Mitsubishi GR-HEV Concept Unveiled as a Diesel-Hybrid Heavy-Duty Pickup

Mitsubishi has just revealed what it calls the GR-HEV Concept at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, a diesel-hybrid sport utility truck featuring a 2.5-liter Mitsubishi Clean Diesel powerplant paired with an electric motor.

This is the Japanese automaker’s first take at applying hybrid technology to a one-ton pickup truck, a vehicle it believes is very much in demand in emerging markets. The addition of an electric motor to the diesel engine offers other benefits as well, Mitsubishi announced. Instant response from the electric motor, for example, help boosts the diesel engine’s acceleration. The motor also helps increase high-end torque of the diesel while helping maintain cleaner diesel emissions. The GR-HEV is also equipped with the automaker’s full-time 4WD technology, featuring Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) to help deliver high stability traction and driving performance under all conditions.

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Unfortunately, Mitsubishi didn’t announce any actual performance figures of its GR-HEV concept other than that its targeting CO2 emissions below 149 g/km. The five-seater pickup’s length measures in at 213.4 inches, while its width is 76 inches, and height 70 inches tall.

Overall, the development of the GR-HEV is founded on the premise of combining sedan or SUV comfort with pickup truck functionalities.