MITSUBISHI CONCEPT GR-HEV THE SPORT UTILITY HYBRID TRUCK

GENEVA - Ever since it started R&D on electro-mobility back in 1966, today’s Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) always considered that electric vehicles (EV) should eventually become long-term core products – a view vindicated by recent concerns over global warming.

From the pioneering i-MiEV in 2009 and a self-imposed objective of 20% of EV-based cars by 2020, MMC has already made significant steps in this direction as demonstrated with the all-new Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (“PHEV”) and its most innovative “Dual Design” architecture.

Expanding further, Mitsubishi Motors now explores the full electro-mobility engineering palette – Pure Electric (EV), Hybrid Electric (HEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric (PHEV) – hinted at through two concept cars world-premiered at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, next to the New Outlander PHEV, one of which is the cutting edge Concept GR-HEV Sport Utility Hybrid Truck.

Going Hybrid

If electric vehicles are to have a significant impact on the environment, they should be able to attract a wide spectrum of customers with a full palette of EV-based vehicles across the range, from small runabouts to big SUVs, each using a dedicated application of the technology (EV, HEV or PHEV)

In this respect, New Outlander PHEV has already proved that EV powertrain and long-haul D-Segment crossover are perfectly compatible.

At MMC. the next logical step will be to expand further, adapting electric componentry to the demands of an even larger, tougher, sportier vehicle with both work and leisure in mind in either mature or emerging markets.

Such was the brief behind Concept GR-HEV, Mitsubishi Motors’ inaugural take at Hybrid (HEV) technology, applied for the first time to a Mitsubishi one-tonne pickup truck, a format very much in demand in emerging markets and a Mitsubishi export best-seller, starting with Europe, its number one market (with over 615,000 units, out of the 1.42 million units exported from MMTh between 1992 and 2012).

Below 149 g/km

With this evocation of a possible next “Dual Design” vehicle, Mitsubishi Motors introduces an all-new proprietary HEV solution, featuring a 2.5 litre Mitsubishi Clean Diesel engine and a front-mounted electric motor, mated to an automatic gearbox – all controlled by an electronic operating system – as well as a battery pack located (and protected) within the ladder frame – further protection being provided by cross guard bars.

Simpler and more affordable than either EV and PHEV, HEV is deemed best suited to the heavy-duty daily requirements of pickup truck users and a perfect vector for MMC’s green ambitions all the way to the most remote corners of the planet with an ambitious target for CO2 emissions below 149 g/km - far better than segment average.

Beyond this specific one-ton pickup application, the addition of an electric motor to a Diesel engine brings further benefits:

- Instant response from the electric motor boosts Diesel engine accelerations.

- The motor also increases high-end torque of the Diesel engine.

- Quieter accelerations and high-speed cruising (within legal limits).

- Cleaner Diesel emissions.

This combination can also provide pure electric power on demand with available AC supply (100V～240V), to replace a generator or to allow the use of a 100V winch for instance, as well as the ability to drive over short distances in pure-electric mode.

Concept GR-HEValso uses Mitsubishi’s renowned full-time 4WD technology, featuring Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated vehicle dynamics control system to deliver high stability traction and driving performance under all road conditions.

This HEV-dedicated driveline uses S-AWC to tailor output and braking to each wheel for every drive mode (2L, 4H, 4HL, 4LL) selected by the driver to help when facing difficult driving conditions:

- Safer, sure-footed all-terrain performance over mud, sand, snow-covered surfaces as S-AWC system leverages motor’s instant response and controls braking force at each wheel.

- Torque regulation for instant response and excellent all-terrain performance.

- Improves stability when towing.

Cutting edge

Rugged, handsome and eminently usable, this 4WD Sport Utility HEV Truck show car was developed as a conceptual successor to a long line of one-tonne Mitsubishi Motors pickup trucks – from the original 1978 Mitsubishi L200.

All successful in their time, they always stood apart with their handsome design.

Concept GR-HEV continues with this tradition adding a strong dose of aerodynamic chunkiness while escaping the square-rigged look that seems to prevail in the segment.

On the contrary, over its long 5.42 m long dual-cab body, MMC Design produced a very muscular athletic shape, highlighted by a sharp blade-like character line, starting from the headlamps and progressing to form a very dynamic upswept beltline.

Carrying over a theme first developed for today’s L200, Concept GR-HEV offers a total (pick-up) look whereby the long load bed is the visual continuation of the passenger cabin, simply delimited by a graphic J-shutline, itself serving as support to integrated running boards.

