OUTLANDER PHEV: THE WORLD’S FIRST PLUG-IN HYBRID SUV

Mitsubishi motor company gained a solid reputation for creating quality electrical vehicles, but Mitsubishi Outlander model didn’t make it to the US.  For some reason when the Mitsubishi Outlander plug in hybrid was shipped to Europe the company thought it would be beneficial not to introduce it to Americans yet.  The hybrid Outlander got pushed back so far that the make underwent an extensive mid cycle refresh and that will bump the hybrid version again.  We here at Jim Shorkey debate when this version will see the light of day.  According to Alex Fedorak of Mitsubishi public relations, the Outlander Plug in will arrive here in late summer as a 2017 model.  This means the plug in hybrid model will be able to take advantage of updates made to the rest of the range for the 2016 model year, including noise insulation, an updated interior, and revised styling.

No major changes are expected for the powertrain, which includes a 2.0 liter gasoline four cylinder engine and two electric motors.  One motor works with the internal combustion engine to drive the front wheels, while the other drives the rear wheels, creating a through the road all wheel drive system.  The 12 killowatt hour lithium ion battery pack currently provides enough capacity for 32.5 miles of electric range at least as measured on the optimistic Euro test Cycle.  Mitsubishi has also hint that it will make some tweaks to the powertrain’s control system to improve performance and increase range.

Could This Mitsubishi Concept Car Become a Reality for Pittsburgh Drivers?

Mitsubishi Motors is known for their funky style. From the sharp angles of the Outlander to the funky colors of the Mirage, a Mitsubishi turns heads wherever it goes. This year, at the 2014 LA Auto Show, Mitsubishi introduced an angular plug-in hybrid crossover XR-PHEV, that fits right in with the Mitsubishi family.

This futuristic next-generation compact crossover mixes the functionality of an SUV, and the stunning appeal and performance of a sports coupe and the drivetrain of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) into one. The modern driver-focused cabin is highly refined, technologically-advanced and comfortable for all passengers. Not only does the Mitsubishi XR-PHEV host a futuristic design both inside and out, but the crossover concept features next-generation active safety system technologies and its eco-friendly PHEV drivetrain offers sports car-like performance and outstanding fuel economy.

The force behind this concept-car creation by Mitsubishi Motors comes in the form of a front engine/front-wheel drive gasoline-powered 1.1-liter incline-3-cylinder turbocharged engine (134 horsepower/100kW) paired with a lightweight, compact and high-efficiency electric motor (161 horsepower/121 kW) with a high-boost converter and a main drive lithium-ion battery pack with storage capacity of 14 kWh (located beneath the floor of the cabin).

The XR-PHEV Concept has been given Mitsubishi Motors advanced “connected car” technology that makes use of the next-generation information systems. The car systems provides an additional level of information and driving-related logistics in a simple and easy-to-use system.

Who else is ready for this concept-car to become a reality!?

What You Missed at the 2014 L.A Auto Show

With redesigns of older cars and new fuel efficient cars, Mitsubishi has been a strong force in the automotive market. Recently, at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, Mitsubishi Motors North America’s executive vice president, Don Swearingen, commented on what’s next for the brand.

1. Swearingen stated “Mitsubishi Motors is never given up. We are committed to this market and we are here to stay”. Which was exciting news for Mitsubishi fans everywhere, including ourselves.

2. The Lancer Evo won’t be discontinued before the automaker releases a special-edition model

3. More power is coming to the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport as a mid-year release. The optional 2.4-liter I-4 will likely go a long way toward addressing one of the primary complaints we had about our 2011 Outlander Sport SE AWD.

4. Mitsubishi Motors North America is the second-largest distributor of vehicles for the automaker behind Indonesia

5. Mitsubishi Motors is more focused now than ever before. Swearingen states “When a decision is made about a new product, we are all on the same page about the way forward. “By forcing us to get an agreement in these meetings,” Swearingen explains, “it allows us to leave united as a team, and you don’t have the bickering between the departments.”

6. The Mitsubishi Mirage sedan is confirmed for the U.S. Swearingen puts an end to all the rumors: “We’re bringing the sedan version over.” No time line was given, but expect the Mirage sedan to roll into dealerships within a year or two, considering the model is already sold overseas as the Attrage”

7. A redesigned Outlander will arrive at the 2015 New York Auto Show, with the plug-in variant.

8. A Plug-in hybrid version of the Outlander Sport is “in the works”

Who else is ready to see what Mitsubishi has in store for the future!?

Will There be a Souped-Up SUV on the Roads of Pittsburgh?

When we found out that Mitsubishi was discontinuing the production of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution we were left with a rally-car sized hole in our heart. We thought that nothing could ever compare to the beloved Evo, however, we regained our hope after hearing the news from Company Product Chief, Kanenori Okamoto, that the Evo “will be replaced in spirit by an SUV with high performance”.

The SUV will be a hybrid, with technology adopted by the MiEV electric Pikes Peak racer, including a version of that car’s Super All Wheel Control all-wheel drive system, itself based on the system used in the current Evo.

Since Mitsubishi has been focusing on crossovers and green cars, its no surprise that the new SUV is the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution’s replacement. Since the Galant is gone and the Lancer is being discontinued, Mitsubishi has been focusing on the Outlander and Outlander Sport utility vehicles, and has also introduced a small electric car, the I-MiEV and the compact vehicle, the Mitsubishi Mirage

What do you think of the Mitsubishi Lancers Evolution’s replacement?

Could There Be a New Mitsubishi Outlander on the Roads of Pittsburgh!?

Mitsubishi has released two teaser images of the Outlander PHEV Concept – S which will be introduced October 2, 2014 at the Paris Motor Show next month.

Two years ago, at the Paris Motor Show, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV made its debut. This year Mitsubishi plans to showcase the Concept-S. This Outlander is described as a “special package” for the production model bringing revised exterior and interior styling “that magnifies the Outlander PHEV’s unique driving experience”

Details about the hardware setup are sill left to the imagination, but chances are that they will be carried over from the production model. So be on the look out for a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine working with two electric motors and a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery to provide a combined output of 200 bhp and 249 lb-ft. It should cover the 0-62 mph run in 11 seconds before topping out at 106 mph.

In everyday use, the Mitsubishi Outlander can drive up to 30 miles on a single charge in electric mode as speeds of up to 70 mph, while a blended power mode makes it possible to drive up to 100 miles at a combined fuel economy in excess of 50 MPG.