Mitsubishi is on rolling along with its plan to reveal a new concept vehicle with (nearly) every motor show toward the end of 2016. And with the Paris event nearing its date of return, the Japanese marque will be revealing the Grand Tourer PHEV or GT-PHEV.
They have shied away from revealing any sedan or hatchback vehicles, concept or otherwise, but instead focused their efforts on crossovers and SUVs, typically nixing the internal combustion engine. Not quite so in their newest showcase.
The GT-PHEV, as the name would no doubt have suggested, uses a petrol-electric powertrain. In this case, Mitsubishi says it uses a “next-generation high-capacity drive battery package”. This is coupled to a trio of motors that’s also handed energy generation by a specially designed engine.
Together, even with its permanent four-wheel drive system, enables a hybrid cruising range of over 1,200km and an electric-only range of 120km. Its sophisticated on-board computers also allow for some connected capabilities that Mitsubishi has not yet publicly put forth such as the ability to intelligently predict route information, weather, and surface conditions to plot out the most efficient route relative to its current fuel level and battery charge.
This is the kind of technology Mitsubishi should be pursuing and indeed introducing in their production models instead of creating an enticing but ultimately unattainable (in the immediate future) product.
In terms of design, the GT-PHEV does take plenty of cues from Mitsubishi concept vehicles of late and particularly the eX Concept shown at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. This is good news as it further indicates how far they’re coming to finally perfecting it to the point of it taking the reins as its primary visual philosophy. In all, Mitsubishi wants the vehicle to be a high-end cruiser, fusing muscular styling, Japanese craftsmanship, and functional beauty.
Inside, the GT-PHEV uses a horizontal dashboard design to create a spacious interior, making it easier for the driver to read the surrounding landscape. Together with its instrument panel and high centre console, the cockpit-like interior wraps around the occupants for a more immersive, even secure experience.
We are keen to see how Mitsubishi’s newest concept will fare on the show floor at Paris, but even more than that are curious to know if and when they plan to stride their own path toward a more electrified future, particularly with popular choices as SUVs and crossovers clearly are. As of now, however, the company seems quite content with mostly dazzling us with a future that’s not quite arrived.
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