This morning, Mitsubishi revealed development details of its 2014 model year Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV crossover.
Conceived to be based on the architecture of the next generation Outlander, the 2014 Plug-In Hybrid EV will neither be a variant of an existing gasoline vehicle nor will it be a dedicated EV platform. Rather, Mitsubishi claims that the next generation Outlander will be the first mainstream car to offer internal cumbustion engine (ICE) and plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) offerings from the outset.
According to the Japanese automaker, the upcoming Outlander will be the result of Mitsubishi's combined expertise in EV and 4-wheel-drive technology. Featuring a unique combination front electric motor, rear electric motor, front traction/generator petrol engine drivetrain, the 4WD system will feature three distinct modes: pure (Twin Motor 4WD EV), series (Twin Motor 4WD - EV supported by generator), and parallel (ICE engine supported by Twin Motor 4WD). As such, Mitsubishi proudly touts the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV as the first permanent four-wheel-drive electric vehicle to be in series production.
Curious of the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV's bold claim as the first four-wheel-drive EV, iMotor Times called a spokesman of Tesla requesting for a response. With its all-wheel-drive Model X crossover slated for release in early 2014, the spokesman offered a passive aggressive comment, "Many automakers claim many things. We will learn more about Mitsubishi's product when it gets closer to production."
The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV crossover will be officially unveiled at the upcoming 2012 Paris Auto Show. Performance figures, the exact date of release, and pricing has yet to be determined.
