The current Mitsubishi Outlander->ke1397 is on its last leg, which explains why Mitsubishi is giving it a fresh look before an entirely new model arrives in 2017. There’s still little information about this ‘new model’ but as it turns out, Mitsubishi->ke58 is giving us a little preview at the Paris Motor Show->ke227 with the debut of the Outlander PHEV Concept-S.

It’s unlikely that the successor will be called the Outlander because that would go against the premise of the new model taking the Outlander’s place in Mitsubishi’s lineup. Instead, Mitsubishi is promoting the Outlander PHEV Concept-S as a preview of the Outlander PHEV production model, complete with refined design aesthetics that combines the technology of the company’s twin-motor PHEV system with the spirit of a tried and true 4x4 SUV->ke145.

We’ll know more about the Outlander PHEV Concept-S at the Paris Motor Show in October. For now, indulge yourselves with these two teaser photos that Mitsubishi graciously sent to our inbox.

Updated 09/22/2014: Mitsubishi unveiled the first official details on the Outlander PHEV Concept-S - a concept model based on the Outlander PHEV 4WD SUV plug-in hybrid vehicle. Details after the jump.

Click past the jump to read more about the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S.

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Exterior

Overall length (mm)

4,760

Overall Width (mm)

1,840

Overall height (mm)

1,700

Wheelbase (mm)

2,670

Occupants

5


Interior

Drivetrain

Powertrain

Plug-in Hybrid EV System (2 permanent magnet synchronous motors, Lithimun-ion battery (12kWh), 2.0-liter 4-cyl. DOHC MIVEC gasoline engine)

Drivetrain

Twin Motor 4WD


Competitors

Kia Sportage

It says a lot about the rise of Kia and Hyundai that you have a once-proud brand like Mitsubishi angling to take a pound of flesh off of its Korean rivals.

In the case of the Outlander PHEV Concept-S (or the production model that will be created from it) Kia's pound of flesh could come from the Sportage.

If this Mitsubishi crossover has plans to challenge the Sportage, it's going to have to compete with the Kia's engine versatility. The Sportage has a base 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that puts down 182 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. It also has a a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-pot with 260 horses and 269 pound-feet of twist.

Let's hope Mitsubishi's PHEV system can throw in the vicinity of those numbers without losing its touted efficiency.

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 has done a good job ingratiating itself into a crossover market that already has its share of suitable competitors. And since the Outlander PHEV Concept-S is a concept of a possible future production model, it's hard to make out an ideal comparison between the two.

But give credit to Mitsubishi for continuing the fight despite lagging behind in appeal compared to its more established Japanese rivals. I'm just hoping that whatever production version comes out of this concept has the appeal that can give the CX-5 and the rest of the crossover market something to be really scared about.