I'm forced to admit that I'd never put Mitsubishi on my personal list of automotive technology flagships. That said, I had already had the chance to drive the Outlander last year during a week-long test drive. So what did my recent trip to the ICAR circuit in Mirabel teach me about the mechanics of this Japanese SUV? To my great surprise: a lot! Invited by Mitsubishi Canada for an in-depth test of their S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control) technology, available on the Outlander PHEV, I'll never underestimate it again!
Surprising modes on the Outlander PHEV
On the drive from our hotel in Laval to the track, I admit I wasn't particularly impressed by the Outlander's 248 hp and 332 lb-ft. Don't get me wrong, the seven-seat SUV is efficient, but let's just say I had no idea what it could do on snow. Even so, I was forced to admit that the ride was particularly comfortable, no doubt due to the ergonomic driving position and easily adjustable front seats. I can't fault the infotainment system either, which did its job perfectly, although it didn't stand out for its efficiency.
The real fun awaited me, however, on ICAR's secondary track, specially set up for winter driving. On very slippery, snow-covered ice, a course had been laid out for us, consisting of slaloms and tight turns. This was the moment for us to try out three driving modes: normal, snow and a "special" mode, inaccessible to the public and supposed to show us what it's like to drive without Mitsubishi technologies. The difference was glaringly obvious, much more so than I would have expected. Even looking at my colleagues on the track, it was easy to recognize the snow mode by its stability or the "special" mode by its obvious skids.
Accompanied by Yokohama
The model's secret is its S-AWC traction control system, which was explained to us in detail by its creator, Dr. Kaoru Sawase, a Mitsubishi company engineer. Although I didn't understand all the equations presented by Sawase-san, I was still able to ask him a few clarifying questions. In short, Mitsubishi technology intelligently balances the forces acting on the front and rear of the vehicle. The result is a vehicle that's virtually impossible to skid on the more aggressive modes, and believe me, I tried!
Of course, the tire blogger in me couldn't help but observe the effect of the Yokohama V906 BlueEarth tires fitted to the Outlanders under test. Paired with the Mitsubishi systems, they managed to maintain their traction and grip, even during my more... dynamic test drives!
