Mitsubishi Motors North America presented to the media the all-new 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, at the New York International Auto Show. This PHEV system features a 2.0-liter gas engine, which effectively acts as a generator, and two high-performance electric motors paired with Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. This fancy AWD system is a “specialized application of Lancer Evolution-derived Super All-Wheel Control developed specifically for the Outlander PHEV’s unique twin electric motor configuration for maximum performance, efficiency, tractability and safety,” according to Mitsubishi. The motors, fed power from a high-capacity 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack, are mounted separately at the front and rear axles and can deliver ‘quick and optimized torque distribution’ to all four corners.
The Outlander offers three driving modes: EV (fully electric mode), series hybrid (electric power with generator operation) and parallel hybrid (engine power and electric motor assistance). The PHEV system automatically selects whichever drive mode it sees fit, given the road conditions and other factors. The system also features a regenerative braking mode to recharge the batteries as you drive, as per the norm with most electric vehicles. Mitsubishi has dumped loads of technology into the Outlander PHEV, including: Multi-Around view Camera Monitor, Forward Collision Mitigation with pedestrian detection capability, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and available smartphone integrations including Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™.
Don Swearingen, executive vice president, MMNA says, “What makes the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV so special is that it offers the best of both worlds with a balance of electric efficiency and long-range practicality,” and furthermore that, “Mitsubishi put its engineering prowess and knowledge to work to create a vehicle that meets the demand of a growing number of consumers who need a car that is capable and environmentally friendly. The Outlander PHEV will offer a high electric range and combined miles per gallon (MPG).” although, at this point, neither of these figures have been released by Mitsubishi.
Pricing is not yet available for the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, but you can expect more information on the Japanese SUV before its arrival in the Fall of 2016.
To see how we liked the gasoline powered Outlander, check out our muddy off-road review of the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander GT:
