Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Could Challenge Chevrolet Volt
A totally new Mitsubishi Outlander is coming for the 2013 model year, and with it comes the brand's first U.S. plug-in hybrid SUV. The Outlander PHEV will debut at the 2012 Moscow International Motor Show. The carmaker has revealed a bit more information about the model and Mitsubishi’s unique approach to building hybrids.
The Outlander PHEV will be one of the first that can run in EV-only, serial hybrid or parallel hybrid modes, depending on operating conditions. Mitsubishi says the model gets a combined 143 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) under Japanese testing cycles. But since Japan's testing cycles produce figures that are more optimistic than our own, don't expect the same results from the EPA. The model will have a total range of about 550 miles, the company says.
According to Mitsubishi, the Outlander's 12-kWh lithium-ion battery results in a total estimated electric range of 35 miles in Japanese testing, which means the model won't beat the Chevrolet Volt's mileage (38 miles), but it should beat the Ford Fusion Energi (20 miles), Ford C-Max Energi (20 miles), Toyota Prius Plug-In (11 miles) and the Honda Accord plug-in hybrid (15 miles).
The SUV will have a four-wheel-drive system powered solely by two electric motors, one for the front wheels and one for the rear wheels.
The Mitsubishi Outland Plug-in hybrid will arrive in the U.S. early next year.
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So even on the Japanese cycle it won't "challenge" the Volt. Great journalistic headline. That's not complimentary.
two motors, each motor propelling each axle.
Huge improvement over front wheel drive.
Eventually will have to head to 4 motors so that each wheel gets own motor. Get rid of differentials. It will be lighter and more efficient.
They can't make another car with the same name!! That is just wrong!
This is an SUV that I can haul stuff with, and it's not butt ugly. I want it.
I think it would be a much better vehicle then the disappointing Volt.
So, it could also not sell well despite massive government subsidies, catch on fire due to poor design and quality and be a constant money pit for it's parent company??? Oooh, I can't wait to see one!