Mitsubishi has revealed its plug-in hybrid SUV concept at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Ryosuke Matsuoke, designer of the PX-MiEV, told Autocar that the new concept is “very close to the production design of the next Outlander. Just change the wing mirrors and it’s almost the finished car.”
The PX-MiEV II previews a new four-wheel drive range-extender system that uses two electric motors, one to power each axle, and a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine.
In electric mode alone the PX-MiEV II is capable of covering up to 48km, but the powertrain can also use both electric and petrol motors together for the most efficient propulsion at higher speeds.
Alternatively, the petrol motor can act purely as a generator for when the battery reserve is low but pure electric mode is still most efficient.
Mitsubishi sources confirmed that the powertrain would definitely make it into production and that it was a global vehicle.
The new Outlander, based on the PX-MiEV II concept, should make its international debut within the next two years.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
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