2019 Los Angeles motor show: what to expect

This year’s motor show calendar is in full swing, with Frankfurt’s IAA event bringing us pivotal new models from countless mainstream manufacturers, and last week’s Tokyo motor show demonstrating that, for many firms, creativity is key in today’s challenging market environment. Now though, it’s time to look ahead to the Los Angeles Auto Show, at which we’re expecting a huge variety of important US and Europe-focussed models to appear in the metal for the first time. Last year’s edition saw the debut of Porsche’s acclaimed 992-generation 911, the striking Audi E-tron GT concept and Mazda’s reinvented 3 hatchback to mention but a few, and 2019 is already shaping up to be just as significant. Take a look at everything we’re expecting to see here: Audi E-tron sportback Shown in camouflaged prototype form at March’s Geneva motor show, the rakishly styled Sportback variant of Audi’s E-tron electric SUV has since lost its disguise in the run-up to its LA reveal. The standard E-tron’s 402bhp twin-motor powertrain is carried over unmodified, meaning the Sportback will be capable of 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, a range of around 248 miles and 150kW rapid charging. Changes look to be limited to the reshaped roofline and a subtly restyled rear end, which includes an LED brake light bar similar to that of the A8 luxury saloon. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé The largest model in BMW’s 2 Series line-up will make its public debut at LA, following a reveal in October. The firm’s first small four-door coupe sits atop the same front-wheel-drive platform as the smaller 1 Series, and shares that model’s range of petrol and diesel powerplants. The range-topping M235i xDrive, however, gains all-wheel drive and will take on the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol unit pumping out 302bhp and 332lb ft. M8 Gran Coupe At the other end of BMW’s performance saloon range is this, the fearsome M8 Gran Coupe. Going up against the Porsche Panamera with up to 616bhp from its 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, the five-door version of the firm’s new M8 is priced from £120,935, with deliveries due to take place at the start of next year. Bollinger B1 and B2 Newly established American firm Bollinger will showcase prototype versions of its B1 and B2 electric SUVs. The rugged-looking off-roaders sit atop a skateboard-style chassis, and have been engineered to meet road-legal requirements around the world. In spite of their aerodynamically unfriendly design and imposing size, the boxy models will hit 60mph from rest in just 4.5 seconds, thanks to a pair of electric motors producing a combined 614bhp. Ford ‘Mach E’ electric SUV Ford is set to kickstart its electrification strategy with a sleek SUV-shaped model inspired by the Mustang sports car, and it’s likely to be shown for the first time at LA. Due to go on sale in 2020 as a rival to Tesla’s new Model Y, the model has been confirmed to offer a range of 370 miles on the WLTP cycle, but the company is withholding additional details pertaining to the model’s performance, pricing and design until its unveiling. Mercedes Maybach GLS Conceived as a rival to the Range Rover SVAutobiography, Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the Maybach GLS is an ultra-luxurious reworking of Mercedes’ GLS flagship SUV. The standard model’s silhouette is retained, but spy shots show the Maybach version will feature bespoke design elements inspired by 2016’s Maybach 6 coupe concept. There are suggestions the top-of-the-line GLS could also offer improved rear legroom courtesy of an extended wheelbase. Porsche Taycan 4S Launched as the entry point into Porsche’s new Taycan electric super-saloon range, the 4S offers considerably less power than the top-run Turbo and Turbo S models, but is also much more affordable, with prices starting at £83,000. Range is a still-respectable 252 miles in standard guise, with an optional Performance Battery Plus pack bringing that up to 287 miles. Toyota RAV4 PHEV Toyota will follow up its future-looking Tokyo motor show display with the unveiling of a new hybrid version of one of its biggest-selling models. The RAV4 PHEV will offer more range, power and battery capacity than the existing self-charging hybrid, over which it is likely to command a small premium. Volkswagen New ID concept Autocar understands Volkswagen could unwrap a new addition to its ID range of electric vehicles, which is likely to take the form of a Europe-focused compact estate. The new model will follow a wave of big-selling crossover and hatchback-style EVs from VW and its Skoda, Audi and Seat partner brands, as part of the company’s drive to produce 15 million MEB-based electric cars before 2028.
Origin: 2019 Los Angeles motor show: what to expect

