Mitsubishi student concept previews car design in 2035

An Italian design school has revealed a polarising all-electric crossover concept in partnership with Mitsubishi.

Over the last couple of years, graduates from the Istituto Europeo Di Design have partnered with a car manufacturer to create a future vehicle concept.

This year 18 students from its Master Course in Transportation Design developed the Moonstone concept in partnership with Mitsubishi and technical sponsors Pirelli and Oz Racing Wheels.

The concept has been created to provide a glimpse at what vehicle design could look like in 2035. It won’t reach production.

The Moonstone features an all-electric powertrain as well as four-wheel drive capabilities.

A reveal video explains the concept is “geared towards performance”, but no specifications have been detailed.

The concept claims to also reduce environmental impacts.

The two-door coupe has SUV-like ground clearance and exhibits Mitsubishi’s design language with its headlight design. There’s also a passing resemblance to the XFC concept that the carmaker debuted late last year in Ho Chi Minh City.

There’s a closed-off grille area up front and a geometric bumper design.

The design team says there was a focus on aerodynamic efficiency, and the Moonstone features dramatically creased side sculpting and angular black wheel arches.

There’s a strong technology focus, with a LiDAR unit under the bonnet, digital side mirrors, and drive-by-wire technology.

Its coupe styling offers a raked rear windscreen and angled sides with an integrated spoiler.

Its rear profile carries on the muscular design language with its various creased surfaces. There are also distinctive T-shaped tail lights and large air intakes on either side.

The concept measures 4660mm long, 2000mm wide, 2700mm tall, and has a 2700mm wheelbase.

Inside the cabin, the students have created a “unique and surprising interior with an interesting interplay of full and empty spaces.”

There’s a small digital instrument cluster and a squared-off steering wheel, with no centre console.

The cabin is also made airier through the lack of an A-pillar.