Mitsubishi to showcase Outlander PHEV Concept-S in Paris

Mon, 22 Sep 2014

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is rumored to finally come to the US next fall as a 2016 model. In the meantime, the Japanese brand is showing off a concept for an Outlander plug-in at the Paris Motor Show in October with a massive improvement in styling and material quality that the automaker calls the "Sporty and Sophisticated" design theme.

With just a nip and a tuck, Mitsubishi's stylists have made the Outlander PHEV look a whole lot better. Instead of the narrow, squinting look of the current model, the concept shows a more vertical design that puts a big X right on the front end. In the center, there is an updated version of the horizontal grille leading to reshaped headlights. The big changes are found somewhat lower, with an air dam that is much better integrated thanks to black and chrome accents to draw the eye. The company claims that the rear gets similar upgrades with new lights and shining trim running across the tailgate.

The improved styling gets carried inside, as well. According to Mitsubishi, the design features black wood grain trim and silver accents throughout the cabin, and the center console is inspired by Japanese black lacquer boxes. The seats are also covered in hand-stitched leather with horizontal ribs.

For power, the concept uses the Outlander plug-in hybrid's familiar mix of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors with a 12-kilowatt-hour battery.

There appears to be some evidence indicating that this concept could be pointing the way towards the Outlander PHEV's future look. We recently spotted a camouflaged model testing in Europe, and earlier this year the CUV was reported to get a refresh for 2016. Scroll down to read more about this concept hybrid's new look. World Car Fans also managed to get their hands on more high-res photos, so head over there to view 'em.

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