2023 Mitsubishi Moonstone EV Concept

Mitsubishi has unveiled its newest creation:

The Moonstone Concept, an all-electric SUV designed by a group of 17 students at IED Torino, an Italian design school. This zero-emissions crossover, which boasts a combination of fun and performance, features striking lines and all-wheel drive that showcases what Mitsubishi's future crossover could look like.

The unique aspect of this vehicle lies not only in its futuristic design, but also in the fact that it was created by the 17 students participating in the Master Course in Transportation Design at IED Torino. Each of these students submitted their own proposals to Mitsubishi, and out of the 17 projects, the Japanese car brand selected three proposals for the shortlist, with this one coming out on top.

Dubbed the Moonstone, this all-electric concept vehicle is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and is capable of navigating rough terrain while also being environmentally conscious and efficient.

According to Paola Zini, Director of IED Torino, "Moonstone is a testament to the outstanding collaboration among the Master Course students, who were able to work across functions and share their skills and values to create the most significant project of their studies. This challenge, which was made possible thanks to the partnership with an international company like Mitsubishi Motors, not only allowed the students to fulfill their vision from an automotive standpoint but also contextualize it in terms of mobility and current needs. The students looked to the future with a broad and open perspective, aiming to achieve goals that have always been at the core of IED's education."

The Moonstone concept car developed by Master Course students in partnership with Mitsubishi Motors is quite fascinating. The vehicle is designed as 2 door model with dimensions of 183.4 inches length 78.7 inches  width 66.1 inches height and 106.3 inch wheelbase. The interior is minimalist, featuring a small instrument cluster, three driver-oriented switches, and a hexagonal dial between the seats. The absence of a center tunnel and A-pillars creates a continuous glass surface between the side windows and windshield. The students also imagined an automated control of the vehicle using drive-to-wire technology, creating a unique and surprising interior with an interesting interplay of full and empty spaces. It will be exciting to see if Mitsubishi incorporates any of these design elements into their upcoming series production EVs. 

The sketches of the interior display a rather simplistic design with minimal adornments. The space appears to have a small instrument cluster located in front of the steering wheel, three driver-oriented switches situated on the dash, and a hexagonal dial situated between the seats. The absence of an A-pillar and center tunnel creates a continuous glass surface between the side windows and windshield.

The press release highlights the students' creation of a unique and surprising interior with an interesting interplay of full and empty spaces. This is achieved by implementing what they refer to as an automated control system of the vehicle using drive-to-wire technology.

The design of the Moonstone concept vehicle features rugged fender arches, a split light front end with a closed-off grille similar to that of the XFC Concept, and an angular rear boot hatch. Interestingly, the vehicle's design seems to pay homage to Mitsubishi's rallying heritage, as it rides on a set of OZ Racing wheels with Pirelli tires that are ideal for exploring the lunar surface.

In terms of technical specifications, the Moonstone concept is fully electric and has four-wheel drive, indicating that it may have a dual electric motor setup. However since its only a design study it doesn't actually have the ability to move under its own power.

Even though a production version of the Moonstone is beyond our planet's reach, it could serve as inspiration for some of the upcoming models that Mitsubishi has in the works. The car company plans to launch 16 other new models in the next five years which is including nine EVs.