Mitsubishi previews Tokyo motor show concepts

Mitsubishi Motors has released more details on three concept cars at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, which we will be attending, and all three concepts have something in common -- they're all SUVs with hybrid technology. And three weeks before the start of the show Mitsubishi Motors has released more details previewing the concept cars since announcing the concepts earlier in October.

First up is the Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV, in the center of the photo, which is meant to preview a next-generation full-size SUV with full-time four-wheel drive. A front-engined vehicle with a plug-in hybrid powerplant consisting of a 3.0-liter V6 supercharged MIVEC engine mated to an eight -speed automatic transmission, Concept GC-PHEV will combine a high-output electric motor and a high-capacity battery for all-terrain performance. Out of the three concepts, this one seems to be the closest candidate for production, even though the car shown above lacks visible door handles.

Mitsubishi will also be revealing Concept XR-PHEV, meant to preview a next-generation compact SUV. This smaller vehicle, shown on the right, will be using a 1.1-liter direct-injection turbocharged MIVEC engine alongside an electric motor. This will also be a plug-in hybrid, though its engine's displacement suggests a much smaller size and perhaps an entirely different audience than the GC-PHEV full-size SUV.

The third concept that Mitsubishi will be showing the world will be the Concept AR, which is meant to be a compact MPV that will feature the maneuverability of an SUV. Shown on the left in the main photo, this car will use a mild hybrid system which will utilize the 1.1-liter direct-injection turbocharged MIVEC engine as well.

All three concepts will preview Mitsubishi's latest e-Assist active safety technologies which include a danger detection system which will activate corresponding safety functions, and a failure/malfunction early-detection system which will alert the driver to the need to make repairs or seek maintenance.

All together, Mitsubishi will be showing a total of 17 models when the Tokyo Motor Show opens its doors.

About the Tokyo Motor Show

Japan is once again among the leaders of the global auto industry, and the Tokyo Motor Show promises to showcase the best of what that country has to offer. From green cars to super cars, technology to design, 2013 promises to be a banner year for the Tokyo Motor show. Autoweek will be on the show floor, bringing you the latest Tokyo reviews, news, photo galleries, and videos right here.

By Jay Ramey