Mitsubishi wants to compete with Jeep Wrangler with Mi-Tech Concept

The Mi-Tech concept combines a gas turbine engine with four electric motors to create a unique plug-in hybrid setup.

Mitsubishi shocked the public at this year's Tokyo Motor Show by unveiling the Mi-Tech Concept, a dune buggy-inspired small SUV equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV) with a twist.

The Japanese automaker says the Mi-Tech Concept "delivers unparalleled driving pleasure and confidence on any terrain in light and wind," largely due to its four-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) system and the absence of a roof and doors.

Instead of using a traditional internal combustion engine in tandem with electric motors to create a PHEV powertrain, the Mi-Tech concept uses a lightweight and compact gas turbine engine generator with extended range.

On the side of the Mi-Tech concept, large fender flares and large diameter tires stand out.

Importantly, this unit can also run on a variety of fuels, including diesel, kerosene and alcohol, with Mitsubishi claiming "its exhaust is clean so it meets environmental and energy concerns."

The electric all-wheel drive system is complemented by Mi-Tech Concept Electronic Braking Technology, which provides “high-responsiveness and high-precision four-wheel drive and braking control, while delivering dramatic improvements in cornering and traction performance.”

For example, when two wheels spin while driving off-road, this setting can send just the right amount of drive to all four wheels, eventually sending enough torque to the two wheels that are still on the ground to keep the ride going. .

Other powertrain and transmission details, including horsepower, battery capacity, charge times and range, were not disclosed by the brand, which currently has the Outlander PHEV midsize SUV as the only electrified model in its lineup.

The chunky exterior design of the Mi-Tech Concept is underscored by Mitsubishi's latest interpretation of the Dynamic Shield grille, which uses a satin-colored plate in the middle and six copper-colored horizontal stripes "enhance the expressiveness of an electrified vehicle."

The interior uses a horizontal theme, accentuated by copper lines on the dashboard and steering wheel.

There are also T-shaped headlights and a skid plate at the front, the latter of which is split in two. On the side of the Mi-Tech Concept, large fender flares and large-diameter tires are accentuated, while the taillights are also T-shaped.

The interior uses a horizontal theme accentuated by copper lines on the dash and steering wheel, while the center console has only six piano-style buttons that make it easy to use thanks to the high position of the front grip.

While a small digital instrument cluster is positioned in front of the driver, all relevant vehicle information, such as terrain recognition and optimal route guidance, is projected onto the windshield using augmented reality (AR) – even in poor visibility conditions.

The Mi-Tech Concept is also equipped with Mi-Pilot, a suite of next-generation advanced driver assistance systems that works on dirt roads in addition to conventional highways and regular asphalt.