Three Forgotten Mitsubishi Concepts We Want to See from Challenge 2025

What could Mitsubishi Motors be working on? It’s been a long time since the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance put Mitsubishi on the front lines as the first of the three automakers to come out with a new model to heat things up, but there hasn’t been anything new. We got new generation models of most vehicles in the lineup, but nothing new new. Even the “Challenge 2025” business strategy left us scratching our heads. There are a lot of unnamed models covered up, with many old names returning. The automaker teased the first six models to launch this year, and we wonder if any of the old concepts are finally getting dusted off.

High-Performance Crossover

In 2018, Mitsubishi Motors debuted the e-Evolution concept in America. Said to be the new model to wear the Evolution nameplate since the Lancer Evolution, there was a lot of talk if a Lancer crossover could be the next electric, high-performance car we’ve been waiting for. Designed for an enhanced driving experience with Mitsubishi Motors Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, artificial intelligence, a triple motor 4WD system, complemented by a new Dual Motor Active Yaw Control (AYC) system to control the torque in the rear motors, and a lot of futuristic bits of tech, the e-Evolution had a lot to offer. We wonder if the automaker bit off more than it can chew or is just waiting for a software-defined vehicle by the Alliance and Google before producing this challenge.

A New PHEV

What about the GT-PHEV concept by Mitsubishi? A next-generation crossover or SUV, this concept was going to take the latest design language from Mitsubishi Motors and the latest tech from Mitsubishi Electric, the GT-PHEV was supposed to be a high-end crossover for the automaker. Not much was said about it except that it would be electrified, made for “cruising across vast lands”, and would come with all-wheel control to manage various driving conditions and improve driver confidence. This was one of the concepts most likely scrapped. With battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) the new aim for the Alliance, we can don’t think this will be a contender for one of the unnamed models of Challenge 2025.

Next-Gen BEV

Now this once could be possible. Known as the futuristic Mitsubishi eX concept, this has a lot going for it. Said to be a compact SUV powered by a next- generation BEV system, that’s exactly what Mitsubishi Motors and the Alliance are currently working on. Merging elegance with power, the eX will wear Mitsubishi Motors new Dynamic Shield and promises high performance with compact high-output electric motors and a total driving range of 248 miles. Compared to today’s standards, it’s not much, but this is a concept that first debuted in 2017. Combining connected car technology, next-generation information systems, artificial intelligence, autonomous car technology, and advanced active safety technology, the eX concept is a strong concept that Mitsubishi Motors could bring to life with all the new technology Mitsubishi Electric and the Alliance is working on.

Any of these would be well-welcomed, especially if they bring back the rally days of Mitsubishi with a futuristic tech angle. We’ll just have to wait and see what that unnamed Mitsubishi compact SUV teased for 2023 will turn out to be. Follow along with us on University Mitsubishi social media.

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