- Two World Premières at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show: Mitsubishi MI-TECH CONCEPT plug-in hybrid concept and Mitsubishi SUPER HEIGHT K-WAGON CONCEPT
- MI-TECH Small-size SUV concept combines PHEV technology with gas-turbine engine-generator
- MI-TECH CONCEPT also features advanced four electric motor Super-All Wheel Control drivetrain and advanced driver aids
- Mitsubishi SUPER HEIGHT K-WAGON CONCEPT features Dynamic Shield design language to bring SUV toughness to super-height Kei wagon
- SUPER HEIGHT K-WAGON CONCEPT combines chic practicality and brisk performance with advanced e-Assist safety technology
Tokyo, October 23, 2019 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has unveiled the Mitsubishi MI-TECH CONCEPT small-sized electrified SUV concept car at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show 2019.
Takao Kato, chief executive officer MMC, and Ashwani Gupta, chief operating officer MMC, presented the new concept to the assembled press and also explained MMC’s electrification strategy.
“We are dedicated to electrification technology, particularly plug-in hybrids,” Kato said. “We will be expanding our line-up of electrified vehicles by delivering more variations and leveraging the diverse electrification technology in the alliance to make MMC the leader in the PHEV category going forward.”
Gupta added that MMC plans to employ its electrification technologies to new midsize and compact SUVs by 2022 as well as Kei cars in the near future.
Mitsubishi Motors also presented the new SUPER HEIGHT K-WAGON CONCEPT at the show, announcing that it is the second wave of the next-generation Kei cars which it plans to release by the end of this fiscal year.
MITSUBISHI MI-TECH CONCEPT
The Mitsubishi MI-TECH CONCEPT was built to be a small plug-in hybrid electric SUV that delivers unparalleled driving pleasure and confidence over all terrain. The MI-TECH name is constructed using the “M” from Mitsubishi and the “I” from Intelligent, Ingenious and Inspired, while the TECH is an abbreviation of Technology.
This new concept car embodies the MMC brand statement “Drive Your Ambition” with a compact and lightweight new PHEV drivetrain; a four-motor electric 4WD system and advanced driver-assist and preventive safety technologies, all packed into the small electrified SUV.
Under the concept of “Stimulates the driver’s adventure”, the design of the Mitsubishi MI-TECH CONCEPT is that of a dynamic buggy-type vehicle which embodies the very essence of Mitsubishi-ness. The front end adopts MMC’s signature Dynamic Shield new front design concept and uses a satin-plated colour in the centre of the grille, with copper as a secondary colour to accentuate its expressiveness as an electrified vehicle. T-shaped headlights are embedded in the front end to emphasize a distinguishing outward appearance. On the lower bumper, an aluminium skid plate is placed on both sides to protect the body while the centre section has an air intake.
On the sides, the highly raised over-fenders and large diameter tyres project a high level of mobility, SUV power, as well as the stability to thoroughly grip the terrain. The body radiates grandeur and sharpness with a design reminiscent of a machined metal ingot, while the use of a side step on the carved sides balances utility with design.
The rear end design is dominated by a large and bold hexagon shape, again exuding the impression of being machined from solid metal ingot to emphasize robustness and strength. The T-shaped tail lamp shared the same design pattern used on the front end, as do the rear bumpers.
Inside, a horizontal instrument panel and clean, functional design make operating the Mitsubishi MI-TECH easier and more pleasurable for the driver. Keyboard-shaped switches are positioned atop a centre console, and the front handgrip also functions as a hand pad to make the switches easy to operate. Functions are presented in a straightforward manner, easy to understand just by seeing them and with a reassuring feel when pressed. The horizontal theme is further accentuated by copper lines added on the instrument panel and steering wheel. For extra peace of mind, the front windscreen presents all the relevant information in graphics such as vehicle behaviour, terrain recognition and optimal route guidance.
The power generator in the new PHEV drivetrain is a lightweight, compact gas turbine engine-generator in place of the traditional petrol engine. As environmental awareness grows and downsizing progresses, the concept explores the technological proposition of plugging the PHEV drivetrain into a small SUV. The gas turbine engine-generator has a powerful output for its size and weight and another benefit of the gas turbine is its flexibility to run on a variety of fuels such as diesel, kerosene and alcohol which can be selected depending on the regions. Further, its exhaust is clean so it responds to environmental and energy issues.
Building on its PHEV powertrain experience, MMC has evolved its Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated vehicle dynamics control system to operate with a Quad Motor 4WD System with front and rear Dual-Motor Active Yaw Control (AYC) units. Making the brake callipers electric has also allowed for high response, high accuracy control of drive and braking force of the four wheels while delivering a drastic improvement in turning and traction performance.
When driving off-road and two of the wheels lose traction, the ability to transmit the optimal driving force to all four wheels makes it possible to transmit force to the two wheels still on the ground and keep driving. MMC has thus delivered a safe, exhilarating driving experience in which the driver feels with the vehicle in all conditions, either in daily driving or when traversing rough roads, while also allowing for thrilling new driving experiences such as 180-degree spins by counter-rotating the left and right tyres.
