Mitsubishi Teases Three Green Concepts

It’s hard not to root for Mitsubishi, the down-but-not-quite-out Japanese automaker that has struggled with a slim lineup and few new products. Mitsubishi is hoping that a trio of green concepts foreshadowing possible future vehicles will get them back in the game, though it might already be too late.

Mitsubishi’s engineers certainly don’t lack from creativity, and these two images of three concept vehicles show that they’re still capable of thinking outside the box. The first concept, the GC-PHEV is a plug-in hybrid SUV that could be a replacement for the Montego.

There is also a compact plug-in hybrid called the XR-PHEV designed to look like a sport coupe but deliver the utility of a crossover. Finally, there is the Concept AR, a MPV powered by a tiny turbo engine. All three will roll out at the Tokyo Auto Show, where it will be joined by the Mitsubishi Mirage, one of the few new cars the automaker is actually producing and selling.

These concepts are great, as was the Mitsubishi diesel-electric hybrid pickup. Unfortunately, production delays of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is hurting already slumping sales, and what Mitsu really needs is new products, not new concepts. We’re left waiting for cars like the 500 horsepower Lancer Evolution Hybrid or the Outlander hybrid, while other brands are offering a bevy of new products. By the time Mitsubishi gets around to it, few people will even remember they exist.

Source: Mitsubishi