The Outlander might be the largest model in Mitsubishi’s North American lineup right now, but back in the 2000s, the company produced an even larger offering – the Endeavor. Independent designer Enoch Gonzales has envisioned the revival of this nameplate in a new mid-size SUV that could share its platform with the Nissan Pathfinder.
The Mitsubishi Endeavor was produced in the US between 2003 and 2011 until it was discontinued due to poor sales. This effort for a modern reincarnation doesn’t incorporate any styling cues from the original apart from the body style and market positioning. Instead, it adopts features from Mitsubishi‘s current design language, such as the large grille surrounded by “Dynamic Shield” chrome inserts. The lighting units feature intricate LED graphics inspired by a checkerboard pattern. Other notable elements include the boxy wheel arches and sculpted profile.
Enoch Gonzales didn’t include any interior shots in the illustrations he sent our way, but we can assume that the Endeavor would offer a spacious cabin with a three-row, 7-seater layout, featuring the latest technology in terms of infotainment, comfort, and safety. In terms of dimensions, the SUV would measure 197.7 inches (5,021 mm) long with a wheelbase of 114.2 inches (2,900 mm), identical to those of the Nissan Pathfinder R53.
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The fictional Mitsubishi Endeavor may exist only in digital form, but the designer says he proposed a cost-efficient solution for its underpinnings. While the Nissan D platform traces its roots back to the 2007 Murano, it is still in use today for models like the Pathfinder and its premium counterpart, the Infinity QX60. Moreover, the upcoming Chinese-spec Dongfeng Nissan Pathfinder, set to debut this year, is also anticipated to utilize the same architecture, indicating Nissan’s intention to continue its use.
Given that Mitsubishi is part of the same alliance with Renault and Nissan, it’s conceivable that the Endeavor could also share the same powertrain as the Pathfinder. In the US, the Nissan Pathfinder is exclusively available with a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine producing 284 hp (212 kW / 288 PS) in standard form and up to 295 hp (220 kW / 299 PS) in the more rugged Rock Creek trim. Power is transferred to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox and Nissan’s intelligent AWD system.
While a new Mitsubishi Endeavor would make a fitting rival for the likes of the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride, it is highly unlikely that it becomes reality – at least in ICE-powered form. With the rise of fully electric and hybrid vehicles, investing in a new gas-guzzling SUV for the next few years doesn’t align with Mitsubishi’s future direction. Nonetheless, it’s refreshing to see independent designers reviving discontinued nameplates, even if they are doomed to remain digital-only affairs.
Note: The independent illustrations are neither related to nor endorsed by Mitsubishi
