Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II

At the upcoming 2011 Tokyo Motor Show that will be held from November 30 through December 11, Mitsubishi will unwrap the second generation of its Concept PX-MiEV, which brings the study a little closer to production.

Believed to preview the looks and possibly an alternative powertrain option for the next generation of the Mitsubishi Outlander, the Concept PX-MiEV II is a follow up to the PX-MiEV study displayed at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

On the outside, there are some minor styling changes such as the higher roofline, larger mirrors, plus more conventional looking alloy wheels, lights and bumper designs, all of which suggest that the PX-MiEV II is pointing to the styling of the next Outlander.

Underneath the refined body, Mitsubishi replaced the first concept's 1.6-liter gasoline engine with a larger displacement 2.0-liter MIVEC unit rated at 70kW (94HP). The SUV is also fitted with a pair of electric motors at the front and rear, which deliver an output of 60kW (80HP) each.

The concept's batteries can be recharged either by the engine, through braking, or via a regular house plug.

The Concept PX-MiEV II features the firm's newly developed twin-motor four-wheel-drive system mated to the Lancer Evolution X's S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control) advanced traction control system.

The Japanese brand says that the PX-MiEV II can cover a distance of 50km (31 miles) on electric power alone, and more than 800km (498 miles) when using both the gasoline engine and electric power.