NAIAS Highlights: Concepts
Mitsubishi's crossover concept
The Active Sports Crossover (ASX) meshes sports sedan handling with full-time four-wheel drive. Mitsubishi's concept combines car-like size and driving characteristics with all-road capability.
"ASX is very similar to a vehicle you'll be able to drive in the States in the very near future," said Pierre Gagnon, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, during the vehicle's world premiere.
The concept version uses a 2.4-L, 16-valve engine featuring Mitsubishi Motors' Gasoline Direct Injection system. Power is transferred through a second-generation Intelligent and Innovative Vehicles Electronic Control System (INVECS) four-speed automatic transmission that uses the Sportronic sequential shift system. The ASX's 4WD system uses a center differential with viscous coupling.
Technological touches on the reinforced unibody structure include an advanced driver information system and the Mitsubishi Multi-Communications System, which packages onboard vehicle navigation, a driver information center, climate and audio controls, and a rear-facing camera to assist the driver when the vehicle is in reverse gear.
The ASX will be modified to meet Japanese market requirements and will go on sale in Japan midyear before hitting dealerships in other world venues.
- Kami Buchholz