Further rear, this load bed extends the 3D-sculptured shape of the cabin, whether in the wide open trapezoidal wheel arches (and their asymmetrical flat moulding, suggesting motion), in the shapely tailgate or in the helix-complex rear combination lamps. With their “scattered diamond” LED design, they give an impression of precision-cut jewellery and premium quality appearance of the tail.

Topping it up, the upper structure is no less dramatic with a low roofline highlighted by twin elongated satin-finished side mouldings. Arching over the cabin, they extend to flying buttresses over the backlight, connected by a twin-boom aerofoil. As a clear statement of (tough) intent, the integrated bed cover intersects sharply all the curves.

At the front, the aerodynamic blades of the grille seem milled directly from solid brass as if to shield the Three-Diamond logo, in-between the sculptured wraparound diamond-shaped headlamps – an overall effect of width, stability and solidity.

Finishing touch, Concept GR-HEV rides on dynamically styled 3-spoke alloy road wheels using lightweight non-alloy spokes. Taking Mitsubishi’s Three-Diamond corporate emblem as the design theme, they suggest strength.

Specifications (MMC data)

SOURCE: MITSUBISHI

Two New Concept Vehicles Reveal Future Direction for Mitsubishi Motors at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show

- Vision for future embodied by diesel-hybrid pickup and next-generation all-electric compact -

TOKYO, March 5, 2013 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) unveiled the MITSUBISHI Concept GR-HEV^*1 and the MITSUBISHI Concept CA-MiEV^*2 concept models at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show^*3 today. In addition to the world debut of these two concept models, which embody MMC's unique next-generation advanced technology known as @earth TECHNOLOGY, MMC will put on display a total of 15 models (nine on press day), including the Space Star (Mirage in other markets), which launched in European markets this February, as well as the Outlander PHEV, which is scheduled for sequential release starting this July.

With the theme of driving pleasure towards a sustainable future for everyone, MMC has pushed ahead on automobile manufacturing that aims to contribute to environmental responsibility, deliver driving pleasure, and provide toughness and safety, under MMC's tagline Drive@earth. @earth TECHNOLOGY expresses MMC's next-generation advanced technologies that achieve the intent behind Drive@earth. 

 These technologies include:

- MMC's electric vehicle (EV)^*4 technology

- Technologies to reduce fuel consumption (high-fuel efficiency gasoline engines, "clean diesel")

- MMC's traditional 4WD technology and integrated vehicle dynamics control systems

- S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control, which provides a balance between driving stability and ultimate driving pleasure)

- RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) enhanced collision-safety body,

  - Advanced preventative safety technologies such as ACC, FCM, LDW^*5,

All provide support for safe and comfortable driving. MMC will use @earth TECHNOLOGY tagline around the world.

The MITSUBISHI Concept GR-HEV and the MITSUBISHI Concept CA-MiEV, which will be presented at the Geneva International Motor Show, represent the embodiment of @earth TECHNOLOGY.

*1: GR: Grand Runner. Represents powerful driving through grand and magnificent lands with advanced technology.

*2: CA: Compact and Advanced technology - the combination of advanced EV technology and next-generation compact packaging.

*3: For more information, please visit www.salon-auto.ch/en/ (English).

*4: Including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and other electric-powered vehicles.

*5: ACC: Adaptive Cruise Control System, which enables the maintenance of a safe distance from the preceding vehicle even when traffic is congested; FCM: Forward Collision Mitigation System, which provides support for mitigating damage or avoiding collisions through the automatic braking, enabled when the distance with the preceding car shrinks suddenly; LDW: Lane Departure Warning System, which draws the attention of the driver through an alarm when the vehicle appears to be deviating from its lane while driving.

1. MITSUBISHI Concept GR-HEV

The MITSUBISHI Concept GR-HEV is a Sport Utility Truck (SUT) concept that brings about further enhancements in environmental and driving performance. Its development is founded upon the combination of sedan- or SUV-like comfort levels and the pickup truck functionalities of the highly-acclaimed Triton.

The exterior design sets it well apart from conventional pickup trucks, combining flowing lines with richly contoured surfaces to achieve a combination of suppleness and power. It also provides excellent aerodynamic capabilities without compromising the functional elements of a pickup truck, making it extremely capable of supporting the most active lifestyles, in both leisure and work. The premium quality of the vehicle is brought out through the diamond motif applied to the DRL^*6, LED headlamp system, and LED rear combination lamp system. Stylish aluminum air dams mesh seamlessly with the vehicle's flowing shape, giving appeal to its functional pedigree and safety performance.

An FR^*7-based diesel-hybrid system has been adopted for the powertrain. With a reduction of CO2 emissions during drive to levels of 149 g/km or below this vehicle achieves the highest levels of environmental performance in its class. This superior achievement is attained through a 2.5L "clean diesel" engine that balances motive performance with superb environmental performance, as well as an electric motor HEV system with a high-performance motor and battery.

