Mitsubishi bringing Concept XR-PHEV II to Geneva

Wed, Feb 25 2015

Head to the Geneva Motor Show this year and you'll see what could very well be the next production Mitsubishi.

Though dubbed a "concept," the XR-PHEV II is clearly closer to being ready for production than the first XR-PHEV concept it showcased in Toyko back in 2013. Spindly as they may be, this one actually has side mirrors, the bodywork is a little toned down compared to the previous concept, there are actual openings in the grille, and you can actually see what looks like a functional interior through the windows.

Overall the shape of this urban crossover looks promising, reminding us a bit of the Lamborghini Urus concept crossed with a Lancer Evo. But at least as important is what's under the hood. That's where Mitsubishi has placed its latest plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The system includes an electric motor good for 160 horsepower, juiced by a 12-kWh battery. Strangely, the Japanese automaker hasn't specified what it's mated to, exactly, except to say that it's a MIVEC engine – those being the letters Mitsubishi uses for its variable valve timing system and utilized on gasoline and diesel engines ranging from 1.0 to 3.8 liters and from three cylinders to six. The previous concept, however, utilized a 1.1-liter turbo three with 134 hp on tap.

It looks like we'll have to wait closer to its debut for further details and photos, but for now you can scope out all there is to know so far in the press release below.

MITSUBISHI MOTORS AT 2015 GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTORSHOW
Feb 25, 2015

TOKYO - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will unveil the global debut of the Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV II[1] as well as the European premiere of the L200[2] pick-up truck at the 85th Geneva International Motor Show[3]. The Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV II is a small SUV powered by a new plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) system and the all-new L200 is due to go on sale in Europe this summer.

The Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV II is a small SUV concept expected to be MMC's second PHEV following the Outlander PHEV launched in the UK in April, 2014. The new PHEV system presented in the Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV II is a lightweight, compact and high-efficiency front-engine/front-drive system ideal for an urban crossover. The system is estimated to achieve very low CO2 emissions of below 40 g/km, among the lowest of any PHEV, while also delivering gutsy and smooth performance with excellent response with its 163PS electric motor. The concept model reflects MMC's focus on electric vehicles in its approach to environmental technologies and is currently developing PHEV systems best suited to each model in its line-up with a view to introducing them in the near future.

The L200 is the European specification version of the all-new pick-up which was launched in Thailand in November last year. While featuring improvements in its functionality and reliability as a work vehicle, it was developed as "The ultimate sport utility truck" and to provide an interior space with comfort levels on par with a passenger model. The diesel version of the L200 uses a turbocharged 2.4-litre MIVEC diesel engine which complies with European emission regulations. In addition it emits just 169 g/km of CO2, among the lowest in its class while delivering powerful output with 181PS (High Power model). Four-wheel drive models employ the Super Select 4WD-II drivetrain from the Shogun[4] with four selectable drive modes to give the driver the ideal traction for any types of road conditions and outstanding all-terrain performance. The all-new L200 pick-up is being introduced sequentially over the globe with plans to eventually introduce them into some 150 countries.

Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV II

The Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV II is an urban crossover employing a lightweight, compact and high-efficiency front-engine/front-wheel drive PHEV system to achieve superior environmental and road performance.

Exterior

The new XR-PHEV II expresses vibrant dynamism with a silhouette reflecting taut muscularity and a body shape that comprises a character line which sharply cuts into its sides and merges together with the protruding rear fenders.

The front face is inherited from the motif seen historically on the Shogun. The XR-PHEV II's front face expresses a new "shield" shape to protect people and the car alike by evolving the Shogun's traditional unique "protection" as the bumpers and underneath extended inward and upward respectively. In addition this front motif is replicated at the rear, featuring a high-mount tail lamp for improved rear visibility.

Interior

The interior expresses fortitude through an aluminium frame that spreads out sideways from the central console which supports the minimalist horizontal instrument panel. It features high contrast in the front part with black-and-silver hues. The cockpit was made to functionally enhance the driver's focus with controls concentrated in the centre console and in the steering wheel.

PHEV System

The new PHEV system is designed for use in front-engine/front-drive models and comprises a MIVEC engine, a new electric motor/generator and a new power drive unit all mounted up front. The new power drive unit comprises a compact and high-efficiency inverter and variable voltage system to achieve high power and high torque. CO2 emissions reach under 40 g/km when on the move, among the very best in terms of environmental performance for a PHEV. The PHEV system is designed to operate primarily in all-electric mode with the engine acting as a generator or supplying additional motive power when needed. Depending on driving conditions and remaining battery charge, the system automatically switches between all-electric, series hybrid and parallel hybrid modes. By selecting Battery Save or Battery Charge mode, the driver can drive in all-electric mode when they wish to do so. While delivering powerful and sporty performance, the system achieves smooth and elegant motoring with an extremely quiet interior and no transmission shift shock for a further enhancement in driving pleasure.

