Mitsubishi Hybrid Concepts 2014

At the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, Mitsubishi presented three Hybrid Concept Vehicles illustrating their research & Development efforts for moving beyond the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV currently on the market. The AR (Active Runabout) is a mild hybrid C Segment MPV.
Mild Hybrid means that electric drive is user to assist the internal combustion engine for higher efficiency. A mild hybrid vehicle cannot operate on electric drive only. The XR-PHEV concept is a Coupé-like Crossover with plug in hybrid technology allowing 85 km in electric drive only with one full battery. The GC-PHEV Concept illustrates a large SUV project with plug in hybrid technology. Here are specific description of each project.

Mitsubishi Concept AR - Active blend

Following in the footsteps of innovative architectures and concepts that have nurtured the “non- mainstream” tag for Mitsubishi Motors over forty years of presence in Europe, the smart Mitsubishi Concept AR offers a unique blend of genre and technologies – SUV / MPV architecture, BSG (Belt-driven Starter and Generator) mild hybrid drivetrain.
Unveiled in November 2013 at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show, Concept AR (for “Active Runabout”) is a next- generation compact MPV which combines SUV sportiness with MPV roominess.

Stretched over 4350 mm, Mitsubishi Concept AR’s clean-cut lines make for an unusual proposition in the marketplace, lifting up the spirit of essentially functional MPVs with its commanding driving position, powerful front design, high wraparound grille / headlamps, large skid plates or 3D-sculptured wheel arches.
At the same time, Mitsubishi Concept AR renews the SUV genre with its long wheelbase / stubby nose proportions, sharpened by the upswept side character lines, the technical outline of its window line, the slim front grille with its bold diamond-cut pattern or the air outlets crafted into the rear pillars which serve to reduce aerodynamic drag.
The Mitsubishi Concept AR features the brand’s new visual identity which will be gradually introduced with each new Mitsubishi Motors’ crossover and SUV over the coming years. Meant to symbolizes the functionality and reassuring safety inherent to SUVs, this visual identity is made of vertical elements (either chromed or lighted) bracing the front end of the vehicle(s) either side of the grille.

Mitsubishi Concept AR cleanly wraps occupants in simple and soft styling which does away with meaningless features, all meant to create a soothing ambiance.
Distinguished by soft and rounded lines the spacious cabin offers three alternative seating patterns giving generous seating room for six occupants, for four occupants with a sizeable luggage space or for a generous common space between the 2nd and 3rd row seats when they are turned to face each other.
Beyond traditional MPV versatile seating arrangement, great care has also been given to providing enough individual personal space and also to the distance between fellow occupants – for instance, a passenger might pull out the tablet-type interface from its home slot in the side of the cabin and link up with the outside world through the internet or check out their emails and other personal information.

The rear-mounted battery and converter work in cooperation to provide instant engine restarting after an idle-stop and to deliver gutsy torque assist under acceleration.
BSG is used to recover kinetic energy during regenerative braking to further improve fuel economy & CO2 emissions and to offer a pleasant experience to all on-board.
During its development, Mitsubishi Concept AR has also been subject to an exhaustive weight reduction program targeting the engine and the hybrid system overall together with the more extensive use of high-tensile strength steel panels as already implemented in Mitsubishi Motors’ latest products (Outlander, Space Star/Mirage,...) and also, of lightweight structural materials in strategic locations. This significant weight reduction also contributes significantly to the dynamic and environmental performances of the vehicle.
This weight reduction was extended to the no-frill design of the dashboard, seats and even the choice of upholstery trim. The result is a significant reduction in fuel consumption together with a smoother and more comfortable ride.

Mitsubishi Concept AR is equipped with Mitsubishi Motors advanced active safety connected technologies relying on next-generation information systems
These systems work in cooperation to anticipate and alert the driver about dangerous situations as well as to activate safety functions rapidly and accurately. Their main functions include:
• Rearward Blind Spot Vehicle Warning System * • Driving Safety Support System** • Auto Hi-beam • Unintentional Vehicle Move Off Control*** • Forward Collision Mitigation Braking (FCM) • Lane Departure Warning (LDW) • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

* This system helps avert collisions by alerting the driver to the presence of vehicles approaching from behind. This system also functions to detect and warn the driver of the presence of vehicles or other objects behind the driver’s own vehicle while backing in, such as when parking or leaving their garage.

