Mitsubishi will debut production-ready extended-range Outlander at Geneva

Along with redesigning the entire Outlander line which will debut next month at the Geneva Show, Mitsubishi will introduce its long-anticipated production plug-in hybrid version with capability of 31 miles all-electric range, and potential for near-triple-digit MPG equivalent.

The U.S. version of the tech-laden vehicle is to go on sale in 2013 and is derived from the second all-wheel-drive PX-MiEV concept previously shown at Tokyo. According to Mitsubishi spokesperson Christine Jew, it is capable of operating as a series hybrid, parallel hybrid, or on battery power alone.

We noticed a report saying a battery electric version will be introduced, but in the interest of avoiding confusion, we’re reporting Mitsubishi verified that was an error.

Instead, the “EV-based Outlander” will use a gasoline engine (possibly 2.0-liter but not confirmed) plus dual electric motors, lithium-ion battery pack and other technology from its “i” electric city car. Mitsubishi would not verify powertrain details, but the concept upon which it’s based was said to deliver power on par with a 3.0-liter V6.

The two electric propulsion motors (60-kw (80.5 horsepower) on the concept) – one for the front, another for the rear wheels – are controlled by sophisticated electronics. Combined with the petrol power plant, range is said to be over 500 miles (800 km), with emissions below 50 grams per kilometer.

How the plug-in Outlander will do on the EPA fuel efficiency test cycle is to be determined, but Mitsubishi’s initial projection for the easy going Japanese cycle is a combined rating of 141 MPGe (60 km per liter). This cycle normally scores significantly higher than does the U.S. cycle. For some reference, the EPA says Mitsubihi’s smaller i makes 112 MPGe combined.

Mitsubishi says the “eco-friendly” Outlander line will include variants for other markets including gasoline and turbo diesel.

Order of introduction for these new Outlanders is Russia first this summer, then to “European, Japanese, Oceania, Chinese and North American markets,” with the extended-range version beginning production later this fiscal year. The diesel is not scheduled for the U.S.

Among other safety features, the lineup will include the following advanced safety technologies:

• FCM (Forward Collision Mitigation System): Detects obstacles on the road ahead of the car and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision.
• ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control System): Operates to maintain a safe distance between the car in front even at very low speeds experienced in heavy traffic congestion.
• LDW (Lane Departure Warning System): Functions to warn the driver that their vehicle is about to depart from its lane.

Production ICE version.

The plug-in Outlander is actually one of eight electrified vehicles Mitsubishi will reportedly launch by 2016. These will include plug-in hybrids and full-electric vehicles.

Part of this new plan – which is reportedly well under way – is to produce small SUV’s and light trucks to attract farmers, contractors, and others who use light trucks as part of their work.

As for their BEV forerunner, the humble i, Mitsubishi has said it hopes to double last year’s global sales for 2012 to 42,000 units.

Mitsubishi looks like it means business, and if it meets its ambitious goals over the next few years, it stands to become a force to be reckoned with.

Source: GM-Volt.com

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II is the 2013 Outlander in mild disguise

If Mitsubishi is serious about its electrification efforts, it has to offer more than the pint-sized all-electric i in the States. That's where the Concept PX-MiEV II comes in.

What you're looking at is the plug-in hybrid version of the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander, something Mitsubishi confirms is set to go on sale sometime in 2012.

A traditional 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is mounted up front, but each rear axle has an electric motor that's fed power by a lithium-ion battery pack spanning the floor. Mitsubishi claims the MX-MiEV II can run up to 31 miles on electric power alone, and if you mash the gas the system switches to parallel hybrid mode by engaging the engine. All told, you should be able to make it up to 500 miles on a single tank, but if you're commute is less than 15 miles, you could go gas-free for months.



Source: Autoblog Green

Mitsubishi To Unveil Hybrid Crossover And 70 MPG Small Car

Mitsubishi sales in America have been sinking for some time, to the point where the small Japanese automaker has killed off most of their lineup to make room for electric and hybrid vehicles. Mitsubishi will unveil two of these vehicles, a hybrid crossover and a small car that could get up to 70 mpg on Japan’s testing cycle.

