MITSUBISHI Motors Company (MMC) has launched teaser pictures of a pair of idea fashions it plans to introduce at subsequent month’s Tokyo Motor Present (formally named Tokyo Auto Salon).
The duo features a kei-class EV idea, which previews what’s prone to be a Japan-only mannequin, in addition to a Ralliart idea. The latter, nonetheless, is prone to be a precursor to the model’s hotly anticipated Outlander Evolution high-performance SUV.
Earlier this yr, Mitsubishi introduced the return of its rally-inspired sub-brand and showcased Ralliart-branded Triton and Pajero Sport fashions. The agency additionally indicated that it will reveal a symbolic substitute for its fabled Evolution fashions within the type of an electrified, hard-charging Outlander SUV.
The mannequin was slated to make its debut on the Tokyo Motor Present in October final yr, however the occasion needed to be cancelled as a result of Covid-19 pandemic. It’s understood that the mannequin teased within the pictures is certainly the Outlander Evolution, which can now go on present from January 14.
“The Ralliart idea automobile brings collectively Mitsubishi Motors’ engineering and fervour for Monozukuri challenges (craftsmanship). With a premium-feel and a powerful sense of presence, the styling expresses the corporate’s imaginative and prescient for the brand new Ralliart,” MMC stated in a press release.
No different specs for the Outlander Evolution have been launched, however it’s anticipated {that a} petrol-electric multi-motor driveline can be supplied alongside a bigger battery pack to enhance the automobile’s vary. It’s probably the mannequin will characteristic dual-electric motors on the rear axle to allow torque vectoring and a 3rd on the entrance axle to supply all-wheel grip.
Stories elsewhere recommend the Outlander Evolution could characteristic the 200-kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol motor that powers the Infiniti QX50 – that mannequin relies on the identical platform structure as the latest Outlander SUV.
Mitsubishi final teased a high-performance SUV idea on the 2017 Tokyo Motor Present, the e-Evolution idea, which premiered the model’s present Dynamic Defend design language, It had a high-capacity battery and trio of electrical motors – one of many entrance axle and two on the rear.
On the time, Mitsubishi stated the rear-end association would supply what it referred to as Twin Motor Lively Yaw Management. The idea mannequin additionally showcased an up to date model of the model’s acclaimed S-AWC all-wheel drive system and even electrically operated brake calipers.
Extra just lately, MMC revealed plans for a “radically modified” Eclipse Cross. The model’s normal supervisor of design, Seiji Watanabe, stated the revised mannequin would draw inspiration from MMC’s e-Evolution Idea and emphasise the “energy and dynamics” of the model’s “SUV heritage”.
It’s unclear, nonetheless, if MMC’s smaller Eclipse Cross would obtain the identical efficiency upgrades designated for the bigger Outlander.
The Ralliart Idea can be joined by a kei-class EV idea, which the picture file title suggests could also be dubbed Okay-EV Idea X Type. The pint-sized electrical automobile is anticipated to go on sale in Japan from mid-2022 as a manufacturing twin to the Nissan IMk “luxurious small SUV”.
“The kei EV idea is a brand new era all-electric kei-car, based on security, safety and luxury, in addition to environmental-friendliness. It combines straightforward dealing with and sensible dimension of a kei-car with easy but highly effective street efficiency of an EV, whereas providing superior driver help methods and connectivity,” MMC stated in a press release.
The Tokyo Motor Present is open to the press on January 14 and the general public on January 15 and 16.
