What is Mitsubishi Working On?

We know all automakers are always looking for the next concept and the be the innovator in the industry so they can offer what the masses in any market are looking for before anyone else.

With that in mind, here are several concepts Mitsubishi has been working on that may be seen as concepts at future auto shows or as actual production models based upon the reaction to the concept versions.

GC-PHEV

Designed with suicide-style doors, this concept is to be a next-generation full-size SUV from Mitsubishi that will offer full-time 4WD. This concept offers a front engine, rear-wheel drive layout plus a plug-in hybrid EV system that is backed by a 3.0-liter V6 supercharged MIVEC engine that is attached to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination of power, battery capacity and terrain performance could make the GC-PHEC an awesome all around vehicle for owners to enjoy. This concept is expected to include such features as the active safety technologies that not only inform the driver of impending danger but activate corresponding danger detection and mitigation systems to avoid as much danger as possible.

XR-PHEV

On the other end of the SUV spectrum, the XR-PHEV is expected to be a new crossover compact SUV that will use a front engine, FWD setup that will be powered by a 1.1-liter direct injection turbocharged MIVEC engine and a lightweight, compact and high-efficiency motor with a high-capacity battery. The XR-PHEV is also expected to offer active safety technologies and be an advanced “connected car” utilizing the next generation of infotainment systems.

AR

The AR is designed and looks almost like something from an science fiction movie that would prowl a distant planet. If ours were that distant planet this might be the vehicle of choice as the AR is designed as a concept compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). This will combine the maneuverability of a crossover with the roominess of a larger SUV to give the MPV badge to the AR. This vehicle will use a lightweight mild hybrid system and the same engine as the XR-PHEV.   The AR will also feature the same active safety features and connected system as the two other SUVs already mentioned to give this advancement across the lineup of Mitsubishi vehicles.

MiEV Evolution II

One part of automaking that always seems to be in some form of concept is racing. As the most competitive part of the automotive world, race teams are always looking for an advantage over each other. The new MiEV Evolution II is a complete redesign from the ground up. This racing machine is expected to feature a four-motor drivetrain, placing one on each wheel to give the full four-wheel power desired and instant torque that comes with these advanced electric motors. Adding in the advanced Super All-Wheel Control technology and an aggressive amount of awesome aerodynamics across carbon fiber body parts this could be the race car we see crossing first at many finish lines in the future. The battery pack used are planned to be high-capacity lithium-ion batteries to give plenty of power.

One of the coolest parts of the MiEV Evolution II is the fact it is built to compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb which is held each year at Colorado Springs and offers a degree of elevation changes, temperature changes along with weather and atmospheric differences. Just competing in this annual event allows Mitsubishi to test the durability and reliability of their EV and PHEV vehicles to ensure they will be able to handle what is needed during any driving condition and help plan the future development of the next concept cars.

GR-HEV

The GR-HEV is planned to mimic the Honda Ridgeline in its overall look and shape as what is now being called a Sport Utility Truck (SUT) to allow a variation of having awesome driving performance and the versatility of a truck bed. By blending an SUV body up front and the Triton truck bed in back, this SUT concept may be the way many weekend warriors go to have a truck and a vehicle that will give the performance desired for everyday driving.

Not only is the GR-HEV a concept in design, but the power is planned to come from a diesel-hybrid system that will use a 2.5-liter diesel engine and an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. This Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) concept will also be fitted with the S-AWC and the Super Select 4WD system that will have four distinct driving modes to choose from including 2H, 4H, 4HL and 4LL to give the driving performance needed for the task at hand. This SUT is also expected to see Active Cruise Control, Forward Collision Mitigation and Lane Departure Warning to give it plenty of great driver assistance features.

PX MiEV

This is a particularly interesting concept vehicle that needs some explaining to ensure the concept is understood, but also makes plenty of sense. To start with the PX MiEV will have three power system, tow permanent magnet synchronous electric motors (one in front and one in back) and an MIVEC gasoline engine that can not only power the front wheels but also serve as a generator. The way this system works is to adapt to the conditions the car is facing. For a short commute to work or jaunt to the grocery store the car will only use the power in the front electric motor, saving the gasoline and emissions for when they are needed. If the conditions are bad such as with rain or snow, the rear electric motor kicks in and aids the car along the drive. The engine expected to show up in this concept car should it ever make it to production is the 2.2-liter four-cylinder DOHC turbo diesel engine which offers very low emissions, keeping this car very low in the emissions range.

CA-MiEV

Currently this concept vehicle is expected to be the vehicle Mitsubishi puts all their new concepts and design elements into. The CA-MiEV is to be covered in aluminum or carbon-fiber parts, utilize the next generation of EV technology and offer a shape and design that is both sophisticated and futuristic in appearance. The lightweight components of the CA-MiEV will give the car a great reduction in weight over previous models to allow the range to be increased to an almost 185 mile distance. This is also aided by the advancements in the battery packs that have been improved for the next generation as well. Expect the CA-MiEV to be one of the first of this group launched when Mitsubishi gives the go ahead.

Filled with amazing safety features, advanced EV technologies and utilizing the technology of fabricating parts from aluminum and carbon-fiber, this list of concept vehicles from Mitsubishi shows an exciting forward thinking approach to what very well may be the overall future of the automotive world. The interesting part will be to see which of these concepts will make it to production, how the race car will fare once perfected, and once in production how these various EV models will do on the roads with the gasoline powered beasts that will surround them in various markets.