The drivetrain is a next-generation 4WD system that combines the Super Select 4WD (SS4) system and the S-AWC system. The SS4 drive mode system allows the driver to select four drive modes (2H, 4H, 4HL, 4LL). These modes enable the driver to choose levels of higher fuel-efficient driving or more all-terrain performance for rough roads. The S-AWC system provides advanced control for driving and braking force in all four wheels, thereby ensuring that the vehicle responds faithfully to the driver's intent under various driving conditions. Furthermore, by adding a highly responsive torque control system that enables instant motor response, the vehicle provides both superior driving performance and superb handling that responds faithfully to the driver.

The vehicle is also fitted with an AC power supply system, eliminating the need for carrying power generators on the vehicle, and further enhancing the vehicle's convenience for use in leisure and work situations. High safety performance is also achieved through the ACC, FCM, and LDW advanced preventive safety technology.

*6:           DRL: Day-time Running Lamps. Headlamps that light up during the day to alert other cars to the presence of the vehicle, thereby preventing accidents.

*7:           FR: Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive.

Basic specifications

2. MITSUBISHI Concept CA-MiEV

The MITSUBISHI Concept CA-MiEV concept car gives an indication of the direction MMC (which in 2009 launched i-MiEV, the world's first mass produced electric vehicle), believes EVs will take in the near future.

 MITSUBISHI Concept CA-MiEV's supple and vigorous exterior styling draws from the image of an athlete blazing with energy and racing toward the future, expressing the advanced next-generation EV technologies inside it. The design of the headlamps and rear combination lamps is based on the motif of cut diamonds, creating a deep and sophisticated presence.

The facet cut treatment of the wheel spokes, spreading outward from the center of the wheels, makes the wheels sparkle as they turn and emphasize the aesthetic beauty of the vehicle.

The high-efficiency EV system brings together lightweight EV components in an integrated motor, inverter, and charger module that reduces power losses. It also incorporates a full-time regenerative braking system that improves energy recovery rate, as well as a magnetic resonance wireless charging device that enables convenient charging. The system is fitted with a 28kWh high capacity battery. The vehicle combines exhaustive reduction in body weight with improvements in aerodynamic performance, bringing about a cruising range of 300km.

Convenience for the user has also been enhanced. The remote-controlled air-conditioning system and management system for charging and discharging can be linked to smartphones or tablet devices. The vehicle is also equipped with a remote tracking function that captures the vehicle's position using GPS if the vehicle is stolen, and MMC's ECO-drive Assist which helps the vehicle to adapt to the driving environment. Like the MITSUBISHI Concept GR-HEV, the MITSUBISHI Concept CA-MiEV provides a safe and secure electric driving experience, featuring the ACC, FCM, and LDW advanced preventative safety technologies.

Basic specifications

SOURCE: Mitsubishi

World Premiere for Two Concept Models at 2013 Geneva International Motor Show

TOKYO, February 13, 2013 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will give the MITSUBISHI Concept GR-HEV^*1 and MITSUBISHI Concept CA-MiEV^*2 concept models their global debut at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 5 through March 17 (opening to the general public on March 7). The two show models highlight MMC's next-generation advanced technologies.

The MITSUBISHI Concept GR-HEV is a concept for a sport utility truck (SUT) which delivers high environmental and driving performance using a FR^*3 diesel-hybrid system (under development) in a pickup truck, one of the most popular vehicle categories in emerging economies. Combining a high fuel-efficiency clean diesel engine with a high-output motor and battery, the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) system achieves on-road CO2 emission levels of below 149 g/km to give it environmental performance among the best in its class. The concept also uses a next-generation 4WD system which incorporates the Super Select 4WD honed in the Pajero series and Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics integrated control systems to deliver high stability traction and driving performance under all road conditions.

The MITSUBISHI Concept CA-MiEV gives an indication of the shape MMC, which launched the i-MiEV - the world's first mass produced electric vehicle - in 2009, believes EVs will take in the near future. This concept model incorporates next-generation EV technologies under development at the company, such as high-energy density batteries and high-efficiency EV systems (motor, inverter, regenerative braking and wireless charging system). Together with a lightweight and aerodynamic body it achieves a cruising range of 300 km.

With its advanced technologies embodied in the two concept models making their world debut at the Geneva Motor Show, MMC will continues to pursue further progress both in emerging markets and in environmental technologies, two major keys to the growth of the company's business.

*1 : Grand Runner

*2 : Compact and Advanced technology

*3 : Front engine, rear-wheel drive