Mitsubishi also decided to present, at once, three concepts for the Tokyo show, all of them identified by a tangle of acronyms, which embody a large SUV, a compact SUV and an MPV that wants to be an SUV, respectively GC-PHEV, XR-PHEV and Concept AR.
Like the trio of concepts recently announced by Suzuki, the three Mitsubishi concepts focus on the Crossover and SUV typologies. As part of Mitsubishi's policy for a more sustainable future, adding hybrid and electric variants to all its ranges, the three concepts combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor.
The GC-PHEV (Grand Cruiser) presents itself as the next generation “family” sized SUV. The aesthetic attributes may be questionable, but the versatility must be unquestionable. It features permanent all-wheel drive, using Mitsubishi's all-wheel drive system called Super All-Wheel Control. The base is derived from a rear-wheel drive architecture in conjunction with a plug-in electrical system. At the front we find a 3.0 liter petrol V6 MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electric Control system), longitudinally positioned and supercharged with a compressor, which is associated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Add in an electric motor and a high-density battery pack, and we should get top-notch performance in any type of terrain.
The XR-PHEV (Crossover Runner) is a compact SUV and clearly the most appealing of the trio. Despite being advertised as an SUV, only the front axle is powered. Motivating it is a small direct injection MIVEC turbo engine measuring just 1.1 litres, again, combined with an electric motor powered by a battery pack.
Finally, the Concept AR (Active Runabout), which wants to combine the internal spatial use of an MPV with the mobility of an SUV, all wrapped up in a compact package. It takes advantage of the entire XR-PHEV powertrain. Coming to the production line, it will be the return of Mitsubishi to the MPV typology after the end of production of the Grandis.
The trio also shares among them the latest evolution of E-Assist (name only used in Japan), which consists of a package of technologies dedicated to active safety, including ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), FCM (Forward Collision Management – system of prevention of frontal collisions) and LDW (Lane Departure Warning).
There are also new advances in the subject of car connectivity, which contains a wide range of alert systems, which can, for example, activate the necessary safety functions and even detect any type of malfunction early, indicating to the driver that he needs to take the car to the car. nearest repair point.