Mitsubishi

Concept Car, News, SUV, Motorshow

Mitsubishi eX Concept

News Editor ·

Mitsubishi has shown a new eX Concept in Geneva.

Described as a vision for a compact SUV the eX Concept is powered by a next-generation EV system ‘which delivers superior environmental performance, torquey and smooth acceleration, and whisper-quiet performance’.

The car is driven by a Twin Motor 4WD and S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control systems which, in collaboration with its advanced connected car and active safety technologies provides semi-autonomous driving capabilities on motorways as well as autonomous parking.

The styling takes inspiration from the coupe elegance of a "shooting brake+2" but with 'compact SUV lines'. The front fascia takes the Mitsubishi ‘Dynamic Shield’ design concept a step forward designed to protect people and car alike, while the daytime running lamps and indicators are positioned on top of the wing to make them more visible to pedestrians.

The easy-access doors without center pillars provide effortless entry to and from the interior. The use of different colouring for the dash and door trim for the driver and passenger sides of the cockpit creates a ‘new-look ambience’. The use of a simple frame structure covered in softshell for the dashboard, instrument cluster and other major elements of the front compartment not only creates a sense of being light in weight visually - but serves to reduce the actual weight of the car.

The center console houses two portable batteries which can be used outside of the car to support those who enjoy pursuing active lifestyles while on the inside, an augmented reality windshield and Intelligent Display in the center of the dash linked to the driver's smartphone and the Cloud provides the driver with recommendations based on their interests and tastes.

The EV system powering the concept combines a second-generation high-capacity, high-performance battery with compact high-output electric motors front and rear. This configuration not only makes the EV system lighter and more efficient but with further weight reductions to the vehicle itself, resulting in a cruising range of 249 miles.

The Twin Motor 4WD system delivers power to the four wheels through the S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system, which uses braking to control front wheel torque delivery and an electronically-controlled mechanical Active Yaw Control component which actively varies torque-split between the rear wheels.

The eX is capable of semi-autonomous operation on motorways when data from cameras and sensors is used to analyse the situation surrounding the vehicle and to automatically increase or decrease vehicle speed or to maintain its lane or to change lane. The car can autonomously find its own parking spot, park itself and be retrieved without any driver input.

News, Pick-up

New Mitsubishi L200 Series 5 pick-up

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Mitsubishi has revealed its new L200 Series 5 pick-up.

Inheriting the DNA of its predecessors, it's an entirely new vehicle from the ground up, with 'significant improvements in 330 areas'. The result, says Mitsubishi is the 'ultimate vehicle for commercial duty, combined with SUV-like refinement in quality and dynamic performance'. 

The Japanese automaker describes the new pick-up as just as competent climbing up a mountain or navigating a building site, as it is comfortable on a motorway or around city streets, and claims the L200 Series 5 is the only pick-up that can be driven permanently in 2WD and 4WD on tarmac and off-road.

Mitsubishi's 'J' curve body design between the cabin and cargo area is not just for visual styling as it allows for a 25 degree recline in the rear seats, making for a comfortable 4 or 5-passenger 'long journey' space. It also allows for a compact wheelbase, aiding manoeuvrability and giving the all new L200 Series 5 its 'best-in-class' turning radius of 5.9 metres and steering that can go from lock to lock in 3.8 turns (down from 4.3 in the previous generation L200). Interior width has also increased, as have the sizes of the driver and front passenger seats.

Ride comfort has been 'elevated to SUV levels' through the introduction of a fully revised suspension, including six shock absorbing body mounts that are more than double the size of those in the previous model. These absorb noise and vibration from the road, contributing to a smooth and quiet cabin experience. Torsional rigidity is 7 per cent greater than in its predecessor, contributing to a 'significant improvement' in handling and stability.

Mitsubishi says the new Series 5 has the largest carrying capacity of any pick-up, largely due to the extensive use of high-tensile steel in both cabin and cargo bed, building in strength without increasing overall vehicle weight. The result is a pick-up with the best in class combined load bed capacity and full towing capability of 4.1 tonnes.

The new MIVEC turbo diesel engine offers 42.8 mpg allowing the L200 Series 5 to travel 685 miles on a full tank of fuel while emitting 169g/km CO2. Power and torque are increased to 178bhp and 430Nm at 2,500 rpm, delivering performance through a new 6-speed manual transmission or automatic. At 10.4 seconds, L200 Series 5 is two seconds quicker to 62 mph than its predecessor.

On board Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC) prevents wheel slip by controlling unstable vehicle movements. It individually brakes spinning wheels and controls power distribution from the engine, if traction is lost on slippery surfaces or when negotiating steep slopes.

Seven SRS airbags have been incorporated into the cabin to protect the vehicle's occupants, and the steering wheel retracts in a collision. Additionally, the new model is fitted with lane departure warning, trailer stability assist, hill start assist and ABS with electronic brake force distribution.

Initially available in double cab, prices for the all-new Mitsubishi L200 Series 5 start from £19,749 for the 4Life, £20,749 for the Titan, £23,049 for the Warrior and £23,799 for the top of the range Barbarian and will go on sale in September.