During the Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi has displayed a new concept in off-roading. The vehicle is designed in line with Mitsubishi’s legacy in off-road vehicles as well as their commitment to the environment. The company has decided that they will increasingly offer Plugin Hybrid vehicles which are compact and more fuel efficient.

The MI-TECH is a small off-road vehicle designed to allow the driver and passengers the wind in the hair off-roading experience. The car is small with two seat and no doors in the buggy style. It has a butch look with a broad and high hood. The front grille has a satin finish and is framed by two T-shaped headlights. The lighting is all LED. Huge over fenders are filled with large wheels to allow easy off-road capability. There are alumnium skid plates in the front with an air intake in the center. The rear also has similar T-shaped tail lamps.

The interiors have a horizontal theme. A horizontal instrument panel and functional design makes handling the vehicle easier. The horizontal theme is further accentuated by copper lines added on the instrument panel and steering wheel. Keyboard-shaped switches are positioned atop a center console with a horizontal theme, and the front hand grip also functions as a hand pad to make the switches easy to operate. Functions are presented in a straightforward manner, easy to understand just by seeing them and with a reassuring feel when pressed.

The party trick is under the hood where the engine is a tiny gas turbine power generator. The reason provided by Mitsubishi is the high power to size ratio of the gas turbine as well as its ability to use any type of fuel from diesel to petrol to kerosene to alcohol depending on the region where the vehicle is sold. The gas turbine engine is supported by four electric motors, one for each wheel. This provides for four wheel drive for off-roading, easy handling and better steering. The power can be easily transmitted to wheels with grip in case of wheelspin.

The front window shield presents all the relevant information in graphics such as car behavior, terrain recognition, and optimal route guidance.

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