The Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept Has Three Motors And An 'AI System'

That’s right, there’s a new Mitsubishi Evolution on the scene. But before you get excited about some fire-breathing, all-wheel drive super saloon extracting a silly output out of a heavily boosted 2.0-litre engine, there are a few things you should know about the ‘e-Evolution’ concept the Japanese firm is bringing to the Tokyo Motor Show.

As you might have gathered from the name, it’s all-electric, and it’s also an SUV. So it’s far removed from the spectacularly quick, hopped-up Lancers of old, and now Mitsubishi has revealed something that’ll no doubt irk die-hard Evo fans ever further: its AI system.

Mitsubishi has detailed how the system works, and it sounds as though its intention is to take much of the driving experience away. In the company’s own words:

“The brain of the Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system that augments the driver’s capabilities. An array of sensors allows the AI system to instantly read changes in road and traffic conditions, as well as the driver’s intent. Seamlessly coordinating driver intent with vehicle performance, the system supports drivers of all abilities and by making it easier and safer to control the vehicle, thereby bringing the motoring experience to a new level.”

Not the most thrilling paragraph, is it? Although later on in the press release, Mitsubishi does insist the system will “unobtrusively enhance the driving expertise” of whoever’s behind the wheel.

Mitsubishi also revealed that the vehicle has a triple motor four-wheel drive system, with one motor for the front wheels and two motors for the rear axle with an ‘Active Yaw Control’ torque vectoring system.

The concept will be revealed in full at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month, sharing the stage with the new Eclipse Cross.