While Nissan's Hyper Force might steal the limelight at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show as a possible precursor to the next GT-R, this plump minivan deserves a second look. Similar to how the electric supercar concept might hint at upcoming product lines.
Configured in a 2+2+2 layout, the concept marries features of an off-road vehicle, such as elevated suspension and all-wheel drive, with minivan characteristics like sliding doors and an almost flat roof for optimized interior space. The vehicle's overhangs are noticeably shorter than those of the existing Delica, and it sports robust body cladding on its wheel arches and bumpers.
Equipped with skid plates at both the front and rear, as well as side steps, the D:X is designed as a crossover-style minivan with a pillar-free side entry. The concept, finished in a copper paint, boasts T-shaped lighting at both ends and includes a rooftop storage box. The driver benefits from excellent outward visibility, thanks to a front camera that feeds footage to a large screen on the dashboard, creating the effect of a wider windshield. Small screens are also integrated into the A-pillars, functioning as digital rearview mirrors.
The interior is designed for adaptability, featuring what Mitsubishi calls "panoramic seats." These tan leather seats can slide back and forth, and the front seats even rotate a full 180 degrees. Yamaha speakers are built into each headrest, and the vehicle's structure is reinforced with rear pillars constructed from a rib-bone frame and circular framework.
Though additional specifics are scant, the D:X concept is a plug-in hybrid by design. Its all-wheel-drive feature doesn't come as a shock, considering that even the compact Delica Mini kei car is AWD. The full-size Delica has offered AWD for years, and this is expected to continue with the upcoming sixth generation. Given that the current model has been in production since 2007 and only received a facelift in 2019, a new iteration is overdue.
Source: Mitsubishi