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
PHOTO GALLERY