** Promoted by the Japanese National Police Agency, this enhances safety by utilizing communications with vehicles and road infrastructure to warn the driver of traffic signals ahead as well as the approach of pedestrians, vehicles and cyclists at junctions and urge the driver to slow down.
*** When a front-mounted camera spots any objects immediately in front of the vehicle and sensors detect the mistaken use of the accelerator instead of the brake pedal, the system operates to limit engine power and restrain forward movement of the car. The system also urges the driver to be more careful. Main specifications L x W x H 4350 mm / 1780 mm / 1690 mm Occupants: 6
Engine Type: 1.1-liter in-line 3-cyl. direct-injection turbocharged MIVEC
Max. output (net) 100 kW (134 hp) Fuel used: Petrol
Belt-driven Starter and Generator maximum output 10 kW (48V)
Battery Capacity 0.25 kWh (48V) Drivetrain: 2WD (front-wheel drive) Transmission CVT with sub-transmission

MITSUBISHI XR-PHEV Cross-over Concept

The Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV (“X (cross) over Runner”) is a next-generation C-Segment crossover using Mitsubishi Motors plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) powertrain in a novel front-wheel drive layout and blending SUV functionality with sport coupe design – a sharp expression of (low impact) driving pleasure.

Centering on the 3-Diamond logo, the front fascia projects the forceful dynamic energy and functionality of a SUV together with an imposing road presence. The grille frame starts under the adaptive headlamps and flexibly accommodates movements in the body.
Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV uses solar panels built into the roof which serve to charge the auxiliary equipment battery and also has a variable angle spoiler on the trailing edge of the roof which can be adjusted for different driving conditions.

Like all three Tokyo Motor Show MMC concept cars*, Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV features the brand’s new visual identity which will be gradually introduced with each new Mitsubishi Motors’ crossover and SUV over the coming years. Meant to symbolizes the functionality and reassuring safety inherent to SUVs, this visual identity is made of vertical elements (either chromed or lighted) bracing the front end of the vehicle(s) either side of the grille.
*Concept GC-PHEV and Concept AR are the two others, also displayed at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show

Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV features a driver-oriented cockpit designed to stimulate sporty driving.
The bucket-type driver’s seat provides firm location and support to allow drivers to operate vehicles with assurance and precision. The seat is upholstered in red coordinated with exterior and interior accent colors to give the driver their very own “director’s chair” and is quite distinct from the other three seats.

Opting for a front-wheel drive PHEV system with no motor at the rear reduces weight as well as friction losses and returns improvements in fuel and electricity economy, much appreciated by customers of more accessible smaller C-Segment vehicles such as the 4.37 m long Concept XR-PHEV.
From the default mode of pure EV, Mitsubishi Concept XR PHEV powertrain automatically selects from two additional drive modes –Series Hybrid and Parallel Hybrid – the one best-suited to driving conditions and remaining battery charge, just like with Outlander PHEV.
Along the same lines, 100% EV driving is possible through use of Battery Charge Mode or Battery Save Mode.
Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV is also fitted with 100V AC onboard sockets capable of giving an external supply of up to 1500W of power. The system can supply enough electricity to power domestic appliances for a full day from the drive battery alone and up to a maximum of 10 days when the engine is used to fill the battery.

Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV has been developed to deliver sure-footed dynamics and agile performance for the sake of driving pleasure..
This includes reassuring levels of safety brought – amongst others – by MMC’s electronic “active” safety system to help the driver to avoid accidents and collisions, as well as advanced connected car information communications technology.
These two systems work in cooperation to anticipate and alert the driver to dangerous situations as well as to activate safety functions rapidly and accurately and thereby support safer driving. Their main functions include: • Pedestrian Collision Mitigating Auto-braking • Rearward Blind Spot Vehicle Warning System* • Driving Safety Support System** • Auto Hi-beam • Unintentional Vehicle Move Off Control*** • Forward Collision Mitigation Braking (FCM) • Lane Departure Warning (LDW) • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) * This system helps avert collisions by alerting the driver to the presence of vehicles approaching from behind. This system also functions to detect and warn the driver of the presence of vehicles or other objects behind the driver’s own vehicle while backing in, such as when parking or leaving their garage.
** Promoted by the Japanese National Police Agency, this enhances safety by utilizing communications with vehicles and road infrastructure to warn the driver of traffic signals ahead as well as the approach of pedestrians, vehicles and cyclists at junctions and urge the driver to slow down.
*** When a front-mounted camera spots any objects immediately in front of the vehicle and sensors detect the mistaken use of the accelerator instead of the brake pedal, the system operates to limit engine power and restrain forward movement of the car. The system also urges the driver to be more careful.

Main specifications

L x W x H: 4370 / 1870 / 1570 mm Occupants: 4
Plug-in cruising range: > 85 km
Engine Type: 1.1-liter in-line 3-cyl. direct-injection turbocharged MIVEC
Max output (net): 100 kW Fuel used: Petrol
Electric Motor Max. output: 120 kW
Battery Capacity: 14.0 kWh Drivetrain: 2WD
Transmission Front wheel drive

MITSUBISHI GC- PHEV Full Size SUV CONCEPT

The Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV (for “Grand Cruiser”) is a next-generation full-time 4WD full-size SUV, fitted with an advanced plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) powertrain.

