Photo: Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi is living in 2119 as far as marketing is concerned, promising “unparalleled driving pleasure” from a concept that utilizes a plug-in hybrid powertrain that’s not available in a series-production vehicle. Nobody except the higher-ups and PR department knows how it’s called, and the teaser photo doesn’t appear too exciting either.
Scheduled to premiere at the Toyko Motor Show, the mystery concept embodies the values of the Mitsubishi brand message “drive your ambition.” Whoever comes up with these things should get fired as soon as possible, more so if you remember how lackluster the automaker’s lineup is.
Mitsubishi further promises “confidence over all terrain in light and wind,” which leads us to believe they never heard of a thing called Jeep Wrangler over in Japan. The concept proposes to combine the aesthetics of a sport utility vehicle with the eco-friendliness of a plug-in hybrid and capability of all-wheel drive, with one of the axles expected to be electrified.
The powertrain is described as “downsized” by Mitsubishi, which could be an indicator that next-gen production models could benefit from these PHEV technologies. For the time being, the Outlander PHEV will have to suffice in both the United States and Old Continent.
As opposed to the pre-facelift model, the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV levels up to a 2.4-liter Atkinson four-cylinder engine and 74 MPGe stateside. The battery’s capacity is also better, now featuring 13.8 kWh compared to 12 before the update. Standard fast-charging capability translates to 80 percent in approximately 25 minutes as per the official documentation while 120 volts should take pretty much the entire night to fill ‘er up.
More teasers and details about the mysterious concept should be released in the coming weeks as October 23rd is approaching. We still can’t seem to understand what the split-roof styling and four circular thingies are there for, but knowing Mitsubishi, they’re just for show.
The boxy shape and small-sided rear window aren’t exactly adequate for production either, so don’t get your hopes up for the next-gen Outlander or Outlander Sport to borrow these design elements.
Mitsubishi further promises “confidence over all terrain in light and wind,” which leads us to believe they never heard of a thing called Jeep Wrangler over in Japan. The concept proposes to combine the aesthetics of a sport utility vehicle with the eco-friendliness of a plug-in hybrid and capability of all-wheel drive, with one of the axles expected to be electrified.
The powertrain is described as “downsized” by Mitsubishi, which could be an indicator that next-gen production models could benefit from these PHEV technologies. For the time being, the Outlander PHEV will have to suffice in both the United States and Old Continent.
As opposed to the pre-facelift model, the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV levels up to a 2.4-liter Atkinson four-cylinder engine and 74 MPGe stateside. The battery’s capacity is also better, now featuring 13.8 kWh compared to 12 before the update. Standard fast-charging capability translates to 80 percent in approximately 25 minutes as per the official documentation while 120 volts should take pretty much the entire night to fill ‘er up.
More teasers and details about the mysterious concept should be released in the coming weeks as October 23rd is approaching. We still can’t seem to understand what the split-roof styling and four circular thingies are there for, but knowing Mitsubishi, they’re just for show.
The boxy shape and small-sided rear window aren’t exactly adequate for production either, so don’t get your hopes up for the next-gen Outlander or Outlander Sport to borrow these design elements.
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