It joins Ford and Holden as the third Australian manufacturer to provide a factory-endorsed LPG-powered large sedan.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd president and CEO, Robert McEniry, said the move marks an unsurpassed commitment to LPG Autogas technology by the company.

“We haven’t heavily promoted LPG until now,” said Mr McEniry. “The 380 engine has been LPG-adaptable, but we didn’t have a conversion that had the full backing of the company. The new 380 Series III LPG system, however, is a fully endorsed and approved factory option for all automatic transmission models.”

The engine is completely covered by Mitsubishi’s 10-year new car warranty.

The 380 Series III retains the unleaded petrol fuel system and additionally provides an Impco BRC Sequent 56 LPG system, as a $4050 option.

Private motorists qualify for a $2000 Federal Government rebate after purchasing a new LPG-equipped 380 Series III, under the LPG Vehicle Scheme. The 380 Series III’s driveability between the fuels is said to be virtually indistinguishable and if the vehicle runs out of Autogas it automatically changes to petrol.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd’s product and project manager, James Tol, said the 380 Series III’s 175kW engine was uniquely developed to suit LPG. The Sequent 56 LPG system was co-developed between Impco and Mitsubishi.

“The Sequent 56 LPG system features the latest refinements in fuel vapour injection technology and allows us to deliver fuel cost savings and environmental benefits without any loss in peak power,” said Mr Tol.

“This is good news for consumers, particularly given the current economic conditions of high fuel prices and government rebates for LPG fitment.

“Combined with the 380’s already low entry-level price, an LPG-equipped 380 provides unsurpassed value for money.”

Mr Tol described the LPG system’s installation configuration as “quite traditional. The LPG cylinder is in the boot, a fuel selector switch is on the instrument panel and the engine management components are tucked away in the engine bay,” he said.

Refuelling the LPG tanks is performed via a filler housed neatly behind the car’s petrol filler flange.

Impco Technologies general manager John Coggins said the BRC Sequent 56 system embodied Impco’s commitment to developing sustainable platforms for the OEM industry.

“It’s truly cutting-edge,” Mr Coggins said. “It provides optimum performance and reliability in an affordable, highly integrated package.”

Mr Tol said that prior to adoption the Sequent 56 LPG system underwent rigorous internal safety and reliability testing, as well as ADR and emissions testing.

“We have taken great care in preparing this package to ensure that Mitsubishi’s stringent system performance expectations and legislative requirements have been met. This has included a comprehensive crash test program to ensure passenger protection from the additional components. We are confident of the LPG system’s safety and durability.”

Industry development manager for peak body LPG Australia, Phil Westlake, said motorists are increasingly turning to LPG Autogas in the face of steeper petrol prices and would welcome LPG’s inclusion in another Australian-built large car.

“Selling for less than half the price of petrol, Autogas is an environmentally responsible way for families and businesses to make easy savings at the bowser,” said Mr Westlake.

“Mitsubishi’s formal adoption of Autogas in the new 380 reflects the weight of motorist demand for an affordable, available, low-emission fuel.”