Currently reading: Mitsubishi's Tokyo show star is roofless SUV with four electric motors
MI-Tech Concept showcases clever four-motor PHEV system with gas turbine range extender, previewing small plug-in hybrid SUV

Mitsubishi will reveal a new compact SUV concept with range-extending EV tech at this month's Tokyo motor show.

The MI-Tech Concept, first confirmed last month, is previewed again in a new image released by the firm. It shows the model as a two-seater that lacks doors and a roof, so it's unlikely to preview a close-to-production model.

The Mitsubishi MI-Tech Concept has been officially revealed - read the full story here

Instead, its intent is to preview a new generation of plug-in hybrid powertrains to be used on SUV models smaller than the Outlander. In place of a traditional combustion engine, Mitsubishi has deployed a gas turbine engine/generator, allowing use of pure electric and series hybrid drive modes. 

The hybrid technology will be smaller and lighter than Mitsubishi’s current plug-in hybrid system, which it pioneered on the Outlander PHEV. It will provide four-wheel drive, with two electric motors on each axle for greater off-road control and precise handling, the brand claims. It's also claimed to offer improved efficiency in urban environments.

2019 Tms   teaser 1

Mitsubishi has not released any further technical details of the new hybrid system, which will join the larger one already available in the Outlander. That current plug-in hybrid tech mixes a 2.4-litre petrol engine with a 13.8kWh battery and twin electric motors.

A replacement for the Outlander was previewed at the Geneva motor show in March by a concept called the Engelberg Tourer, which continued with a 2.4-litre petrol engine but mated to a larger, 20kWh battery. 

The new concept car’s downsized plug-in hybrid technology could therefore be intended for the Eclipse Cross, either in this generation or the next. Mitsubishi sources confirmed to Autocar earlier this year that the Eclipse Cross will be offered with plug-in hybrid technology in the future.

Mitsubishi sources also told Autocar that the company will look to move its three SUV models - ASX, Eclipse Cross and Outlander - further apart in size. The Mitsubishi ASX is set to be offered with an all-electric drivetrain in its next generation, rather than hybrid technology.

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The 2019 Tokyo concept will follow a 2017 concept at the same show, called e-Evolution. That model offered visual clues to the next ASX, but more pertinently was an early indication of what the famous Evo could turn into - a high-performance electric compact SUV - should Mitsubishi decide to revive it early in the next decade, as has long been expected

Read more

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Mitsubishi committed to future PHEV development

Mitsubishi's journey from rally royalty to plug-in pioneer

 

Mark Tisshaw

mark-tisshaw-autocar
Title: Editor

Mark is a journalist with more than a decade of top-level experience in the automotive industry. He first joined Autocar in 2009, having previously worked in local newspapers. He has held several roles at Autocar, including news editor, deputy editor, digital editor and his current position of editor, one he has held since 2017.

From this position he oversees all of Autocar’s content across the print magazine, autocar.co.uk website, social media, video, and podcast channels, as well as our recent launch, Autocar Business. Mark regularly interviews the very top global executives in the automotive industry, telling their stories and holding them to account, meeting them at shows and events around the world.

Mark is a Car of the Year juror, a prestigious annual award that Autocar is one of the main sponsors of. He has made media appearances on the likes of the BBC, and contributed to titles including What Car?Move Electric and Pistonheads, and has written a column for The Sun.

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Peter Cavellini 3 October 2019

Useless!?

 About as useful as an Ashtray in an open top Bi-plane!

beechie 3 October 2019

Phwoaar!

Four electric motors and a gas turbine? Now that's a petrol/ diesel successor I can really get excited about!