The U.S. version will not be the same as the Euro one to make sure its ride characteristics are not like the existing European set-up that would result in a teeth jarring journeys on decrepit U.S. roads, as well as ‘Merican tastes for comfort over responsiveness and firm control of body motions. As a result, final specifications are still unknown even to the Mitsubishi P.R. staff.

The Outlander PHEV – as it is known now –  clearly reflects Mitsubishi expertise in EVs going back to 1966 when the Mustang was just becoming a sales success. Equipped with 2.0-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors, and the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a very capable PHEV.

In rally competition in Europe, it sets stage records, albeit with a larger 16kWh lithium ion battery pack and a recalibration of the gasoline engine transition from 70 mph to 100.

Driving the Outlander PHEV in the Baja Portalegre 500 was veteran driver Hiroshi Masuoka, the first Japanese driver to win back-to-back titles in 2002 and 2003 in the Paris-Dakar Rally, and a participate in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb driving the record breaking EV competition vehicle MiEV Evolution III.