Mitsubishi to launch plug-in hybrid SUV in 2013

Japanese carmaker Mitsubishi is currently developing a plug-in hybrid SUV, which is slated to be launched in 2013.

The SUV will draw inspiration from the Px-MiEV concept, which was unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show, Yoshikazu Nakamura, senior executive officer of Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s global electric vehicle business told Automotive News.

The plug-in hybrid is in its final stages of development, he informed.

The Px-MiEV concept is powered by a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 1.6 liter engine that delivers 114 hp and a peak torque of 125 Nm, which works together with two electric motors that offer 80.5 hp and a maximum torque of 200 Nm.

Mitsubishi claims that the vehicle offers an impressive fuel economy figure of 2 liters per 100 km (117.6 mpg). Not only is the figure itself a bold claim, it gets bolder when considered that it is the target set for an SUV.

Nakamura didn't confirm the name of the plug-in hybrid SUV but said that it will carry the 'MiEV' moniker.

Mitsubishi also said it will roll-out i-MiEV electric vehicle in just three West Coast states and Hawaii when U.S. sales begin in November 2011. Mitsubishi also changed the name of the vehicle for the U.S. market from i-MiEV to the 'i powered by MiEV'. The 'i' will be a 2012 model when it goes on sale.