GENEVA - Mitsubishi previews the Concept XR-PHEV, a strikingly ugly concept.

To be displayed for the first time in Europe during the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, Concept XR-PHEV brings plug-in hybrid electric technology at the heart of the European market – a smart combination of engineering fluency, low environmental impact, dynamic agility and sharp coupé-like design.

PHEV development - Fast forward

Unveiled in November 2013 at the 43^rd Tokyo Motor Show, Concept XR-PHEV (“X (cross) over Runner”) is a next-generation C-Segment crossover using Mitsubishi Motors' plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) powertrain in a novel front-wheel drive layout and blending SUV functionality with sport coupe design – a sharp expression of (low impact) driving pleasure.

Coupe-like design - Athletic
The key concept behind the development of the Concept XR-PHEV’s exterior design was a track athlete’s form. The dynamic energy of a sprinter exploding out of the blocks and still bent at the waist is referenced in the wedge-inspired character line and in the forward-leaning silhouette. The muscular, taut wings embrace the over-size tyres and, while having a low ground clearance, the rake, or slightly raised rear riding height, gives a tantalising foretaste of the car’s agile and all-round performance.

Centering on the 3-Diamond logo, the front fascia projects the forceful dynamic energy and functionality of a SUV together with an imposing road presence. The grille frame starts under the adaptive headlamps and flexibly accommodates movements in the body.

Concept XR-PHEV uses solar panels built into the roof which serve to charge the auxiliary equipment battery and also has a variable angle spoiler on the trailing edge of the roof which can be adjusted for different driving conditions.

Like all three Tokyo Motor Show MMC concept cars^[1], Concept XR-PHEV features the brand’s new visual identity which will be gradually introduced with each new Mitsubishi Motors crossover and SUV over the coming years. Meant to symbolise the functionality and reassuring safety inherent to SUVs, this visual identity is made of vertical elements (either chromed or lighted) bracing the front end of the vehicle(s) either side of the grille.

Stimulating interior - Focused

Concept XR-PHEV features a driver-oriented cockpit designed to stimulate sporty driving.

The bucket-type driver’s seat provides firm location and support to allow drivers to operate vehicles with assurance and precision. The seat is upholstered in red coordinated with exterior and interior accent colours to give the driver their very own “director’s chair” and is quite distinct from the other three seats.

The speedometer, tachometer and other information displays are designed to allow the driver to instantly spot changes and to concentrate on operating their vehicle.

Front-wheel drive PHEV – C-Segment

Concept XR-PHEV uses a lightweight and high-efficiency front-wheel drive PHEV system derived from the well-proven system used to power the Outlander PHEV.

In this new configuration, Mitsubishi Motors’ PHEV powertrain is made of a 1.1-litre in-line 3-cylinder MIVEC turbocharged petrol engine; a single (instead of two for Outlander PHEV) lightweight, compact and high-efficiency motor with a high-boost converter at the front; and a high-capacity battery under the floor. The boost converter increases motor and generator output and efficiency.

Opting for a front-wheel drive PHEV system with no motor at the rear reduces weight as well as friction losses and returns improvements in fuel and electricity economy, much appreciated by customers of more accessible smaller C-Segment vehicles such as the 4.37 m long Concept XR-PHEV.

From the default mode of pure EV, Concept XR PHEV powertrain automatically selects from two additional drive modes – Series Hybrid and Parallel Hybrid – the one best-suited to driving conditions and remaining battery charge, just like with Outlander PHEV.

Along the same lines, 100% EV driving is possible through use of Battery Charge Mode or Battery Save Mode.

Concept XR-PHEV is also fitted with 100V AC on board sockets capable of giving an external supply of up to 1500W of power. The system can supply enough electricity to power domestic appliances for a full day from the drive battery alone and up to a maximum of 10 days when the engine is used to fill the battery.

Active Safety Technology - Protect

Concept XR-PHEV has been developed to deliver sure-footed dynamics and agile performance for the sake of driving pleasure.

This includes reassuring levels of safety brought – amongst others – by MMC’s electronic “active” safety system to help the driver to avoid accidents and collisions, as well as advanced connected car information communications technology.

These two systems work in cooperation to anticipate and alert the driver to dangerous situations as well as to activate safety functions rapidly and accurately and thereby support safer driving. Their main functions include:

• Pedestrian Collision Mitigating Auto-braking
• Rearward Blind Spot Vehicle Warning System^[2]
• Driving Safety Support System^[3]
• Auto Hi-beam
• Unintentional Vehicle Move Off Control^[4]
• Forward Collision Mitigation Braking (FCM)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Main specifications

L x W x H			4370 / 1870 / 1570 mm
Occupants:			4
Hybrid fuel efficiency:			> 28 km/l
Plug-in cruising range:			> 85 km
Engine	Type:	1.1-litre in-line 3-cyl. direct-injection turbocharged MIVEC
	Max output (net):	100 kW
	Fuel used:	Petrol
Motor	Max. output:	120 kW
Battery	Capacity:	14.0 kWh
Drivetrain:			2WD
Transmission			Front wheel drive