- Three motors – one reserved for the front wheels
- Underbody battery packs a boost for stability
- Under-bonnet void allows new facia design
TOKYO, Japan – Mitsubishi’s e-Evolution concept launched at the 2017 Tokyo auto show is said to be an all-electric, high-performance, SUV that embodies the automaker’s latest brand strategy under a ‘Drive your Ambition’ brand strategy.
It’s said to be a technical prototype that shows the strategic direction-of a renewed MMC “that reflects an adventurous and progressive mindset” combining the strengths of a sport utility vehicle and electric drive with an ability to integrate new systems for a connected mobility customer experience.
“Under this ethos,” MMC says, “we will accelerate product renewal and launch more models – including in South Africa where the Eclipse Cross compact crossover will have its local debut in 2018.”
Nic Campbell, general manager of Mitsubishi Motors SA, explained: “Through technological advancements showcased in the e-Evolution concept Mitsubishi will not only expand its world-wide customer base but also its loyal following in South Africa.”
MMC says that with the launch of the e-Evolution concept it has shown its new design philosophy under the title “Robust & Ingenious”. MMC’s head of global design Tsunehiro Kunimoto enlarged: “We aim to provide vehicles with the outstanding design, power, authenticity and considered functionality for which Mitsubishi Motors is known.”
READ MORE Mitsubishi features on Carman’s Corner
‘Robust & ingenious’ is explained as being a study in contrasts. MMC says its vehicles of the future “are intended to be sincere, tough, and functional., clever, resourceful, style-setting and technologically advanced”.
MMC has a long and strong heritage – led, perhaps, by the Pajero (Montero or Shogun in other markets) – and described by its maker as “a hallmark of off-road driving and the original multiple Dakar champion”.
FRESH TAKE ON ‘DYNAMIC SHIELD’
“Now the banner of superior high-performance all-wheel drive is being carried forward by the Mitsubishi e-Evolution concept. The design expresses a readiness to grip the ground with all wheels and the agility of a high performance cross-country tourer.”
The nose of the e-Evolution is described as “a fresh take on MMC’s ‘dynamic shield” design”. The black grille is shielded under glass, a “subtle hint that this car is a high-performance electric vehicle”.
The glass protects cameras and sensors. Large air intakes beneath the headlights cool the electric brake calipers and a strongly slanted windscreen and short overhangs are said to give the e-Evolution a profile “not possible before the arrival of electric propulsion”.
High ground clearance, short overhangs, strong shoulders and “narrow hips” are said to project nimbleness and agility.
The e-Evolution is driven by three electric motors and the absence of a big combustion engine has given designers space for a novel cockpit whose instrument panel appears to float – something said to “acting like a level in an electronic viewfinder, making it easier to sense the state of the vehicle while driving”.
ONE DRIVE FOR FRONT WHEELS
The electric drive is fed by a high-capacity battery system slung beneath the centre of the car – with the concomitant benefit of a low centre of gravity – vital while driving off-road.
One of the three drives is for the front wheels.
An array of sensors allows an “artificial intelligence” system that “reads” changes in road and traffic conditions and equates its data with the driver’s intent. Mitsubishi explained: “Seamlessly co-ordinating what the driver wants with vehicle performance supports drivers of any ability and brings the motoring experience to a new level.”
Carman's Corner 