Watch: News reporter damages, disrespects classic cars at a show

A reporter with CBS Sacramento 13 Good Day Sacramento has been sacked after he damaged and disrespected several new and classic cars at a local auto show, apparently as part of a gag.Angel Cardenas was reporting on the Sacramento International Auto Show ahead of its opening to the public when he decided to exhibit complete and utter negligence of the rules of pretty much every car show ever.As the anchors in the studio throw to him on-air, he walks around the car show, which apparently has no security, and then proceeds to commit the biggest car show faux-pas ever.No one is out here to tell me which car I cant go in because some of these are off-limits so Im going to live on the wild side, he dares. Tell me what you think about this pose right here, Tina?He then proceeds to jump up on the rear of a yellow Ford Thunderbird, and put his feet on the beautiful show car paint, possibly damaging it. The anchors giggle and laugh as the idiot makes a total fool of himself.Next he dings a different Thunderbird with the door of another.At one point, Angel jumps up on the hood of a brand-new 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid, a car that hasnt even seen showroom floors yet.Our question: who hired this guy in the first place? He clearly didnt do any research about the show before showing up to report on it, and even admits hes winging it, which doesnt really cut it on the news. This guys delivery is so bad, he couldnt get a job at Dominos.Baffling-ly, it seems Angel somehow thought this approach was acceptable funny, even despite boasting on his LinkedIn profile that hes a professional.Were glad this guy will never be reporting on any car show in our
Origin: Watch: News reporter damages, disrespects classic cars at a show

After Mercedes, Volvo and Audi are bailing out from Montreal Auto Show

The Detroit auto show also known as the North American International Auto Show will, in 2020, leave behind its traditional still-hung-over-from-New-Years January time slot for a new its-not-freezing-any-more date in June.Thatll make LeSalon International de Montréal – a.k.a. the SIAM, still hosted in January the first major North American auto show of the year.Does that mean that, three months before its doors open to the public, the 2020 Montreal International Auto Show will see even more concepts cars, world premières or more firecrackers, rock bands and other fanfare?It doesnt seem like it. In fact, the latest news is two more manufacturers are bailing out of the Quebec rendezvous. The organizers, the Corporation des concessionnaires d’automobiles de Montréal, learned a few days ago Audi and Volvo wont show their new vehicles at the downtown Palais des Congrès during the shows January 17 to 26 run for 2020.That implies Polestar, Volvos new electric-performance brand, which just announced Montreal would play home to its first North American dealership, wont catch any of the eyes of the metropoles Auto Show 200,000 visitors.These two absentees join an already-not-coming Mercedes-Benz; corporate in Germany announced last September the best-selling luxury brand in Canada and the U.S. would be a no-show at all North American exhibitions this year.But, in Montreal, though Mercedes-Benz wont be represented as a manufacturer, local dealerships have accepted the shows offer of a small area outside the main floor, where theyll display their latest products, says SIAM vice-president Denis Dessureault.Its not the first time Montreals automotive rendezvous has to deal with AWOL manufacturers. Most notably, at the turn of this century, a bunch of luxury brands decided to skip the Montreal Auto Show, then held at the Olympic Stadium, over its crashed roof, and organized their own annual event at Place Bonaventure. It lasted only two years.More recently, we saw Porsche drop out of the SIAM picture from 2012 to 2014; it came back in 2015, though Volvo didnt participate that year, nor in 2016.Volvo also bails from Toronto’s CIASWhat about the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS), scheduled for its 47th run at the Metro Toronto Convention Center from February 14 to 24 next year? Well, theres good news and bad news.Yes, Audi will show its new products in la Ville-Reine, confirms spokesperson Cort Nielsen, adding the Montreal no-show decision was taken by the Montreal dealers.The bad news? Volvo wont participate in Torontos CIAS, despite the auto show being the biggest in Canada with 350,000 visitors and despite Ontarios market registering 42 per cent of all new cars sold each year in the country.For now, only Volvo and Mercedes-Benz are out of the CIAS, though. That brings us to a total of 38 brands for this 2020 edition, general manager Jason Campbell told Driving.ca. He quietly added that the floor space vacated by Benz was quickly grabbed up by competitor BMW-Mini.No confirmations for the 100th annual Vancouver Auto ShowWhen it comes to the Vancouver International Auto Show, an event celebrating its 100th anniversary in March, nothing is confirmed, or not confirmed We dont secure our dealers that quickly, executive director Jason Heard told us.That said, Vancouvers automotive rendezvous already dealt with an absent Mercedes-Benz last year, as did Calgary, Edmonton, Quebec City, New York, ChicagoAnd it could be so much worst. The 2019 NAIAS, the last North American International Auto Show held in Detroit in its usual January slot, had to deal with a much longer list of absentees. Audi, BMW-Mini, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Porsche and Volvo all skipped that
Origin: After Mercedes, Volvo and Audi are bailing out from Montreal Auto Show