The Mitsubishi MI-TECH also comes equipped with a Human Machine Interface (HMI) which displays varying information detected through sensing technology including advanced optical sensors on an augmented reality (AR) windshield. With vehicle, road, and surrounding traffic conditions shown on the AR windshield, drivers can make accurate, heads-up decisions even in poor visibility.
Equipped also with MI-PILOT, next-generation driver assistance technology, the concept car extends driver support not only on freeways and ordinary roads but also on unpaved roads.
MITSUBISHI SUPER HEIGHT K-WAGON CONCEPT
The SUPER HEIGHT K-WAGON CONCEPT is a next-generation super height Kei wagon that caters to drivers who want to go more places and cover longer distances. Offering the wide-open passenger space of a super-height Kei wagon, it delivers the performance and functionality required in that vehicle category but with a design that expresses the unique flavour of MMC’s SUVs.
MMC’s Dynamic Shield front design concept was used for the front end, with a coated steel bar perpendicular to a horizontally-themed grille.
Its side view exudes power, with a cabin silhouette that utilises a long wheelbase and sculpted active character lines. At the same time, the side sill garnish and wheel arches were made black to accentuate the character and uniqueness of an SUV.
Designed with a colour scheme to evoke the personality of drivers who want to be active outdoors, its body colour is a two-tone combination of olive green and white, with the silver roof rails. The wheels incorporate the same colours as the body, producing an all-around unified appearance.
Inside, passenger space was maximised in the back seats in particular with family use in mind. With the largest rear door opening and back seat legroom in its class, passengers have plenty of space to relax. It’s chic, premium interior uses brown as a main theme, with orange appearing ubiquitously as a secondary colour. Synthetic leather is covered with diamond quilting for the seats to create a high-quality feel.
On the road, the Mitsubishi SUPER HEIGHT K-WAGON CONCEPT combines brisk performance from its high-performance engine and responsive CVT with advanced driver assistance technology and safety equipped, ensuring stress-free road performance in low-speed and high-speed zones.
Incorporating the e-Assist preventive safety technology package (which includes MI-PILOT single-lane driver assistance on highways, a braking system that mitigates damage from collisions and collision prevention assistance for pedal misapplication) the Mitsubishi SUPER HEIGHT K-WAGON CONCEPT qualifies for Support Car S Wide safety classification by the Japanese government, thereby easing the burden on the driver while providing safety and peace of mind to all passengers.
MITSUBISHI MOTORS LINEUP AT 46TH TOKYO MOTOR SHOW 2019
TOKYO, Oct. 3, 2019 – MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION (MMC) is giving two concept cars its global premiere at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019: the MI-TECH CONCEPT*1 – small electrified SUV; and the Super Height K-Wagon Concept – new K-car concept. The Tokyo Motor Show opens to the public from October 24 to November 4, and these two concept cars will be exhibited at the Tokyo Big Sight.
Other exhibits on the MMC booth will be the MITSUBISHI ENGELBERG TOURER*2 – the mid-size electrified SUV concept, which was unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2019 and giving its Japan debut this time; Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid electric SUV; Eclipse Cross crossover SUV; Delica D:5 – the minivan; eK Cross – the K height wagon and other key models sold in Japan.
1. MI-TECH CONCEPT Outline (World Premiere)
MI TECH CONCEPT embodies the values of MMC’s Drive your Ambition*3 brand message under the concept of “An electric SUV that delivers unparalleled driving pleasure and confidence over all terrain in light and wind”. A new downsized and lighter plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain, a 4-motor electric 4WD system, and advanced driver assistance and active safety systems are condensed into this small electrified SUV concept.
- PHEV system
This PHEV system is optimized with light and compact unit for this small size SUV, and a gas turbine engine-generator is equipped instead of the general gasoline engine-generator. This provides the driver to use both pure-electric driving mode and series hybrid modes, and delivers the smooth and powerful performance characteristics inherent to electrified vehicles. - Quad Motor electric 4WD system
MI-TECH CONCEPT is powered by a 4-motor 4WD system called Quad Motor with Dual Motor AYC*4 which has 2-motors for both front and rear axles. This allows optimum torque to be delivered to all four wheels. 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. - Advanced driver assistance & active safety systems
MI-TECH CONCEPT adopts a human machine interface (HMI) that projects a variety of information detected by using advanced optical sensing technology onto the AR windshield. The MI-PILOT driver assistance system not only alerts the driver to a potential collision, but also supports their operation of the steering wheel and brakes. In addition, active safety systems support the driver in avoiding collisions, or can mitigate collision damage. All these systems work together to deliver a reassuring, safe and enjoyable driving experience.
