The new Outlander PHEV blends, according to Mitsubishi, the best of the company’s EV technology (i-MiEV), sure-footed Super All-Wheel Control (derived from the esteemed S-AWC system found in the legendary Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution) and the capable, rugged and reliable Montero and Outlander SUV lineage into the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) SUV with all-wheel drive.

The vehicle relies on an EV-based architecture that utilizes a pair of advanced electric motors supplemented by a front-mounted 2.0-liter gasoline engine.

Both 60 kilowatt electric motors are placed at the front and rear of the vehicle; each motor drives its own axle independently for optimal front/rear torque split; these are linked to a12 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion Drive battery pack.

In pure electric vehicle (EV) driving mode, the range is estimated at 30 miles (Japan-spec Outlander PHEV).

The Outlander PHEV relies on three distinct driving modes:EV Drive Mode, Series Hybrid, or Parallel Hybrid.

The 4B11 2.0-liter inline-4 has been fitted with the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system (MIVEC) to maximize power production, improve fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions by continuously varying the timing of the intake valves according to engine speed when it operates in Parallel Hybrid mode (the engine functions solely to generate electricity in Series Hybrid mode and is mainly used to provide motive force in Parallel Hybrid mode).

The Outlander PHEV’s exhaust note has been reduced and the engine compartment’s soundproofing has been increased in order for the vehicle to remain as quiet as possible when operating in pure EV Drive Mode (even when the engine is in use to charge the lithium-ion Drive battery pack).

Located on the left side of the Engine (positioned transaxle-style), the Front Motor is a smaller, lighter and higher output version of the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor used in the Mitsubishi i-MiEV.

In Series/Parallel drive modes, the generator produces electricity from the engine and stores it in the lithium-ion Drive battery pack

The lithium-ion battery pack is located in a dust- and waterproof encasement positioned beneath the passenger compartment subfloor and between the front and rear axles (with no intrusion into the passenger compartment whatsoever). It consists of 80 cells configured in series, with a total voltage measuring 300V and a total storage capacity of 12 kilowatt-hour.

Placed beneath rear cargo area subfloor (does not intrude/diminish cargo area capacity above), the rear electric motor produces slightly more torque than the front one.

Both the front and rear transaxles each incorporate a simple single-speed fixed reduction gear. The front axle features a built-in clutch that switches the system to Parallel drive mode mainly for engine-powered travel at high speeds/steady-state cruise.

During deceleration (braking), the front and rear electric motors function as generators so that electricity can be generated and fed back into the lithium-ion battery pack.

Drive Modes

Because of its unique drivetrain that combines a front electric motor + rear electric motor + front-mounted gasoline-powered 2.0-liter engine + generator, the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV automatically selects one of three drivetrain modes for optimal performance and efficiency.

In EV drive mode (Twin Motor 4WD EV), the vehicle is driven in a very eco-friendly performance mode by the two electric motors, with energy being supplied exclusively by the lithium-ion Drive battery pack (100% electric-powered, zero-emission vehicle).

The Outlander will switch to series hybrid (Twin Motor 4WD EV with Internal Combustion Generator) when the energy level remaining in the lithium-ion Drive battery pack is low or when the need arises for a sudden and/or additional degree of acceleration, In this mode the two electric motors are powered by the battery pack and the gasoline-powered generator.

The vehicle can also switch to parallel hybrid mode(Gasoline-Powered Engine Supported by Twin Motor 4WD). In this drive mode, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses its full complement of available resources:

1) The 2.0-liter gasoline engine drives the front wheels; the front axle features a built-in clutch that switches the system to Parallel drive mode mainly for engine-powered travel at high speeds/steady-state cruise.

2) The two electric motors positioned at the front and rear of the vehicle operate seamlessly when additional power is required (such as driving uphill)

3) The gasoline-powered engine/generator – while operating the vehicle at sufficient speed – will feed any excess energy (electricity) back into the lithium-ion Drive battery pack

The Parallel Hybrid mode is, per Mitsubishi, most commonly utilized when the Outlander PHEV is being driven in a long-haul/high-speed steady-state cruise manner such as on the open road or interstate. This is the most efficient drivetrain mode under these types of driving circumstances.

