Tokyo show: Mitsubishi reveals its sporty side
BY RON HAMMERTON | 5th Oct 2017
A side profile view shows what appears to be a four-door body, but with a full-sized front door and a smaller rear door – Mazda RX-8 style – to provide access to the rear seats.
The array of LED lights at the front steps up the bonnet on either side of the close-in “grille”.
To be revealed in the flesh at this month’s Tokyo motor show, the full-electric vehicle is said to be powered by a high-torque three-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain, thus blending Mitsubishi’s expertise in electric vehicles with its SUV engineering capabilities.
While one electric motor powers the front wheels, two motors drive the rear wheels via an active yaw control unit to enhance handling. The system works by varying the torque delivery to each of the rear wheels to help the car track well around bends.
A controlling computer bristling with that newest of automotive buzz technologies – artificial intelligence (AI) – is said to not only augment driver capabilities but subtly coach the driver, even taking into account his or her skill level.
Says Mitsubishi: “After building a picture of the driver’s skill level, the system constructs a training program that provides advice through voice dialogue and a large dashboard display.
“As a result, drivers of all abilities quickly experience a vehicle that behaves the way they want it, and soon they find themselves enjoying the driving experience to an even greater degree.”The company says the system – dubbed AI Personal Assistant – employs voiceprint technology and person recognition to identify individual passengers, learn about them from their speech and behaviour, and provide services that best match tastes and needs.
The system is connected to the cloud, and can even connect with a drone to check traffic conditions ahead or to give occupants a birds-eye view of the surrounding scenery.
The e-Evolution will be one of 12 vehicles displayed by Mitsubishi at the Tokyo show on October 25. Others will include the new Eclipse Cross small SUV in its Japanese production guise.
