Mitsubishi previews diesel hybrid pickup concept, next-gen EV for Geneva

Wed, 13 Feb 2013

Mitsubishi has a long history of tidy little pickup trucks, and the Japanese automaker is apparently looking to extend that heritage in a bolder, bigger way with the Concept GR-HEV, a "sport utility hybrid truck."

The future-think show star, slated to be unveiled at next month's Geneva Motor Show, is actually tipped to be a much larger effort – Mitsubishi says it's applying its hybrid technology to a one-ton truck for the first time. The GR-HEV is powered by a complex powertrain composed of a diesel engine and electric motors, which the company believes is better suited to the sort of heavy-duty work required in the segment. The concept also employs full-time four-wheel drive and a development of Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control system (which governs things like stability and brake force control along with an active center differential) as seen on the production Lancer Evolution.

In related news, Mitsubishi has also confirmed that it will show a next-generation electric showcar at Geneva dubbed Concept CA-MiEV. With this new concept (inset photo), the company says it is looking to build on the learnings of its i citycar and take EVs out of their limited urban roles. To that end, the CA-MiEV boasts "next generation EV systems and high density batteries" that give it a range of 186 miles.

2013 GENEVA MOTORSHOW PREVIEW #2 WORLD PREMIERE FOR "A FULL GLOBAL EV PALETTE"
13/02/13

Ever since it started research and development on electro-mobility back in 1966, today's Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) always believed that electric vehicles (EV) would eventually become long-term core products – a view vindicated by recent concerns over global warming.

From the pioneering i-MiEV in 2009 and a self-imposed objective of 20% of EV-based cars by 2020, MMC has already made significant steps in this direction as demonstrated with the all-new Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and its most innovative "Dual Design" architecture.

Expanding further, Mitsubishi Motors now explores the full electro-mobility engineering palette – Pure Electric (EV), Hybrid Electric (HEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric (PHEV) - hinted at through two concept cars world-premiered at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, next to the New Outlander PHEV.

In parallel, taking a global view of the automotive market, MMC is committed to the development of global architectures that could serve customer needs and requirements in both mature and emerging markets, avoiding engineering compromises.

Concept GR-HEV – The Sport Utility Hybrid Truck

If electric vehicles are to have a significant impact on the environment, they should be able to attract a wide spectrum of customers with a full palette of EV-based vehicles across the range, from small run-a-bouts to big SUVs, each using a dedicated application of the technology (EV, HEV or PHEV).

In this respect, all-new Outlander PHEV has already proved that EV powertrain and long-haul D-Segment crossovers are perfectly compatible.

At MMC the next logical step will be to expand further, adapting electric componentry to the demands of an even larger, tougher, sportier vehicle with both work and leisure in mind in either mature or emerging markets - Such was the brief behind Concept GR-HEV, Mitsubishi Motors' take at Hybrid (HEV) technology, applied for the first time to a one-tonne pickup truck.

With the creation of a next "Dual Design" vehicle, Mitsubishi Motors introduces an all-new exclusive HEV solution, featuring a Clean Diesel engine and electric motors. Simpler and more affordable than either EV or PHEV, HEV is deemed best suited to the heavy-duty daily requirements of pickup truck users.

Concept GR-HEValso uses Mitsubishi's renowned full-time 4WD technology, featuring Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated vehicle dynamics control system driveline to deliver high stability traction and driving performance under all road conditions.

Chunky, rugged, handsome and eminently usable, this conceptual 4WD Sport Utility HEV Truck was developed with an ambitious target for CO2 emissions below 149 g/km, far better than the segment average.

Concept CA-MiEV – The Suburban EV

Supported by three years of i-MiEV global customer feedback as well as continuous progress in battery technology and electric drivetrain, MMC now considers taking pure EVs beyond a mostly urban environment with a next generation compact EV.

As a showcase of the various technologies, MMC intends to introduce across its range of global vehicles, this sleek Concept CA-MiEV vehicle which can accommodate next generation EV systems and high density batteries. Lightweight with advanced aerodynamics, the CA-MiEV will offer a 300 km driving range, perfectly suited for suburban and country daily life.

Further innovative real-life features include magnetic resonance wireless charging technology, smartphone activated functions.

- ENDS -

By Chris Paukert