Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Two New Concept Vehicles Reveal Future Direction for Mitsubishi Motors at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show

Two New Concept Vehicles Reveal Future Direction for Mitsubishi Motors at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show
- Vision for future embodied by diesel-hybrid pickup and next-generation all-electric compact -
TOKYO, March 5, 2013 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) unveiled the MITSUBISHI Concept GR-HEV*1 and the MITSUBISHI Concept CA-MiEV*2 concept models at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show*3 today. In addition to the world debut of these two concept models, which embody MMC's unique next-generation advanced technology known as @earth TECHNOLOGY, MMC will put on display a total of 15 models (nine on press day), including the Space Star (Mirage in other markets), which launched in European markets this February, as well as the Outlander PHEV, which is scheduled for sequential release starting this July.

With the theme of driving pleasure towards a sustainable future for everyone, MMC has pushed ahead on automobile manufacturing that aims to contribute to environmental responsibility, deliver driving pleasure, and provide toughness and safety, under MMC's tagline Drive@earth. @earth TECHNOLOGY expresses MMC's next-generation advanced technologies that achieve the intent behind Drive@earth. 

These technologies include:
       -            MMC's electric vehicle (EV)*4 technology
       -            Technologies to reduce fuel consumption (high-fuel efficiency gasoline engines, "clean diesel")
       -            MMC's traditional 4WD technology and integrated vehicle dynamics control systems
       -            S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control, which provides a balance between driving stability and ultimate driving pleasure)
       -            RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) enhanced collision-safety body,
       -            Advanced preventative safety technologies such as ACC, FCM, LDW*5,

All provide support for safe and comfortable driving. MMC will use @earth TECHNOLOGY tagline around the world.

The MITSUBISHI Concept GR-HEV and the MITSUBISHI Concept CA-MiEV, which will be presented at the Geneva International Motor Show, represent the embodiment of @earth TECHNOLOGY.

MITSUBISHI Concept GR-HEV
         

MITSUBISHI Concept CA-MiEV


*1:     GR: Grand Runner. Represents powerful driving through grand and magnificent lands with advanced technology.
*2:     CA: Compact and Advanced technology - the combination of advanced EV technology and next-generation compact packaging.
*3:     For more information, please visit www.salon-auto.ch/en/ (English).
*4:     Including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and other electric-powered vehicles.
*5:     ACC: Adaptive Cruise Control System, which enables the maintenance of a safe distance from the preceding vehicle even when traffic is congested; FCM: Forward Collision Mitigation System, which provides support for mitigating damage or avoiding collisions through the automatic braking, enabled when the distance with the preceding car shrinks suddenly; LDW: Lane Departure Warning System, which draws the attention of the driver through an alarm when the vehicle appears to be deviating from its lane while driving.




1. MITSUBISHI Concept GR-HEV
The MITSUBISHI Concept GR-HEV is a Sport Utility Truck (SUT) concept that brings about further enhancements in environmental and driving performance. Its development is founded upon the combination of sedan- or SUV-like comfort levels and the pickup truck functionalities of the highly-acclaimed Triton.

The exterior design sets it well apart from conventional pickup trucks, combining flowing lines with richly contoured surfaces to achieve a combination of suppleness and power. It also provides excellent aerodynamic capabilities without compromising the functional elements of a pickup truck, making it extremely capable of supporting the most active lifestyles, in both leisure and work. The premium quality of the vehicle is brought out through the diamond motif applied to the DRL*6, LED headlamp system, and LED rear combination lamp system. Stylish aluminum air dams mesh seamlessly with the vehicle's flowing shape, giving appeal to its functional pedigree and safety performance.

An FR*7-based diesel-hybrid system has been adopted for the powertrain. With a reduction of CO2 emissions during drive to levels of 149 g/km or below this vehicle achieves the highest levels of environmental performance in its class. This superior achievement is attained through a 2.5L "clean diesel" engine that balances motive performance with superb environmental performance, as well as an electric motor HEV system with a high-performance motor and battery.

The drivetrain is a next-generation 4WD system that combines the Super Select 4WD (SS4) system and the S-AWC system. The SS4 drive mode system allows the driver to select four drive modes (2H, 4H, 4HL, 4LL). These modes enable the driver to choose levels of higher fuel-efficient driving or more all-terrain performance for rough roads. The S-AWC system provides advanced control for driving and braking force in all four wheels, thereby ensuring that the vehicle responds faithfully to the driver's intent under various driving conditions. Furthermore, by adding a highly responsive torque control system that enables instant motor response, the vehicle provides both superior driving performance and superb handling that responds faithfully to the driver.

The vehicle is also fitted with an AC power supply system, eliminating the need for carrying power generators on the vehicle, and further enhancing the vehicle's convenience for use in leisure and work situations. High safety performance is also achieved through the ACC, FCM, and LDW advanced preventive safety technology.

*6:     DRL: Day-time Running Lamps. Headlamps that light up during the day to alert other cars to the presence of the vehicle, thereby preventing accidents.
*7:     FR: Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive.

2. MITSUBISHI Concept CA-MiEV
The MITSUBISHI Concept CA-MiEV concept car gives an indication of the direction MMC (which in 2009 launched i-MiEV, the world's first mass produced electric vehicle), believes EVs will take in the near future.

MITSUBISHI Concept CA-MiEV's supple and vigorous exterior styling draws from the image of an athlete blazing with energy and racing toward the future, expressing the advanced next-generation EV technologies inside it. The design of the headlamps and rear combination lamps is based on the motif of cut diamonds, creating a deep and sophisticated presence.

The facet cut treatment of the wheel spokes, spreading outward from the center of the wheels, makes the wheels sparkle as they turn and emphasize the aesthetic beauty of the vehicle.

The high-efficiency EV system brings together lightweight EV components in an integrated motor, inverter, and charger module that reduces power losses. It also incorporates a full-time regenerative braking system that improves energy recovery rate, as well as a magnetic resonance wireless charging device that enables convenient charging. The system is fitted with a 28kWh high capacity battery. The vehicle combines exhaustive reduction in body weight with improvements in aerodynamic performance, bringing about a cruising range of 300km.

Convenience for the user has also been enhanced. The remote-controlled air-conditioning system and management system for charging and discharging can be linked to smartphones or tablet devices. The vehicle is also equipped with a remote tracking function that captures the vehicle's position using GPS if the vehicle is stolen, and MMC's ECO-drive Assist which helps the vehicle to adapt to the driving environment. Like the MITSUBISHI Concept GR-HEV, the MITSUBISHI Concept CA-MiEV provides a safe and secure electric driving experience, featuring the ACC, FCM, and LDW advanced preventative safety technologies.

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