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

Mitsubishi will reveal a new compact SUV concept with range-extending EV tech at this month's Tokyo motor show.

The MI-Tech Concept, first confirmed last month, is previewed again in a new image released by the firm. It shows the model as a two-seater that lacks doors and a roof, so it's unlikely to preview a close-to-production model.

The Mitsubishi MI-Tech Concept has been officially revealed - read the full story here

Instead, its intent is to preview a new generation of plug-in hybrid powertrains to be used on SUV models smaller than the Outlander. In place of a traditional combustion engine, Mitsubishi has deployed a gas turbine engine/generator, allowing use of pure electric and series hybrid drive modes. 

The hybrid technology will be smaller and lighter than Mitsubishi’s current plug-in hybrid system, which it pioneered on the Outlander PHEV. It will provide four-wheel drive, with two electric motors on each axle for greater off-road control and precise handling, the brand claims. It's also claimed to offer improved efficiency in urban environments.

Mitsubishi has not released any further technical details of the new hybrid system, which will join the larger one already available in 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 by a concept called the Engelberg Tourer, which continued with a 2.4-litre petrol engine but mated to a larger, 20kWh battery. 

The new 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 will be offered with plug-in hybrid technology in the future.

Mitsubishi sources also told Autocar that the company will look to move its three SUV models - ASX, Eclipse Cross and Outlander - further apart in size. The Mitsubishi ASX is set to be offered with an all-electric drivetrain in its next generation, rather than hybrid technology.