Mitsubishi unveils new plug-in hybrid SUV with ~75 miles of range: GT-PHEV

Ahead of the 2016 Paris Motor Show next month, Mitsubishi Motors announced today a new plug-in hybrid SUV to be unveiled at the event. The Japanese automaker released a few renders of the new vehicle as well as some specifications.

The company says that the Mitsubishi GT-PHEV Concept will be the “centerpiece” of its booth in Paris. It will be joined by the eX concept, an all-electric SUV, and the new 2017 Outlander.

Earlier this year, we learned that the US introduction of the plug-in hybrid version of Mitsubishi’s popular Outlander has been pushed again. It is not expected until “summer 2017”. Therefore, we are keeping an eye on any new features or capacity unveiled by Mitsubishi, which could end up in the upcoming release.

Mitsubishi describes the drivetrain in a press release:

“This PHEV system comprises a next-generation high-capacity drive battery package, three high-output and high-efficiency motors and an engine designed especially for the PHEV system featuring improved electricity generation performance and motive performance. This combination delivers the punchy performance ideal for a “ground tourer” and makes for comfortable driving on longer trips as well with an electric-only range of 120 km and a combined hybrid cruising range of over 1,200 km. The triple-motor powertrain, with one unit at the front and two at the rear, delivers a dramatic improvement in the performance of its full-time four-wheel drive powertrain and MMC’s own Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated vehicle dynamics control system, bringing new levels of handling stability.”

Here are the renders:

They are talking about a range of 120 km (75 miles), but it is likely based on the NEDC standard. The actual real-world range is likely much less – though still significant for a plug-in hybrid SUV.

Here’s the full press release:

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: MITSUBISHI MOTORS LINEUP AT 2016 PARIS MOTOR SHOW

Tokyo, September 14, 2016 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announces the world premiere of the MITSUBISHI GT-PHEV Concept^*1 next-generation SUV at the 2016 Paris Motor Show^*2. The concept model is powered by MMC’s own advanced plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) system using triple motors. The centerpiece of the MMC booth, it will be based on a concept of the ability for cruising across a vast land. The MITSUBISHI GT-PHEV Concept, along with a variety of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and 100% electric vehicles (EV) supports the “Driving Beyond: Another Step Forward with SUVs and Electric Power” booth theme.

*1: Named from the Ground Tourer concept – ability for cruising across a vast land.
*2: From September 29 through October 16. Officially, “Mondial de l’Automobile 2016.” For more information please see:http://www.mondial-automobile.com/en/visiteurs/ (English).

Joining the MITSUBISHI GT-PHEV Concept at the MMC booth will be the MITSUBISHI eX Concept, a compact SUV powered by a next-generation EV system, and 2017 model year European market versions of the Outlander and Outlander PHEV – all being shown for the first time.

The Outlander features a new floor console and improved interior trim quality as well as MMC’s Forward Collision Mitigation System, now with a function to detect pedestrians, Blind Spot Warning and other advanced active safety systems. The Outlander PHEV meanwhile, adopts an EV Priority Mode that gives greater priority to all-electric operation as well as the same advanced active safety systems as the Outlander.

MITSUBISHI GT-PHEV Concept: Outline

The MITSUBISHI GT-PHEV Concept is a high-end next-generation SUV that easily takes many road surface conditions in stride. Featuring MMC’s latest design language together with MMC’s advanced and proprietary electric and all-wheel control technologies, the MITSUBISHI GT-PHEV Concept empowers drivers to pilot their car with confidence under a wide range of driving conditions. It stirs the driver’s curiosity and sense of adventure as they seek to go further, as they seek to take a step beyond anything they have experienced before.

In its overall design, the MITSUBISHI GT-PHEV Concept projects the image of a “ground tourer” – a car made for cruising across a vast land – expressing Functional Beauty, Augmented Possibility, Sculptured Dynamism, Japanese Craftsmanship.

The front visage with its forceful presence employs MMC’s Dynamic Shield front design concept that portrays the front end’s function of protecting both people and the car. From the side, the MITSUBISHI GT-PHEV Concept uses horizontal lines to convey its high-end SUV styling and vehicle stability. With a muscularity and intensity that gives the impression it has been carved from a single ingot of steel, the body is clothed in classy styling that flourishes sculptured dynamism highlighted by precise detailing.

nside, the MITSUBISHI GT-PHEV Concept uses a horizontal dashboard that creates a spacious ambiance, making it easier for the driver to sense changes in vehicle attitude. Together with an instrument panel with a high center console, the cockpit-like interior wraps around its people, providing a sense of solace and security. Generous use of Burgundy*³ genuine leather trim, color coordinated with the exterior roof color is another touch in creating a classy and comfortable interior space.

*3: A deep and rich reddish purple similar to that of wine

On the technology front, in addition to outstanding environmental performance MMC’s advanced triple-motor PHEV system delivers superior motive performance to empower drivers of any skill level to confidently follow new paths as they like through a multitude of different weather and road surface conditions, for an enjoyable and rewarding driving experience.

This PHEV system comprises a next-generation high-capacity drive battery package, three high-output and high-efficiency motors and an engine designed especially for the PHEV system featuring improved electricity generation performance and motive performance. This combination delivers the punchy performance ideal for a “ground tourer” and makes for comfortable driving on longer trips as well with an electric-only range of 120 km and a combined hybrid cruising range of over 1,200 km. The triple-motor powertrain, with one unit at the front and two at the rear, delivers a dramatic improvement in the performance of its full-time four-wheel drive powertrain and MMC’s own Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated vehicle dynamics control system, bringing new levels of handling stability.

The MITSUBISHI GT-PHEV Concept also adopts the latest in connected car technology in extracting its performance and functionality to the full. The technology feeds back to the car route information as well as data on weather and road surface conditions acquired from information networks and from on-board sensors and cameras in order to closely manage energy consumption such as electricity consumption and fuel economy as well as to provide all-wheel control best-suited to many motoring situations.