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Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S Teased Ahead of 2014 Paris Motor Show

With only a month to go until the Paris Motor Show opens its doors, Mitsubishi teases us with a special version of the Outlander PHEV dubbed Concept-S. The design study's unveiling comes two years after Mitsubishi premiered the Outlander PHEV at the Mondial de L’Automobile automotive event.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S 3 photos
Photo: Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-SMitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S
On a usual day, the mid-size crossover built by the Japanese manufacturer can seat seven and all their bits and bobs. It can also do a little bit of off-roading, especially if you live somewhere in the countryside and the road back home implies an unsurfaced, muddy green lane. But if you do need all of the above with an eco-friendly twist, Mitsubishi came up with the Outlander PHEV just for that.

Built at the company's Okazaki plant in Japan, the PHEV is motivated by a "Twin Motor 4WD" drivetrain which offers a maximum driving range of 824 kilometers and a pure electric range of 52 kilometers. Not bad for a big, heavy crossover. Furthermore, CO2 emissions stand at 44 g/km, while fuel economy is rated at 1.9 liters of gasoline per km. Again, not bad from a 2-liter gas engine and an electric motor.

But those Gundam-like styling cues and the way too Japanese looks render both the normal and PHEV Outlanders a little awkward for the European and U.S. market. Don't get us wrong, it's charming in its own way, but those aesthetics aren't as soul-stirring as its rivals in the mid-size segment. And this is where the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S design study comes into play with its quirky styling.

The Outlander PHEV Concept-S was designed to be as special as an Outlander can get. That's why designers gave it "a refined interior and exterior design that will magnify the Outlander PHEV’s unique driving experience." We don't know how looks improve driving dynamics, but you know that marketing jibber-jabber shouldn't be taken seriously. Those silvery bits on the front fascia and tailgate seem to be inspired by a raccoon, but nevertheless, the end result is a visual feast with a bit of EVO X to it.
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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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