The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is rumored to finally come to the US next fall as a 2016 model. In the meantime, the Japanese brand is showing off a concept for an Outlander plug-in at the Paris Motor Show in October with a major improvement in styling and material quality which the automaker calls the “Sporty and Sophisticated” design theme.
Based on the press photo, Mitsubishi’s stylists have made the Outlander PHEV look a whole lot better. Instead of the narrow, squinting look of the current model, the concept shows a more vertical design that puts a big X right on the front end. In the center, there is an updated version of the horizontal grille leading to reshaped headlights. The big changes are found somewhat lower, with an air dam that is much better integrated thanks to black and chrome accents to draw the eye. Mitsubishi claims that the rear gets similar upgrades with new lights and shining trim running across the tailgate.
The improved styling is not just the outside look! According to Mitsubishi, the design features black wood grain trim and silver accents throughout the cabin, and the center console is inspired by Japanese black lacquer boxes. The seats are also covered in hand-stitched leather with horizontal ribs.
For power, the concept uses the Outlander plug-in hybrid’s familiar mix of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors with a 12-kilowatt-hour battery.
There appears to be some evidence indicating that this concept could be pointing the way towards the Outlander PHEV’s future look.