Basic Specifications
L x W x H 4,490mm x 1,890 mm x 1,620 mm
Wheelbase 2,670 mm
Seats 4
Battery capacity 12 kWh
Motor output 120 kW (163 ps)
Drivetrain 2WD
CO2 emissions Below 40 g/km

Smartphone Link Display Audio

Mitsubishi Motors' first Smartphone Link Display Audio supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will make its world debut at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show. Smartphone Link Display Audio provides excellent user experience by connecting your smartphones to it.

Android Auto[5] was designed with safety in mind. With a simple and intuitive interface, integrated steering wheel controls, and powerful new voice actions, it's designed to minimize distraction so you can stay focused on the road.

Apple CarPlay[6], the smarter, safer way to use iPhone* in the car gives drivers an easy and intuitive way to make calls, use Maps, listen to music and access messages with just a touch or a word by activating Siri with the voice control button on the steering wheel.

The Smartphone Link Display Audio will be exhibited in MMC's special booth at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show.

All-new L200

While featuring improvements in functionality and reliability as a work vehicle, the all-new L200 was developed as the "ultimate sport utility truck" and to provide an interior space with comfort levels on a par with a passenger model.

Exterior

Crafted from powerful, taut and muscular surfaces and with an edgy character line, the all-new L200's sporty styling oozes a dynamism that evokes the form of a well-honed athlete. It retains the distinctive "J line" separating the cab and cargo bed, giving visual appeal to the spaciousness of the cab while elegantly fusing it with the cargo bed in a manner which enhances its high-quality feel.

Interior

The all-new L200 features a comfortable interior space which while being sporty in appearance expresses high quality and reassuring safety. Elements contributing to this include the cockpit's sporty color scheme which runs from the instrument panel into the side trim and soft-touch surfaces. .

Engine & Transmission

The powertrain uses MMC's 4N15 turbocharged 2.4-litre MIVEC diesel engine which complies with stringent European environmental regulations and is fitted with MMC's Auto Stop & Go idling stop system. On the move, CO2 emissions are kept to just 169 g/km (6-speed manual transmission models) giving it environmental performance among the best in its class. The engine also uses a variable geometry turbo-charger, which allows the effective aspect ratio of the turbine to the altered as conditions change, to generate gutsy torque right from low-end engine speeds and deliver smooth acceleration and virtually lag-free response all the way up to high rpm. This engine gives the L200 powerful and stress-free performance even when carrying a full load of cargo. Two transmissions are offered: a new 6-speed manual and MMC's 5-speed with Sport Mode and paddle shifting.

Chassis

The L200 uses the same Super Select 4WD-II drivetrain as the Shogun all-round SUV. The 4WD system achieves superior all-terrain performance with the choice of four modes, including 2WD for maximum fuel economy and three 4WD modes to handle different surface conditions.

Comfort

Living space noise levels have been minimized through the strategic placement of sound- and vibration-absorbing as well as damping materials and by increasing body stiffness. The suspension has been optimised to deliver a very smooth ride. The new L200 retains the 5.9 m turning radius of its predecessor, among the tightest in its class, while the use of a lower steering ratio reduces the amount the wheel has to be turned, making for more responsive steering and better drivability.

Safety

The new L200 uses MMC's RISE reinforced impact safety body structure and is fitted with seven SRS airbags for improved occupant safety in the event of a crash. Active safety features include Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) which, when pulling a trailer, automatically helps keep it on line in side winds and other times it becomes unstable; and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) which warns the driver when his vehicle is about to drift out of its lane.

L200: Basic specifications
L x W x H 5285 mm x 1815 mm x 1780 mm
Wheelbase 3000 mm
Seats 5
Powertrain Turbocharged 2.4L MIVEC diesel
Drivetrain Super Select 4WD-II
CO2 emissions 169 g/km (6MT) / 189 g/km (5AT)
Output 154 ps (Low Power), 181 ps (High Power)
Torque 380 Nm (Low Power), 430 Nm (High Power)

MMC Line-up at Geneva Motor Show

Model	No. on display	Â	Comments
Â	Press days	Public days	Â
MITSUBISHI Concept XR-PHEV II	1	1	Concept model. World debut.
L200 (Double Cab)	1	1	Named Triton or Strada in some countries. European debut.
L200 (Double Cab)	1	-	Fully-outfitted version.
Outlander PHEV	1	1	Â
Outlander PHEV	1	1	2014 Australasian Safari race vehicle
i-MiEV	1	1	Â
Space Star	-	1	Mirage in other markets.
Attrage	-	1	Â
Pajero	-	1	Montero or Shogun in some countries.
ASX	-	1	RVR or Outlander Sport in some countries.
Outlander	-	1	Â
Lancer Sportback	-	1	Galant Fortis Sportback in Japan.
Total	6	11	Â

MMC has set up a special web site at the following URL to provide a variety of information in English about its exhibits at the Geneva International Motor Show: http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/events/motorshow/2015/gms2015/

In addition, press releases and photographs can be downloaded from the MMC Library in the Geneva Motor Show European Media Site at the following URL: https://library.mitsubishi-motors.com/contents/login.do
- See more at: http://www.mitsubishi-media.co.uk/release/1026/#sthash.i6CvAL58.dpuf

By Noah Joseph