Mitsubishi "Plugs Into" Chicago Auto Show With Crossover Concept

This is the Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV, a hybrid show car that’s making its North American debut right here in Chicago. This utility vehicle showcases styling cues that will supposedly make their way to a production full-size crossover in the future.

But the GC-PHEV is more than just a moderately attractive face, this design study is loaded with more technology than a spy satellite. For starters it’s powered by an advanced plug-in hybrid drivetrain that’s built around a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

As for consumption, the Concept GC-PHEV’s fuel-economy is said to top 35 miles per gallon, additionally its electric-only driving range should exceed 25 miles. Giving it extra grip in difficult situations it’s also equipped with full-time all-wheel drive.

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Interestingly Mitsubishi says this vehicle can deliver up to 1,500 watts of electricity when its battery and gas tank are full. That’s supposedly enough juice to provide nearly two weeks of emergency power to the average household.

Moving inside, we find even more technology. This concept has four bucket seats but the big draw here is a massive touch-screen display that runs the length of its cabin. Called the “Tactical Table” it allows passengers to connect with the vehicle and each other by placing their smartphones on top of it.

Easing the driver’s burden is a number of clever features. For starters there’s an augmented-reality windshield that can provide useful information from navigation instructions to how closely you’re following the vehicle ahead. Additionally this concept features many the latest electronics, things like lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

Mitsubishi is pushing technology in a BIG way with the GC-PHEV, from its hybrid drivetrain, to its electronics-laden interior. I hope some of its more-ambitious features make it from concept to reality.