GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer previews next Outlander
Weirdly-named Mitsubishi SUV concept previews design and plug-in powertrain for next-gen OutlanderAs strange names for concepts go, the Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer revealed at the Geneva motor show is right up there.
But name aside, its imposing design and advanced hybrid are here to stay and will be features of the next-generation Mitsubishi Outlander.
Named after a Swiss Ski resort, the boxy Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer has been created to be imposing, in the style of a traditional off-roader. Behind its ugly looks and large dominant bash plate there's some neat details.
Features like the Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer's grille that carries the brand's trademark 'dynamics shield' that closes its shutters for a sleeker profile at speed and opens when extra cooling is needed in traffic.
Look closely and the Engelberg's streamlined roof box cleverly incorporates LED driving lights, while those large wheels cut drag, thanks to their disc-like surface -- but perhaps the real beauty of Mitsubishi's latest concept lies under the bonnet.
That's because the Engelberg Tourer is powered by an update of the current Outlander PHEV's plug-in hybrid.
Like before it blends a 2.4-litre petrol engine that acts as a generator for most of the time, leaving a pair of electric motors to provide drive to the front and rear axles.
Where the Engelberg differs is a larger, more energy-dense 20kWh lithium-ion battery that provides 70km on pure-electric power alone from a full charge.
Throw in the petrol engine and the total range is boosted to more than 700km.
Placing the battery pack between the front and rear axles beneath the floor for better weight distribution and a lower centre-of-gravity, the Engelberg gets an advanced torque vectoring system that can use the brakes and electric motor's torque for better cornering than the current Outlander.
Mitsubishi has remained tight-lipped about when the all-new fourth-generation Outlander is due, but since the current model first went on sale back in 2013 it's thought the replacement should be on sale some time in 2020 at the latest.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
