Max's theme, like so many TV shows and ad campaigns these days, is "extreme sports"-the idea being a wild rig to haul five people and all their stuff to any outdoor event, anywhere, through any terrain. That means minivan space with sport/utility capability. Mitsubishi's Southern California-based Mitsubishi Motors R&D design studio team, led by Michael Desmond, insisted on some serious performance, and also that the SSU be a driveable vehicle, not just a show-stand mockup. MRDA not only conceived and designed the SSU, but built it in their own studios.
While Pontiac's Aztek (Feb. '99) offered a similar flavor, it was based on an existing minivan platform and sported only a 200-horse, front-drive powertrain. Max does better: how about 310 horses, via a twin-turbo 2.5-liter DOHC V-6 and full-time all-wheel drive. Its five-speed automatic trans packs a sequential shift mode. The aggressive rolling stock consists of Goodyear run-flat tires, size 295/50R20 on specially built 20-inch alloys, and the SSU comes to a stop via Baer Racing disc brakes.
Concept vehicles are always technology showplaces, and the SSU is no exception. Most notable are Max's use of innovating high-tech lighting, lots of flush-mounted glass, and the obligatory infotainment system. There are on-board PC with internet access, telephone, pager, and 600-watts worth of custom-built Infinity audio system. Interior seating is provided by Recaro, and the motif is a progressive blending of leather, suede, aluminum, and body-colored elements. We wish we had the space to list the balance of Max's multitude of trick features.
Industry analysts predict car/SUV/minivan "crossover" vehicles are the next big trend. The folks at Mitsubishi could indeed build something that takes character cues from Mad Max. Though if they did, they'd probably have to change the name
Authentic American Muscle
In this era of brand management, affinity relationships, and other marketing tie-ins, it only makes sense that Harley-Davidson and Ford would get together on a special version of the F-150. But this one isn't much of a stretch, as the Pride of Milwaukee and the world's best-selling pickup are two truly American icons. And the result is a handsome rig.
The Harley-Davidson F-150 will be available only in 4x2 SuperCab configuration, and only with a FlareSide box. Harleys look best in black and chrome, so that's the only color combo offered on the H-D F-150. The most significant hardware upgrade is the use of 20x9.0-inch alloy wheels and 275/45SR20 Goodyear Eagle GTII tires. It's the first time Ford has factory-offered rolling stock with this low a profile. In keeping with the custom sport truck look, all the bumpers are finished in body color, the standard front grilles are replaced by polished billet pieces, orange striping brightens up the all-black paint scheme, and a hard tonneau cover is standard.
Inside, the black/chrome/aluminum theme continues, with special black nudo leather wrapping the seats, armrests, and front door inserts, chrome-trimmed accessory stalks, and a unique "spun metal" instrument cluster. Naturally, there are plenty of Harley- Davidson logos inside and out.
Fortunately, Ford had the good sense not to "slam" the H-D F-150 to the ground, but the vehicle is lowered about an inch. Most of the vehicles we've tested that run 20-inch wheels and ultra-low-profile tires exhibit a less-than-pleasant ride quality in exchange for that street cruiser look, so we look forward to a full road test to check out the suspension calibrations. A 260-horsepower Triton V-8 is the only engine offered, backed by an automatic trans. We're impressed by the way this much-improved-for-'99 powertain performs, and it should be ideally suited to this truck. Its sport-tuned exhaust system with 3.5-inch slash-cut exhaust tips should help evoke a bit of that classic Harley rumble. This limited-production 2000 model will be available at your Ford dealer next spring.