At the 2012 Paris Motor Show next October, Mitsubishi Motors will continue to roll out its ambitious, global, and green new product generation with a series of significant premieres.
Highlight of this offensive will be the world introduction of the all-new Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV. It is neither a mere adaptation of an existing internal combustion engine (ICE ) powered vehicle, nor a dedicated Plug-in Hybrid technology showcase. The new Outlander Plug-in Electric Hybrid EV (or PHEV ) will share its architecture with the soon-to-be-introduced New Outlander’s ICE versions, which Mitsubishi say is an engineering feat in itself.
As such, it will be the first mainstream car from a major manufacturer envisaged from the outset with built-in provisions for either ICE or PHEV power trains.
The new Outlander PHEV will further distinguish itself as Mitsubishi Motors’ first plug-in hybrid car, it will be an EV-based vehicle, relying on the company’s extensive EV and electronic know-how, supplemented by a petrol engine when needed. This is a solution that Mitsubishi says is more suited to global markets than diesel.
Making the best use of Mitsubishi’s renowned four-wheel-drive expertise, it will also be the first permanent 4WD electric car in series production.
The new Outlander PHEV unique drive train combination of front electric motor, rear electric motor, front traction/generator petrol engine will translate into a choice of three driving modes:
Pure (Twin Motor 4WD EV ); Series (Twin Motor 4WD - EV supported by generator ); or Parallel (ICE engine supported by Twin Motor 4WD ).
Mitsubishi claims that when fitted to the new Outlander, the Mitsubishi plug-in hybrid system will allow for a long-haul range and very low emissions similar to that of the Concept PX-MiEV II show car, ie a driving distance of over 800 km and a CO2 target below 50 g/km.
Furthermore, whilst the new Outlander ICE will start its commercial career in Western and Eastern Europe in the coming autumn, the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV will be retailed in Europe during the course of 2013.
And finally, Mitsubishi Motors teases us by saying it will stage further premieres at the Paris Motor Show.
