Mitsubishi Mi-Tech conceptHandout / Mitsubishi What is it?Mitsubishi is capitalizing on its unexpected leadership in the plug-in SUV segment. For now the Mi-Tech is a concept, but Mitsubishi has something of a history of making bold or at least unexpected moves.Why does it matter?Mitsubishi, having already sold 200,000 Outlander PHEVs worldwide, finds itself not only the most popular plug-in SUV in Canada, but the whole world. Not one to look such a gift horse in the mouth, Mitsu is looking for ways to expand on its zero-emissions leadership, hence the Mi-Tech concept revealed here at the Tokyo Motor Show.Check out all of our latest auto show coverageRadically different, the Mi-Tech is a convertible crossover concept unique in offering no less than four electric motors. Yes, a separate electric motor at each wheel, which means as you may have already guessed the resultant Quad Motor 4WD System system is able to control each wheel independently. Like the Outlander PHEV, the Mi-Tech has a range extending fossil fuelled engine. But, it a complete departure its a concept, after all the Mi-Techs range extender isnt an internal combustion engine. Instead, in the most radical departure yet for a hybrid vehicle, the Mi-Techs range is extended by a gas turbine engine.The reasons for the way-rad powertrain, says Mitsubishi, are many. For one, gas turbines are small and compact. More importantly, they put out an amazing amount of power given their small size. They also and this is of no small import, given the hoped-for global impact of a plug-in SUV can run on multiple fuels; besides gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and alcohol are all turbine-friendly. When is it coming?Exactly like this? Never. Its a concept. As far-fetched as a convertible crossover may seem, however, one shouldnt discount Mitsubishis willingness to innovate where others fear to tread. If anyone can make a turbine-powered hybrid commercially viable, its Mitsubishi.Should you buy it?Mitsubishi firmly believes that a plug-in hybrid powertrain is ideal for mid-sized vehicles that travel frequently over long distances. We agree. As for the turbine, its been tried numerous times over the years most notably by Chrysler, but in all those cases, it was the primary powerplant. Turbines have terrible transient response i.e. they respond poorly to throttle inputs but they are very efficient at steady speeds, exactly what a PHEV needs as a range-extender in a plug-in hybrid. This concept is not as crazy as it might seam. Lets hope Mitsubishi pursues
Origin: Mitsubishi keeps the EV ball rolling with the funky Mi-Tech concept
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Rolling ravioli can’t get pasta bomb squad
Police in Chicago closed down part of a major street for a “suspicious device” that turned out to be a can of Chef Boyardee ravioli on wheels. The freewheeling pasta turned out to be a project created by a student at the city’s DePaul University. The design student, who had taped the can to axles with skateboard wheels, apparently placed it on State Street around noon on Tuesday, April 30 to take a photo of it. Between its unusual configuration, and a small green wire that was attached to the can, it was spotted by police officers who suspected it might be a bomb. The police shut down a block of the street, as well as briefly stopping the Red Line subway that runs under it, “out of an abundance of caution,” the police said. After they investigated the rolling ravioli, including detaining and questioning the student, police removed the little car, and reopened the street and subway line. A suspicious object led police to shut down part of State Street but it was just a can of Chef Boyardee on wheels.https://t.co/5nlzmEdfRO pic.twitter.com/DSHYpjZCf3 Block Club Chicago (@BlockClubCHI) May 1,
Origin: Rolling ravioli can’t get pasta bomb squad
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