Mitsubishi Teases GC-PHEV, XR-PHEV and AR MPV Concepts for Tokyo

The 2013 Tokyo Motor Show is just over a month away, and with it will come a slew of new Japanese cars and concepts. Yesterday, Mitsubishi announced three brand-new concepts that it will bring to the show, complete with teaser images and a hook for each concept. Checkout the image below for a peek at what each concept looks like:

According to Mitsubishi, each of the three concepts represents “a new design identity that symbolizes the sense of security and functionality of an SUV.” As you continue reading, we’ll review each concept and discuss what you can expect come November when the cars officially make their premier.

Mitsubishi GC-PHEV Concept

Mitsubishi only released two images for three concepts, and the GC-PHEV, otherwise known as the Grand Cruiser Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, is the only one of the three to get its own dedicated teaser. So, it seems reasonable to assume that this is the concept the Japanese brand is most interested in promoting.

The GC-PHEV is a full-size plug-in SUV hybrid that apparently offers both dynamic drivability and class-leading environmental performance. We know that the SUV will feature AWD via Mitsubishi’s Super All Wheel Control system (S-AWC) to allow for the “superior handling, stability as well as the all-terrain capability an SUV offers.”

The GC-PHEV Concept is a “high output” hybrid SUV showcasing what looks to be a completely new design language, as well as several new safety and environmental features. Rumors around the automotive blogosphere hint that this could herald the next-gen Mitsubishi Shogun.

Mitsubishi XR-PHEV Concept

According to Mitsubishi, the XR-PHEV Concept is a highly efficient and progressive next-generation compact SUV that “offers nimble drivability and a body style resembling a sport coupe.” If you look at the image at the beginning of this post depicting all three concepts, the XR-PHEV is the one on the left.

Again, just as with the GC-PHEV Concept, the XR-PHEV (which stands for Crossover Runner Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) features the same new design language with a nice wide grill, slit-like horizontal headlights and aggressively large wheel wells. Other than that, we don’t know much, although the folks over at Autocar hypothesize that this could be an ASX replacement.

Mitsubishi AR Concept

Finally we have the vehicle on the right side of the image at the top of this post, the Mitsubishi AR Concept (which stands for Active Runabout).  The AR Concept is apparently a next-generation compact MPV that was built with fuel conservation and interior comfort in mind.

One of the primary ways the AR minivan concept will conserve fuel is through a downsized direct-injection turbocharged engine. As far as interior comfort, Mitsubishi says that the AR Concept will be available in a variety of seating configurations to ensure that all passengers enjoy maximum comfort.

To sum it up, the AR Concept “offers both the mobility of an SUV and the occupant space of an MPV.”

Unfortunately, this is all we know about these three new Mitsubishi concepts.  However, the 2013 Tokyo Motor show is still six weeks away, which is plenty of time for more teasers and specs. So, stay tuned to the Integrity Exports blog for more information as it becomes available.