2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid for U.S.

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Picture

2012 Paris Auto Show

Just the Facts:

• The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, which is being touted by the Japanese automaker as the first permanent four-wheel-drive electric vehicle in series production, will be unveiled at the 2012 Paris Auto Show.
• Mitsubishi Motors North America told Edmunds.com the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, which is aiming to be one of the first plug-in crossover/SUVs here, will launch in the U.S. in late 2013 or early 2014.
• No word yet on pricing or mpg equivalent rating.

PARIS — The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, which is being touted by the Japanese automaker as the first permanent four-wheel-drive electric vehicle in series production, will be unveiled at the 2012 Paris Auto Show.

Mitsubishi Motors North America told Edmunds.com the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, which is aiming to be one of the first plug-in crossover/SUVs here, will launch in the U.S. in late 2013 or early 2014.

"It is definitely coming here," said Roger Yasukawa, Mitsubishi Motors North America spokesman, in a phone conversation with Inside Line on Monday. "We are targeting fiscal year 2013 — which probably means the later part of 2013 to March 2014. As far as exact timing, we're still studying it."

No word yet on pricing or mpg equivalent rating, Yasukawa said. He also would not name the competition at this point. "This car will be unique," Yasukawa said. "It will be our second EV-based vehicle after the (Mitsubishi) i."

Mitsubishi confirmed in a statement that the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid will be sold in Europe in 2013.

The Outlander Plug-in Hybrid will feature a full-time four-wheel-drive system powered by electric motors.

While few details were made available about the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, Mitsubishi said the hybrid system "will allow for a long haul range and very low emissions similar to that of the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II showcar, i.e., a driving distance of over (500 miles) and a CO2 target below 50 g/km."

Mitsubishi said the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid will feature a choice of three driving modes: all-electric; a series hybrid with the gas engine aiding the electric motors; and a parallel hybrid, with the electric motors aiding the gas engine.

"As such, it will be the first mainstream car from a major manufacturer envisaged from the outset with built-in provisions" for either internal-combustion engine or plug-in hybrid electric operation, said Mitsubishi.

The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid was first previewed at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show in the form of the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV. The PX stands for "plug-in hybrid crossover." The vehicle was fitted with a 1.6-liter DOHC gas engine and has front and rear wheels that are powered by two motors.