The visitors to the MMC booth will be able to watch the virtual reality demonstrations that allow them to see the concept car displayed with variety of angles and distances. The stereoscopic images of the MI-TECH CONCEPT can be rotated, zoomed in or zoomed out in multiple background scenes. In addition to these, there are several angles that the audiences can enjoy the surroundings from inside the car; the angles as if they were walking around the car, looking into interior from outside of the car, or viewing it from underneath the car.
2.Super Height K-Wagon Concept (World Premiere)
This new-generation Super Height K-Wagon Concept answers the wishes of those drivers looking to expand their list of destinations and going further towards to the horizon.
Super Height K-Wagon Concept features the roomy interior space as its standard of the class while delivering the performance and functionality expected in this category. And, the SUV-taste design shows its Mitsubishi-ness.
This concept car delivers nimble handling and brisk performance while maximizing living space. It also offers reassurance and safety to all occupants with MI-PILOT – the driver assistance technology for highway driving in the same-lane, forward collision mitigation braking, mis-acceleration mitigation and other advanced active safety systems which earn it SAPO CAR (Safety Support Car) S Wide classification from the Japanese government.
3.MITSUBISHI ENGELBERG TOURER (Japan Premiere)
This concept for a new-generation mid-size crossover SUV is powered by MMC’s Twin Motor 4WD plug-in hybrid EV system. MITUBISHI ENGELBERG TOURER offers high levels of dynamic performance that allow the driver to enjoy their driving experience in confidence in any weather or over any road surface. It also delivers the long cruising range inherent to the PHEV. The excellent packaging enhances its attractiveness of SUV with its multi-passenger 3-row seat layout.
4.DENDO DRIVE HOUSE (DDH)
DDH is a one-stop shopping service which bundles together the sale, installation and after-maintenance of a V2H *5system that comprises an EV, a V2H adapter, solar panels and a domestic storage battery. MMC today started the trial sales of DDH packaged service in certain areas of Japan. The DDH service is exhibited on the MMC booth alongside the Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid EV. A display screen gives visualization to the system energy flow, starting with the use of solar panels to charge the EV and the supply of electrical power from the EV battery to the home. The DDH service brings benefits to the customer that include savings on electricity costs and provision of an emergency power source.
*1…The MI-TECH name takes the M from MITSUBISHI, the I from Intelligent, Ingenious, and Inspired , while TECH is an abbreviation of Technology. Together they point to the many near-future technologies fitted to the concept car.
*2… Engelberg is a well-known ski resort in the central region of Switzerland that offers grand panoramic vistas and is known, as well as for its groomed runs, for its challenging off-piste runs that offer freestyle and freeriding fun for skiers and snowboarders.
*3…Drive your Ambition is MMC’s global tagline or brand message and signals the company’s commitment to driver values and aspirations and to their desire to extend horizons, to take on new challenges.
*4…Active Yaw Control.
*5…Vehicle to Home: A system of supplying homes with electric power stored in EV/PHEV batteries.
MMC has set up special web sites at the following URLs to provide a variety of information about its exhibits at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019:
5. MMC Lineup at 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019
| Model | No. on display | Remarks |
|
| Press days | Public days | ||
| MI-TECH CONCEPT | 1 | 1 | World premiere (show car) |
| Super Height K-Wagon Concept | 1 | 1 | World premiere (show car) |
| MITSUBISHI ENGELBERG TOURER | 1 | 1 | Japan premiere (show car) |
| Outlander PHEV | 2 | 2 | |
| Delica D:5 | 1 | 2 | |
| RVR | 1 | 2 | ASX in some markets; Outlander Sport in North America |
| Eclipse Cross | 1 | 1 | |
| eK Wagon | 1 | ||
| eK Cross | 1 | 2 | |
| Total | 9 | 13 | |
About MITSUBISHI MOTORS
MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has a competitive edge in SUVs and pickup trucks, electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Since the Mitsubishi group produced its first car more than a century ago, we have demonstrated an ambitious and often disruptive approach, developing new vehicle genres and pioneering cutting-edge technologies. Deeply rooted in MITSUBISHI MOTORS’ DNA, our brand strategy will appeal to ambitious drivers, willing to challenge conventional wisdom and ready to embrace change. Consistent with this mindset, MITSUBISHI MOTORS introduced its new brand strategy in 2017, expressed in its “Drive your Ambition” tagline – a combination of personal drive and forward attitude, and a reflection of the constant dialogue between the brand and its customers. Today MITSUBISHI MOTORS is committed to continuous investment in innovative new technologies, attractive design and product development, bringing exciting and authentic new vehicles to customers around the world.
About Mitsubishi Motors North America
Through a network of more than 360 dealer partners across the United States, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA), is responsible for the sales, research and development, marketing and customer service of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in the U.S. 2018 marked the brand’s sixth consecutive year of sales growth.
Currently located in Cypress, California – and soon to be relocating to Franklin, Tennessee – MMNA is a part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Mitsubishi continues to lead the way in the development of highly efficient, affordably priced new gasoline-powered automobiles, while using its industry-leading knowledge in battery-electric vehicles to develop future EV and PHEV models.