Test Drive: Mitsubishi Eclipse Concept-E

Electric avenue: MITSUBISHI HYBRID IS ELECTRIC IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE

By Ron Moorhead

Hybrid vehicles do not have to be basic, unexciting vehicles, although that seems to be the popular belief. Mitsubishi has another idea in mind. Though the Eclipse Concept-E is a concept vehicle, the idea has taken form in a hybrid sports car that performs better than you could ever imagine.

With a combined 470 horsepower, this gasoline/electric hybrid is nothing to scoff at. This is also a vehicle that you will not be able to take your eyes off of. If you are one of the lucky ones to see this vehicle traveling the streets as it runs through testing, take it all in, for it will not be seen often. I was lucky to be offered a chance to experience driving the Concept-E, and what an experience it was.

The Eclipse Concept-E's four-wheel-drive system is propelled by a parallel hybrid system incorporating its 3.8-liter V-6 gasoline engine with an electric motor. This layout produces 270 horsepower. The extra 200 horses come from Mitsubishi's E-Boost system. The E-Boost system directs this additional power to the rear wheels via a 15-kilowatt electric motor.

During normal driving the hybrid system does all the work. After all, you generally don't need 400-plus horsepower when cruising city streets or while stuck in traffic. However, find yourself in need of that power and it is right at your fingertips. Actually, it is at your right toe tips. The E-Boost system is instantaneously activated by an aggressive throttle. The transition from 270 to 470 horsepower is much like the response you would get from a turbocharged vehicle. It is quick, responsive and will certainly toss you back in your seat.

This stylish coupe features plasma running lights and taillights, neon crackle-tube indicators and brake lights and a glass roof that offers ambient luminescence of its own; the Concept-E is electric in more ways than one.

The Concept-E carries the performance spirit brought to the street by the Eclipse to stimulating new stature. The Eclipse Concept-E rides on 245/40R20 front and 275/35R20 rear performance tires mounted on nine-spoke, 20-inch wheels. The suspension consists of an independent multilink system at all four wheels. In fact, the rear suspension and differential were designed specifically for high performance; the rear suspension setup is the same one found underneath the exhilarating Lancer Evolution-series sedan.

Keep in mind that this is a vehicle that was built to showcase technological advances out on the auto show circuit. When we look at what the interior presents the driver and passenger, it is nearly a sensory overload. The Wave Line design theme includes an instrument panel that combines shadow and light and soft curves, creating a thoroughly modern environment.

"The Concept-E makes use of traditional Japanese design--the incorporation of paradoxically complex elements in a simple manner," said Olivier Boulay, general manager of the Mitsubishi Motors product design office.

The Eclipse Concept-E is a vehicle that demonstrates that to be environmentally friendly does not mean boring. Mitsubishi has shown, by building this automobile, what is possible when you take future potential and tweak it beyond conventional perception.