World Premiere Of Mitsubishi Motors' Outlander PHEV With State-Of-The-Art Plug-In Hybrid EV System At 2012 Paris Motor Show

Online, September 21, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Outlander PHEV is the world's first plug-in hybrid SUV and offers the best of three worlds: the environmental performance of an electric vehicle (EV), the cruising range of a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, and the on- and off-road performance of an SUV. MMC is due to bring Outlander PHEV to market, first in Japan, early in 2013.

Alongside the Outlander PHEV, MMC will be displaying a total of 11 vehicles (seven on press days) on its stand at the Paris Motor Show, including: the new European version of MMC's global compact car (called Mirage in other countries) which makes its debut; the ASX compact crossover which has been refreshed for the 2013 model year; and a display model of the i-MiEV Evolution 100% electric race car which took part in the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb held in the United States in August.

European-market new global compact car 2013 ASX

New Outlander PHEV

The new Outlander PHEV, to be unveiled for the first time at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, is based on the new Outlander which first debuted in Russia in July and is to be introduced in other European markets starting from September (Australia - November 2013). The Outlander PHEV uses MMC's own Plug-in Hybrid EV System powertrain derived from 100% electric systems used on the i-MiEV and other MMC all-electric vehicles. The Outlander PHEV is the world's first plug-in hybrid SUV, and brings together the environmental performance and quietness that distinguish EVs while delivering the utility and on- and off-road performance associated with 4WD sport utility vehicles and the cruising range of a conventional ICE-powered vehicle.

Targeting the mid-size category and above, which requires an extended cruising range, the Outlander PHEV's Plug-in Hybrid EV System fuses together the EV technologies proven on MMC's i-MiEV - the pioneering 100%-electric car brought to market in 2009 - with the very latest ICE environmental technologies, including MMC's MIVEC variable valve timing system. Employing electrical power stored in the drive battery by charging either at home, a charging station or when the system recovers energy when decelerating, the Plug-in Hybrid EV System gives the Outlander PHEV gasoline-sipping performance, with a target combined fuel efficiency in excess of 61 km/litre, greatly superior to that of vehicles powered by a conventional engine, and a cruising range in excess of 880 km, which is on a par with a conventional ICE-powered car.

MMC will introduce Outlander PHEV in the Japanese market in early 2013 then sequentially roll out the model in Europe, North America, and other markets around the world. Some major features are introduced below.

1) Automatic Selection of Three Drive Modes for Optimal Efficiency
Depending on driving conditions and remaining battery charge, the Plug-in Hybrid EV powertrain automatically selects the optimum drive mode (see below) for comfortable driving while providing superior fuel efficiency.

a) EV Drive Mode
EV Drive Mode is an all-electric mode in which the front and rear motors drive the vehicle using only electricity from the drive battery. With zero on-road gasoline consumption and zero CO2 emissions the driver can enjoy quiet and very eco-friendly performance in this mode.

b) Series Hybrid Mode
In Series Hybrid Mode the gasoline engine operates as a generator supplying electricity to the electric motors. The system switches to this mode when the remaining charge in the battery falls below a predetermined level and when more powerful performance is required, such as accelerating to pass a vehicle or climbing a steep gradient.

c) Parallel Hybrid Mode
In Parallel Hybrid Mode the gasoline engine provides most of the motive power, assisted by the electric motors as required. The system switches to this mode for higher-speed driving when the gasoline engine operates at peak efficiency.

2) High-capacity Drive Battery Offers Driving Versatility
The high-capacity 12 kWh lithium-ion drive battery gives Outlander PHEV an EV Drive Mode cruising range of over 55 km (JC08 mode), sufficient for all-electric operation in most everyday situations.

The driver can also manually switch to Battery Charge Mode in which the gasoline engine acts as a generator and charges the drive battery whether the vehicle is stationary or on the move. Battery Charge Mode gives the driver the flexibility to use the gasoline engine as a generator at any time they want; for example if the driver wants to use EV Drive Mode at a specific time, they can make sure the drive battery has enough energy for that time.

3) Twin Motor 4WD System Provides Superior Response
The Outlander PHEV uses a Twin Motor 4WD system comprising independent electric motors to drive the front and rear wheels. In addition to decreased friction loss, Twin Motor 4WD delivers better response and finer control than conventional mechanical systems. It accomplishes this without a propeller shaft or other mechanical components seen in conventional mechanical systems. The Twin Motor 4WD system is integrated with Mitsubishi's well-proven S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) integrated vehicle dynamics control system to deliver high levels of stability and all-terrain performance and ensure the vehicle behaves just as the driver intends it to.

In addition, the front and rear electric motors generate maximum torque immediately, an inherent characteristic of electric motors, giving acceleration comparable to that of a vehicle powered by a large displacement high-output ICE and allowing Outlander PHEV to deliver superior levels of environmental and driving performance.

