Mitsubishi

Tokyo Motor Show Report

Mitsubishi

Text by OHTO Yasuhiro
Photographs by ARAKAWA Masayuki

Three PHEV Concepts Unveiled

Three SUV models lined up on the main stage. These concept cars were born from Mitsubishi Motors' theme of "@earth TECHNOLOGY." One of the features this time is that all the concepts are PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles).

The "Concept GC-PHEV," with a design reminiscent of a Jeep, is a large plug-in hybrid SUV equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 supercharged engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, a high-output motor, and a large-capacity battery. The powertrain is FR layout, and it is equipped with a full-time 4WD system that includes an electronically controlled center LSD, a transfer case, and an electronically controlled front LSD. In addition to authentic driving performance, it also focuses on comfort, achieving easy entry and exit with suicide doors that eliminate the B-pillar. A large touchscreen interface called the "Tactical Table" is placed in the center of the cabin, allowing all occupants to share various information, which is also a new feature.

This dazzling red coupe-style SUV is the "Concept XR-PHEV." It employs an FF-type PHEV developed based on the system of the "Outlander PHEV." The engine is a 1.1-liter inline 3-cylinder turbo. Primarily driven by the motor, the engine handles both power generation and driving. It also features a large-capacity battery, allowing for a 100V AC power supply (1,500W) that can provide approximately one day's worth of electricity consumption for a typical household. With engine-based power generation, it can support up to 10 days. This kind of proposal, even for a sporty model, is one of the merits of PHEV.

The other vehicle is the compact MPV, "Concept AR." It is equipped with a mild hybrid system using a 1.1-liter inline 3-cylinder turbo and pursues space efficiency. Despite its compact size, it can comfortably accommodate six people.

The second installment of the ek series, the "ek Space," also made its world debut. This is a tall wagon type, offering the largest interior space for a mini-vehicle. The wagon model also features convenient rear power sliding doors. As this model is slated for release in early next year, it is definitely one to watch.
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