The strategy reflects an adventurous and progressive mindset for inspirational design and product.
The all-electric, high-performance SUV is a technical prototype to illustrate the strategic directions of a renewed Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) brand, incorporating the strengths of the SUV and EV with the ability to integrate new systems for a connected mobility customer experience.
Mitsubishi said it would expand and accelerate its EV deployment, pushing the technological envelope with an integrated system of artificial intelligence, connectivity and on-board and cloud computing.
“We aim to provide vehicles that fulfil our customers' desires through outstanding design, combined with the power, authenticity and carefully-considered functionality MMC is known for,” said the company's global design chief Tsunehiro Kunimoto.
The 4WD concept SUV uses an array of sensors that allows the onboard AI system to instantly read changes in road and traffic conditions, as well as the driver’s intent, catering to drivers of differing skills. It has a coaching function that allows the AI system to transfer knowledge to the driver and to enhance their driving expertise without getting in the way.
After building a picture of the driver’s skill level, the system builds a training programme that provides advice through voice prompts and the large dashboard display.
The face of the concept vehicle adapts Mitsubishi's DYNAMIC SHIELD design; the black grille sits behind a glass cover, highlighted by blue lines, which also protects the advanced cameras and sensors required for its advanced driving technology. Large air intakes are located under the headlamps to direct cooling air to the electric brake calipers, while a sharply slanted front windshield and short overhangs give the vehicle a unique side profile that is only possible with the use of electric propulsion.
High ground clearance, short overhangs, strong shoulders and narrow hips project nimbleness and agility, while muscular tyres protrude at the four corners to communicate its powerful 4WD traction. Bars running from front to rear along either side of the roof enhance the vehicle’s muscular attitude, while air drawn-in past the C-pillar jet tailfins exits on either side of the rear bumper to aid the vehicle’s excellent aerodynamics.
The large hexagon shape at the rear is inspired by the spare tyre cover of the legendary Mitsubishi Shogun, one of the icons of Mitsubishi 's heritage and a stalwart of off-road driving.
Inside, the instrument panel appears to float in front of the driver, adopting Mitsubishi ’s trademark horizontal styling with the focus on information above the axis and on operation below. Acting like a level in an electronic viewfinder, the horizontal instrument panel makes it easier to sense the attitude of the vehicle while driving.
A large flat screen spans the full width of the dashboard displaying environmental conditions, navigation and coaching information. The large screen is flanked by two smaller screens, showing images from front and rear cameras, while panoramic glazing provides a near unobstructed 360-degree visibility for a feeling more akin to a jet fighter than a car.
The drive battery is located under the floor mid-ship of the vehicle, providing a low centre of gravity for improved driving stability.
The concept SUV uses three motors, one to drive the front wheels and a new Dual-Motor Active Yaw Control (AYC) system that couples two rear motors through an electronically controlled torque-vectoring AYC unit.
All of this is integrated into the Super All-Wheel Control vehicle dynamic control system to improve cornering and traction. Electric brake callipers replace conventional hydraulic brakes, which promise to allow for more responsice and precise control braking control.
Mitsubishi is the latest player to join the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.
