Mitsubishi Debonair#Third generation

The Debonair was first introduced at the 10th All Japan Motor Show (later renamed the Tokyo Motor Show) in October 1963.{{Cite web |url=http://www.jsae.or.jp/autotech/data_e/1-37e.html |title=240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology - Mitsubishi Debonair |access-date=2012-11-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831215116/http://www.jsae.or.jp/autotech/data_e/1-37e.html |archive-date=2010-08-31 |url-status=dead }} Its appearance at the time was described as "dignified". It was one of the first Japanese-built luxury sedans, using a 2.0-liter six-cylinder engine, with exterior dimensions just under the Japanese government dimension regulations for "compact" vehicles while offering a spacious interior.

At its introduction, it 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 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 was not widely marketed towards the general motoring public. Production began in time for the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo in October 1964.

Three distinct generations were available during its 35-year production run until it was replaced in 1999 with the Proudia in an attempt to continue to offer a top-level luxury sedan. The first and second-generation models were predominantly used by senior level executives of the Mitsubishi Group and affiliated companies.http://www.justacargeek.com/2010/09/rough-1965-mitsubishi-debonair-some.html reference to senior level purpose-built car Aside from a very minor export push in the 1960s, the Debonair was mainly sold in Japan, although the second and third generations met with considerable success in South Korean license production.

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-liter 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.

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{{Infobox automobile

| name = First generation (A30/A31/A32/A33)

| image = Mitsubishi-DebonairExecutive.JPG

| caption = Debonair Executive

| production = 1964–1986

| designer = Hans Bretzner

| layout = Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive

| engine = {{unbulleted list

| Gasoline:

| 2.0 L KE64 OHV I6 (A30; 1964–1970)

| 2.0 L 6G34 SOHC I6 (A31; 1970–1976)

| 2.6 L 4G54/G54B SOHC I4 (A32/A33; 1976–1986)

}}

| transmission = {{unbulleted list

| 4-speed manual (1964–1976)

| 3-speed Borg-Warner BW-35 automatic

}}

| wheelbase = {{convert|2690|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| length = {{convert|4670|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}{{cite web | url = http://www.jsae.or.jp/autotech/data_e/1-37e.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831215116/http://www.jsae.or.jp/autotech/data_e/1-37e.html | archive-date=2010-08-31 | series = 240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology | title = Specifications of Mitsubishi Debonair | publisher = Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan, Inc. (JSAE)}}

| width = {{convert|1690|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| height = {{convert|1465|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| weight = {{convert|1330|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}

}}

File:Mitsubishi-DebonairExecutiverear.JPG

File:Mitsubishi Debonair Executive SE A33 interior.jpg

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 also recognized as a senior executive sedan exclusive to the Japanese market. Although it received several minor redesigns (denoted I through IV), the vehicle proved popular enough in the Japanese 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,{{cite web|title=Mitsubishi Debonair|url=https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/innovation/history/year/1960/60_6.html|website=Mitsubishi Motors|publisher=Mitsubishi|access-date=7 April 2018}} 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 turn signals in the front, and tapered fins at the rear, with a rear taillight cluster, exhibiting a "Continental-esque" appearance.{{cite web | url = http://automobilesoftheworld.blogspot.com/2012/04/1964-mitsubishi-debonair.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231125144937/https://automobilesoftheworld.blogspot.com/2012/04/1964-mitsubishi-debonair.html | archive-date = 2023-11-25 | title = 1964 Mitsubishi Debonair | work = Automobiles of the World | date = 2012-04-07 | first = Lorenzo C. | last = Odin }} 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 1,991 cc six-cylinder engine with twin carburetors and dual exhausts, the original A30 series developed {{cvt|105|PS|kW hp|0}} at 5,000 rpm, and had a maximum speed of {{cvt|155|km/h|mph|0}}. This engine has overhead valves and a high mounted camshaft (not overhead), similar to Opel's cam-in-head design.{{cite web | url = https://web.motormagazine.co.jp/_ct/17325671 | title = 【昭和の名車 122】三菱 デボネアは、22年に渡って製造されるロングセラーカーとなった | trans-title = Showa era famous car 122: Mitsubishi Debonair became a long-selling car, manufactured for 22 years | language = ja | work = Web Motor Magazine | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191222090823/https://web.motormagazine.co.jp/_ct/17325671 | archive-date = 2019-12-22 | date = 2019-12-22 }} The front grille had an "MMC" badge, denoting the newly formed Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. From September 1970 the 6G34 "Saturn 6" (1,994 cc) engine was installed, increasing the engine's power output to {{cvt|130|PS|kW hp|0}} which gave the car a top speed of {{cvt|180|km/h|mph|0}}. From now on, the Debonair was only available in an "Executive" trim package. 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 3-speed automatic unit, sourced from Borg-Warner. When the 4G54 "Astron" (2,555 cc) 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. 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 using Mitsubishi MCA and the chassis code was changed to A33.

