2003 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan. 4 Cylinder/2.0l/ Gas Saver! on 2040-cars

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

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.

Mitsubishi refreshes the Triton truck for 2019

In September, Mitsubishi showed a teaser image of the new, redesigned Triton/L200 truck that refreshes the model originally introduced in 2014. Now, the new truck is here, except not here in the sense of being sold in the United States. Alas, we can hope. The new Triton/L200 is a global truck in the sense that it'll be sold in some 150 countries around the world, from Europe to Africa and Oceania, the Middle East and Latin America, but North America isn't part of the plan. Sales start Nov. 17 in Thailand, where the truck is built. Some 180,000 global yearly sales are planned. Looking at the photos released by Mitsubishi, the truck's nose has gained the new corporate styling direction that can also be seen on the Outlander, the Eclipse Cross, and even the re-facelifted Lancer that is sold in some countries. The front design is called "Dynamic Shield" in corporate Mitsubishi language, pointing to the more pronounced grille-intake combo with chrome effect. Otherwise, the basics of the Triton remain as before, with the truck likely to keep the time-honored 4G64 2.4-liter gasoline engine and two inline four diesel options. There are two 4WD systems on offer, either Super Select or Easy Select. Like we said in September, the small truck segment is hotly contested in the U.S. right now, and the Triton, were it sold in the States, would compete against the Tacoma, the Colorado and the Canyon, the Ford Ranger, and a possible Ram truck that would slot underneath the 1500. But the 25 percent Chicken Tax it's subjected to as a foreign-built truck makes it impossible to compete. The currently sold Ranger T6 is originally of Australian design, and as well as being made in Michigan it is also produced in Thailand like the Triton. Related Video:

Mitsubishi realigning its SUV range to create more size difference

A report in Autocar says Mitsubishi wants more literal space between its three core SUVs. The outlet quotes "a senior source" saying, "Today we aren't in an ideal position, with our SUVs close in size, but in the next 18 months you will start to see a strategy that separates them out." Redesigns for the next generation of the Outlander, Eclipse Cross, and Outlander Sport will put about 200 millimeters' (7.9 inches) difference in length between each. Right now, the Outlander stands 184.8 inches long, the Eclipse Cross 173.4 inches long, and the Outlander Sport is scarcely smaller at 171.9 inches long. Autocar says the revamp would see the Outlander grow, while the Outlander Sport gets smaller. Based on the comments, if the Outlander gets longer, then we wouldn't be surprised at seeing the Eclipse Cross putting on a few inches, too. The first fruit should blossom next year, and be possible thanks to platform-sharing within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. Comparing Mitsubishi to Nissan's formula, the Rogue is 184.5 inches long, the Rogue Sport 172.4 inches. We don't get the Juke any more, which is 162.8 inches long; our Nissan Kicks extends 169.1 inches. The coming range will extend plug-in hybrid and full electric options, too. Naturally, the Outlander PHEV will make the jump to a new generation, and the Eclipse Cross will come in hybrid and PHEV flavors. An updated PHEV powertrain shown in the Engelberg Tourer Concept at the Geneva Motor Show paired a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors at the axles, for 44 miles of EV range on the WLTP cycles. That's 16 more EV miles than the current Outlander PHEV can go. The Outlander Sport will get a battery-electric trim. The "senior source" said, "We will not have a unique nameplate, but instead offer the appropriate electrification options for the vehicles and how people will use them." There's likely a lot more in store for the brand, especially in the U.S., although we have no idea what that is. Takao Kato will take over as CEO of Mitsubishi global next month, with the mandate of carrying out the carmaker's "small but beautiful" strategy. The initiative puts steady growth and profit ahead of disruptive leaps. Kato has experience in the U.S., having helped set up the joint manufacturing plant with Chrysler in Illinois in 1988. Even so, he's said of our region, "It's not easy to be in that market," and would only go so far as saying "probably not" when asked if leaving the U.S. is an option.