It wasn't long ago that Mitsubishi->ke58 was known for producing some of the most desirable performance->ke3863 vehicles in the U.S. Lately, however, Mitsubishi has let that performance mantle slip, mostly selling not-that-bad crossover SUV->ke288s and a less-than-inspiring economy car. There's been the promise of a next generation Evo->ke2426 for a while, but at least for now, it would seem then that Mitsubishi has lost its way, and the prevailing opinion seems to be that it's only a matter of time before they fade away into obscurity.

While the fate of Mitsubishi may be uncertain, gamers->ke2888 may be getting a peek into the future with the Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV Evolution Vision Gran Turismo, a car available exclusively in Vision Gran Turismo.->ke3689 Instead of just being a visual exercise though, Mitsubishi claims that this car was developed for the game by their actual design teams just like they would design a real life vehicle.

Click past the jump to read more about the Mitsubishi XR-PHEV Evolution Vision Gran Turismo Concept.

2014 Mitsubishi XR-PHEV Evolution Vision Gran Turismo Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Mitsubishi XR-PHEV Evolution Vision Gran Turismo Concept
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Mitsubishi's design team started with the design of the Concept XR-PHEV, a crossover SUV concept that was introduced in 2013 at the Tokyo Motor Show,->ke1834 and then, well, evolved it into a low, racy performance hatch. Considering that this is a car that's based off of a concept and developed for a video game, it's ridiculous in every way. It's ridiculously low, ridiculously wide, has ridiculous bulges, and there's even a ridiculous wing. It also looks pretty awesome, just in a ridiculous sort of way.

For a focused track monster that only exists in pixels though, the design is quite fitting. The high beltline and tiny windows give it a very sporty look, and it looks to me like some of the body work was inspired by DTM->ke2754 racers, which is very cool. If it were ever to go into production, a lot of what goes into making the whole look work would have to be changed, but that's the luxury of a car that's made for a video game. It can look as cool as they want it to without having to meet production standards.

What will most likely make it to production somewhere though is the grill, which Mitsubishi claims is a design study for the next generation of cars. The body panels are also made out of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), which in production would reduce weight and improve handling.

Drivetrain

While the looks are what will get most people's attention, it's the drivetrain that is the most important part of this concept.

Utilizing plug-in hybrid->ke147 technology that Mitsubishi has spent a lot of time and money developing, the Concept XR-PHEV Evolution has both an engine and an electric motor. Power from both is routed through Mitsubishi's dual clutch transmission (DCT), and their Super-All Wheel Control system is included to adjust how much power is routed to each individual wheel.

All combined, this should lead to a vehicle that has extremely quick power delivery and short shift times, as well as the ability to carve corners as fast as tire grip will physically allow. When not being driven hard, however, the fact that it's a plug-in hybrid would allow the driver to save a good bit of money on fuel costs, as well as use the HOV lane while commuting.

Just a concept or vision of the future?

While the Concept XR-PHEV Evolution is almost guaranteed to never see production, what is much more likely to see production is the drivetrain. There isn't much use for a plug-in hybrid while in-game, but Mitsubishi has hinted for a while that the next generation Evo is going to be a performance hybrid. Presumably, this is a preview of what we'll be getting if or when that next generation Evo finally arrives.

The fear among enthusiasts about hybrids has always been that they will dull the driving experience, turning what was supposed to be a performance car into nothing more than an AWD Prius->ke231. Assuming that the Concept XR-PHEV Evolution is well received in-game, it could do a lot to assuage fears that the Evo has been neutered when the official announcement is finally made.

Competition

2013 Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo Concept

While it was created just for Vision Gran Turismo, Mercedes actually produced a concept for the 2013 LA Auto Show. Though sleeker and less ostentatious than the Concept XR-PHEV Evolution, the Vision Gran Turismo concept is still nearly impossibly low-slung and spits its 585 hp AMG V8's fire out the back through an octuple exhaust.

If black ties, single malts, and Swiss timepieces are your style, then this classic SL-inspired racer will probably be an excellent choice, with power and handling that belie the Mercedes Vision Gran Turismo's gentlemanly looks. On the other hand, if you're looking for a ride that's a little bit more Fast and Furious, then you'll probably be more interested in trading the Mercedes for the Mitsubishi.

2014 Volkswagen Vision Gran Turismo Concept

Rivaling the Mitsubishi XR-PHEV Evolution's extreme looks, with its maniacal grin and stretched, racy styling, the Volkswagen Vision Gran Turismo Concept is what would happen to the real-life Volkswagen Scirocco if it got pulled into the bathroom at an LA nightclub and given loads of illegal stimulants. It's the sports car that you wish Volkswagen would build, but you know they won't, no matter how awesome you think it would be.

Luckily, it at least exists in-game, and players will be able to decide whether they prefer the XR-PHEV Evolution over the Volkswagen Vision Gran Turismo any time they like. Which one proves to be faster around the track remains to be seen, but regardless of the outcome, it should be a heck of a fun race.

Conclusion

The Concept XR-PHEV Evolution won't be hitting the road outside of Vision Gran Turismo anytime soon, but as a concept and as a marketing tool, it's a great move. While weight will probably be an issue, the possibility of CFRP body panels could help with that. Outside of weight though, the idea of a plug-in performance hybrid actually sounds very appealing, allowing for both better performance and better fuel economy.

Assuming that gas prices continue to climb, performance cars are going to have to change to accommodate the need for greater efficiency, or drivers will be priced out of owning them. If Mitsubishi takes the drivetrain that it put together for this concept and uses it to produce a compelling next-generation Evo, then things may turn around for them. On the other hand, however, if Mitsubishi delays too long, the Concept XR-PHEV Evolution may end up being nothing more than a cool idea for a video game.