Sketches show sporty Skoda Kamiq GT for China

Skoda has previewed a sporty GT version of the Chinese version of the Kamiq compact SUV. The new China-only model looks to follow in the footsteps of the larger Kodiaq GT, revealed a year ago in Guangzhou, in adopting a sloping coupé-style roofline, flared wheel arches, a subtle rear spoiler and reshaped bumpers. Skoda has not previewed the car’s interior, but says it offers “a blend of rugged SUV looks and sporty dynamics”. The brand has also confirmed that performance-inspired front seats, decorative trim elements and exclusive material choices will be unique to the GT. The Kamiq GT was previewed earlier this year with the Vision GT concept, which Skoda claimed to be “perfectly tailored to the needs of Chinese customers with compact proportions, generous space and elegantly dynamic design”. Styling elements that look to be carried through to production include a bespoke alloy wheel design, chrome front winglets and chunky black lower trim. The new model is based on the standard version of the Chinese Kamiq, which is built on Skoda’s older PQ platform and unrelated to the small SUV of the same name sold in Europe. Powertrain details are unconfirmed, but the 148bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol unit available on European models is likely to be an option. Expect a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox to feature as standard. The Kamiq GT will be Skoda’s fifth SUV to go on sale in China, joining the standard Kamiq, Karoq, Kodiaq and Kodiaq GT in dealerships around the country, where the brand has achieved notable sales success since its Chinese launch in 2007. It is unlikely the model will be sold outside China, but Skoda is understood to be monitoring market response to the new Kodiaq GT, to determine its viability for a European or US launch. Skoda will reveal the Kamiq GT on 4 November at an event in
Origin: Sketches show sporty Skoda Kamiq GT for China

Nissan Ariya Concept launched at Tokyo show

Nissan Ariya Concept launched at Tokyo show The Ariya could become an electric Qashqai Nissan has unveiled the Ariya Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, showcasing a new electric crossover that could make it into production ‘in the near future’. A possible Qashqai EV, the Ariya Concept features twin electric motors, an evolution of the current Nissan house design, and a suite of connected assistance systems. Fitted to the concept is Nissan’s ProPilot 2.0 which allows assisted driving functions to pilot the car in a chosen lane. Door-to-door navigation is factored in to journey plans, and the smart route planner includes charging stops when required. Few technical details are offered, but CHAdeMO charging is included, indicating Nissan’s unsurprising continuation with the standard. Over-the-air updates are included, and vehicle-to-grid charging made possible by the on-board charger. The interior makes good use of the improved packaging made possible thanks to the electric powertrain. It’s more spacious than a conventional crossover, with a flat floor sitting on top of the batteries. A minimalist dashboard uses haptic touch controls on the instrument panel, and the only physical controls are the start button and a single knob to operate the 12.3-inch display.
Origin: Nissan Ariya Concept launched at Tokyo show

