FORWARD-THINKING CONCEPTS

4x4magazine | 21/11/2013 | 0 Comments

Mitsubishi unveiled three world premiere concept cars at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013. Incorporating a new design that symbolizes the functionality and reassuring safety inherent to SUVs, the three concepts take as their theme Mitsubishi’s @earth TECHNOLOGY and point to the direction company’s development and manufacturing will take in the near future.

The Concept GC-PHEV (Grand Cruiser) is a next-generation full-size SUV with full-time 4WD. It is based on a front engine, rear-wheel drive layout plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) system comprising a 3.0-liter V6 supercharged MIVEC engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with a high-output motor and a high-capacity battery to deliver all-terrain performance truly worthy of an all-round SUV. The PHEV system automatically switches operation between pure EV drive and hybrid drive depending on driving conditions, remaining battery charge and other factors.

Attractive feature of the PHEV system is that its high-capacity battery can be used as an external power source. The 100V AC on-board socket can output up to 1500 watts of electrical energy, ideal for powering equipment when camping or enjoying other outdoor pursuits as well as providing an emergency power source for domestic appliances. The system can supply the equivalent of a day’s power consumption in an average household from the battery alone and up to a maximum of up to 13 days when the engine is used to fill the battery.

The advanced S-AWC is based on a full-time 4WD system with electronically controlled front and center limited slip differentials (LSD). The integrated vehicle dynamics control system works mainly by controlling torque distribution to and braking effort at each wheel. For Concept GC-PHEV, the addition of an E-AYC (Electric-Active Yaw Control) unit, which uses torque from the electric motor to precisely control torque distribution to each rear wheel, provides outstanding vehicle stability.

The exterior styling fuses a muscular and powerful surface composition with lively and sharp lines. With no B-pillar the doors give easy access to the spacious interior.

Located in the upper dashboard is a Multi-wide Interface, which visually flows into the door trim, while Concept GC-PHEV uses an AR (Augmented Reality) Windshield: a live, direct or indirect, view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented (or supplemented) by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data.

A first for Mitsubishi with the Concept GC-PHEV is the touch-screen operated Tactical Table located in the center of the cabin. This large monitor display allows occupants to gather information and create an original map or trip plan as well as to share all kinds of information with other occupants.

Mitsubishi’s another concept, the XR-PHEV is a next-generation compact SUV with a front engine, front-wheel drive layout PHEV system. The powertrain comprises a 1.1-liter in-line 3-cylinder turbocharged MIVEC engine; a lightweight, compact and high-efficiency motor with a high-boost converter that raises voltage to 700vV at the front; and a high-capacity battery under the floor. The boost converter increases motor and generator output and efficiency.

Configured with EV as the standard drive mode, the PHEV powertrain automatically selects from three drive modes ‒ EV, Series Hybrid and Parallel Hybrid ‒ the one best-suited to driving conditions and remaining battery charge. In addition 100% EV driving is possible through use of Battery Charge Mode or Battery Save Mode. Concept XR-PHEV is fitted with 100V AC onboard sockets capable of giving an external supply of up to 1500 W of power.

The model’s XR name derives from its X (cross) over Runner sprightly around-town persona which marries SUV functionality with sport coupe body lines. The concept 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.

The interior features a driver-oriented cockpit designed to stimulate sporty driving. The bucket-type seat is upholstered in red coordinated with exterior and interior accent colors 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.

The third world premiere, the Concept AR combines SUV maneuverability with MPV roominess. It uses a lightweight mild hybrid system, which comprises a downsized 1.1-liter in-line 3-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged MIVEC engine mated to a low-output BSG (Belt Start Generator) torque circuit.

The rear-mounted 48 V lithium-ion battery and air-cooled DC-DC converter work in cooperation to provide instant engine restarting after an idle-stop and to deliver gutsy torque assist under acceleration. The motor is used to recover kinetic energy during regenerative braking and to drive the A/C compressor while the engine is turned off to promote even better fuel economy at the same time as delivering a solid and satisfying driving experience.

Within the compact dimensions (L 4350 mm / W 1780 mm / H 1690 mm) of the body, the relatively long wheelbase provides a cabin that is open and airy. Both exterior and interior feature clean designs, with the cabin lines creating a soft and rounded interior space. The spacious cabin offers three flexible seating patterns giving generous seating room for six occupants, for four occupants with a sizeable luggage space or for a generous common space between the 2nd and 3rd row seats when they are turned to face each other.

All three concepts feature the latest e-Assist active safety technologies and the advanced connected car technology that utilizes next-generation information systems. These functions include a danger detection system which activates the corresponding safety functions and a failure/malfunction early-detection system which urges the driver to seek repairs or other maintenance.