AUTOS CARS CUSTOM

The second of the Mitsubishi electric vehicle concepts at the Geneva motor show is the GR-HEV. A pick-up with a one-tonne payload, it aims to show the new applications hybrid technology can be used for.

The GR-HEV is powered by a 2.5-litre Mitsubishi Clean Diesel and a front-mounted electric motor, delivering power through an automatic gearbox. No power outputs have yet been released, but Mitsubishi is promising CO2 emissions of 'below 149g/km' for the GR-HEV, no doubt aided by its ability to run in electric-only mode for a limited time.

The manufacturer says this puts the concept's emissions approximately 50g/km below the current best-performing pick-up on the market.

The four-wheel drive GR-HEV features Mitsubishi's Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) which controls power distribution to each corner to boost traction.

The 5.42m-long GR-HEV reputedly continues a styling theme first seen on the current L200, where the load bed appears a seamless continuation of the passenger cabin. The concept also features LED tail lights in a 'scattered diamond' design', and lightweight wheels inspired by Mitsubishi's Three Diamond Logo.

Speaking at the unveiling of the GR-HEV concept, Mitsubishi Motors president Osamu Masuko said: "We have learned a lot from the i-MIEV electric car and the Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid, so now is the time to apply those lessons to other market segments. The GR-HEV is designed to appeal to customers in both mature and developing markets, and for purposes of fun or work."

Mitsubishi has also unveiled its CA-MiEV crossover concept at the show.

Thanks to: Autocar