2019 Tokyo Motor Show preview

Honda teases image of next generation 2020 Fit (Jazz)Honda The 2019 iteration of the Tokyo Motor Show held once every two years around the end of October or beginning of November is fast approaching, with the event opening October 23.Well have a sneak peek of all the big reveals just ahead of then, of course, but what exactly should we be looking forward to?Despite the fact the theme this year is Open Future, you can expect a pretty narrow focus on battery-driven concept cars, with a few sports coupes thrown in for good measure.This far out, its tough to say which of the cars that may be uncovered there will make it across the Pacific to our shores, but let us know in the comments if youve got your fingers crossed for something you see here.ToyotaToyota let one of the cats out of the bag early, pulling the covers off of its redesigned 2021 Mirai Concept earlier this month. The hydrogen fuel cell car looks a lot more conventional and a lot prettier, we have to admit than its predecessor, but thats really only relevant if you live in one of the select markets Toyota Canada is slowly rolling the alternative-fuel vehicle out to, like B.C.If it looks just about production-ready for a concept, thats because it is. We know a little about the new Mirai the range should be 30 per cent better than the 2020 model; its longer than a Camry but well learn a lot more in Tokyo. To be honest, though, were much excited about the rumours well see a second-generation version of the GT86 sports coupe. Word is though itll move to a new platform, basic body dimensions will remain the same, as will the six-speed manual and auto transmission options. The engine is rumoured to be the 2.4-litre from the Subaru Ascent it makes 260 horsepower, there with the turbo removed.The car to be revealed should look pretty close to the production version, and when it hits dealerships, itll look a lot more distinct from its Subaru BRZ sibling than the current Toyobaru twins to.(And, oh yeah, Toyota will also show off a new Yaris on an all-new platform but we wont get this version. North America is stuck instead with the rebadged Mazda2 one.)MazdaMazda has, perhaps surprisingly, not yet put into production a mass-market electrified vehicle not even a hybrid but we know now thats because it wanted to make sure its first effort was absolutely mind-blowing. Our own David Booth got a brief on the e-TPV and asked whether it might be the perfect electric vehicle. We know a few specs 35.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, rotary engine included as a range extender but have no idea what the thing will look like. Mazda should bare all in Tokyo, though.Again, with the green vehicle out of the way, we can reveal our real ambitions that Mazda will allegedly show off a production version of its Vision Coupe, slated for dealers in 2022. Odds are slim itll look like that old (but oh-so-sexy) concept, but good that itll be based on the rumoured new “Large Architecture” rear- and all-wheel-drive platform, or powered by a new maybe-Skyactiv-X inline-six engine.HondaWeve got a lock on a new fourth-generation Honda Fit debuting in Tokyo this year; what we dont know is whether well be seeing this thing in Canada, with the local arm of the company giving us a no comment. We may not be getting a new Fit at all.The car thatll be unveiled, known abroad as the Jazz, will come only as a two-motor hybrid in Europe. Weve got the above teaser image to go off of and know its supposed to retain its roomy-for-a-compact interior, but otherwise were really in the dark on this thing.SubaruSpeaking of cars were unlikely to see on our shores, dont bet on Subaru introducing the Levorg to the Canadian market any time soon. The Japanese-market wagon version of the WRX is apparently going to see a big update revealed this year, even if the styling isnt all that ground-breaking. Its been not inaccurately compared to the Viziv Tourer Concept from last years Geneva show.There is a slight chance the new BRZ will bow in Tokyo in tandem with its new GT86 sibling, but were not getting our hopes up just in case.MitsubishiWe never thought of Mitsubishi as being particularly wild, but one of the two concepts the Japanese automaker will reveal is going no-holds-barred. The Mi-Tech Concept, a small electrified two-seater convertible SUV, is driven by four motors backed up by a gas turbine engine generator(?) and features an augmented-reality windshield and carbon-fibre construction. Its also unlikely to make it anywhere close to production. But we cant fault Mitsu for trying to wow us.The other concept, the Super Height K-Wagon Concept, is a lot more likely to see pavement under its wheels, specifically in Japan where kei car micro-vans like this one are a lot more popular.NissanI know we were just saying you should discount the Mitsu K-Wagon for being a made-for-Japan kei car, but this Nissan IMk Concept a quintessential kei car if ever there was one, with its small
Origin: 2019 Tokyo Motor Show preview

