Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV Full-Size Plug-In Hybrid SUV: Chicago Auto Show

At today's Chicago Auto Show, Mitsubishi showed off a new concept for a full-size SUV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Called the Concept GC-PHEV, the large and angular design exercise had previously been seen at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show last fall, but its appearance in Chicago represented its North American debut.

DON'T MISS: Mitsubishi Concepts At Tokyo Motor Show: GC-PHEV, XR-PHEV, AR (Nov 2013)

The big GC-PHEV follows on the heels of another Mitsubishi concept also shown 18 months ago in Tokyo, the XR-PHEV that appeared at last fall's Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Chicago vehicle--its name is short for Grand Cruiser Plug-In Hybrid--is a full-size sport-utility vehicle almost the size of the better-known Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition.

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The company hasn't offered a large SUV since 2006, when it withdrew the Mitsubishi Montero.

Its largest utility vehicle these days is its Outlander mid-size crossover, new for 2013, which is expected to see a facelift for 2016 and then the introduction of the long-delayed Outlander Plug-In Hybrid model.

The Concept GC-PHEV features a large, bluff front and swept-back, slit-like headlights, with a beltline that jogs sharply upward at the rear and leads to a rear window with a distinct bubble shape.