Mitsubishi to fit improved S-AWC onto all-new Outlander PHEV

MANILA: Mitsubishi announced that it will use an evolved version of the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system in its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model of the all-new Outlander crossover SUV. The PHEV is scheduled for launch in Japan this year and the USA in 2022.

The new Outlander PHEV’s S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system promises to “provide safe, secure and comfortable driving in various weather and road conditions.”

Paired to the S-AWC system is the four-wheel drive (4WD) drivetrain, which is composed of one electric motor on both ends of the car to drive the front and rear wheels.

"(The system takes) advantage of the electric motors' characteristic high response, and high precision and freedom in controlling the front and rear motors." Mitsubishi said the 4WD system distributes power between the front and rear wheels according to road and driving conditions.

The carmaker added that conventional vehicles with similar systems use braking control systems that control the front wheels only,  but the Outlander PHEV's S-AWC adds braking control system to the rear wheels. This reduces the load on the front wheels and makes it possible to extract the maximum and balance the performance from all four tires, Mitsubishi explained.  

To help the Outlander PHEV tackle various terrain and adopt to driving styles, it has been fitted with five drive modes: Normal, Gravel, Snow, Power, and Eco. 

Normal is optimized for normal driving on paved roads. Gravel mode provides more traction on unpaved or wet paved roads, while Snow mode delivers stable vehicle behavior on snowy and other slippery roads. The Power mode is designed to provide powerful acceleration, while Eco mode prioritizes economic and environmentally friendly driving.

Mitsubishi has yet to disclose the specifications of the second-generation Outlander PHEV. As for the first iteration, which is also available locally and uses an S-AWC system, it is powered by a combination of an electric Twin Motor 4WD and a 2.4-liter MIVEC engine.

As a plug-in hybrid, the current Outlander's electric drivetrain assists in propulsion at a certain distance before its charge is depleted.  Using the Outlander PHEV's standard charging cable, the PHEV can be charged through a power outlet at home for around 5.5 hours. A quick charger is also available at commercial charging facilities to recharge the battery to up to 80% capacity in as fast as 25 minutes.

Photos from Mitsubishi

Also read: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: The hybrid SUV that has it all