From the Porsche Taycan to the all-new Land Rover Defender and Lamborghini Sian, there were plenty of new model debuts that wowed the crowds of the 2019 Frankfurt Auto Show. One of the many automakers that were absent at the show, however, was Mitsubishi. But it turns out the Japanese automaker has been saving its next reveal for the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show in October.
At the show, Mitsubishi will unveil a small plug-in hybrid electric SUV concept. So if you were hoping for a reborn Lancer Evolution concept, you're going to be disappointed.
Very little is known about the mysterious concept. The only details Mitsubishi has divulged is that the SUV concept will have a downsized, light-weight plug-in-hybrid powertrain and an electric four-wheel-drive system. The automaker says the electric SUV "delivers unparalleled driving pleasure and confidence over all terrain in light and wind", and "offers reassurance and safety in everyday driving about town, while allowing drivers of all abilities to confidently push further over the unmade or rough road surfaces when engaging in outdoor activities," hinting at its off-road capabilities.
A teaser image has also been released for the concept, previewing its peculiar design from the rear-quarter angle. It's not very revealing, but we can see the SUV concept features a split-roof design with carbon fiber panels and large circular intakes.
More teaser photos will likely be released between now and the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, which opens to the public between October 25 and November 4 in Japan. Mitsubishi is focusing on SUVs for the foreseeable future, so the concept could preview a future production model. After all, Mitsubishi is already considering a production version of the Engelberg Tourer Concept that debuted at Geneva this year.
In the US, Mitsubishi sells the Eclipse Cross, Outlander, and Outlander Sport, which will all be getting a redesign with some notable size differences. The next-generation Outlander, for example, is expected to be larger than its predecessor, while the Outlander Sport will become smaller and the Eclipse Cross will get slightly larger.