Mitsubishi has previewed the future of its hybrid SUV lineup with this new MI-Tech concept.
Dune buggy looks
The MI-Tech has the appearance of a dune-buggy, with no roof, no doors to speak of, and massive sand-friendly knobbly tyres. In spite of the hot-rod looks though, it's been designed for maximum environmental friendliness - it's a plug-in hybrid that uses four in-wheel motors and a gas turbine engine.
That's an interesting layout - gas turbines are very compact, light, reliable, and can run on a variety of fuels (Mitsubishi spoke at the concept's Tokyo motor show reveal of it being able to run on diesel, kerosene, or alcohol) and are efficient when running at fixed RPM. Does that mean Mitsubishi is looking at turning its plug-in hybrid range more into range-extenders, relying more heavily on electric power and less on their combustion engines? Quite possibly.
180-degree spins
The electric motors certainly seem to be pretty clever. With one for each wheel, Mitsubishi has dragged its old Yaw Control name out of the archives (last used on the Lancer Evo X) as the motors can send torque to each individual wheel on demand, according to the drivers' inputs, the terrain, and the conditions. The car can even spin in its own length on certain surfaces, as the wheels can be contra-rotated on each side to create the ultimate in handbrake turns. It'll also be able to keep sending power to wheels on the ground when one or more wheels has been cocked in the air - making it potentially quite the off-road weapon.
Needless to say, there are also major safety benefits in terms of stability control from being able to parcel out torque to an individual wheel in this manner, and Mitsubishi has expanded on that by fitting the concept with an augmented reality windscreen, which not only displays all the car's major functions in the driver's line of site, but which is also said to improve safety in low visibility conditions.
A hint at the next Outlander's styling?
In terms of style, the bluff nose and t-shaped lights are expected to make their way through to future Mitsubishi production models (most likely starting with the next-generation Outlander) while the cabin takes on a bit of a Jeep Wrangler aspect - all rugged, chunky styling. The grab handle under the main touchscreen also acts as a rest for your arm, so you're able to keep your fingers steady on the controls and the physical keypad. Meanwhile, everything is set off by copper highlights, to remind you of the car's electric capabilities.
"We are dedicated to electrification technology, particularly plug-in hybrids," said Takao Kato, chief executive officer of Mitsubishi. "We will be expanding our line-up of electrified vehicles by delivering more variations and leveraging the diverse electrification technology in the alliance to make MMC the leader in the PHEV category going forward."
Also at the Tokyo show, Mitsubishi launched its Super Height K-Wagon Concept. It's an ultra-tall, ultra-compact people carrier, designed to Japan's tax-benefit 'Kei Car' regulations. The ectra height gives it a massively roomy interior, with what Mitsubishi claims is the largest door openings in its class, making it easier to get in and out.
It also has an 'e-assist' active safety pack, which includes Mitsubishi's new MI-PILOT single-lane driver assistance on highways, a braking system that mitigates damage from collisions and collision prevention assistance for 'pedal misapplication' (which we think is when you go for the brake but get the accelerator). It won't be coming to Europe, sadly, but we do love a good Kei Car, and this one's retro-look olive green and cream paint job makes it rather appealing.