Paris Show: Mitsubishi teases Outlander concept

MITSUBISHI has released teaser images of a “special package of the Outlander PHEV production model” that could preview a styling shakeup of its plug-in hybrid compact/mid-sized SUV.

Two darkened images show only limited detail of the front and rear aspects of the vehicle, but a full look at the Outlander PHEV Concept-S is due when its sheets are pulled off at the Paris motor show next month.

An image refresh of the Outlander is on its way even though the design is less than two years old, but a new design similar to the Concept-S could be destined exclusively for the hybrid version.

Mistubishi's electrified Outlander is the first production plug-in hybrid SUV and limiting the facelift to PHEV variants only would put air between regular single powerplant versions and the more individual hybrid, which uses a petrol engine and two electric motors.

The Japanese car-maker has not revealed any details about a possible production version of the mysterious concept, but more information is expected to filter down in the lead up to its official unveiling.

Its full-width rear light-bar is similar to the PX-MiEV concept from the 2009 Tokyo motor show that previewed the current Outlander design, while bold front and rear war-paint like markings and SUV proportions are similar to two of the three concepts that broke cover at the Tokyo motor show last year.

The designs of the XR-PHEV crossover and the Pajero-previewing GC-PHEV as well as an MPV and kicked off the adoption of a new design language for the Japanese brand.

The styling cues also featured on Mitsubishi's computer game only Gran Turismo concept earlier this year that was based on the XR-PHEV, but the Concept-S could be the first production model to wear Mitsubishi's new look.