Mitsubishi is in the midst of trying to turn around a sinking ship. But, where to start? Do you bail out the water or do you try change the course of direction.
In the automotive world, it's super difficult and we tip our hats to the brand for doing whatever it can to stay relevant.
According to a company-issued release for the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, the Japanese automaker will be bringing the 2016 Outlander to the 2015 New York Auto Show. While the GC-PHEV Concept that is seen below is set to usher in the brand's new direction, the Outlander is the first production model to actually show us what to expect.
See the critical paragraph here:
"We brought the Concept GC-PHEV to Chicago because it showcases into our future technology and design themes," said MMNA Executive Vice President, Don Swearingen. "The Concept showcases aggressive styling and a level of refinement that will be coming to Mitsubishi vehicles. All of our 2016 model year vehicles will be refreshed with our new brand identity, starting with the 2016 Outlander, which will make its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show in April. The Concept GC-PHEV continues to tell the story we started telling at the LA Auto Show, and we think you're going to like what is to come."
We hope the 2016 Outlander is good. Mitsubishi doesn't have the chance to fail if it wants to live.
Mitsubishi's press release follows:
MITSUBISHI MOTORS CONCEPT GC-PHEV MAKES NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT THE 2015 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW
Futuristic, full-size crossover concept provides a glimpse at the brand's new design language applied to a large SUV
Features a powerful yet highly efficient supercharged V-6/electric motor plug-in hybrid, 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel drive
Features technology that Mitsubishi is working towards incorporating into production vehicles
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today unveiled the futuristic Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. The full-size SVU concept provides a glimpse at the brand's new design language applied to a large vehicle.
The Concept GC-PHEV features bold, muscular styling, a powerful yet highly efficient 335 horsepower supercharged MIVEC V-6 engine/electric motor plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain, an 8-speed automatic transmission, Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) full-time all-wheel drive and advanced next-generation high-tech features.
A new technology incorporated in the Concept GC-PHEV is the Tactical Table, an innovative information system making connected car technology an interactive experience available to everyone inside the vehicle. When the driver or one of the passengers places their smartphone atop the Tactical Table, they can create, collect, exchange and share information with others using the Concept GC-PHEV's communication system.
Additional technological features of the Concept GC-PHEV include advanced safety systems such as Mitsubishi Motors "Connected Car" Technology, AR Windshield, Pedestrian Collision Mitigating Auto-braking, Rearward Blind Spot Vehicle Warning, Unintentional Vehicle Move Off Control, Driver Monitor and more.
"We brought the Concept GC-PHEV to Chicago because it showcases into our future technology and design themes," said MMNA Executive Vice President, Don Swearingen. "The Concept showcases aggressive styling and a level of refinement that will be coming to Mitsubishi vehicles. All of our 2016 model year vehicles will be refreshed with our new brand identity, starting with the 2016 Outlander, which will make its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show in April. The Concept GC-PHEV continues to tell the story we started telling at the LA Auto Show, and we think you're going to like what is to come."
Mitsubishi Motors finished 2014 with vehicle sales up 24.8 percent over 2013 – among the highest sales growth in the U.S. auto industry. That sales momentum carried over into January, which saw a 33.4 percent increase from January 2014 and was the 11th month of year-over-year sales increases.
For more information on the Concept GC-PHEV please visit media.mitsubishicars.com and be sure to visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.