Mitsubishi Teases Plug-In Hybrid SUV Concept Ahead of 2019 Tokyo Motor Show
Mitsubishi released an image of part of an upcoming concept vehicle — a small SUV that uses an electric four-wheel-drive and “downsized” plug-in hybrid drivetrain to save weight.
Or, as Mitsubishi efficiently puts it: “The small electric SUV concept car pulls together the company’s electrification and all-wheel-drive control expertise and technologies. Under the concept of ‘An electric SUV that delivers unparalleled driving pleasure and confidence over all terrain in light and wind,’ [Mitsubishi] will propose new values which combine SUV, PHEV and 4WD: The car will have a downsized, lower-weight plug-in hybrid EV drivetrain, as well as an electric 4WD system.”
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It doesn’t seem like this design shares much with the last Mitsubishi concept SUV we saw, the Engelberg Tourer that appeared in the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show and had a traditional three-box shape. As for this image … is it the rear end of the concept? That looks like a taillight in the lower right corner, right?
The visible pillars look to have carbon fiber on at least the exterior — ostensibly for weight savings — and those circular objects may be speakers, designed to signify fun for a younger demographic. If this is the exterior, it looks like occupants might sit in semi-isolated pods.
Some editors wondered if the toothed discs are cupholders in the concept’s center console, which would be a bizarre item to tease. Others suggested those were cooling fans for the electric vehicle’s batteries.
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The 2019 Tokyo Motor Show is open to the public beginning Oct. 24, so we’ll hopefully know more about this Mitsubishi closer to the show.
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