Mitsubishi Hits Rally Circuit with Outlander PHEV
When you hear the phrase “plug-in hybrid electric vehicle,” it’s likely you don’t automatically think, “I should go off-roading in that!” That is, unless you’re Mitsubishi.
The Japanese carmaker is testing its plug-in hybrid electric technology in a very conventional way. Recently, Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV hit the rally track, finishing the FIA-certified Asia Cross Country Rally 2015 (AXCR) held in Thailand from August 8th to 14th.
Related: Introducing the Mitsubishi XR-PHEV II Concept
This rally track stretches a total of 1,491 miles, taking the Outlander PHEV rally car through muck and mud. The trek took the plug-in SUV a total of 40 hours, 1 minute, and 41 seconds to complete, allowing the Outlander to take first place in the T1-3 electric vehicle class and 20th place in the entire race. This is the third consecutive year the Outlander PHEV has finished the Asia Cross Country Rally.
There were some slight modifications made to the PHEV to make it rally-ready. The rally car has a higher ground clearance, more output from the electric motors and generator, and a higher battery capacity.
Related: Outlander PHEV Design Gets A Facelift
While we’re still waiting on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV release in America, if it is nearly half as durable as the Outlander PHEV rally car, then we’re looking forward to it arriving at dealerships in the spring of next year.
News Source: Carscoops
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