The auto show season is quickly ramping up, with the 2011 Los Angeles and Tokyo Auto Shows running almost back-to-back this year. There are plenty of new cars in the pipeline, and Mitsubishi is the latest automaker to unveil what it has in store for Tokyo, which opens its doors to the media on November 30. The biggest news is the Concept PX-MiEV II Concept, a compact crossover with a hybrid powertrain and complex all-wheel-drive system.
Mitsubishi says the PX-MiEV II is capable of driving solely on electric power for distances of approximately 30 miles. After that point, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas-powered engine kicks in, to provide additional driving range and to serve as a generator to the lithium-ion battery pack. Depending on battery charge and driving conditions, the engine sends power to the electric motors or directly drives the wheels while helping to recharge the batteries.
The electric motors are located in the front and rear of the vehicle, where they provide power to each axle separately. This four-wheel-drive hardware is also linked to Mitsubishi’s Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) traction system, as seen on the high performance Lancer Evolution X models. A socket fitted to the vehicle can draw on the battery pack to power appliances when camping, or during other outdoor pursuits. The quick-charge port can also be used to charge the PX-MiEV II with a household plug and outlet. Expect much of the technology and exterior design of this vehicle to appear on the production version of the Outlander Hybrid, due to arrive in 2013.
Next up is a car small in size and horsepower, but one that’s hugely important for Mitsubishi sales in emerging markets. The Mirage is a budget conscious 5-door hatchback, motived by a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine and CVT transmission. A low entry-level price and excellent fuel economy will be this car’s main selling points when it goes on sale next year. Unlike the Outlander Hybrid, the Mirage will almost definitely not be coming to the U.S.
Related posts:
- Suzuki Concepts – 2011 Tokyo Auto Show Preview
- Mitsubishi at the Geneva Auto Show
- Green Car of the Year Finalists Announced – 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show
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