2013 Mitsubishi Concept AR - AllCarIndex

MITSUBISHI Concept AR

New Take on an Active Compact MPV

Flexible Seating Patterns Encourage Occupant Communication

The MITSUBISHI Concept AR is a compact MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) which features the maneuverability of an SUV. High fuel efficiency has been improved through an exhaustive weight reduction program targeting the engine and the hybrid system overall as well as the body, and interior trim and equipment. This has also enhanced the feel-good and comfortable nature of the car’s performance. The model’s AR name derives from Active Runabout, a car from which many people can derive out-and-about enjoyment. Both exterior and interior feature refreshing and clean designs, with the cabin lines creating a soft and rounded interior space wrapped in seamless trim which seats six occupants in comfort within its compact dimensions. With its connected car technology-driven utility and unique seating patterns allowing all occupants or individual occupants to enjoy the ambience of the interior, this concept is a new idea for a new kind of car life.

Innovative & Free Spirit MPV Design

Concept AR’s exterior design has been developed with the aim of fusing together all the pros of both MPV and SUV model types. Within the compact dimensions of the body, the relatively long wheelbase provides a cabin that is open and airy. This is amplified by the Crystal Lighted Roof to create the kind of pleasant and comfortable interior space inherent to the MPV genre. The oversize tires give the body a lifted-up look while the overstated skid plates give clear visual expression to the high maneuverability, the reassuring stability and the stately road presence of an SUV. Other styling elements contributing to Concept AR’s fresh and distinctive design include the front grille with its bold diamond-cut pattern and the air outlets crafted into the rear pillars which serve to reduce aerodynamic drag.

Concept AR Signals New Kind of Occupant Communication

Inside, Concept AR cleanly wraps occupants in simple and soft styling which does away with meaningless features. Distinguished by soft and rounded lines the spacious cabin offers three flexible seating patterns giving generous seating room for six occupants, for four occupants with a sizeable luggage space or for a generous common space between the 2nd and 3rd row seats when they are turned to face each other. The cabin also features a gently bowed Crystal Lighted Roof from the center of which indirect lighting throws soft illumination and accents the premium quality feel to the interior space. The calming peacefulness of the cabin is enhanced by gentle wind and other sounds emanating from slits in the side trim. With easily detachable cup holders and a tablet-type interface, this forward-thinking interior design brings together enhanced convenience and comfort.

Mild Hybrid System

Green, Quiet AND Powerful

Concept AR is powered by a lightweight Belt Start Generator (BSG)-type mild hybrid system which comprises a downsized 1.1-liter in-line 3-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged MIVEC engine mated to a low-output BSG torque circuit. In its development, Concept AR has been subject to an exhaustive weight reduction program targeting the engine and the hybrid system overall with the more extensive use of high-tensile strength steel panels and of lightweight structural materials in strategic locations. The weight reduction was extended to the no-frill design of the dashboard, seats and even the choice of upholstery trim. The result is a significant reduction in fuel consumption together with a smoother and more comfortable ride.

The rear-mounted 48V lithium-ion battery and air-cooled DC-DC converter work in cooperation to provide instant engine restarting after an idle-stop and to deliver gutsy torque assist under acceleration. The motor is used to recover kinetic energy during regenerative braking and to drive the A/C compressor while the engine is turned off to promote even better fuel economy at the same time as delivering a solid and satisfying driving experience for all on board.

Connected Car Technology

Enhances Individual Fun and Brings Fellow Occupants Together

Concept AR uses connected car technology and flexible seating patterns to allow occupants to interact in several novel ways. For instance, four occupants sitting facing each other in the 2nd and 3rd row seats can all enjoy the space between them while using the center console to have fun planning their trip route, or an individual occupant might pull out the tablet-type interface from its home slot in the side of the cabin and link up with the outside world through the internet or check out their emails and other personal information. So whether with your fellow occupants or on your own, the enhanced and new kinds of utility connected car technology brings helps expand the fun boundaries in ways not experienced before in a vehicle while giving great respect to an individual’s personal space and to the distance between fellow occupants. And in this way, connected car technology brings new added value to the MPV.

e-Assist Active Safety System

Offers Driver Support

Concept AR is equipped with MMC’s e-Assist active safety system and advanced connected car information communications technology. These two systems work in cooperation to anticipate and alert the driver about dangerous situations as well as to activate safety functions rapidly and accurately.

e-Assist: Main Functions

• Rearward Blind Spot Vehicle Warning

• Driving Safety Support System (DSSS)

• Auto Hi-beam

• Unintentional Vehicle Move Off Control

• Forward Collision Mitigation Braking (FCM)

• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

MITSUBISHI Concept AR Specifications

SOURCE: MITSUBISHI