Mitsubishi concepts revealed

Mitsubishi has unveiled two new concepts — the all-electric i-MIEV Cargo and a new Outlander-size plug-in hybrid off-roader called the PX-MIEV. Both cars are expected to make it into production in Japan next year and on sale in other markets by 2011.

The PX is powered by a plug-in hybrid system, which significantly extends the frequency a hybrid vehicle is driven in EV mode, returning fuel economy of around 3.0 litres/100km.

At low speeds though, the car uses electric power only to the front wheels. The PX also uses dedicated drive control system that selects the best drive mode — front or all-wheel drive — depending on the driving conditions, through integrated control of the EV components and the petrol engine.

As with the production i-MiEV, the PX has a three-way battery charging system using either a 100-volt or a 200-volt domestic supply or a high-power quick-charging station. The car is also fitted with an electronically controlled air suspension that gives the driver choice of three height modes — auto, high or low.

The styling of the PX gives a hint at what the next-generation Outlander could look like with a body that uses a newly-developed metal colour that gives the car a metal shell-like appearance. The spoke-style wheels are designed to assist cooling and aerodynamics.

Inside the cabin has deliberately been designed like an aircraft cockpit to improve the driver's concentration and has an instrument panel that curves around the driver. LED lighting is used for the dashboard and door trim while the front and rear lights are LED.

The i-MIEV Cargo is derived from the production i-MIEV but gains a hug van-size cargo area instead of conventional rear doors. The Cargo's luggage space is 1350mm wide, 1180 mm deep and 1100 mm high with a flat floor. The height of the compartment floor has been designed to facilitate loading and unloading of luggage and make it more user-friendly.