Mitsubishi's Crossover Concept Looks Bold - Yeah, That's the Ticket
It might not be your author’s cup of tea, but Mitsubishi’s Engelberg Tourer — a crossover show vehicle whose name sounds like that of a nagged German child — is the face the resurgent brand wants to put forward.
It’s also a good hint at what we can expect from the next-generation Outlander, once Mitsu gets around to revamping its largest model.
We’ve explained the name already, so read this for background. The Engelberg Tourer has nothing to do with Teutonic angels or Karl Marx’s buddy, and a lot to do with skiing and other sexy outdoor sports. Mitsubishi says it wants this crossover to stir your curiosity.
Are you feeling stirred?
Bearing three rows of seats and wheels that look like blade attachments for a food processor, the Engelberg Tourer draws its power from a plug-in hybrid powertrain comprised of two electric motors and one 2.4-liter inline-four. The system can operate as a series hybrid, with the gasoline motor acting as a generator for the electric motors (located fore and aft). Estimated electric driving range is 43 miles.
Sexy off-road adventures are made possible by the twin-motor setup’s full-time four-wheel drive capability, aided by Mitsu’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, which applies braking force at various corners to keep things from getting too hairy.
You can also stash your gear in that roof box. It opens via a switch, not a latch.
Mitsubishi used the Engelberg Tourer’s appearance at the Geneva Auto Show to talk up the Dendo Drive House, which is not a socialist podcast popular with East Coast Millennials. DDH for short, the system is a complete package for green drivers, encompassing the vehicle itself, a bi-directional charger, solar panels, and home battery designed for home use. The idea is to be able to charge your Mitsubishi PHEV or EV from home using just the sun.
While this could prove useful for preppers, the automaker plans to offer it (initially, at least) only in Europe and Japan. Bummer.
As for the vehicle this show car could become, Mitsubishi’s product timeline isn’t all that clear. Automotive News claims an Outlander redesign may come for the 2020 model year. If that’s the case, expect to see a variation of this vehicle’s face, plus its boxy proportions and sharply raked rear glass, in the showroom before too long.
[Images: Mitsubishi Motors]
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Let it be noted that design staffs have taken a severe dislike to the traditional dogleg. RIP, dogleg. B-pillar blackout has overtaken the A-pillar. Headlights have split into two factions, with the upper set relentlessly inching toward the A-pillar (see esp. the first picture). One wonders if the coming collision between light and darkness will result in matter/antimatter-style annihilation.
By gum, it's an Outlander PHEV, only this time with a useful amount of electric range, a less overstressed generator, and fashionably Kia Telluride / Lego Brick styling. Shoot howdy, I'd certainly be open to leasing one. (Tho that flat tall front has got to be murder on highway efficiency.)