Mitsubishi readies new hybrid concept car for Detroit

"The Eclipse Spyder and the breakthrough Concept-CT continue the excitement of the brand and demonstrate new design directions and potential future technologies," said MMNA president and CEO Rich Gilligan. "We are rebuilding our brand with products that consistently reinforce our commitment to being driven to thrill."

According to the press release:
The world reveal of the innovative Concept-CT MIEV will showcase a forward-thinking design study in B-segment packaging. The concept's inspiration was to create a "city-technology" model - a desirable small car optimized for today's needs. Designed at the Mitsubishi Motors design center in Cypress, Calif., the Concept-CT will feature a hybrid powertrain - incorporating a representative gasoline engine with Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electronic Vehicle (MIEV) technology, a function recently shown at the Tokyo Motor Show, whereby the wheels are driven by four outer-rotor, in-wheel electric motors. Combining environmental technology and exciting design characteristics along with the all-wheel-drive MIEV system, the concept provides a glimpse into the future of next-generation hybrid powertrain vehicles. The "in-wheel motor" component systems, with accompanying graphics and video, will be displayed at the Mitsubishi NAIAS exhibit.

This idea, shown recently at the Tokyo show, drives the wheels using four outer-rotor, in-wheel electric motors.