Additionally, there are three driver selected modes:

ECO Mode

The Outlander PHEV features a driver-activated “ECO Mode” switch that reduces both fuel and electricity usage for increased efficiency simply with the touch of the button.

Battery Save Mode

In this driver-activated mode, the Outlander PHEV automatically conserves the energy within the lithium-ion Drive battery pack by operating the vehicle in hybrid mode (Note: Battery Save Mode will only operate once the lithium-ion Drive battery pack’s energy level falls below 90% full).

For example, engaging the Battery Save Mode would allow the vehicle to be driven in urban traffic with the engine/generator on to maintain a higher level of battery charge; it could then be deactivated, allowing the vehicle to be driven through a neighborhood silently at an appropriate speed in EV Drive Mode.

Battery Charge Mode

When activating the Battery Charge Mode – whether the vehicle is in motion or at a standstill – the engine will generate electricity to be fed into the lithium-ion Drive battery pack (essentially forcing the vehicle to operate in Series Hybrid mode)

For example, if the engine is idling and the vehicle is not moving, selecting the Battery Charge Mode will replenish a low energy level within the lithium-ion Drive battery pack back up to 80% fully charged in approximately 40 minutes.

The post Mitsubishi Reveals More Info On Its Outlander PHEV appeared first on HybridCars.com.

The QX60 identifies within Infiniti’s new begins-with-a “Q” naming convention the SUV currently known as the JX35.

The new hybrid is projected by Infiniti to realize 26 miles per gallon fuel economy (combined city/highway driving) – a 24 percent increase over standard QX60 models and Infiniti expects it will have best 7-passenger fuel efficiency in the premium segment.

The Infiniti QX60 Hybrid, with its reduced emissions, enhanced fuel economy and extended driving range of more than 500 miles, is projected to be priced about $3,000 above the 3.5-liter V6 equipped models.

In place of the standard QX60′s 3.5-liter V6, the QX60 Hybrid utilizes a supercharged 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and an electric motor powered by a compact Lithium-ion battery pack located under the 3rd row seat – maintaining a flat rear floor for easier passenger access to the rear seats and no impact to passenger or cargo room versus standard QX60 models.

For all intents and purposes, this system appears to be the same as the one found within the confines of the QX60 Hybrid cousin, the Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, also unveiled in New York March 27.

Net system horsepower is estimated at 250 horsepower.

More information will be released closer to on-sale date.

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Nissan celebrated today the debut of the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid at a press conference at the New York International Auto Show.

This launch happened the same day its competitor from Toyota, the Highlander hybrid, was revealed in 3^rd generation guise.

The Pathfinder Hybrid, the first of several upcoming Nissan hybrid models according to Nissan, is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers in late summer.

Featuring a supercharged 2.5-litre gasoline engine, a 15 kilowatt electric motor and Nissan Intelligent Dual Clutch hybrid control system, it will be priced at around $3,000 above the standard 3.5-litre V6 gasoline engine-powered Pathfinder models.

The hybrid system is rated at 250 net horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque – versus the 3.5-liter V6′s 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque.

“Our mindset at Nissan is to lead the way with innovative solutions to the challenges of modern, sustainable mobility,” said Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Executive Vice President Andy Palmer. “That means creating cleaner, greener vehicles like the Pathfinder Hybrid that serve people on the move, and vehicles like the NV200 Mobility Taxi that offer expanded functionality while keeping a small environmental footprint.”

Palmer also announced that the next generation Nissan Murano, scheduled for the 2015 model year, will be based on the recently introduced Resonance Concept and will include a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.

The Pathfinder’s new Hybrid powertrain option will be available in three fully equipped trim levels – SV, SL and Platinum.

The hybrid system also uses a Nissan Intelligent Dual Clutch System (one motor / two clutch parallel system) that efficiently manages power from both the electric motor and the gas engine.

Positioned between the gasoline engine and the next-gen Xtronic CVT (where the torque converter would normally be), the motor also functions as a generator, conveying deceleration force from the CVT to the battery. One clutch is installed between the gasoline engine and the electric motor, the other within the CVT.

