2015 Chicago: Mitsubishi revives an old concept for a debut at Chicago

Ok, we’re really worried Mitsubishi. And the reason lies in the fact that they touted the arrival of a new crossover concept that’s not quite exactly new…

Remember the Mitsubishi GC-PHEV? Well, that’s originally from the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show and it was brought to American soil for the first time, in Chicago.

This has us worried because Mitsubishi ain’t doing so well, with the impending end of the aging Lancer Evolution, to an extremely limited lineup that just isn’t really that competitive. And that’s because they haven’t changed their models in what seems like a very long time. For example, the current Lancer is going on eight years old. That’s a bit dated, considering how fast the compact sedan segment has changed.

Either way, the GC-PHEV in some ways suggests what future crossovers may look like. It’s powered by a plug-in electric hybrid powertrain with a supercharged 3.0L V6.

Check out the press release below.

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MITSUBISHI MOTORS CONCEPT GC-PHEV MAKES NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT THE 2015 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW

  • Futuristic, full-size crossover concept provides a glimpse at the brand’s new design language applied to a large SUV
  • Features a powerful yet highly efficient supercharged V-6/electric motor plug-in hybrid, 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel drive
  • Features technology that Mitsubishi is working towards incorporating into production vehicles

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today unveiled the futuristic Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. The full-size SVU concept provides a glimpse at the brand’s new design language applied to a large vehicle.

The Concept GC-PHEV features bold, muscular styling, a powerful yet highly efficient 335 horsepower supercharged MIVEC V-6 engine/electric motor plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain, an 8-speed automatic transmission, Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) full-time all-wheel drive and advanced next-generation high-tech features.

A new technology incorporated in the Concept GC-PHEV is the Tactical Table, an innovative information system making connected car technology an interactive experience available to everyone inside the vehicle. When the driver or one of the passengers places their smartphone atop the Tactical Table, they can create, collect, exchange and share information with others using the Concept GC-PHEV’s communication system.

Additional technological features of the Concept GC-PHEV include advanced safety systems such as Mitsubishi Motors “Connected Car” Technology, AR Windshield, Pedestrian Collision Mitigating Auto-braking, Rearward Blind Spot Vehicle Warning, Unintentional Vehicle Move Off Control, Driver Monitor and more.

“We brought the Concept GC-PHEV to Chicago because it showcases into our future technology and design themes,” said MMNA Executive Vice President, Don Swearingen. “The Concept showcases aggressive styling and a level of refinement that will be coming to Mitsubishi vehicles. All of our 2016 model year vehicles will be refreshed with our new brand identity, starting with the 2016 Outlander, which will make its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show in April. The Concept GC-PHEV continues to tell the story we started telling at the LA Auto Show, and we think you’re going to like what is to come.”

Mitsubishi Motors finished 2014 with vehicle sales up 24.8 percent over 2013 – among the highest sales growth in the U.S. auto industry. That sales momentum carried over into January, which saw a 33.4 percent increase from January 2014 and was the 11th month of year-over-year sales increases.

Chris Chin

Chris Chin is the Editor-In-Chief of egmCarTech and is a regular contributor to Automobile Magazine.

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