Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S shows what a facelift can do [w/video]

Fri, 03 Oct 2014

Sometimes you need a second chance to get things right. Technologically, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a pretty cool vehicle, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and additional electric motors providing more thrust. However, the CUV never really looked the part for all of its innovation. The Mitsubishi designers are taking another crack with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, and the vehicle shows what a massive improvement some tweaks can make.

The most obvious of these changes is the completely different front end with a more vertical design. The headlights are reshaped with LED running lights outlining them, and the new airdam that puts a massive X right on the front grille in black and chrome with some more LEDs down below. The designers don't stop there and have a major revision to the rear with taillights running all the way across. Inside, there's black wood grain trim and leather seats.

The update takes the CUV from boring to somewhat exciting, and the even better news is that some of these updates might make it to a rumored refresh in 2016 that could even come here. Scroll down to watch Mitsubishi's teaser video for the Concept-S with more views of it and the company's full press release.

Mitsubishi Motors Lineup at 2014 Paris Motor Show

World Premiere of the Outlander PHEV Concept-S

Tokyo, September 22, 2014 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will present the world debut of the Outlander PHEV Concept-S at the 2014 Paris Motor Show*. The Outlander PHEV Concept-S is a concept model based on the Outlander PHEV 4WD SUV plug-in hybrid vehicle.

* "Le Mondial De L'Automobile 2014." For more information please visit
http://www.mondial-automobile.com/en/visitors/ (English)

MMC also will be displaying total of 11 vehicles (5 on press day) including the Outlander PHEV rally car that competed in the FIA Asia Cross Country Rally 2014, European specification production models, the i-MiEV and other electric powered vehicles (electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV)).

1. Overview of the Outlander PHEV Concept-S

The Outlander PHEV Concept-S is a concept model presenting a special design package for the production Outlander PHEV. The exterior and interior design are created under "Sporty and Sophisticated" design theme. The design expresses driving pleasure by delivering powerful and agile driving performance as well as quiet, advanced and high quality driving performance provided by its Twin Motor 4WD and Plug-in Hybrid EV System.

(1) Exterior

Meant to symbolise the functionality and reassuring safety inherent to Mitsubishi Motors' SUVs, the front end design shields the Three-Diamond mark with bold chromed accent mouldings on either side – a three dimensional effect – in a further suggestion of motion. Wraparound headlamps contribute themselves to a sense of dynamism sweeping gently up and outwards.

This "protective theme" continues at the rear where similar symbolic chrome accents – topped by elongated combination lamps – run from tailgate to wings meant to express dynamic and innovative styling as if bracing the vehicle for better safety. The body colour uses a brilliant "Platinum White" with glass flake finish.

(2) Interior

Contrary to the sparkling exterior design, the "Black & Burgundy" colour scheme interior design offers a refined quality passenger compartment.

In particular, Concept-S' interior design makes use of painstakingly executed detailing to express precision, quality, craftsmanship and sophistication such as:

- Black wood grain trim with silver accent

- The centre console designed inspired by Japanese traditional black lacquered boxes

- Soft fine leather, hand-stitched by craftsmen selected for the seat upholstery

Furthermore, the seat upholstery forms a three-dimensional surface with horizontally-ribbed cushioning provides superior fit, while the use of trimming lines is formed so as to gently follow the body contours holds occupants snugly in place.

Silver accents of the trimming lines, curving around the seat, further enhance the perceived quality of the interior.

(3) Main Specifications

Overall length (mm)	4,760
Overall Width (mm)	1,840
Overall height (mm)	1,700
Wheelbase (mm)	2,670
Occupants	5
Powertrain	Plug-in Hybrid EV System (2 permanent magnet synchronous motors, Lithimun-ion battery (12kWh), 2.0-liter 4-cyl. DOHC MIVEC gasoline engine)
Drivetrain	Twin Motor 4WD

2. Mitsubishi Motors Lineup at 2014 Paris Motor Show

Model	No. on display		Remarks
Model	Press day	Public day	Remarks
Outlander PHEV Concept-S	1	1	Concept car.
MITSUBISHI Concept XR-PHEV	-	1	Concept car.
Outlander PHEV	2		Production model.
Outlander PHEV	1	1	Rally car. Successful finisher in FIA Asia Cross Country Rally 2014.
i-MiEV	1	1
Outlander	-	1
ASX	-	1	RVR or Outlander Sport in some countries.
Space Star	-	1	Mirage in some countries.
Pajero	-	1	Montero or Shogun in some countries.
L200	-	1	Triton in some countries.
Total	5	11

By Chris Bruce