After unveiling the U.S.-spec i-MiEV production car at the LA Auto Show last week, Mitsubishi has confirmed the electrification of its vehicles won’t end there. Next up is the Outlander SUV, which is set to get a plug-in hybrid powertrain when it launches in 2012.
According to Mitsubishi electric vehicle manager Yoshikazu Nakamura, the next-gen Outlander hybrid will be similar to the PX-MiEV concept from the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show. That vehicle uses a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with two electric motors to deliver power to all four wheels in a unique AWD setup. Mitsubishi claims the concept can travel 30 miles on just electric power with a rating of 117.6 mpg.
The concept’s styling is also likely to show through in the production model, which Nakamura has confirmed is nearly production ready.
[Source: Automotive News via Motor Trend]