Mitsubishi to Decide on Larger Crossover Soon

Mitsubishi‘s product lineup is growing and a new large crossover is on the horizon.

“We are studying a bigger crossover,” said Mitsubishi Motors North America executive vice president Don Swearingen in an interview with AutoGuide at the New York Auto Show.

Those studies, he said, are nearing an end, with Swearingen confirming an answer is coming soon. “We haven’t made a decision if we’ll bring it to the U.S., but those studies will be concluded in the next six months.”

Recently Mitsubishi debuted its new GC PHEV concept previewing a possible new SUV for the brand, with big dimensions and plenty of style. It pairs a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with a hybrid drivetrain to make 335 hp and get as much as 35 mpg, while offering up to 25 miles of emissions free driving.

“Our focus is more plug-in hybrids moving forward,” said Swearingen, hinting that any new model is likely to get a PHEV powertrain option.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander First Look

Swearingen sees crossovers as a potential growth area for the Mitsubishi brand in North America. After several weak years and a dearth of products, Mitsubishi is now adding models and has seen five consecutive quarters of double-digit growth.

“Clearly it’s the growing market,” he says of crossovers.

In fact, over 50 percent of the brand’s current volume comes from just two crossovers: the Outlander and smaller Outlander Sport. Soon that lineup will grow with plug-in hybrid versions of each model planned. The Outlander PHEV will arrive in the first quarter of 2016.

At the New York International Auto Show Mitsubishi revealed an updated version of the Outlander with what the brand calls its new “dynamic shield” front end design. Inspired by the Montero of old, that same grille will migrate to the Outlander Sport, which will receive a refresh later this year.

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