"We are dedicated to electrification technology, particularly plug-in hybrids (PHEVs)," said Takao Kato, chief executive officer, MMC.
The Mi-Tech concept is a small plug-in hybrid electric SUV that embodies the MMC brand statement "Drive Your Ambition"with a lightweight, compact, new PHEV drivetrain, a four-motor electric 4WD system, and advanced driver assist and preventive safety technologies.
Dynamic Buggy Type Design
Under the concept of "Stimulates the driver's adventure", the Mi-Tech concept is designed to be a dynamic buggy-type vehicle.
The front end has T-shaped headlights and adopts MMC's signature Dynamic Shield new front design concept.
It uses a satin plated color in the center of the grille, and copper as a secondary color to accentuate its expressiveness as an electrified vehicle.
On the lower bumper, aluminum skid plate is placed on both sides to protect the body, while the interior has an air intake.
Light, compact PHEV drivetrain
The power generator in the new PHEV drivetrain is a lightweight, compact gas turbine engine-generator in place of the traditional petrol engine.
The gas turbine engine-generator has a powerful output for its size and weight.
Another benefit of the gas turbine is its flexibility to run on a variety of fuels such as diesel, kerosene and alcohol.
Electric 4WD system
MMC took pride to apply its S-AWC Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Control System to a Quad Motor 4WD System with front and rear Dual-Motor Active Yaw Control (AYC) units.
Making the brake calipers electric has also allowed for high response, high accuracy control of drive and braking force of the four wheels while delivering a drastic improvement in turning and traction performance.
When driving off-road and two wheels are spinning out, the ability to transmit the optimal driving force to all four wheels makes it possible to transmit force to the two wheels still on the ground and keep driving.
It can deliver thrilling driving experiences such as 180-degree spins by counter-rotating the left and right tyres.
Advanced driver assistance and preventive safety technologies
The vehicle comes equipped with Human Machine Interface (HMI) which displays various information detected through sensing technology including advanced optical sensors on an augmented reality (AR) windshield.
With vehicle, road, and surrounding traffic conditions shown on the AR windshield, drivers can make accurate, heads-up decisions even in poor visibility.
Equipped also with Mi-Pilot, next-generation driver assistance technology, the concept car extends driver support not only on freeways and ordinary roads, but also on unpaved roads.
