Following the teaser photos revealed early last month , Mitsubishi has taken the wraps of its three concept cars that will be on display at the Tokyo Motor Show.
The three studies feature a new design and technology that “point to the direction Mitsubishi ’s development and manufacturing will take in the near future,” according to the automaker.
The (gray-colored) Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV envisions a next-generation full-size SUV with permanent all-wheel drive. The study uses a plug-in hybrid system (PHEV) consisting of a 3.0-liter V6 supercharged MIVEC engine linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a high-output motor and high-capacity battery. Mitsubishi says the Concept GC-PHEV delivers all-terrain performance worthy of an all-round SUV.
The second SUV study (cherry-red colored) is the Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV, which is the automaker’s vision of a next-generation compact SUV with a focus on driving pleasure. The car uses a front engine, front-wheel drive layout PHEV system that pairs a downsized 1.1-liter direct-injection turbocharged MIVEC engine with a lightweight, compact and high-efficiency motor and a high-capacity battery.
The third study (lime green colored) is the Mitsubishi Concept AR, a next-generation compact MPV that combines SUV maneuverability with MPV interior space. The concept uses a lightweight mild hybrid system which includes the same 1.1-liter direct-injection turbocharged MIVEC engine from the Concept XR-PHEV.
Mitsubishi says all three concepts feature its latest “e-Assist” active safety technologies and the advanced “connected car” technology that consists of next-generation information systems.
In total, Mitsubishi will display 17 models at the Tokyo Motor Show , including a new eK Space “super height wagon” kei car that will launch in Japan early next year.
By Dan Mihalascu