The first-generation Debonair continued in production until the first quarter of 1986. By the end, its availability was largely academical: in its last full year of production (1985), 205 units were sold in Japan.{{Cite book | ref = Eichi5 |script-title =ja:絶版車カタログ 国産車編 Part5 1980~1989 |trans-title=Japanese Historic Car Graffiti: Car Catalog part 5, 1980–1989 | language = ja | editor-last = Tazawa (田澤) | editor-first = Kōichi (晃一) | publisher = Eichi Publishing (英知出版) | series = Eichi Mook | location = Tokyo | page = 38 | year = 1997 | isbn = 4-7542-5120-2 }} In total, 21,703 first-generation Debonairs were built in just over 22 years.{{citation | title = 週刊 日本の名車 | trans-title = Famous Japanese Cars Weekly | publisher = K.K. DeAgostini Japan | location = Tokyo | editor-first = Kazuyo | editor-last = Ogawara | volume = 75 | page = 7 | date = 2015-06-30 }}

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{{Infobox automobile

| name = Second generation (S11A/S12A)

| image = Mitsubishi Debonair V 001.JPG

| caption = Debonair V 2.0 Exceed (S11A)

| aka = Hyundai Grandeur

| production = 1986–1992

| layout = Front-engine, front-wheel-drive

| engine = {{unbulleted list

| Gasoline:

| 2.0 L 6G71 SOHC V6 (S11A)

| 3.0 L 6G72 SOHC V6 (S12A)

| 3.0 L 6G72 DOHC V6 (S12A)

}}

| transmission = 4-speed automatic

| wheelbase = {{unbulleted list

| {{convert|2735|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (2.0/3.0 L)

| {{convert|2885|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (Royal 150)

}}

| length = {{unbulleted list

| {{convert|4690|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (2.0 L)

| {{convert|4865|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (3.0 L)

| {{convert|5015|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (Royal 150)

}}

| width = {{unbulleted list

| {{convert|1695|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (2.0 L)

| {{convert|1725|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (3.0 L)

}}

| height = {{unbulleted list

| {{convert|1425|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (2.0 L)

| {{convert|1460|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (3.0 L)

}}

| weight = {{unbulleted list

| {{convert|1400|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} (2.0 L)

| {{convert|1620|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} (3.0 L)

}}

}}

File:Mitsubishi Debonair V 002.JPG

In July 1986,{{cite book | title = 別冊CG: 自動車アーカイヴ 80年代の日本 |trans-title=Car Graphic: Car Archives Vol. 11, '80s Japanese Cars | publisher = Nigensha | ref = CG80 | year = 2007 | language = ja | page = 223 | location = Tokyo | isbn = 978-4-544-91018-6 }} Mitsubishi changed the appearance of the Debonair, as its previous version was seen as extremely rare and not a sales leader or image maker of Mitsubishi vehicles. The second-generation Debonair adopted a front-wheel drive layout, a cost-effective way to increase interior space without investing money on engineering in an executive sedan, shared with the E11 Galant.{{cn|date=February 2025}} It also came with Mitsubishi's first V6 engines, the 6G71 2.0-liter and the 6G72 3.0-liter under the "Cyclone" moniker, which were shared with the Galant model line later. So as to comply with the Japanese government regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement, vehicles installed with the 2.0-liter engine were installed in a shorter and narrower body–accomplished by fitting smaller bumpers. Fitted with the {{convert|150|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} 3.0-liter V6 engine, the Debonair would reach {{convert|195|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, if it wasn't for the mandatory {{convert|180|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} limiter used in Japanese cars.{{cite book | ref = AR87 | title = Automobil Revue 1987 | editor-last = Büschi | editor-first = Hans-Ulrich | publisher = Hallwag AG | location = Berne, Switzerland | language = de, fr | page = 404 | volume = 82 |date=5 March 1987 | isbn = 3-444-00458-3 }}

