Mitsubishi Mi-Tech Concept teased

The Mitsubishi Mi-Tech concept car is not a Mazda MX-5 rival.

But the new concept car, teased ahead of its 2019 Tokyo motor show world premiere scheduled for late October, shows off a sporty, open-top design that suggests the brand is ready to once-again dip its toe into high-performance waters.

Powered by four electric motors that can allocate torque individually to each wheel, the concept car is technically a PHEV, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. But instead of using a traditional internal combustion engine, it is augmented by a 'gas turbine engine-generator' to extend its driving range.

Although Mitsubishi has not divulged power and torque output, the Japanese brand says the prototype vehicle "delivers unparalleled driving pleasure".

It's difficult to tell from the teaser image, but the Mitsubishi Mi-Tech Concept has been dubbed an SUV, kyboshing long-held hopes for a successor to the Lancer Evolution performance car.

Mitsubishi execs have previously stated that the Evo nameplate is not dead, with an Evolution-inspired SUV a possibility. Given that Mitsubishi can now draw on Renault and Nissan tech, the chances of such a vehicle emerging improve.

The propulsion system of the concept is also unlikely to be commercially viable in its current form and the chances of a two-door, compact SUV with a removable roof entering production are also very slim.

Nevertheless, the Mi-Tech concept car's new 4WD system, the 'Quad Motor with Dual Motor AYC' to use official parlance, could work its way into future models.

The new setup "allows optimum torque to be delivered to all four wheels" according to Mitsubishi.

"This brings the confidence to the driver to make a precise handling for the daily use in town, and also the ingenious performance on the adventurous off-road."

Another interesting feature of the new concept that does have real-world potential is the adoption of an advanced head-up display, or 'AG windshield' as Mitsubishi calls it. The augmented reality system "projects a variety of information [onto the windscreen] detected by using advanced optical sensing technology," says Mitsubishi.

This system combines with a number of semi-autonomous driving aids that fall under the Mi-Pilot moniker, operating steering, brakes and acceleration without driver input.

Stay tuned for more Tokyo motor show news.