Don’t Call It A Comeback

I’ve got to give Mitsubishi credit for taking a big gamble when it comes to hybrid and electric vehicles, ending production of three of its best-known models (Galant, Eclipse, and Endeavor) to make way for a lineup of electrified, fuel-efficient vehicles. We already know that the Mitsubishi i will be America’s cheapest electric car, and now the Japanese automaker has revealed its next two vehicles; a hybrid crossover likely to be the next Outlander (currently named PX-MiEV) and a fuel-efficient Mirage that is lighter and features start-stop tech for an MPG of around 70 mpg (which is more like 40 mpg or so on the U.S. testing standard.)

Crossing Over

The PX-MiEV will actually borrow components from the Mitsubishi i, including its large lithium-ion battery pack. But due to the heavier weight and all-wheel drive system, the PX-MiEV will only achieve around 31 miles of all-electric range. After that, a 2.0 liter generator recharges the battery pack, which powers two electric motors (one up front, one in the back.)

The gas engine can also help power the wheels, should the battery already be topped off or some extra “oomph” is needed to climb a steep hill. Mitsubishi hopes to achieve a fuel economy rating of 60 km/liter (140 mpg). Again, these numbers are on the much-different Japanese testing cycle, where a standard Toyota Prius is rated at 89.4 mpg. It should also be noted that this is likely a close-to-production version of what the actual vehicle will look like, as Mitsubishi first showed off a version of the PX-MiEV back in 2009.

Goodbye Colt, Welcome Back Mirage

Which brings us to Mitsubishi’s other offering, a new Mirage model that is lighter and more fuel efficient than previous models. It’s about 10% lighter than the Colt it replaces, and is powered by a 1.0 liter 3-cylinder engine with stop-start idle technology. Better aerodynamics will also help improve fuel economy to around 70 mpg on the Japanese cycle (about 40 mpg as the EPA flies.) The Mirage and Outlander/PX-MiEV are expected to hit streets in Japan and the U.S. in 2013, and will make their world debut at the Tokyo Auto Show in the coming weeks.

Still, Mitsubishi has its work cut out for it, especially here in America. But with bold steps, like a diesel-electric hybrid Lancer Evolution and these more “pedestrian” vehicles like the Mirage and Outlander, Mitsu could stage a late-game comeback. Will Mitsubishi’s new lineup help get it back on track, or contribute to its downfall as an independent automaker?

Source: Gas2.0

Introducing The Mitsubishi PX-MiEV: A Plug-In Hybrid SUV

The Mitsubishi PX-MiEV SUV









We consider this to be a mild hybrid and would rather see vehicles have the ability to run at full speed on electric power.

From gas2.org:

At the 2009 LA Auto Show, Mitsubishi’s President, Osamu Masuko, debuted the PX-MiEV concept in North America, saying the SUV “matches the needs of the North American market” and the company plans to “revamp the vehicle for release in North America by the year 2013.”

The PX-MiEV is a mid-sized SUV concept the Mitsubishi initially debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show. The PX-MiEV uses an innovative system that relies on 2 electric motors—one on each axle—which act as the primary sources of propulsion for the vehicle. At low to “medium” speeds, the PX-MiEV runs on battery power alone, with only the front axle electric motor providing propulsion. When conditions get slick or icy outside, the PX-MiEV also powers up the rear electric motor to provide 4 wheel drive and enhanced traction.

When the battery power is depleted at low speeds, the gas engine turns on and acts as a generator to provide electricity to the batteries. In this mode, the car can also choose between using one or both electric motors to provide extra traction when needed.

At higher speeds, the gas engine functions in the same way it would in a parallel hybrid such as a Prius, providing an additional source of propulsion to the front wheels. However, unlike the Prius the PX-MiEV can also use the rear electric motor at high speeds to provide additional traction.

The SUV is also set up to operate as a back up power supply for your house, providing electricity to power your household appliances from the battery store and then turning on the gas engine to act as a power generator after the available battery supply has diminished. Mitsubishi also touts the vehicle’s ability to power equipment during camping trips.

Image Credits: Nick Chambers