truck
Layout	Front engine, rear-/four-wheel drive
Platform	Chrysler ND platform
Related	Dodge Dakota
Powertrain
Engine	3.7 L V6 4.7 L V8
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	131.3 in (3,335 mm)
Length	218.5 in (5,550 mm)
Width	71.7 in (1,821 mm)
Height	68.6 in (1,742 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor	Mitsubishi Mighty Max

The Mitsubishi Raider is a pickup truck from Mitsubishi Motors that debuted in the fall of 2005 as a 2006 model for the United States market and is based largely on the Dodge Dakota. The name is recycled from the Dodge Raider SUV sold from 1987 to 1990, which was a rebadged Mitsubishi Montero.

The Raider filled the gap in the Mitsubishi lineup since the discontinuation of the Mighty Max in 1996. The Raider is built in the United States by Chrysler. Engine choices had included a 4.7 L PowerTech V8 making 230 horsepower (172 kW) and 290 lb·ft (393 N·m) and a 3.7 L PowerTech V6 which produced 210 horsepower (157 kW) and 210 lb·ft (285 N·m), though by the 2008 model year, only the 3.7 L V6 was available.

Early sales were disappointing, at only one tenth of the Dakota's, and Mitsubishi dealers reportedly had a six-month supply of Raiders on their lots, obligating the company to request that Daimler Chrysler cut production.^[1] 9,861 Raiders were built in 2005, and just 297 more were built from the first of the year through March 11, 2006.^[2] Approximately 8,200 Raiders were sold in 2007.^[3]

Recently a concept truck was re-badged as the Street Raider and designed by Mitsubishi's California design studio. It first appeared at the 2005 SEMA automotive show and since then has been shown at various automotive shows around the United States. It includes 22 inch custom wheels, custom dual exhaust, and a lowered stance among other features not found on a stock Raider. The Street Raider carries a mooted price tag of $60,000, although there are no current plans to sell it.^[4]

Annual sales

Year	Sales
2005	2,715
2006	7,156
2007	7,479
2008	3,349
2009	6969
2010	666

(source: Facts & Figures 2008, Facts & Figures 2011, Mitsubishi Motors website)

References

1. "Mitsubishi Cuts Production of Slow-Selling Raider Truck". Edmunds.com. March 14, 2006.
2. "North America car and truck production", Automotive News
3. Kiley, David. Chrysler and Nissan in Team-Up Talks, Business Week, January 10, 2008
4. Hellwig, Ed. "Mitsubishi Street Raider, 2005 SEMA Show"Edmunds.com

External links

• Mitsubishi Raider at MMNA website