Mitsubishi PX - next Outlander?

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MieV II.

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MieV II.

Published Nov 10, 2011

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The new Concept PX-MieV II, says Mitsubishi, is its idea for a mid-sized plug-in hybrid model but look past all the gadgetry beneath its skin and it's very likely that what you see on the outside bears much similarity to the firm's next Outlander SUV.

If this is the case, you can expect the next mid-sized SUV to appeal to the market with a cleaner, smoother and more elegant presence.

While conventional models will no doubt have a conventional range of engines, it's also worth betting on that a plug-in hybrid model will eventually sprout from the range, boasting technology similar to what we find in this latest PX concept.

Offering a long cruising range as demanded by larger vehicles, the PX-MiEV II has an advanced drivetrain derived from Mitsubishi's existing EV technology. It basically fuses electric vehicle technology from the Mitsubishi i-MiEV with a small conventional engine that features the brand's latest efficiency technologies.

According to Mitsubishi, this not only allows a combined fuel consumption figure of less than 1.6 litres per 100km (driven slowly over a relatively short distance, we'd imagine) but it's also capable of an 800km driving range - with much higher consumption, of course.

The plug-in hybrid system uses high-capacity batteries that allow the vehicle to cover over 50km in all-electric mode alone, allowing it to be driven solely as an EV for most everyday situations.

Depending on power consumption and remaining battery charge, the system will start the engine automatically as a generator, and the engine can also be used to help drive the wheels as deemed necessary.

In addition, the driver can select Battery Drive Mode when wishing to drive quietly and emissions-free (at sufficient battery levels) in residential areas or the countryside using pure EV power.

At the same time, the driver can also switch to Battery Charge Mode while on the move, controlling use of battery power and using the engine as a generator to charge the batteries.

What's more, it's still a 4x4 - featuring a newly developed twin-motor four-wheel-drive system mated to Mitsubishi's Super-All Wheel Control traction control system.

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