Mitsubishi Evo XI – the Hybrid

The Mitsubishi PX-MiEV Concept points towards a hybrid Evo XI coming to the market in 2013 with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and twin electric motors.

I know, the picture at the top isn’t of the Evo XI (which is some way off) but of the Mitsubishi PX-MiEV which we reported on a week or two ago. But therein lies the clue. According to reports Mitsubishi are not only looking at the hybrid tech in the PX-MiEV as a platform for a future SUV, but also as a powertrain for the next generation Evo.

In the PX-MiEV the engine is a 1.6 litre engine which can power the front wheels but is used as a generator for the 81bhp electric motors on each axle. But the system uses the same S-AWC four-wheel drive system found in the Evo and delivers power dependant on driving style and the remaining power in the lithium ion batteries.

The new system utilises MiEV power at the back but a parallel hybrid system at the front and Mitsubishi claims not only impressive performance figures but economy around 140mpg. But just like a similar setup in the BMW Vision ED you should take the economy claims with a huge pinch of salt. They are computer generated figures in ideal conditions. Put it in the real world and you’re unlikely to see anything remotely close – but it will be a lot better than a conventional powertrain.

The next Evo – the Evo XI – is probably at least three years away. Financial restraints have kept Mitsubishi from developing the Evo since its launch in 2007, but the PX-MiEV clearly points towards the future of the Evo.

Source: Autocar