Mitsubishi Unveils XR-PHEV Evolution Vision Concept on PS3

Earlier this year, Mitsubishi made official plans to axe their Lancer Evo sports car, but it seems that they’re already making plans to reinvigorate the Evo lineup. In doing so, they’ve unleashed a concept that – for the first time in recent memory – is actually exciting to look at.

The only problem?

It only exists in the virtual world. It’s the Mitsubishi XR-PHEV Evolution Vision Concept as seen in the Gran Turismo 6 video game for the PlayStation 3:

Even if this is a car that only exists in the digital realm, you have to admit that it’s one you’d like to take for a spin. And you can if you’re a PS3 gamer; the XR-PHEV is part of the Gran Turismo 6 Vision Initiative, which has automakers from around the world submit concepts to feature in-game. Last December we’d heard that Toyota would feature a Supra concept in GT6, but this is the first we’ve heard – or seen – of Mitsubishi’s contribution.

So, what exactly are we looking at?

The XR-PHEV concept features what Mitsubishi has dubbed the “Athlete Form” design language, which speaks to the rally racer’s lean and muscular exterior, like that of a sprinter ready to pounce at the starting gun shot.

To give you a little bit of context, Mitsubishi originally showed an XR-PHEV Concept last November (below) which was intended to showcase a possible direction for the next-gen Outlander, ETA unknown. Thus, the sports car seen in Gran Turismo 6 is actually a refined version of the XR-PHEV CUV. You can clearly see the similarities between the two vehicles.

Just like the original crossover concept, the XR-PHEV Evolution Vision features, you guessed it, a Plug-in Hybrid EV engine… At least, it would if it were a real car. The PHEV powertrain would likely be turbocharged and connected to an eight-speed dual clutch transmission, topped off with 20-inch aluminum wheels.

Obviously, Mitsubishi will probably never produce a production-ready version of the XR-PHEV Evolution Vision Concept. However, they are bringing a car that bears a slight resemblance to the upcoming Pikes Peak Hill Climb (above), although it will be the third year in a row that they’ve used the same car. Still, if nothing else this shows that Mitsubishi is maintaining a tenuous hold on their motorsports potential, so perhaps a toned-down version of the XR-PHEV Evo Vision isn’t totally out of the question.

Either way, if you’d like to see Mitsubishi’s newest racing concept in virtual action, we’ll leave you with the demo video below: