Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV EVOLUTION VGT

The previous two Vision Gran Turismo cars have been quite track oriented. With rear-wheel drive and grippy track tyres they serve a specific purpose in the virtual world of Gran Turismo 6. This one though, is slightly different.

We all are familiar with the rally heritage of Mitsubishi Motors. The Lancer Evolution models in the hands of Tommi Mäkinen and Richard Burns on dusty rally roads is a sight many remembers. As many other car manufacturers Mitsubishi has taken part in creating a Vision Gran Turismo concept car and it's not really what I expected.

Mitsubishi XR-PHEV Evolution Vision Gran Turismo.

This XR-PHEV Evolution is based on a real concept car Mitsubishi made for the 2013 Tokyo motor show. The real life concept is a high riding four-wheel drive desert thrasher as this in-game one - as you may have noticed - is nothing like that at all. The Vision Gran Turismo shares that striking front design of the 2013 concept, the four-wheel drive and the PHEV hybrid system. PHEV stands for Plug-in Hybrid EV System which does... I have no idea what it does, but I'm sure it's something an engineer would have wet dreams about. The engine management system delivers power and torque to any one tyre to give the best grip and eliminate under-/oversteer. This amazing grip machine joined with a lightweight body made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic does truly feel like a go-kart with massive flared wheel arches.

The Mitsubishi XR VGT at Fuji Speedway

How about the PHEV engine. I'm guessing it stays true to its heritage and has a 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo. I'm guessing because - strangely - Mitsubishi haven't told its capacity. It wields an impressive 502 horsepower which goes through an 8-speed gearbox. This - in an acceleration - makes you feel like a rally driver while going through the short gears.

That is the only thing that makes this feel like a rally car. The aerodynamic properties of this car are astounding. But that's my problem with it. It feels more like a World Touring Car than a World Rally Car.

This car clearly doesn't belong here with that low ride height.

Mitsubishi's finest moment the Evolution V, and it's futuristic cousin.

This incredible V-shaped wing ads a great amount of downforce to an already incredible car.