True to a long line of 4WD Mitsubishi vehicles that started in 1936 with PX33*, Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV expresses MMC’s contemporary vision for a large, robust and powerful car able to pamper its passengers in utmost safety over all sorts of terrains (where legal), for work or leisure, with the lowest possible environmental impact.
* PX33 was a landmark both for Mitsubishi and for the automobile industry as it was the first Japanese 4WD passenger car. Four research units of this torpedo were built then.

Concept GC-PHEV’s design is meant to express both a reassuring sense of safety and a welcoming and comfortable openness to the interior.
Exterior styling blends muscular volumes with sharp lines resulting in a sculpted 3D-shape which appears to have been carved out of a single block. With the day-time running lamps positioned high for maximum vehicle visibility, the headlamps located within the bumper the high slated grille and the large front skid plate, the front fascia is powerful, purposeful and stately.

At the rear, integrated seamlessly into the wide bumper, the large tailgate marries an appealingly fresh appearance with good functionality while rearward visibility is enhanced with the use of sub-windows.
The body design also utilizes a combination of aerodynamic-enhancing features throughout, incl. variable front grille slats for better engine cooling, while the absence of B-pillars adds to the sense of openness, convenience and freedom provided by Concept GC-PHEV.

Like all three Tokyo Motor Show MMC concept cars*, Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV features the brand’s new visual identity which will be gradually introduced with each new Mitsubishi Motors’ crossover and SUV over the coming years. Meant to symbolizes the functionality and reassuring safety inherent to SUVs, this visual identity is made of vertical elements (either chromed or lighted) bracing the front end of the vehicle(s) either side of the grille.
*Concept XR-PHEV and Concept AR are the two others, also displayed at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show

Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV features a plug-in hybrid electric system to provide the level of powerful, solid and satisfying driving experience expected from a full-size SUV, yet with the lowest possible environmental impact taken for granted today.
Applying Outlander PHEV’s engineering fundamentals to a much bigger, more powerful, all-terrain (where legal) high-end full-size SUV, Concept GC-PHEV develops plug-in hybrid electric powertrain technology even further.

In this case, the PHEV powertrain is made of a 3.0-liter V6 super-charged MIVEC petrol engine, a clutch, an 8-speed automatic transmission, a high-output electric motor and a high-capacity battery, the latter installed under the rear cargo floor for better front/rear weight distribution.

- Move from two electric motors (front and rear) as fitted to Outlander PHEV to one single motor, saving on weight and friction losses.
Delivering punchy performance with comfortable reserves of power, the PHEV system makes for a solid and satisfying driving experience and helps Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV take poor road surfaces or pulling a caravan or trailer easily in its stride. It also delivers the excellent response and smooth acceleration and luxury-car levels of quietness inherent to the PHEV system. Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV PHEV’s high-capacity battery can be used as an external power source. The 100V AC on-board socket can output up to 1500 watts of electrical energy, ideal for powering equipment when camping or enjoying other outdoor pursuits as well as providing an emergency power source for domestic appliances. The system can supply the equivalent of a day’s power consumption in an average household from the battery alone and up to a maximum of up to 13 days when the engine is used to fill the battery.

In this new application, S-AWC is based on a full-time 4WD system including a rear differential + an Electronically-controlled Limited Slip Differential (LSD) at the front + another Electronically-controlled Limited Slip Differential in the center + an Electric-Active Yaw Control (E-AYC) unit at the rear. The latter uses torque from the electric motor to precisely control torque distribution to each rear wheel, providing excellent vehicle stability.
Furthermore, low range - to be used off road (where legal) - is obtained through a centrally-mounted Sub- Transmission unit, acting as transfer case.
According to road surface conditions and the selected traction mode, S-AWC works in cooperation with the PHEV system to assist the driver in following their chosen line through corners as well as realizing remarkable all-terrain (where legal) performance.     Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV is equipped with advanced Mitsubishi Motors’s “connected car” technology which utilizes next-generation information systems.
This technology is set to bring significant changes to the time we spend in our cars. Linked to a vehicle information network, the connected car system uploads vehicle status information on a real-time basis and links it with traffic in the vicinity, traffic signal and other information to advise the driver on how to drive their car more economically.
The system also provides a Failure and Malfunction Early-detection System, which urges the driver to seek repairs or service, as well as an Accident Damage Prediction Reporting function including link to the Japanese Help Net and other emergency and safety services.
Looking at further possibilities for connected car technology, Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV is fitted with novel interface systems. These include the AR Windshield, which utilizes augmented reality technology, as well as the Tactical Table large touch-operated display located in the center of the cabin.

