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| − | {{Infobox_model |
| + | #REDIRECT [[First_Generation_Magna#TM]] |
| − | image=[[Image:TM_Magna.jpg|200px|thumb|center]]|
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| − | model=TM|
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| − | release_date=April 1985 |
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| − | term_date= April 1987|
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| − | prev_model=Initial model |
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| − | next_model=[[TN]] |
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| − | engines=[[Astron II]] 2.6L Carby (Unleaded after January 1986) |
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| − | trans= [[KM175]] (4 Speed Auto), [[KM164]] (5 Speed Manual)|
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| − | trim=GLX, Executive, SE, Elite
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| − | }}
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| − | The TM was the first Magna built.
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| − | When the TM was first released back in 1985, it was described by many as revolutionary and in a class of it's own. The Magna effectively created what was to be marketed by many years later as the "wide-bodied car". The Magna was based on a Japanese [[5g_galant|Galant]] which [[MMAL|Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited]] (MMAL) deemed to be too narrow. As with all Japanese cars of the time, the Galant was required to be less than 1.7 metres in width or else buyers would have to pay a limosine tax.
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| − | MMAL decided that the interior size of the Galant and 2.0 litre engine were too small for the Australian market. This meant the car had to be re-engineered to meet MMAL's requirements effectively creating a very different car. MMAL was very interested in using the [[Astron]] engine, which was very popular in the [[Sigma]]. By 1982, the majority of Sigmas sold were fitted with the optional 2.6 litre version of the engine. The 2.6 litre engine was popular in the Sigma mainly because of it's large amount of torque and comparable fuel economy.
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| − | In 1982 the YF-W project began. The project was to create a new car (based on the Galant's body) which had an acceptable amount of interior space and could house the 2.6 litre engine. In the end, the car was widened by 65mm.
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| − | Whist the body was being developed, the engine was also being modified. The result was an engine that felt much different to is predecessor. Power increased from 76kW @ 4800 rpm to 83 kW @ 5200 rpm and torque increased from 192 Nm @ 2400rpm to 200 Nm. This engine became known as the [[1g_Astron_II |Astron II]].
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| − | In 1985 when the Magna was released, it was available in three variants - GLX, SE and Elite. Each was more luxurious than the first. The SE and Elite also had "wing controls" - whereas all the major controls for the vehicle were near the steering wheel within a small reach from the driver.
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| − | Upon release, the Magna became a real competitor for the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon. The Magna had more interior space than the Commodore and had better performance than the other two in base form. Both Commodore SL and Falcon GL had out-dated OHV 3.3 litre 6 cylinder engines as standard producing 86 kW and 90 kW respectively. Both cars were heavier and consumed more fuel.
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| − | The Magna was also a step up from the Commodore and Falcon in terms of features - it featured 4 wheel disc brakes, 4 speed automatic or 5 speed manual on all models. Commodore and Falcon had optional 4 wheel discs and 5 speed manuals, but there was no 4 speed automatic available.
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| − | At the end of 1985, Mitsubishi fitted catalytic convertors to their vehicles readying them for sale in 1986 as the government had mandated operation of all new vehicles on unleaded fuel.
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| − | In August of 1986, MMAL introduced the Magna Executive, aimed at fleet buyers. It was a GLX with manual and automatic transmission and power steering. The only option was air conditioning, making it an easy choice for fleet buyers. The A and B pillars were painted black like on TN and TP Executives.
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| − | [[Category:Magna|1st]]
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| − | [[Category: First Generation Magna]]
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