Fuel economy is estimated by Nissan to be at 26 mpg combined, an increase of 24 percent over the standard Pathfinder. Estimated city fuel economy is 25 mpg, while highway mileage is estimated at 27 mpg. With the Pathfinder Hybrid’s 19.5-gallon fuel tank, the same as non-hybrid models, driving range is estimated at more than 526 miles.

Another key to the system’s non-compromising design efficiency is the use of a space-saving Li-ion battery fitted under the 3^rd  row seat, preserving Pathfinder’s unique 2^nd row sliding functionality and easy access to the 3rd row. A regenerative braking system automatically recharges the battery by converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy that would be otherwise lost in braking.

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The new Highlander will be launched as a 2014 model year vehicle.

Toyota said an all-new exterior design conveys both refinement and strength, complementing a new interior that will raise the bar in the mid-size SUV segment.  With three-row seating for up to eight, an array of standard features, a host of available in-cabin technologies, and increased cargo capacity, the new Highlander will offer a nuanced  balance of style, comfort and utility.

The new Highlander will come with three powertrain choices: a 2.7 liters four-cylinder engine, the well-known 3.5 liters V6 which will be combined to a new six-speed transmission, and a V6-powered Hybrid Synergy Drive.

The Highlander’s body structure will include high-strength steel in the front pillars for increased rigidity.  Visibility has been improved through precise repositioning of the front A-pillars, while the size of the rear quarter glass has been increased to provide a wider view for driver and occupants.

The 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is equipped with a variable intake manifold and dual Variable-Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which controls phasing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize torque and fuel efficiency.

The 2.7-liter engine is linked to a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

Toyota’s well known 3.5-liter V6 is also equipped with dual VVT-i and a variable intake manifold. Acceleration and fuel efficiency are improved through the use of a new six-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT) that offers selectable manual sequential shifting.

The Highlander Hybrid model’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system returns, pairing the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator for additional power and fuel efficiency.

Toyota said in its press release following the NY launch that the new Highlander will provide a more dynamic driving experience, with new technologies that include Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive (AWD), enhancements in suspension performance, and optimized electric power steering.  The spring rates and the shock absorbers have been optimally tuned to help enhance the vehicles handling characteristics.

The Highlander’s Dynamic Torque Control AWD system automatically shifts from front-wheel drive (FWD) to AWD when accelerating or when sensors detect wheel slippage.  The driver is able to view the torque-distribution settings on the meter display.

The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system continuously monitors and controls the torque transfer between the front and rear wheels via an electromagnetically controlled coupling positioned in the rear differential.

Front to rear torque distribution can vary from 100:0 to 50:50, with front-wheel drive (100:0) automatically engaged under normal driving conditions to help improve fuel consumption.

The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system uses information sent from various sensors (speed, steering angle and speed, throttle angle and yaw rate) to automatically govern the transmission of torque to the rear wheels, as required.

An interactive management system coordinates control of the Dynamic Torque Control AWD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems to enhance Highlander’s performance, handling and safety.

All new Highlanders will come equipped with Toyota’s Entune multimedia system.  The Display Audio system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and voice recognition is standard, while an eight-inch touchscreen system and Toyota’s Entune app suite with12 JBL speakers is also available.

The new Highlander will also offer an available Rear Seat Entertainment system with an RCA coaxial input terminal at the rear of the center console to allow external devices, such as gaming systems, to be connected.

According to Toyota, all 2014 Highlander’s will have eight standard airbags.  Like every Toyota, Highlander will feature the standard Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, an Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology.  All Highlander’s will also come equipped with a standard backup camera and Hill-start Assist Control.  All AWD models will have an AWD LOCK switch.

New available safety and convenience features include rear parking sonar, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Pre-collision System.

All Highlanders are assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) in Princeton, Ind. The all-new Highlander will reach dealer showrooms in early 2014.

Prices and fuel consumption ratings will be announced closer to sale date. This new Highlander will be found in dealerships early in 2014.

The post Toyota Highlander Unveiled In NY; Hybrid Version Still In Lineup appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Subaru of America, Inc. announced yesterday, the brand’s first-ever production hybrid vehicle, the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid, will debut at the 2013 New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Center.

Based on the XV Crosstrek crossover introduced for 2013, the new XV Crosstrek Hybrid model uses a Subaru engineered Hybrid system and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Subaru said this will be the most fuel efficient AWD SUV available on the U.S. market.

