Mitsubishi is now offering its Outlander SUV with a twin-clutch sports shift transmission (SST), first introduced on its Lancer Evolution X.

The inclusion of the new transmission comes is part of Mitsubishi’s “Project Global” to roll out the SST technology beyond the Evolution X halo model.

Further specification details are still to be announced, but the UK models will come complete with paddle shifters, dual mode (normal/sport) and hill start assist functions.

The Outlander 2.2 Di-D Twin Clutch SST will first be displayed at the Paris Motor Show in October, before a retail launch during the first quarter of 2009.

Mitsubishi Outlander

The SST twin-clutch innards
The SST’s benefits include quicker gear shifting versus normal manual transmissions, a reduction in power loss when shifting versus traditional automatic transmissions, lower fuel consumption and emissions versus automatics due to the inherent efficiency of the system’s gear changes.