The Debonair took full advantage of the front-wheel drive layout 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 Debonair was a reasonable success; sales in its first full year (1987) were 6,230 cars in Japan, compared to a mere 205 of its predecessor in 1985.

File:20101003 hyundai grandeur 001.jpg]]

A {{convert|150|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} supercharged version of the 2.0-liter engine was added to the lineup in February 1987,[http://www.carinf.com/en/615047536.html Mitsubishi Debonair Supersaloon] technical spec 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.

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 {{convert|600|mm|in|abbr=on}} for a total overall length of {{convert|5465|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}.

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 Starion to identify specific trim packages. In the third quarter of 1989, a twin-cam version of the 3.0-liter V6 engine with four valves per cylinder was introduced, by which time the supercharged 2.0-liter unit was dropped as the regular 2.0-liter engine received a power upgrade. Power for this version jumped from {{convert|155|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|200|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}.{{cite book | ref = AR90 | title = Automobil Revue 1990 | editor-last = Büschi | editor-first = Hans-Ulrich | publisher = Hallwag AG | location = Berne, Switzerland | language = de, fr | pages = 428–429 | volume = 85 |date=8 March 1990 | isbn = 3-444-00495-8 }} This engine became the only option for the AMG version. Top speed for the 24-valve 3.0-liter V6 engine is {{convert|215|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} according to period sources.{{Cite book | title = Quattroruote: Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1992 | publisher = Editoriale Domus S.p.A | year = 1992 | language = it | page = 589 | ref = TAM92 | location = Milano }}

In 1990, the Debonair was joined by a newer, more modern looking and sporting executive sedan, called the Diamante (also known as the Sigma) in an attempt to keep Mitsubishi competitive with newer 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.

File:DEBONAIR V.JPG

German tuner AMG was brought in to enhance this version of the Debonair, which primarily consisted of exterior body treatments.{{cite web | url = http://www.7tune.com/mitsubishi-debonair-v-3000-royal-amg/ | title = Mitsubishi Debonair V 3000 Royal AMG | last = Karow | first = Justin | work = Classic JDM Cars | publisher = 7tune.com | access-date = 2013-01-18 | date = 2008-06-05 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121227233156/http://www.7tune.com/mitsubishi-debonair-v-3000-royal-amg/ | archive-date = 2012-12-27 }} The AMG version came in two configurations; the standard length and later the Debonair V 150 AMG, with {{convert|150|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} added to the wheelbase. The "150" limousine (only with the 3.0-liter engine) was first shown in October 1990. 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.http://www.tradecarview.com/used_car/japan%20car/mitsubishi/debonair+v/11736924/ Mitsubishi Debonair V Aquascutum

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. Along with light cosmetic changes, this took place in May 1991. It included a slight power upgrade for the 24-valve 3.0-liter V6 engine to {{convert|210|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}.{{cite book | title = BilKatalogen 1992 (Swedish edition of German Auto Katalog) | language = sv | editor = Åhman, Michael | publisher = Bilkatalogen AB | location = Borlänge, Sweden | pages = 104, 258 | year = 1991 }} By October 1992, production of the second-generation model had ended as the third-generation Debonair was being introduced.