The AR windshield employs Augmented Reality technology to display information necessary to the driver on the windshield while the vehicle is on the move. By projecting information into their forward field of view, the AR Windshield allows the driver to ascertain their vehicle status without taking their eyes from the road. Information projected onto the windshield includes: Sat-Nav-linked Route Guidance; Active safety system- linked Distance to Vehicle in Front; and Lane Departure Warning.

The AR windshield also presents Caution Tracking information which uses vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian-to-vehicle communications to give the driver guidance on and display alerts about vehicles or pedestrians approaching from blind spots at junctions.
Located in the center of the cabin, the touch-screen Tactical Table is a new kind of tool that uses connected car technology to push the boundaries of occupant fun and pleasure in unknown ways.

No one-way street – where information is only received – the Tactical Table generates a new style of motoring life where occupants can use their smart phones to “gather” information on their trip, “Create” an original map or trip plan as well as “Share” that information with others using onboard communicators.
Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV features MMC’s next generation electronic “active” safety system in cooperation with connected car technology to realize an enhanced level of vehicle and occupant protection through forward, rear blind-spot assistance.
In the case of Concept GC-PHEV, the system includes: - Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control, with Lane Keep Assist which provides forward visual assistance on expressways and main roads by sharing acceleration/deceleration information on the vehicle in front using vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications to realize more accurate distance-to- vehicle-in-front control, while also encouraging more economical operation of the vehicle and helping to relieve traffic congestion.

- Lane Keep Assist function provides appropriate handling support to prevent the driver from drifting out of their lane due to fatigue or inattention. The system includes a Traffic Sign Recognition System which uses an on-board camera to recognize and inform the driver about road signs, and also activates the engine speed limiter in an emergency.
- Adaptive Headlamps use the on-board camera to detect the position of oncoming vehicles or pedestrians while the headlamps are on high beam and blank off that area of illumination to prevent dazzling.

For all-directional driver assistance, the electronic “active” safety system employs eight infrared cameras – two at the top of the windshield, one in each A pillar, one behind each rear door window, and one on either side at the top of the tailgate – to scan the periphery of the vehicle. High definition image processing enables the system to instantly and accurately detect any risk factors close to the vehicle. The system also uses a Night Eye Multi-around Monitor to rapidly alert and warn the driver of the approach of any obstacles or other vehicles.

The Mitsubishi electronic “active” safety system also incorporates many other functions including: • Pedestrian Collision Mitigating Auto-braking: This radar- and camera-based system detects pedestrians ahead of the vehicle at night and in other situations where they are difficult to spot and alerts the driver to their presence. The system will also automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision or to mitigate injury.

• Rearward Blind Spot Vehicle Warning: This system helps avert collisions by alerting the driver to the presence of vehicles approaching from behind. This system also functions to detect and warn the driver of the presence of vehicles or other objects behind the driver’s own vehicle while backing in, such as when parking or leaving their garage.

• Driving Safety Support System: promoted by the Japanese National Police Agency, it enhances safety by utilizing communications with vehicles and road infrastructure to warn the driver of traffic signals ahead as well as the approach of pedestrians, vehicles and cyclists at junctions and urge the driver to slow down.

• Unintentional Vehicle Move Off Control: When a front-mounted camera spots any objects immediately in front of the vehicle and sensors detect the mistaken use of the accelerator instead of the brake pedal, the system operates to limit engine power and restrain forward movement of the car. The system also urges the driver to be more careful.

• Driver Monitor: Uses an infrared camera installed in front of the driver as well as sensors in the steering system and in the driver seat to monitor eye blinking and changes in posture to assess the driver’s level of alertness. If the system detects abnormalities in driving behavior, such as when the car starts to wander on the road, it instantly alerts the driver and urges taking a rest. It also alerts the driver when it determines their concentration has dropped or when they glance away from the road in front.

Main specifications

L x W x H 4930 / 1940 / 1980 mm Occupants: 4
Plug-in Cruising range > 40 km
Engine Type: 3.0-liter V6 supercharged MIVEC
Max output (net) 250 kW Fuel used: Petrol
Electric Motor Max. Output: 70 kW
Battery Capacity: 12 kWh
Drivetrain: Full-time 4WD Transmission 8-speed automatic gearbox

Mitsubishi Hybrid Concepts 2014

Mitsubishi Concept AR - Active blend

MITSUBISHI XR-PHEV Cross-over Concept

Main specifications

MITSUBISHI GC- PHEV Full Size SUV CONCEPT

Main specifications