Next Mitsubishi Lancer to go hybrid

The next-generation Mitsubishi Lancer will be offered with a hybrid powertrain when it launches in early 2014 – about two years later than expected.

Mitsubishi's first electrified Lancer is expected to utilise a modified version of the plug-in hybrid technology that will become available in the new Outlander next month in Japan and in Australia in June 2013.

Mitsubishi's C/D-segment Project Manager, Mitsuyoshi Hattori, stated that the PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) technology designed for the Outlander will be modified and deployed on several other vehicles in its range, including its top-selling Lancer.

"The same (plug-in hybrid) system is only for Outlander class, but modified PHEV system can be put in any other vehicle," he said, suggesting the next Lancer could get a non-plug-in hybrid system.

"We are now considering new Lancer but I can't disclose the dimensions and specification. Now we are talking about the concept of the new Lancer."

Hattori-san revealed that the PHEV technology can be scaled to fit in most vehicles, with or without plug-in charging, and it is understood the Lancer will be offered with a regular hybrid system:

"I'd like to improve the PHEV system from the Outlander and put this PHEV in other vehicles".

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation President, Osamu Masuko, previously confirmed the Lancer will be slightly smaller than the current model, but will be his company's largest passenger car as vehicles like the US-based Galant will not be continued.

The highly-anticipated Lancer Evolution performance car is understood to be testing a different hybrid system, a range-extending set-up that employs a petrol engine supported by two electric motors driving the rear wheels.

Hattori-san reiterated Mitsubishi's previously stated strategy of developing battery-electric and petrol-electric hybrid drive systems for small models including the Mirage, and plug-in hybrid drive systems for larger vehicles including the Outlander and Pajero.

"I think the plug-in hybrid model will be better for the middle and higher class vehicles, because it's expensive for the small cars," said Mr Hattori, suggesting that we'll see regular hybrid power in cars like the Lancer and Mirage.

"Small cars will be better for EV or the conventional hybrid model," he said, citing the cost of plug-in hybrid technology as an issue for smaller vehicles.

The new Lancer will need to bring something new to the table to pique the interest of customers, with Australian sales falling from 17,308 in 2011 to 14,287 for the same period in 2012.

By 2014, when the next-generation Lancer arrives here, the current CJ-series will be seven years old. Most Japanese vehicles are renewed every five years, but Mitsubishi says the GFC and its weak financial state has delayed the development of the next Lancer.

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