Mitsubishi debuts the Outlander PHEV in the US with upcoming launch this fall [Gallery]

This week at the New York Auto Show, 3 long years after the Outlander PHEV’s international launch, Mitsubishi finally debuted its flagship plug-in hybrid SUV in the US, where its launch is now set for this fall.

The first US version and 2017 model will look very similar to the previous international version – you can see a new gallery below.

The Outlander PHEV was first launched in Japan in January 2013, now exported to 48 countries. It currently as over 70,000 cumulative sales and often tops the list of best-selling plug-ins in the markets where it is sold.

It’s equipped with a twin motor 4WD drivetrain and a 12 kWh battery pack for about 32 NEDC-rated all-electric miles on a single charge. Mitsubishi didn’t offer an estimated EPA-rated range, but we expect it will be just over 20 miles.

In a press release (read in full below), the automaker explains the SUV’s different drive modes:

“Three drive modes are available: EV (full electric mode), series hybrid (electric power with generator operation) and parallel hybrid (engine power and electric motor assistance). The PHEV system automatically selects the most efficient drive mode given the road conditions and other factors. The system also features a regenerative braking mode, where electricity is captured under braking.”

The vehicle will also be equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Even after the US debut, pricing in the country is still unknown, but the Outlander PHEV starts at £34,304 (~$51,600) in the UK.

MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV MAKES U.S. DEBUT AT THE 2016 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

• 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV to go on sale in United States in fall 2016
• Already the top-selling PHEV in Europe, Outlander PHEV is the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV
• Outlander PHEV delivers SUV capabilities and EV fuel economy

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today showed the much-anticipated production model of the all-new 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) at the 2016 New York International Auto Show. The Outlander PHEV is a perfect culmination of Mitsubishi’s history of automotive excellence: 50 years of electromobility and decades of four-wheel drive technology honed on the international rally circuit. Featuring a highly efficient 2.0-liter gas engine and two high-performance electric motors, and Mitsubishi’s superior Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a very capable PHEV. The Outlander PHEV will arrive at Mitsubishi showrooms in fall 2016.

“What makes the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV so special is that it offers the best of both worlds with a balance of electric efficiency and long-range practicality,” said Don Swearingen, executive vice president, MMNA. “Mitsubishi put its engineering prowess and knowledge to work to create a vehicle that meets the demand of a growing number of consumers who need a car that is capable and environmentally friendly. The Outlander PHEV will offer a high electric range and combined miles per gallon (MPG).”

The Outlander PHEV is highlighted by the full-time, twin-electric motor 4WD system that provides quick and optimized torque distribution. The motors are mounted separately at the front and rear axles to deliver precise, responsive 4WD performance with the S-AWC system ensuring excellent driving stability and intuitive, linear handling. The battery that supplies the electricity for the motors is a high-capacity 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Three drive modes are available: EV (full electric mode), series hybrid (electric power with generator operation) and parallel hybrid (engine power and electric motor assistance). The PHEV system automatically selects the most efficient drive mode given the road conditions and other factors. The system also features a regenerative braking mode, where electricity is captured under braking.

The S-AWC system found on the Outlander PHEV is a specialized application of Lancer Evolution-derived Super All-Wheel Control developed specifically for the Outlander PHEV’s unique twin electric motor configuration for maximum performance, efficiency, tractability and safety.

Advanced safety and convenience features will be available on Outlander PHEV, including: Multi-Around view Camera Monitor, Forward Collision Mitigation with pedestrian detection capability, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and available smartphone integrations including Apple CarPlay™, the smarter, safer way to use your iPhone in the car, lets drivers make calls, get directions optimized for traffic conditions, listen to music, and access messages. It will also support Android Auto™ extends the Android™ platform into the car in a way that’s purpose-built for driving.

“As previously stated, Mitsubishi’s future is crossover utility vehicles and electrified vehicles. Today we are showing the first piece of that plan,” said Swearingen.

For more information on the all-new Outlander PHEV please visit media.mitsubishicars.com and be sure to visit us onFacebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

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