Outlander PHEV specifications (Projected)

Overall length x width x height (mm): 4655x 1800 x 1680
Wheelbase (mm): 2670
Tyres: 225/55R18
Vehicle weight (kg): 1810
Occupants: 5
Drivetrain: Twin Motor 4WD
Electric Motors:
Type: Permanent magnet synchronous
Quantity: 2 (Front x 1 / Rear x 1)
Max. output (F/R): 60 kW / 60 kW
Max. torque (F/R): 137 N-m / 195 N-m
Battery:
Type: Lithium-ion
Total voltage (V): 300 V
Rated capacity (kWh): 12 kWh
Gasoline Engine Type: 2.0-litre 4-cyl. MIVEC
Generator: Generating capacity 70 kW
Target charging times (from zero %):
200 V AC (15 Amp): Approx. 4.5 hours (fully charged)
Quick-charging time: Approx. 30 minutes (approx. 80% charged)
Target EV-only cruising range: at or greater than 55 km (JC08 mode)
Target combined cruising range: at or greater than 880 km (JC08 mode)
Target combined fuel efficiency (plug-in fuel efficiency): at or greater than 61 km/litre (JC08 mode)

European version of new global compact car
The European version of MMC's new global compact car (Mirage in other regions) is a compact car developed focusing on high fuel efficiency, affordability and compactness - the universally recognised values sought in a compact car- and which meets the needs both of an "eco-car" for advanced countries and of an entry-level car for emerging countries.

Following its March 2012 debut in Thailand, where it is being produced, the new global compact car has been introduced in ASEAN countries and in Japan to high acclaim from customers.

The new model is due to be rolled out all over the globe, next in Europe, Australia (January 2013) and other markets.

Introduction in Europe is slated for February 2013. Against a backdrop of ever-more stringent CO2 emission regulations, demand for "eco-cars" is growing in Europe. The European version of the new global compact car delivers CO2 emissions of only 92 g/km (1.0-litre 3-cylinder MIVEC engine with 5-speed manual transmission version).

The European version of the new global compact car achieves this through the use of environmental performance-increasing methods including exhaustive weight reduction (845kg, 3710mm long, 1665mm wide), aerodynamic drag reduction (CD of 0.27, measured in-house), the use of an all-new 1.0L three-cylinder MIVEC engine, along with the adoption of Mitsubishi's own Auto Stop & Go (AS&G) idling stop system. With its compact body dimensions the European version of the new global compact car delivers easy-to-drive manoeuvrability and peppy performance while at the same time maximising interior occupant space through its high-efficiency packaging.

Other models

1) 2013 ASX (European version)
The ASX is a compact crossover launched in European markets in May 2010 and is proving popular for its quality and sporty exterior and interior design as well as for its outstanding motive and environmental performance.

After undergoing a number of subtle changes mainly on the exterior, the 2013 ASX is due to be released sporting a more refined and high-quality design this autumn.

2) i-MiEV Evolution
The i-MiEV Evolution is a 100% electric race car which uses the same motor, drive battery and other major components as the production i-MiEV but with a race body designed to reduce weight and deliver maximum aerodynamic performance. Comprising a single motor driving the front wheels and two motors driving the rear wheels the car's electric 4WD powertrain delivers superior motive performance and outstanding handling and stability.

Entering for the first time, i-MiEV finished second in the Electric Division of the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb held last month in the United States. Participation in the event allowed MMC to collect valuable data and knowhow that will be applied in the development of future models featuring electric powertrains or electric/ICE hybrid powertrains.

3) MiEV House
Also on display at the Paris Motor Show will be the MiEV House which was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show last year and the Geneva Motor Show this March.

Starring the i-MiEV, the MiEV House is a demonstration of how recycled drive batteries and other EV components, as well as solar panels and electricity charging stations can be used to maximise the efficient use of domestic energy. It is an example of the application of an EV in an integrated renewable energy system which couples a Home Energy Management System (HEMS).

With HEMS monitoring and regulating household and EV power usage in combination with auxiliary battery-stored energy and renewable energy from solar panels, energy usage efficiency is maximised to lower power consumption without interrupting normal household power usage.

4) Mitsubishi Motors' Line-up at the 2012 Paris Motor Show

New Outlander PHEV
Press days: 2
Public days: 2
Comments: Global premiere

European version of new global compact car
Press days: 1
Public days: 2
Comments: European premiere Mirage in other markets

ASX (European version)
Press days: 1
Public days: 2
Comments: Premiere of refreshed 2013 model

New Outlander
Press days: 1
Public days: 1

i-MiEV Evolution
Press days: 1
Public days: 1
Comments: Model of vehicle entered in 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

i-MiEV
Press days: 1
Public days: 1
Comments: Displayed inside MiEV House

Pajero
Press days: -
Public days: 1
Comments: 30th anniversary specification model (for France) Montero in Spanish speaking countries. Shogun in IK.

L200
Press days: -
Public days: 1
Comments: Triton in some markets

Total Press days: 7
Total Public days: 11

For further information contact
Caitlin Beale
Corporate Communications Manager
Phone: 08 8275 7250
Mobile: 0417 243 719
cbeale@mmal.com.au

Shona Connolly
Co-ordinator Corporate Communications
Phone 08 8275 2676
sconnolly@mmal.com.au