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The 1997 Mitsubishi Tetra concept was introduced as “a refined outdoor leisure vehicle for urban dwellers.” Designed for versatility, it was intended for daily use, trips to holiday resorts, and outdoor activities, combining sporty performance with high levels of safety, comfort, and utility.
With dimensions of 4,505 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width, and 1,645 mm in height, the Tetra featured a lower profile than typical SUVs. Its wide track and low center of gravity provided stable, road-hugging performance. The cabin floor stood at just 558 mm—about 200 mm lower than standard SUVs—facilitating the loading of outdoor equipment. The 1,050 mm-high luggage compartment was optimized for utility and featured a plastic floor for easy movement and wet item storage. Innovative tailgate and side door mechanisms, including center-line opening and a power window sliding into the roof, further enhanced usability.
Interior flexibility was key. The Tetra featured pipe cot-type seats, including ultra-lightweight rear seats that could be removed and used as beach chairs. Rear seats also doubled as luggage nets when folded. Seating configurations included a two-seater with expanded cargo space, a four-seater with moderate luggage room, and an optional third-row seat. A full walk-through to the cabin and pickup-style tailgate functionality added to the practicality.
In safety, the Tetra incorporated pedestrian-friendly materials and a crash energy-absorbing body structure. A soft plastic front bumper, ample impact absorption space, and full-body plastic molding contributed to its safety-focused design. The vehicle employed Mitsubishi’s Active Yaw Control (AYC), which managed torque distribution between rear wheels to enhance cornering. Airbag systems included front SRS airbags and side airbags mounted in seat backs. The body met Japanese standards for offset and side impacts.
Powered by the new 6G72 3.0-liter V6 24-valve DOHC GDI engine, the Tetra produced 240 hp at 5,570 rpm and 304 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. It was mated to the INVECS-II 5-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive and Optimum Shift Control, as well as a Sport Mode clutch-less manual function. The electronic full-time 4WD system featured a hydraulically operated multi-plate clutch and fuzzy logic control, enabling dynamic torque distribution from 32:68 up to full lock.
Equipped with 255/40ZR19 all-terrain tires developed specifically for the model, the Tetra utilized a multi-link suspension system derived from the Mitsubishi LEGNUM. The suspension was tuned for SUV performance and included a self-leveling feature to maintain a horizontal body stance under varying loads.
The exterior design balanced environmental and safety considerations with a stable, commanding presence. The overall execution aligned with the vehicle’s outdoor leisure purpose while providing a mobile space with excellent load-carrying capability.
