Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has debuted its ‘E-Evolution Concept’ at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. It says the all-electric, high-performance SUV embodies MMC’s new brand strategy under the new “Drive your Ambition” global tagline, a strategy that ‘reflects an adventurous and progressive mindset for inspirational design and product’.
The concept is described as a technical prototype to illustrate the strategic directions of a renewed MMC brand, incorporating the ‘strengths of the SUV and EV with the ability to integrate new systems for a connected mobility customer experience’.
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MMC also says it has adopted a design philosophy for the vehicle under the title “Robust & Ingenious”.
“We aim to provide vehicles that fulfill our customers’ desires through outstanding design, combined with the power, authenticity and carefully-considered functionality MMC is known for,” said MMC Head of Global Design Tsunehiro Kunimoto.
MMC says vehicles of the future will be genuinely tough and functional, but also ‘clever, resourceful, style-setting and technologically advanced’.
The ‘E-Evolution’ concept comes with 4WD and uses high-performance electric motors, fed by a high-capacity battery system. The drive battery is located under the floor mid-ship of the vehicle, providing a low centre of gravity.
The triple motor 4WD system employs a single motor to drive the front wheels complemented by a new Dual-Motor Active Yaw Control (AYC) system that couples two rear motors through an electronically controlled torque-vectoring AYC unit.
AI system
The concept also comes with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system that augments the driver’s capabilities. An array of sensors allows the AI system to instantly read changes in road and traffic conditions, as well as the driver’s intent, it is claimed. Seamlessly coordinating driver intent with vehicle performance, the system supports drivers of all abilities, MMC says. A special coaching function allows the AI system to transfer knowledge to the driver and to unobtrusively enhance their driving expertise. After building a picture of the driver’s skill level, the system constructs a training program that provides advice through voice prompts and the 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’.
