History
The vehicle has also been produced under license in South Korea by the Hyundai Motor Company under the name Hyundai 91A, and by Dongfeng Liuqi in China. It has frequently been used as a basis for armored security vehicles by Japanese law enforcement, as a fire truck, and even in competition: The Greats participated in the 1997 Dakar–Dakar Rally, finishing fifth and sixth in the truck (T4-2) category with teams headed by veteran French drivers Gilbert Versino and Christophe Granjon. This was enough to finish 38th and 41st overall amongst the four-wheeled competitors. [1] While both Greats entered finished, the result was overshadowed by competitors Hino's triple victory and Mitsubishi did not return to Dakar with heavyin the truck category.
In export markets, the name "The Great" was not typically used, with Mitsubishi selling them using the model code names.
Development
- July 1983
Introduced. The headlights were rectangular, inset in larger, clear plastic rectangles. [2] Export models for certain markets and special vehicles such as snowplows used four, easier to replace, round headlights. It was designed to be more easy to use, with single-key operation, a steering lock, and no battery relay switch.
- September 1983
An 8-ton semi-tractor with the six-cylinder 6D22(T3) engine was added (FP-R). [3]
- November 1983
The heavier, 6x4 FV-R semi-tractor was added, fitted with the 8DC9 or turbocharged 8DC9(T) V8 engine. [3]
- November 1984
The twin-turbo, intercooler 8DC9(T2) V8 engine was introduced. [3]
- July 1986
Minor facelift with a larger grille, extending up above the headlamps onto the bonnet; the 8DC11 engine was introduced. In December 1986, new safety and drive-by noise regulations were addressed by the addition of sound damping, seat belts, and laminated windshield glass. [4]
- May 1989
Added the 440 PS (324 kW) 10DC11 engine. [5]
- December 1989
Facelift, with redesigned grille, now compliant with Japan's 1989 exhaust gas regulations. The FUSO emblem is somewhat smaller and is now attached to the black stripe above the grille.
- July 1991
ABS brakes made standard equipment on tractor units.
- October 1991
8M20 engine model available.
- July 1993
Major revision, heralding the design later seen on the later Super Great, using projector headlights shared with the second generation Fighter. The dashboard was given a more rounded design.
- December 1994
Made compliant with 1994 exhaust gas regulations. A new 22-25 tonne GVWR series of vehicles was added, called the "Z Series". These feature a front grille in the same color as the cab. The 8M21 engine was introduced.
- April 1995
The tractor underwent minor changes to accommodate Japan's relaxation of regulations on total vehicle weight.
- May 1996
The model was replaced by the Super Great. However, production of export and off-highway vehicles continued.
- 2001
Production of off-highway and export market vehicles came to an end.
1984 early round headlight export model.
1990–1993 (second) facelift model, here as an FV, straight cargo truck
1996 Mitsubishi FV433J, export model (New Zealand)
1993–2001, final facelift model with projector headlamps and new grille
Hyundai 91A
Dongfeng derivative, with a redesigned front mask
This page is based on this
Wikipedia article Text is available under the
CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
