Mitsubishi muscles up: All-new Pajero plug-in hybrid to deliver 285kW and proper 4WD – reports

July 15, 2024July 29, 2024 Andrew Chesterton 12210 Views 4WD, Mitsubishi, Mitsubishi Pajero

A new Mitsubishi Pajero would be a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series-taming monster, with twin electric motors contributing to the plug-in hybrid four-wheel drive’s 285kW of power, according to new reports.

A reborn Mitsubishi Pajero has firmed as a near certainty, with Mitsubishi in Australia and Japan confirming that work had begun on a new and as-yet-unnamed large SUV, which was closely followed my the brand’s American arm trademarking the nameplate “Montero”, which is what the Pajero was called in the States.

And now US outlet CarScoops says it has the scoop on just what will be powering this off-road-ready SUV, with the site claiming its plug-in hybrid powertrain will make it among the most powerful vehicles in its segment.

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According to the site, the Pajero/Montero will feature the same plug-in system as the Mitsubishi Outlander – a 2.4-litre petrol engine with twin electric motors and an on-board battery – but while the Outlander produces 135kW and 245Nm, the Pajero would see the power figure pumped up to 285kW.

That’s enough to give it bragging rights, at least on that power figure, over the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series – though there’s no reported torque figure, which will prove critical to towing capability.

“Mitsubishi Motor Corporation announced its line up for the next couple of years… and under the shroud there’s a large SUV in there. So the reality is yes, we have publicly announced, effectively, that we are studying a vehicle in that space,” Mitsubishi Australia CEO, Shaun Westcott, has told EV Central.

“I cannot tell you what it is, what it looks like, what the powertrain is, whether there’s a ladder frame, whether there’s monocoque. I cannot give you any of that information other than to say that Mitsubishi has announced that we are working on a large SUV.

“I have put up my hand and said we would love to have one because it’s a very valuable nameplate, because it is a fantastic product, because it’s a halo product.”

Andrew Chesterton

Andrew began his career as a journalist at Sydney’s The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph, before he was lured into the fast-paced world of supercars at TopGear Australia. He has also held senior roles at The Daily Mail, which involved spending time at HQ in London, and on the other side of the automotive divide with FCA Australia. As one of Australia's best-read freelance writers, Andrew now contributes to Robb Report, Wish in The Australian, Domain in The Australian Financial Review, CarsGuide, Wheels, The West Australian, GQ, Men's Health and more. His love for writing has carried him around the world and back again, writing for clients in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the USA. He secretly enjoys it so much he’d probably do it for free, but he hopes his editors never find out that bit...