Scratching for survival with too many aging models in its lineup, Mitsubishi finally has a new Outlander on deck. The crossover SUV's new styling was previewed by the Tokyo motor show concept, PX-miev. It's the name that clues you in on the Outlander's real news: Mitsubishi has been hard at work on a new dual-hybrid, combining serial and parallel systems, for introduction by 2013. The dual hybrid combines with a 117-horsepower, 1.6-liter four in the Outlander.
The crossover can drive on pure electric or as a gas/electric hybrid, and the gas engine can drive the front wheels directly or be used just to recharge the electric motors. Mitsubishi has been working on the system for many years, obviously, and thinks it has a viable alternative to the Chevy Volt.
The PX-MiEV concept introduced one other, more whimsical feature, its cocochi interior, which uses a filtered heating/air-conditioning system, cooled seats, and an anti-allergen agent to rid the cabin of, er, unwanted odors.