KE

KE

Image Wanted Magna Equivalent: TE Released November 1996 (Sedan), April 1997 (Wagon) Discontinued June 1997 Preceeded by KS Replaced by KF Engines 24 valve 6G74 3.5L V6 Transmissions F4A51 INVECS II 4 Speed Automatic trim=Ei, Xi (Sedan only) Model Designations {{{trim}}}

As the KE Verada is based on the TE Magna, many of the improvements of the TE flowed through to the KE.

Unlike the TE, the KE Verada uses a 3.5 Litre 24 valve V6 engine and continues the Verada tradition of being a V6 only flagship.

The engine was mounted on the left hand side for the first time so that it rotated in the same direction as the front wheels. This meant that the transaxles no longer needed to reverse the rotation before putting the power to the ground. This also meant that new a transmission was required.

The new transmission was mechanically simpler than its predecessor. It now used a two shaft design (instead of three in the previous series) and no longer required that the torque be reversed before output. The automatic received the advanced INVECS II logic system.

The body of the KE is said to be of the "pillared hardtop" style. It has steep front and rear windows, frameless door glass, slim 'B' pillar and sweeping roof. The body of the KE is extremely aerodynamic (something Mitsubishi had required in the TE/KE design bref).

The body of the KE was also said to be stiffer than the Second Generation Verada and was insulated heavily against noise and vibration.

The KE differs from the TE Magna with unique bumper and light assemblies. The front and rear bumpers are larger than that on the Magna (returning to KR style) and incorporate fog lamps in the lower section. The headlights are the dual parabola type, a style introduced in the KS. The grille is surrounded in chrome.

The rear tail lights are also different to the Magna.

The suspension of the KE was also improved, with the sedan gaining independent rear suspension (via a multi-link system) for the first time. Wagons carried over the basic rear suspension from the KS, but also added an anti-roll bar.

The wagon did not debut at launch (like both previous generations) and was made available a year later.

Ei

Standard equipment for the Ei Verada includes ABS, power steering, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, electric windows, remote central locking with immobiliser and electric mirrors. The Ei also comes with square section, open seven spoke alloy wheels. Optional is a front passenger airbag

Xi

Featuring everything of the Ei with full leather trim, 10 stack CD player, steering wheel audio controls, a body electronic module baased alarm system, electric driver's seat, dual front airbags and timber paneling for the doors, dash and console. The Xi also adds remote boot release to the keyless entry system. Optional is an electric sunroof.