THE TOUGHEST TEST BEFORE PRODUCTION
As preparations for the start of production of the Outlander PHEV were underway in Japan, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation took its technology flagship to a last and most unexpected reliability exercise – cross country racing.
Therefore, a pre-production Outlander PHEV was entered in the 2013 Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) which took place August 10th – 16th between Thailand and Laos. An officially FIA sanctioned race, the AXCR is an Asian take at a Dakar-type of extreme cross country rallying, which started this year from Pattaya and finished in Pakse, in the southern part of Laos. Over 6 days, competitors drove over 2,000 km on various road surfaces and conditions including mountain roads, muddy jungle and river crossings, making it a true challenge in terms of driving performance and endurance.
Out of a total of 20 entries in the four-wheeled category (of which 19 finished), the Outlander PHEV attracted attention as it was the only plug-in hybrid vehicle to participate, most competitors behind heavy-duty Diesel-powered pickup trucks.
Entered by a private team “Two and Four Motor Sports”, backed by Mitsubishi Motors, the sole Outlander PHEV finished 17th overall with no failure: quite a success for what was essentially a standard car – including the Twin Motor 4WD plug-in hybrid electric drivetrain, as well as the Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system – the only modifications being the regular cross-country racing routine of upgraded shock absorbers and springs, roll cage, under floor protection, exhaust and snorkel duct.
Completing such a tough rally with no problem whatsoever confirmed the durability as well as the dynamic performance of Outlander PHEV just a few months before it starts its commercial career in world markets.
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