Mitsubishi has released more details and another
teaser photo of its upcoming PHEV SUV concept – now called the MI-Tech – that
is set to debut at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show. Alongside the MI-Tech concept,
the Japanese carmaker will also present another concept called Super Height
K-Wagon, which we’ll talk about later on. Focusing on the MI-Tech first,
the photo provided depicts a two-door, dune buggy-esque vehicle without doors
or even a roof. The high-riding show car also appears to carry the company’s
Dynamic Shield face, flared wheel arches, a bulged bonnet and two aero cowls
just behind the cabin.
Those cowls appear to feed fresh air to the car’s
powertrain, which apparently uses a gas turbine engine-generator instead of a
conventional petrol engine-generator. Specific details about this setup aren’t
made known yet, but Mitsubishi says drivers will have access to fully electric
and series hybrid driving modes. Also part of the powertrain is a four-wheel drive system dubbed Quad
Motor with Dual Motor Active Yaw Control (AYC), which sees two motors fitted to
both the front and rear axles (for a total of four motors). This is said to
provide “precise handling for the daily use in town, and also the ingenious
performance on the adventurous off-road.”
Other details include a human machine interface
(HMI) where information is projected onto the augemented reality-supported
windshield, as well as the MI-Pilot driver assistance suite of active safety
systems. Meanwhile, the Super Height K-Wagon has an even quirkier design, with
a boxy body that is geared towards maximising interior space, to which SUV cues
are added on. Highlights here include a stubby Dynamic Shield face, accentuated
wheel arches, swoping shoulder line and relatively tiny wheels.
The carmaker says the concept “answers the wishes of
those drivers looking to expand their list of destinations and going further
towards to the horizon,” which is certainly open for interpretation, and it
will also come with the MI-Pilot suite like the MI-Tech.