2019 Tokyo motor show: live blog and pictures

Welcome to Autocar’s extended coverage of the Tokyo motor show, one of Japan’s biggest automotive events and the first chance to see many of the cars Japanese manufacturers will be bringing to Europe in the next few years. The 46th edition of the biennial show opens its doors on the 24th of October and will, somewhat unsurprisingly, highlight electrification. Most of the production and concept cars scheduled to break cover during the event will incorporate some degree of electrification, whether it’s mild hybrid technology or a battery-powered drivetrain. While doors officially open tomorrow, Autocar is already on the ground in Tokyo to bring you full coverage of the opening press day. Tokyo motor show live blog 17:30 Tuesday 22 October The show may not officially be under way just yet, but several manufacturers have pre-announced their new arrivals. Mitsubishi has teased a roofless electric SUV, Toyota’s self-driving LQ concept promises to add artificial intelligence to your dashboard, and Mazda has confirmed its first electric car is on the way. Several high-profile leaks seem to have given the game away for some of the biggest names at the show, with Japanese media revealing the updated Subaru Levorg and hybrid-only Honda Jazz before an official announcement, which is expected tomorrow. Every edition of the biennial Tokyo motor show explores a different facet of Japan’s unique automotive industry. Some put an unabashed focus on performance while others place technology front and centre. What never changes is that the event is dominated by Japanese carmakers – you won’t hear much from European, American and other Asian brands, and the companies that display cars in Japan’s capital are on a bold quest to show their wild side. This is their chance to shine on their home turf. What’s on Display in Tokyo With much more than simply Japanese market cars on display at this year’s show, there will be lots to see inside the Big Sight convention centre. Our A-Z list contains every major new car reveal from the show: Honda 2020 Jazz The next-generation Honda Jazz (known as the Fit in some markets) will exclusively be available with petrol-electric hybrid powertrains. Honda previously explained it developed a more compact version of the twin-motor i-MMD hybrid technology that equips the CR-V to use in smaller cars. While additional details remain few and far between, spy shots show a front end that falls in line with Honda’s current design language and familiar proportions. Jazz sales will begin in early 2020. Although it has historically lagged behind its rivals, it’s a hugely important model because it’s Honda’s best-seller in the UK. Lexus Electric car concept The concept Lexus will introduce in Tokyo will take it into the electric car segment for the first time. It’s a small, city-friendly model with a tall roof that clears up a generous amount of cabin space. Screens positioned on either side of the steering wheel display the infotainment system and the model relies on innovative in-wheel electric motors for power. While it will be presented as a simple design study, Lexus strongly hinted at least some parts of it will reach production in the coming years. “We feel that our future could resemble this design,” Lexus vice-president Koji Sato told Autocar. Mazda 2020 production EV Mazda’s Wankel rotary engine will make a long-awaited comeback in Tokyo but don’t look for a follow-up to the RX-8 on the show floor. It will perform range-extending duties in the company’s first series-produced electric car. We haven’t seen it yet, the test mules are all disguised as CX-30s, but we know it will arrive as a standalone model rather than as a battery-powered variant of an existing nameplate. It will be an SUV with a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack that zaps a 140bhp motor into motion. Mitsubishi MI-Tech Concept Mitsubishi’s Tokyo-bound concept will primarily serve as a preview of its next plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which swaps the traditional combustion engine for a gas turbine generator. The company pointed out it made the powertrain smaller and lighter than the one currently found in the Outlander in order to electrify more compact models like the Eclipse Cross. A selection of preview images show the technology will be showcased in a futuristic-looking SUV with externally-mounted speakers and carbonfibre inserts. Expect the powertrain, not the concept, to reach showrooms in the coming years. Nissan IMk concept As with most Japanese kei cars, Nissan’s new IMk concept is tall, boxy and geared towards urban mobility, but, in a break from convention, sits atop an all-new EV platform and showcases the firm’s plans for the future of small cars. The concept builds upon Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility programme with a lounge-style interior and lack of physical controls, and early suggestions are that it could be sold globally. Subaru 2020 Levorg The next
Origin: 2019 Tokyo motor show: live blog and pictures

