Pity poor Mitsubishi, whose Outlander Plug-In Hybrid has been on sale in Europe and Asia for almost two years.
But the plug-in hybrid SUV’s U.S. debut has been delayed several times, and now is set for the fall of 2015, likely as a 2016 model.
Now we can get a glimpse of what the revised plug-in hybrid 2016 Outlander will look like, courtesy of a “concept” that will be shown at next week’s Paris Motor Show.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S is a thinly disguised version of the updated Outlander, which will receive a mid-cycle refresh for its fourth year on the market.
The most visible change is new frontal styling, with the rounded and grille-free aerodynamic nose of the current model replaced by a slatted grille and lower air inlet with wraparound headlights.
Mitsubishi says the grille is shaped like the three-diamond brand logo, though we see some influence from the current Lexus “spindle grille” design.
The goal of the concept is to add a degree of sportiness to what is presently one of the blandest mid-size utility designs on the market.
To that end, the interior designers have added fine black woodgrain and silver accents to the dash, and soft, hand-stitched leather trim for the seats.
The carefully executed detailing is intended to express precision, quality and craftsmanship.
The Concept-S powertrain remains largely that of the production Outlander PHEV, featuring a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor attached, another electric motor on the rear axle, and a 12-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
The Outlander PHEV can operate in multiple driving modes, including electric-only four-wheel drive.
Mitsubishi will officially unveil the Outlander PHEV Concept-S in Paris on October 2, although eager U.S. buyers will have to wait another year or so.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is one of several plug-in hybrid SUVs that will enter the market over the next three years.
The Mercedes-Benz ML-Class will add a plug-in hybrid powertrain in the fall of 2015, while a plug-in hybrid BMW X5 will join that maker’s lineup within 18 months.
For all the news from France on concepts and production cars unveiled, see our Paris Motor Show news page.
Source: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1094567_2016-mitsubishi-outlander-plug-in-hybrid-revealed-at-paris-motor-show
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