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Mitsubishi e-Evolution concept EV has AI that can teach you to drive better

Following a teaser last month, Mitsubishi has revealed additional details, and a couple more images of the e-Evolution concept. The new teasers show a car with a pretty wild profile. The windshield is incredibly long and raked, and it generally has an angular, wedge-like shape. It's also an extremely cab-forward design, which is possible because it is fully electric, and there isn't an engine up front to take up lots of space. That's bad news for anyone hoping Mitsubishi might just hybridize a high-strung turbo engine. But it is still all-wheel drive, courtesy of a trio of electric motors. There's one motor up front for the front wheels, and a pair at the back for the rear wheels. These rear motors can apply different amounts of power for torque vectoring. The e-Evolution also has a unique feature in its artificial intelligence ( AI) system. Mitsubishi didn't go deep into the details of how it works, but by using many sensors, the AI can adjust how the car drives and reacts based on road conditions, traffic, and driver preferences. It can make you a better driver by silently assisting you, but it can also make you a better driver by teaching you. Apparently it can assess your driving skills and advise you on how to improve. Hopefully the e-Evolution, or whatever production model takes inspiration from it, will be fun enough to drive that you will want to improve your skills. The e-Evolution will be on display at the Tokyo Motor Show. It will only be on display for one of the press days, so if you happen to be able to get to the show then, make sure you catch it. For everyone else, stay tuned to Autoblog for more photos and info when it's fully revealed. Related Video:

Mitsubishi fuel economy scandal will result in $1.39 billion loss

The fuel economy scandal revealed a couple months ago will cost Mitsubishi Motors a pretty penny. According to The New York Times, the Japanese automaker predicted the fiscal year 2016 will result in a loss of 145 billion yen, or $1.39 billion. We won't know for sure until March rolls around. The prediction is even more striking when compared to Mitsubishi's performance during the last few years. It will be Mitsubishi's first reported loss in eight years. In 2014, Mitsubishi reported a global profit of $1.2 billion, which doubled the profits of the previous year, and in the spring of 2015 the US arm of the manufacturer reported its first profits in seven years – $4.18 million. For a little while there, it seemed like things were looking really good for Mitsubishi, but past flaws caught up with it. Some of the models built have had their fuel economy readings rounded by as much as 15 percent, due to the way running resistance is calculated in laboratory conditions. Nissan swept in to buy one third of Mitsubishi, and under the Renault-Nissan alliance it is likely Mitsubishi will be put on a crash course to clear its name and start turning a profit again. But the bad publicity caused by the scandal will probably mean it'll be far in the future. Related Video:

Mitsubishi bringing Concept XR-PHEV II to Geneva

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.