2019 Tokyo motor show preview – one week to go

Every edition of the biennial Tokyo motor show explores a different facet of Japan’s unique automotive industry. Some put an unabashed focus on performance while others place technology front and centre. What never changes is that the event is dominated by Japanese carmakers, you won’t hear much from European, American and other Asian brands, and the companies that display cars in Japan’s capital are on a bold quest to show their wild side. This is their chance to shine on their home turf. The 2019 Tokyo motor show opening its doors on October 24 will, somewhat unsurprisingly, highlight electrification. Most of the production and concept cars scheduled to break cover during the event will incorporate some degree of electrification, whether it’s mild hybrid technology or a battery-powered drivetrain. Here are the cars we expect to see in the Big Sight convention centre, though keep in mind carmakers often announce new models days, hours and minutes before the start of the show. Honda 2020 Jazz The next-generation Honda Jazz (known as the Fit in some markets) will exclusively be available with petrol-electric hybrid powertrains. Honda previously explained it developed a more compact version of the twin-motor i-MMD hybrid technology that equips the CR-V to use in smaller cars. While additional details remain few and far between, spy shots show a front end that falls in line with Honda’s current design language and familiar proportions. Jazz sales will begin in early 2020. Although it has historically lagged behind its rivals, it’s a hugely important model because it’s Honda’s best-seller in the UK. Lexus Electric car concept The concept Lexus will introduce in Tokyo will take it into the electric car segment for the first time. It’s a small, city-friendly model with a tall roof that clears up a generous amount of cabin space. Screens positioned on either side of the steering wheel display the infotainment system and the model relies on innovative in-wheel electric motors for power. While it will be presented as a simple design study, Lexus strongly hinted at least some parts of it will reach production in the coming years. “We feel that our future could resemble this design,” Lexus vice-president Koji Sato told Autocar. Mazda 2020 production EV Mazda’s Wankel rotary engine will make a long-awaited comeback in Tokyo but don’t look for a follow-up to the RX-8 on the show floor. It will perform range-extending duties in the company’s first series-produced electric car. We haven’t seen it yet, the test mules are all disguised as CX-30s, but we know it will arrive as a standalone model rather than as a battery-powered variant of an existing nameplate. It will be an SUV with a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack that zaps a 140bhp motor into motion. Mitsubishi MI-Tech Concept Mitsubishi’s Tokyo-bound concept will primarily serve as a preview of its next plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which swaps the traditional combustion engine for a gas turbine generator. The company pointed out it made the powertrain smaller and lighter than the one currently found in the Outlander in order to electrify more compact models like the Eclipse Cross. A selection of preview images show the technology will be showcased in a futuristic-looking SUV with externally-mounted speakers and carbonfibre inserts. Expect the powertrain, not the concept, to reach showrooms in the coming years. Nissan IMk concept As with most Japanese kei cars, Nissan’s new IMk concept is tall, boxy and geared towards urban mobility, but, in a break from convention, sits atop an all-new EV platform and showcases the firm’s plans for the future of small cars. The concept builds upon Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility programme with a lounge-style interior and lack of physical controls, and early suggestions are that it could be sold globally. Subaru 2020 Levorg The next generation of Subaru’s Levorg estate will arrive with a more streamlined design and an array of electronic driving aids. The company’s teaser video noted we’re “in an era where autonomous driving technology is widely spreading” so it’s reasonable to assume the scope of its EyeSight suite of driver assistance features will be expanded. At the other end of the spectrum, Subaru will send off the 20-year old EJ20 flat-four engine with a commemorative WRX STI limited to 555 examples. Suzuki Waku Suzuki’s big themes for Tokyo are mobility and personality, as embodied by its retro-styled show star – the Waku. An ultra compact plug-in hybrid, the Waku features a number of design elements that can be swapped out according to personal preference, and is intended for families to “share fun and excitement”. Hanare The Hanare, taking its name from the Japanese for a small dwelling attached to a house, is Suzuki’s take on the autonomous shuttle. As with the Waku, it blends futuristic technology with 1960s-style design elements, and is said to be fully
Origin: 2019 Tokyo motor show preview – one week to go

Updated: 2019 Tokyo motor show preview – the star cars

Mitsubishi’s Tokyo show star is roofless SUV with four electric motors

Mitsubishi will reveal a new compact SUV concept with a range-extending EV tech at next month’s Tokyo motor show. The MI-Tech Concept, first confirmed last month, is previewed again in another image released by the firm. It shows the model is a two-seater, lacking doors and a roof, so it’s unlikely to preview a close-to-production model. However, its intent is to preview a new generation of plug-in hybrid powertrains to be used on SUV models smaller than the Outlander. Instead of the traditional combustion engine, Mitsubishi has deployed a gas turbine engine-generator, allowing use of pure EV and series hybrid drive modes. The hybrid technology will be smaller and lighter than Mitsubishi’s current plug-in hybrid system, which it pioneered first on the Outlander PHEV. It will be four-wheel drive, with two electric motors on each axle for for greater off-road control and precise handling, the brand claims. It’s also claimed to offer both improved efficiency in urban environments. Mitsubishi has not released any further technical details of the new hybrid system, which will join the larger one it already has in its range on the Outlander. That current plug-in hybrid tech mixes a 2.4-litre petrol engine with a 13.8kWh battery and twin electric motors. A replacement for the Outlander was previewed at the Geneva motor show in March with a concept called Engelberg Tourer that continued with a 2.4-litre petrol engine but now mated to a larger 20kWh battery. The concept car’s downsized plug-in hybrid technology could therefore be intended for the Eclipse Cross, either in this generation or the next. Mitsubishi sources confirmed to Autocar earlier this year that the Eclipse Cross would be offered with plug-in hybrid technology in the future. Mitsubishi sources also confirmed to Autocar that it would look to move its three SUV models – ASX, Eclipse Cross and Outlander – further apart in size. The ASX is set to be offered with an all-electric drivetrain in its next generation, rather than hybrid technology. The 2019 Tokyo concept will follow a 2017 concept at the same show, called e-Evolution. The model offered visual clues to the next ASX, but more pertinently was an early indication of what the famous Evo could turn into – a high-performance electric compact SUV – should Mitsubishi decide to revive it early in the next decade as has long been
Origin: Mitsubishi’s Tokyo show star is roofless SUV with four electric motors