the plug-in hybrid has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder mivec gasoline engine, coupled with an electric powertrain, derived from the electric systems used on the mitsubishi i-miev. two 60 kw electric motors independently power the front and rear wheels, while the gasoline-powered engine can be used as a generator for the motors, and/or power the vehicle directly. located on the left side of the engine (positioned transaxle-style), the front motor is a smaller, lighter, and higher output version of the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor used in the i-miev.