Mechanically, the Outlander PHEV retains separate motors to power the front and rear wheels, but the company has some revisions for the system to make it more efficient. Emissions are cut thanks to reduced engine friction, and acceleration is reportedly quicker, too.
In large part, the 2016 PHEV carries over all of the styling and mechanical updates of its non-electrified sibling. That includes the completely new front end that mixes chrome and gloss black for a more interesting look. The plug-in gets a few design cues of its own, including a different shape for the lower bumpers, less chrome down the sides, and some body-color trim. It also rides on a set of two-tone 18-inch wheels. Inside, there’s a four-spoke steering wheel and brown, and black leathers are available.
Previously offered on the Japanese model, European customers now get access to the Outlander PHEV’s vehicle-to-home power system. The tech allows owners to plug in their CUV and provide electricity to their house from the vehicle’s battery.
Tokyo, August 31, 2015
Improved Outlander PHEV with Dynamic Shield debuts in Europe
Tokyo, August 31, 2015 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC)’s revamped 2016MY Outlander PHEV, due to go on sale in Europe in September, will make its European debut at the 66th International Motor Show (IAA)*1 Alongside the new Outlander PHEV, MMC will be exhibiting the rally version of the Outlander PHEV to compete in the Baja Portalegre 500 cross-country rally*2 and several production models in a total lineup of 15 vehicles (13 on press days, for more information please see the last page).
*1:
To be held at the Messe Frankfurt exhibition grounds in Frankfurt am Main, Germany from September 15 through September 27. For more information please access http://www.iaa.de/en/press-room/ (English)
*2:
A cross-country rally due to be held in the eastern part of Portugal from October 22nd through October 24th. For more information please access http://www.bajaportalegre.com/homepage.aspx?menuid=36 (English)
MMC will also have a display outlining Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) electricity supply system that will be available for the new Outlander PHEV. Also on display will be Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA) which supports both Android Auto™*3 and Apple CarPlay*4 mirroring solutions and has been available in the European-market Pajero SUV since August.
*3:
Android Auto™ is a trademark of Google Inc.
*4:
Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. registered in the United States and other countries.
The new Outlander PHEV features a new front end look designed around the Dynamic Shield front fascia concept employed in recent MMC models. The interior brings an enhanced quality feel while improvements to the body, chassis and powertrain see a significant advance in interior quietness, acceleration, handling and stability, ride quality, environmental performance and other aspects of driving performance and quality.
The new Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle capable of supplying electric power to the home, adding to its utility value even when parked.
OUTLANDER PHEV
2016MY European-spec Outlander PHEV
The Outlander PHEV was first launched in Japan in January 2013 as the world’s first plug-in hybrid 4WD SUV. Now exported to 48 countries including those in Europe, it is the world’s fastest selling PHEV with cumulative sales of some 70,000 units.
It is powered by Mitsubishi Motors’ Plug-in Hybrid EV system, comprising a Twin Motor 4WD drivetrain, with separate motors driving the front and rear wheels, and a high-capacity battery located under the floor that provides electric-only driving without gasoline usage nor CO2 emissions. The Outlander PHEV is a premium SUV which offers unprecedented performance for its class, including the smooth and responsive acceleration the Twin Motor 4WD delivers, and the outstanding economy and quietness it provides in EV mode.
1. New Outlander PHEV: Main Changes
(1) Exterior Design
The new-look fascia has been designed around MMC’s new Dynamic Shield front end design concept. The black central section of the fascia, suggesting power and performance, is embraced by wrap-round bumper end styling to create a shape which gives expression in a dynamic and powerful way to the front end’s function of providing protection for both occupants and car.
The use of LED daytime running lights housed within the LED headlight module, together with a rear combination lamp including LED stop-lamps generate a modern and advanced appearance.
The skid plate styling of the underside of the bumper gives expression to the dynamism and stability associated with the SUV genre.
Exclusive bumper extensions, side garnish and other decorative parts are keyed to the body color to create a high-quality, sporty and harmonious exterior design.
The Outlander PHEV also uses exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels with a two-tone machined and lustrous surface finish that add to the elegant yet sporty exterior.
(2) Interior
The new-look Outlander PHEV features a premium interior design that creates a high-quality and luxurious space.
Seat upholstery design and material have been revamped; and in addition to the existing sporty black leather trim, Outlander PHEV is now available with luxurious brown leather trim. The seats themselves use styled padding and trim lines which follow the shape of the occupant’s body to provide an outstanding fit. In addition, accent stitching is used both in the seats and door trim; the door trim inserts are now padded.
The Outlander PHEV uses a new four-spoke design steering wheel. The smooth, fine quality leather cover gives a comfortable grip, while the silver steering wheel-mounted controls have a chrome finish.
The instrument cluster hood gets accent stitching, the newly-designed large center console uses a finish mirroring the elegance of Japanese black lacquer used in traditional Japanese craftwork, and black stream patterns as well as lustrous accents are used in the dashboard and door trim ornament panels.
(3) Even quieter inside
Engine, tire and wind noise have been substantially reduced by making over 30 improvements, including the addition of extra sound absorbing and insulation material, anti-vibration material and dynamic dampers. Improving the noise insulation performance when moving or stationary has achieved a more comfortable cabin experience.
The door close sound has been improved by modifying the door seal design. This improves the quality feel about the vehicle as well as a reassuring sense of toughness.
(4) Better acceleration
Acceleration and response from a full stop in urban environments as well as on the move has been improved after revising the Plug-in Hybrid EV system.
(5) Improvements in handling, stability and ride
Running stability and steering response have been upgraded by improved front suspension cross member and increased body stiffness.
Running stability has been improved and the amount of vibration and noise transmitted from tires has been decreased by reinforcing the rear suspension cross member.
Both cornering performance and ride comfort have been raised to new heights by increasing capacity of front struts and rear shock absorbers and using larger-diameter rear stabilizers.
(6) Better environmental performance
Optimization of the Plug-in Hybrid EV System control and reduction in engine friction have reduced CO2 emissions from 44 g/km to 42 g/km (calculated by NEDC mode*5), providing environmental performance among the best in its class.
*5: New European Driving Cycle.
(7) Safety
In addition to advanced safety/accident prevention technologies that detect accident possibility and accident mitigation or avoidance, the new Outlander PHEV offers:
Ultrasonic misacceleration Mitigation System (maker option) advanced safety technology which mitigates possible accidents by controlling forward or backward starts when the accelerator is pressed inadvertently by detecting another vehicle or obstacle in the way.
Multi-around Monitor offered on higher trim levels which assists the driver when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces by giving a bird’s eye view of the vehicle perimeter.
2. Outlander PHEV and V2H Power Supply
Two-way electrical power supply capability using V2H*6 technology between an EV and the home already in use in Japan*7 will be rolled out in Europe with the new Outlander PHEV.
The new Outlander PHEV is not just a means of transport. Its V2H capability also gives it new value in being able to supply power to the home when stationary from electricity stored in its drive battery. In addition, by linking up to a Home Electricity Management System (HEMS) it enables more efficient use of domestic power supply by reducing wasteful usage of electricity.
Moreover, when paired with solar and other forms of renewable energy sources the new Outlander PHEV also makes it possible to use electricity more environmentally-friendly and more effectively for the home.
*6:
Vehicle to Home.
*7:
With a separate V2H device. Some V2H devices may or may not be compatible with the Outlander PHEV.
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