|-

| V6, ECI Multi

| {{convert|120|PS|kW|0|disp=table}}

| 5500

|

|-

| supercharged V6 ECI

| {{convert|150|PS|kW|0|disp=table}}

| 5,000

|

|-

| rowspan="4" | 6G72

| SOHC V6 ECI

| rowspan="4" | 2972 cc

| {{convert|150|PS|kW|0|disp=table}}

| rowspan="2" | 5000

|

|-

| SOHC V6 ECI multi

| {{convert|155|PS|kW|disp=table}}

|

|-

| rowspan="2" | DOHC V6 ECI Multi

| {{convert|200|PS|kW|0|disp=table}}

| rowspan="2" | 6000

|

|-

| {{convert|210|PS|kW|0|disp=table}}

|

|}

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{{Infobox automobile

| name = Third generation (S22A/S26A/S27A)

| image = Mitsubishi Debonair Executive I (S22A) front.jpg

| caption = Debonair Executive I (S22A)

| aka = Hyundai Grandeur

| production = 1992–1999

| layout = Front-engine, front-wheel-drive

| related = Hyundai Dynasty

| engine = {{unbulleted list

| Gasoline:

| 3.0 L 6G72 SOHC V6 (S22A)

| 3.0 L 6G72 LPG V6 (S22A)

| 3.5 L 6G74 DOHC V6 (S26A/S27A)

}}

| transmission = 5-speed INVECS automatic

| wheelbase = {{ubl

| {{cvt|2745|mm|in|1}}

| {{cvt|2895|mm|in|1}}

}}

| length = {{convert|4975|–|5125|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| width = {{convert|1815|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| height = {{convert|1440|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| weight = {{convert|1590|–|1840|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}

}}

The third-generation Debonair debuted in late 1992, which were longer and wider than its predecessors. The wider range of available engines was topped by a {{cvt|260|PS|kW hp|0}} 3,496 L 6G74 DOHC V6 engine, and as Mitsubishi's domestic flagship incorporated much of the company's technology. It was introduced after the more mainstream 1990 Diamante.

Some of the technologies used were:

• Four-wheel steering
• Four-wheel anti-lock braking system
• Electronically-controlled suspension
• GPS-guided automotive navigation system
• Rear-focused camera
• Self-closing doors
• 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.uctc.net/papers/622.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2014-12-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031011103348/http://www.uctc.net/papers/622.pdf |archive-date=2003-10-11 }} Vehicle technologies to improve performance and safetyhttp://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/corporate/aboutus/history/1990/index.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230134028/http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/corporate/aboutus/history/1990/index.html |date=2014-12-30 }} History of Mitsubishi Motors
• INVECS 5-speed automatic transmission with traction control systemhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgK-IEeW930 Television review of 1992 Debonair (Japanese)

File:Mitsubishi Debonair S20 rear.jpg

In July 1993, a limited edition, long wheelbase model called the Debonair 150 (as it was extended by 150 mm) was added to the lineup. It was only available in a single model with the 3.5-liter V6 engine and the top, Executive III equipment grade.{{cite web | url = https://response.jp/assistance/catalog/model/MI/S048/F002/M001/G011/ | title = 三菱 デボネア 3.5 150 エグゼグティブIII (1993/07～1994/09) | trans-title = Mitsubishi Debonair 3.5 150 Executive III (1993/07-1994/09) | work = Response Catalog | publisher = IID, Inc | language = ja }} The Debonair 150 was discontinued in September 1994, when the ine underwent a gentle update and rearrangement of the lineup. As this generation was Mitsubishi's flagship model, the body style that was compliant with Japanese government regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement was no longer offered. The rear suspension was upgraded to a multilink approach. Much of the technology installed in this generation Debonair was shared with the GTO/3000GT.

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.http://www.goo-net-exchange.com/catalog/MITSUBISHI__DEBONAIR/#10/1992 1992–1998 Mitsubishi Debonair trim packages and specifications

The Debonair was discontinued in November 1999 and directly replaced by the Proudia. However, Mitsubishi also developed its first V8 engine for the Dignity limousine around this time, and it was this latter model which took position as the domestic flagship of the company.

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{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080922171657/http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.za/featuresites/mm_history/Debo.asp Official history of the Debonair], Mitsubishi Motors South Africa website

{{Mitsubishi Motors vehicles}}

{{Mitsubishi cars 1960-79}}

{{Mitsubishi Motors timeline 1980 to 2009}}

Debonair

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