Tokyo 2017: Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept – EV Evo!

MITSUBISHI e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT

Say hello to the future of Evos – the Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept. Yes, the Evo is back, but not as we know it. The legendary nameplate now resides on a high performance all-electric SUV, building on two of Mitsubishi’s current strongholds: EVs and SUVs.

Touted as a technical prototype to illustrate the “strategic directions of a renewed Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC),” the e-Evo uses three ‘torqueful’ electric motors – one powering the front wheels, and a pair of them at the back forming a new Dual Motor Active Yaw Control (AYC) system.

The AYC system provides an electronically controlled torque-vectoring function, and all combined, the triple motor layout sets up a unique Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamic control system. Mitsubishi says the “high performance cross-country tourer” provides crisp and nimble handling across all road conditions.

The drive battery is placed under the floor, ‘mid-ship’ of the vehicle to lower the centre of gravity, aiding driving stability further. No power or performance figures have been announced just yet, nor is there a claimed range.

As for the design, Mitsubishi says the e-Evo possesses a unique side profile that has “not been possible before the arrival of electric propulsion.” The compact electric motors (in place of bulky internal-combustion engines) allows for a more extreme packaging, a sharply slanted front windscreen and short overhangs.

Up front, it features a fresh take on Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield design, with a black grille with blue highlights shielded under glass. Cameras and sensors sit within the grille, while large air intakes below the headlights provide cooling for the electric brake calipers (superseding “traditional” hydraulic calipers).

The narrow hips are said to project the car’s nimbleness and agility, while muscular tyres placed at each corner signify powerful 4WD torque. If case you’re wondering, the large hexagon shape at the back of the vehicle is there to mimic the spare tyre cover of the Mitsubishi Pajero.

Inside, the e-Evo features a novel cockpit with a floating instrument panel and a large touchscreen spanning the full width of the dashboard. Full-glass windows provide a new 360-degree visibility, akin to a jet fighter, according to Mitsubishi.

Lastly, the concept also has an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system to augment the driver’s capabilities. It uses an array of sensor to read the road conditions and driver intent, with a special driver coaching function that can construct a training programme that provides advice through voice dialogue and dash displays.

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