PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Mitsubishi to debut new SUV

Mitsubishi is anticipating the international debut of its new plug-in hybrid-electric SUV concept, the GT-PHEV, later this month at the Paris Motor Show.

Following the precedent set by the PX-MiEV show car, the new SUV concept is expected to enter production as a new model, replacing the current Outlander in the range. For the show, the concept SUV will be powered by a triple-motor power delivery method and feature an advanced plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) system.

According to Mitsubishi, the GT-PHEV will have an electric-only range of 120 kilometres and a combined "hybrid cruising" range of 1,200 kilometres.

The triple-motor layout will consist of one power unit at the front of the car and two at the rear. Mitsubishi claims this will enable "a dramatic performance improvement of its full-time, four-wheel drive powertrain and Super All Wheel Control (SAW-C) integrated vehicle dynamics control system to provide new levels of handling stability."

There is no word yet as to what combustion engine Mitsubishi will be using in conjunction with the electric motors in the SUV. However, the manufacturer has said the engine will be specifically intended for better electricity generation and "motive performance".

The show car will also preview Mitsubishi's latest in-car technology for increased safety and efficiency. Mitsubishi has said: "Route information and data on weather and road surface conditions are fed to the vehicle from information networks, on-board sensors and cameras to closely manage electricity consumption and fuel economy while providing suitable all-wheel control settings to match the road and weather conditions."

The GT-PHEV will also feature a genuine leather interior and a cockpit which has been designed to wrap around the occupants to provide a greater sense of safety.

Expected to share the same platform as the next generation of ASX and an 'in-between' SUV already testing in California in pre-production form, the show car is anticipated to be close to production reality for the next Outlander.

The concept will premiere at Mitsubishi's stand at the Paris Motor Show from September 29 and sit alongside the manufacturer's other fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.