Mitsubishi Unveils Its Face of the Future (Which Only a Mother Could Love)

Mitsubishi Motors has flicked the light switch on a new concept vehicle that hints at its next-generation large SUV.

Unveiled in advance of the Paris Motor Show, the Mitsubishi GT-PHEV Concept’s dimensions and design elements could find their way into the next Outlander, as the automaker seeks a larger stake in the utility vehicle market.

And yikes, what a face. But that isn’t the whole package.

Mitsubishi mentions the front fascia’s “forceful presence” — a generous description, to be sure — and touts the concept’s upmarket styling cues. When viewed from the sides and rear, the GT-PHEV is far easier on the eyes, with a sporty profile enhanced by muscular fender bulges and a high beltline.

The automaker plans to capitalize on the public’s love affair with utility vehicles by slotting a new compact crossover into its lineup, moving the Outlander Sport (RVR in Canada) down in size to compete with rivals in the subcompact class. The unnamed crossover should appear in late 2017. Meanwhile, the aging Outlander will eventually see a redesign, but not before the long-awaited Outlander PHEV finally appears on our shores next summer.

Besides putting a new face on the brand, the GT-PHEV concept previews the automaker’s next-generation plug-in hybrid system. The triple-motor drivetrain sports an upgraded battery pack, which assists the internal combustion engine through two electric motors.

Mitsubishi isn’t dishing the details on the system’s combined output just yet — expect more on that later this month — but the automaker will admit that the concept boasts 120 kilometers (75 miles) of all-electric range, and a 1,200 km (746 mile) combined cruising range. This more than doubles the Outlander PHEV’s 32.5 miles of electric range.

[Image: Mitsubishi Motors]