The new Outlander PHEV, to be unveiled for the first time at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, is based on the new Outlander which first debuted in Russia in July and is to be introduced in other European markets starting from September. The Outlander PHEV uses MMC’s own Plug-in Hybrid EV System powertrain derived from 100% electric systems used on the i-MiEV and other MMC all-electric vehicles. The Outlander PHEV is the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV, and brings together the environmental performance and quietness that distinguish EVs while delivering the utility and on- and off-road performance associated with 4WD sport utility vehicles and the cruising range of a conventional ICE-powered vehicle. Targeting the mid-size category and above, which require extended cruising range, the Outlander PHEV’s Plug-in Hybrid EV System fuses together the EV technologies proven on MMC’s i-MiEV – the pioneering 100%-electric car brought to market in 2009 – with the very latest ICE environmental technologies, including MMC’s MIVEC[2] variable valve timing system. Employing electrical power stored in the drive battery by charging either at home, a charging station or when the system recovers energy when decelerating, the Plug-in Hybrid EV System gives the Outlander PHEV fuel-sipping performance, with a target combined fuel efficiency[3] in excess of 61 km/litre, greatly superior to that of vehicles powered by a conventional engine, and a cruising range in excess of 880 km, which is on a par with a conventional ICE-powered car. Alongside the Outlander PHEV, Mitsubishi will be displaying a total of 11 vehicles (seven on press days) on its stand at the Paris Motor Show, including: the new European version of MMC’s global compact car (called Mirage in other countries) which makes its debut; the ASX compact crossover which has been refreshed for the 2013 model year; and a display model of the i-MiEV Evolution 100% electric racecar which took part in the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb held in the United States in August. MMC will introduce Outlander PHEV in the Japanese market in early 2013 then sequentially roll out the model in Europe, North America, and other markets around the world. From motorin news