In addition to the new XV Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru will also reveal an all-new performance concept car.

We’ll keep you informed on the technical aspects of the vehicle as soon as Subaru releases more details.

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Considered by Hyundai as the world’s first production fuel cell electric vehicle, the ix35 Fuel Cell will be made available throughout 2013 to members of the European Parliament, European Commission officials and other policymakers for test drives in Brussels, Belgium.

Hyundai Motor was awarded its first leasing contract for a hydrogen-powered fuel cell car by the FCH JU in October 2011.  Over the course of 2012, the ix35 Fuel Cell was presented to EU decision-makers, stakeholders and the general public at a number of demonstration drives and public events in Brussels and other locations across Europe.

“We are delighted that the FCH JU has chosen the ix35 Fuel Cell as its European demonstration vehicle and look forward to working with them to promote the benefits of hydrogen and fuel cell technology,” said B.K. Rim, president of Hyundai Motor Europe. “We are sure that the leading policymakers and opinion-formers who drive this remarkable vehicle will find its ability to deliver performance and comfort without compromising its eco-friendly nature with tailpipe emissions highly compelling.”

Using Hyundai’s proprietary technology, the ix35 Fuel Cell’s fuel cell stack converts hydrogen into electricity, which is then used to power the vehicle’s motor.  The only emission generated is water.

Hyundai said the ix35 Fuel Cell can be refueled with hydrogen in a few minutes.  It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than 12.5 seconds, has a top speed of 100 mph and can travel 369 miles on a single tank.

According to the Korean company, the ix35 Fuel Cell is the result of 14 years and several hundred million of dollars of research by hundreds of engineers at Hyundai Eco Technology Research Institutein in Mabuk, Korea.  The car has logged more than 3 million kilometers (1.8 million miles) of road tests in real-world conditions in Europe, Korea and the U.S.

The post Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell Used To Demonstrate Real-World Benefits appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Toyota announced March 13 that the next generation of its Highlander mid-size SUV will make its world debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show.

Toyota said it will stage the world debut of this third generation Highlander during a press conference to be held on Wednesday, March 27.

No words yet on when this new model will be available and if the hybrid version will still be part of the lineup, but we do know this new generation will start with the 2014 model year.

The current 2013 Highlander Hybrid (pictured) uses a Hybrid Synergy Drive system that pairs a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with an electric motor for total system output of 280 net horsepower.

The 4WD Highlander Hybrid generates rear-wheel power with a separate electric motor that provides additional drive torque on demand.

This allows the Highlander Hybrid 4WD-i system to do without power-transfer gearing or a driveshaft between the front and the back. The system electronically varies front and rear torque distribution depending on traction conditions.

The post Next Generation Highlander To Be Unveiled End Of Month appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Infiniti will hold the vehicle’s world debut at the upcoming New York International Auto Show held at the end of March.

With the addition of the new QX60 Hybrid to the Q70 Hybrid (currently available as the M Hybrid) and previously announced Q50 Hybrid, Infiniti will have a trio of Direct Response Hybrids for the 2014 model year.

The new Infiniti QX60 Hybrid is projected to realize 26 miles per gallon fuel economy (combined city/highway driving) – a 24 percent increase over non-hybrid QX60 models and Infiniti said it is projected to have best 7-passenger fuel efficiency in the segment.

According to company executives, it does so with absolutely no compromise of performance, interior roominess or cargo space compared to non-hybrid QX60 models.

The new Infiniti QX60 Hybrid is projected to be priced about $3,000 above the non-hybrid models.

Launched in early 2012 as the Infiniti JX35, the Infiniti QX60 is one of Infiniti’s best-selling models, second only to the current Infiniti G line.

The new QX60 Hybrid will be powered by a 2.5-liter supercharged engine and 15 kilowatt electric motor connected to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Net system horsepower is estimated at 250 horsepower.

Based on technology found in the Infiniti M35h Hybrid, the QX60 Hybrid’s Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system uses a compact lithium-ion battery and electric motor to provide supplementary power through its one-motor/two-clutch system. The result is a delivery of power equivalent to the 3.5-liter V6 but with 4-cylinder fuel economy. A regenerative braking system partially recharges the battery during vehicle braking.

