2013 Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV - AllCarIndex

MITSUBISHI Concept XR-PHEV

Agile and Comfortable Compact SUV Opens Door to

New Dimension of Driving Pleasure

The MITSUBISHI Concept XR-PHEV is a next-generation compact SUV using MMC’s FF-layout PHEV powertrain.

The model’s XR name derives from its X (cross) over Runner sprightly around-town persona which marries SUV functionality with sport coupe body lines. With a PHEV system which automatically selects optimum driving mode depending on driving conditions, it brings a dramatic improvement in fuel economy and in cruising range also delivers fleet-footed, agile and comfortable performance. The design cue for Concept XR-PHEV’s form was a track athlete crouched in the blocks and ready to explode into action. With the driver-oriented cockpit design and layout, Concept XR-PHEV gives eloquent visual expression to one of MMC’s fundamental tenets ‒ pure driving pleasure. The car also uses connected car technology which, as well as assisting the driver in their role as the leading player in the vehicle, also enhances safety and occupant peace of mind.

Exterior Conjures Up Image of Track Athlete’s Dynamic Speed

The key concept behind the development of the Concept XR-PHEV’s exterior was a track athlete’s form. The dynamic energy of a sprinter exploding out of the blocks and still bent at the waist is given expression to in the wedge-inspired character line and in the forward-lean silhouette. The muscular, taut fenders embrace the over-size tires and, while having a low ground clearance, the rake, or slightly raised rear riding height, gives a tantalizing foretaste of the car’s agile and all-round performance.

Centering on the 3-diamond grille badge the front fascia projects the forceful dynamic energy and functionality of a SUV together with an imposing road presence. The grille frame starts under the adaptive headlamps and flexibly accommodates movements in the body. Concept XR-PHEV uses solar panels built into the roof which serve to charge the auxiliary equipment battery and also has a variable angle spoiler on the trailing edge of the roof which can be adjusted for different driving conditions.

Interior Stimulates Driving Spirit

Concept XR-PHEV features a driver-oriented cockpit designed to stimulate sporty driving. The bucket-type driver’s seat provides firm location and support to allow drivers to operate vehicles with assurance and precision. The seat is upholstered in red coordinated with exterior and interior accent colors to give the driver their very own “director’s chair” and is quite distinct from the other three seats.

The speedometer, tachometer and other information displays are designed to allow the driver to instantly spot changes and to concentrate on operating their vehicle.

New PHEV System With FF-layout

Raises Economy & Performance Bar to New Limits

Concept XR-PHEV uses a lightweight and high-efficiency FF-layout PHEV system derived from the well-proven system used to power the Outlander PHEV model. The PHEV powertrain comprises: a 1.1-liter in-line 3-cylinder turbocharged MIVEC engine; a lightweight, compact and high-efficiency motor with a high-boost converter that raises voltage to 700V at the front; and a high-capacity battery under the floor. The boost converter increases motor and generator output and efficiency. Choosing a FF-layout PHEV system with no motor at the rear reduces weight as well as friction losses and returns improvements in fuel and electricity economy.

Configured with EV as the standard drive mode, the PHEV powertrain automatically selects from three drive modes ‒ EV, Series Hybrid and Parallel Hybrid ‒ the one best-suited to driving conditions and remaining battery charge. In addition 100% EV driving is possible through use of Battery Charge Mode or Battery Save Mode.

Concept XR-PHEV is fitted with 100V AC onboard sockets capable of giving an external supply of up to 1500W of power. The system can supply enough electricity to power domestic appliances for a full day from the drive battery alone and up to a maximum of 10 days when the engine is used to fill the battery.

e-Assist Active Safety System

Cornerstone to Driving Pleasure

Concept XR-PHEV has been developed to deliver fleet-footed and agile performance and to bring “driving pleasure” to many. This “driving pleasure” includes reassuring levels of safety. To that end, “reassuring levels of safety" are ensured by MMC’s e-Assist active safety system, which assists the driver in avoiding accidents and collisions, and also with advanced connected car information communications technology. These two systems work in cooperation to anticipate and alert the driver to dangerous situations as well as to activate safety functions rapidly and accurately and thereby support safer driving.

e-Assist: Main Functions

• Pedestrian Collision Mitigating Auto-braking

• 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 XR-PHEV Specifications (Targets)

SOURCE: MITSUBISHI