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Mitsubishi’s recently-unveiled Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a first for this automaker, combining mainstream sport-utility appeal with advanced, plug-in hybrid efficiency. The Outlander PHEV promises drivers the flexibility of an affordable and spacious sport utility that can run in quiet, zero-emission electric mode for commuting, then turn around and handle weekend getaways for five with the cruising range of a conventional SUV. It builds upon the electric drive technology developed for the automaker’s all-electric i-MiEV.

The model’s all-new drivetrain includes a 2.0 liter gasoline engine-generator up front and 80 horsepower electric motors front and rear, with both motors connected to Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Drive Control system. Motors are powered by a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged in four hours with a conventional 240 volt charging sta­tion or just 30 minutes with a quick charger.

What’s most interesting about the Outlander PHEV is how it seamlessly combines smart fuel efficiency and utility. Mitsubishi offers Eco, Normal and Battery Charge driver selectable modes, which focus on maximizing EV time, normal driving, or having the gasoline engine function mainly as a generator to keep the battery charged.

Depending on the state of battery charge, drive mode, and conditions, the integrated management system will automatically choose electric-only, series hybrid, or parallel hybrid mode. In series mode the gasoline engine charges the battery and the vehicle runs on the electric motors, but in parallel mode, like normal hybrids, the gas engine powers the car directly with help from the electric motors. As with other hybrids and EV’s the Outlander generates electricity from both its electric motors during deceleration and regenerative braking.

This new plug-in crossover/SUV offers minimum fuel consumption without sacrificing the four-wheel drive stability or the same dimensions and large 72.6 cubic feet of space that current Outlander owners enjoy (36.2 sq. ft with second row seats up). Gas prices probably aren’t going to be $2.00 any time soon, and customers will always need room to grow. The Outlander PHEV combines real utility with real efficiency. It could be the change that SUVs need.

Based on the Japanese JC08 driving cycle, an electric-only range of 34 miles is estimated with 547 miles achieved on combined gas and electric power. Coming to Japan in early 2013, Outlander PHEV sales will expand to Europe and then the U.S. and else­where.

Two electric Mitsubishi race cars will compete in this year's annual running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado Springs, Colorado this July. One of these will be an essentially stock version of the 2012 Mitsubishi i with a more aerodynamic front bumper, roll cage, and safety equipment, which will be driven by SCORE International off-road series race-winning driver Beccy Gordon.

The second entry will be the advanced race-spec i-MiEV Evolution shown that has little physical resemblance to the production Mitsubishi i but uses the same motor, battery, and other major components as the production version, integrated in a tube-frame chassis. It will be piloted by two-time Paris-Dakar Rally champion Hiroshi Masuoka.

The prototype racer incorporates an enhanced Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle (MiEV) electric motor, lithium-ion battery pack, and braking system. A single motor drives the front wheels with two motors powering the rear, providing sure-footed four-wheel-drive for the Pikes Peak race. All this is wrapped in a wild-looking carbon-fiber bodyshell we wish could make it to the showroom, at least in some iteration.

Engineers and researchers from Mitsubishi and its component and systems suppliers will be on hand to record and analyze data from both cars. This underscores the growing role that racing will have in the development and refinement of electric vehicles, just as it has for internal combustion cars over the past century.