With the compact li-ion battery located under the third-row seat, the QX60 Hybrid maintains its flat rear floor for easier passenger access to the rear seats and no impact to cargo room.

The QX60 Hybrid will offer Infiniti’s range of available advanced technologies, such as Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) and Around View Monitor.

More information about the 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid will be available following its official media unveiling on March 27.

The post Infiniti JX35 Becomes QX60 And Gains Hybrid Version appeared first on HybridCars.com.

The ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle is based on Hyundai’s popular ix35, C-segment SUV, known in North America as the Tucson.

“With the ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle, Hyundai is leading the way into the zero-emissions future,” said Hyundai Motor Vice Chairman, Eok Jo Kim. “The ix35 Fuel Cell is the most eco-friendly vehicle in the auto industry and proves that hydrogen fuel cell technology in daily driving is no longer a dream.”

The ix35 Fuel Cell produced today will be one of 17 destined for fleet customers in the City of Copenhagen, Denmark and Skåne, Sweden.

The Municipality of Copenhagen, as part of its initiative to be carbon-free by 2025, will be supplied with 15 ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles for fleet use, according to an agreement that was announced in September 2012.  Two ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles will be supplied to Skåne, Sweden.

“Assembly-line production of fuel cell vehicles marks a crucial milestone in the history of the automobile industry not just in Korea, but throughout the world,” said Mang Woo Park, mayor of Ulsan city. “By supplying more hydrogen refueling stations to support the eco-friendly fuel cell vehicles produced, we will make Ulsan the landmark for eco-friendly automobiles.”

Hyundai said it plans to build 1,000 ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles by 2015 for lease to public and private fleets, primarily in Europe, where the European Union has established a hydrogen road map and initiated construction of hydrogen fueling stations.

According to Hyundai, the strategy of leading automakers in Europe and the U.S. is to supply hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and establish refueling stations in order to prepare the market for mass production of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

After 2015, with lowered vehicle production costs and further developed hydrogen infrastructure, Hyundai will begin manufacturing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for consumer retail sales.

Built with proprietary technology, Hyundai’s ix35 Fuel Cell is powered by hydrogen. A fuel cell stack converts the hydrogen into electricity, which turns the vehicle’s motor. The only emission generated by the ix35 Fuel Cell is water.

Hyundai’s ix35 Fuel Cell boasts drivability and performance similar to that of the gas-powered ix35.

Modularization of fuel cell systems for the core part of the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle – fuel cell stack, driving device and inverter –  enabled the engine to be downsized to match the size of a gas engine while improving productivity and making maintenance more convenient.

The ix35 Fuel Cell is considered by the Korean company as the halo vehicle in Hyundai’s Blue Drive sub-brand, the badge worn by Hyundai’s cleanest vehicles, including the Sonata Hybrid, i20 Blue Drive and BlueOn, Hyundai’s battery-powered i10.

The ix35 Fuel Cell can be refueled with hydrogen in a few minutes. It accelerates from zero to 100 kilometer per hour (62 mph) in 12.5 seconds, has a top speed of 160 kilometer per hour (100 mph) and can travel 594 kilometers (369 miles) on before refueling.

The first ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle to roll off the assembly line is currently being shipped in order to be displayed at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show next week.

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The name is instantly recognizable as a very capable and versatile mid-size SUV. Powered by an old in-line six cylinder engine, the Cherokee was typical of the ‘80s and ‘90s SUV, with fuel economy ranking low in the list of priorities.

For 2014, Jeep brings the Cherokee name back to North America with the debut of its all-new mid-size sport-utility vehicle.

Said new Cherokee will replace the Liberty in Jeep’s lineup.

Set to debut at the New York International Auto Show in March, the all-new, “no-compromise” 2014 Jeep Cherokee is said by Jeep to set a new standard with even more best-in-class capability, exemplary on-road driving dynamics, and fuel economy improvements of more than 45 percent versus the outgoing mid-size SUV model.

The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee will be built in the United States at Chrysler Group’s Toledo Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio.

This new Cherokee is slated to arrive in dealer showrooms in the third quarter of this year.

As usual with such pre-show announcements, we will keep you updated when more details are released by the manufacturer.

Diesel or small Fiat engine under the hood? All bets are on.

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