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Mitsubishi Ground Tourer Concept Due to Show Up at the 2016 Paris Motor Show

Mitsubishi Motor Corporation, also known as the automaker that falsified fuel economy data since 1991, has released the first teaser for a rather intriguing concept vehicle. The  2016 Paris Motor Show is where the veil will be taken off completely, showing the Ground Tourer Concept in its buck naked glory.
Mitsubishi Ground Tourer Concept teaser 3 photos
Photo: Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Ground Tourer Concept teaserMitsubishi Ground Tourer Concept teaser
But first, here’s a question. What’s in a name? More specifically, what does the Japanese manufacturer try to transmit with the Ground Tourer nameplate? I am finding it hard to get my head around it. My best guess is that Ground stands for off-road capability and Tourer for comfort, simple as that. If you have a different take on it, feel free to drop us a comment.

The Ground Tourer follows in the footsteps of two other concepts: the XR-PHEV II (2015 Geneva Motor Show) and eX Concept (2015 Tokyo Motor Show). All three concept vehicles promote the rather boringly named Dynamic Shield design language. The “upmarket SUV” is said to express the design ambitions of Mitsubishi “through four powerful elements: Augmented Possibilities, Functional Beauty, Solid Thrust, and Japanese Craftsmanship,” whatever that may mean.

According to the Japanese manufacturer, the finished-yet-not-ready-to-be-shown concept also expresses the latest in plug-in hybrid electric tech. As per a statement from Mitsubishi, “the combination of advanced driving technologies packaged using the latest Japanese design trends and quality will propel the Ground Tourer Concept for effortless cruising in all driving conditions on and off-road; all while accommodating passengers in a quiet, comfortable and luxuriously crafted interior.”

Great stuff, but why would Mitsubishi start teasing a concept vehicle a quarter of a year before it is programmed to make its debut? As if that wasn’t simple-minded enough, try to squint your eyes a little bit. Doesn’t the design resemble the Range Rover Evoque? Shouldn’t the troubled manufacturer concentrate its efforts on replacements for the ASX, Outlander, and Pajero? All three are as old as socks. If Mitsubishi wants to stay relevant in today’s automotive industry, I suggest walking the walk before talking the talk.

These said, the Mitsubishi Ground Tourer Concept previews a coupe-like crossover utility vehicle that will slot above the ASX (a.k.a. Outlander Sport). Expect it to hit a dealership near you in the latter half of 2017.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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