From the specific demands of the newly emerging markets (affordable, robust yet contemporary vehicles) to the renewed interest of mature areas (down-sized /lighter/ more fuel-efficient vehicles), MMC has pragmatically committed its engineering resources to satisfy these new needs, as highlighted in its “Jump 2013” business plan with clear targets (20% of EVs and PHEVs by 2020).
Covering a wide spectrum, MMC R&D is engaged in a multitude of alternative solutions such as:
- Global platforms:
- B-Segment Global Small (Mirage)
- C/D-Segment Project Global[1]
- Downsizing:
- Taking the Outlander crossover concept one notch below with the C-Segment ASX2
- Returning to the roots of the B-Segment with the clever 3710 mm long Mirage.
- Weight reduction:
- Significant gains in all areas for the quieter, safer and better equipped New Outlander (about -100 kg max.)
- Fuel economy / Lower emissions
- “Auto Stop & Go” made available to a wider range of models and powertrains
- Continuing refinement of MMC’s own highly efficient 4N13/4N14 Clean Diesel engines
- Further development of petrol engine architecture (New Outlander and Mirage)
- Alternative power-trains:
- Expansion of the Mitsubishi range of Electric Vehicles
- Introduction of Mitsubishi’s EV-based Plug-in Hybrid technology
As proved by a rich and victorious heritage dating as back as far as 1962, Mitsubishi has always extended its R&D efforts to motor racing and the learning it can feed back into passenger car development.
In the footsteps of the legendary Pajero[2] and Lancer Evolution (4WD, turbo-charging), this pursuit is now applied to Electric Vehicles, under the (experimental) form of i-MiEV Evolution.
Entered at the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (“Electric Division”) in Colorado (USA) August 7th-12th this year, i-MiEV Evolution features the same motor, drive battery and other major components as the production i-MiEV.
This racer has been developed in cooperation with several partner companies including Meidensha Corporation and GS Yuasa Corporation to showcase MMC's advanced EV control and EV component technologies. Mitsubishi Motors plans to use the technical know-how garnered through i-MiEVEvolution's racing prowess for future EV development, especially in the areas of durability and reliability.
Developed for the Pikes Peak event, i-MiEV Evolution is fitted with a dedicated racing-specific body. A tube-frame chassis and a carbon fibre cowl are used, amongst other features designed to reduce weight and improve aerodynamics. Equipped with a single motor driving the front wheels + two motors at the rear, the car's four-wheel-drive system provides superior motive performance and handling.
In addition, Mitsubishi Motors also entered a regular production (US-spec.) i-MiEV in the race, suitably modified with a more aerodynamic front bumper and fitted with roll bars and other safety equipment.
All-pro Team
Driving i-MiEV Evolution at Pikes Peak and also serving as team manager was Hiroshi Masuoka, who began his Dakar Rally campaign in 1987 and became the first Japanese driver to post consecutive overall victories in the event when he won in 2002 and 2003.
Currently H. Masuoka works at Mitsubishi Motors (Product Strategy Office) where his many duties include vehicle development, the training of company test drivers and the running of test drive sessions and other events both in Japan and overseas.
In parallel, the Mitsubishi i was piloted by (Ms) Beccy Gordon, a winner in the Score International Off-Road Racing Series.
Silver medal
After a most eventful race, Mitsubishi’s electric vehicle racing team achieved an impressive debut on the difficult 12.42 mile long, 156 corner mountainside race course by recording a second-place finish in the Electric Division with a lap time of 10 mn, 30.850 sec.
Although not victorious, critical data collected from the race will be applied to MMC’s future electric vehicle development – the main purpose of the exercise.
“Although we missed out on capturing the top spot by finishing second in the Electric Class, I’m satisfied that we were able to compete in the challenging driving conditions of this Pikes Peak course using only motors and batteries from the production i-MiEV,” said Hiroshi Masuoka after successfully completing the run.
Masuoka also credited the team’s effort:
“Despite heavy damage to the car early on[3], the team crew did an outstanding job to repair the car and restore it. Thanks to all of our partner companies and team staff’s efforts that allowed us to compete in this event. I am very pleased with being able to deliver a great result for the team.”
On her part, Beccy Gordon finished in 6th position, proving that a production electric vehicle has the equivalent driving performance and the durability of a gasoline powered car under harsh conditions.
Main Specifications
| L x W x H (mm) | 4341 x 1900 x 1339 | |
| Occupants | 1 | |
| Drivetrain | 4-wheel drive | |
| Motors | Number | 3 (1 front, 2 rear) |
| Max. output (kW) | 240 (80 kW x 3) | |
| Drive battery | Rated capacity (kWh) | 35 |
| Chassis | Specially-designed tube frame | |
| Cowl | Carbon fibre | |
| Tires | 245/40R18 | |
- Advics Co., Ltd.
- Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.
- Dunlop Goodyear Tires Ltd.
- Endless Advance Co., Ltd.
- Enkei Corporation
- GKN Driveline Japan Ltd.
- GS Yuasa Corporation
- Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
- HKS Co., Ltd.
- Meidensha Corporation
- Mikuni Corp.
- Mitsubishi Corporation
- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
- Mitsubishi Motor Dealers Association
- NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
- Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha
- NTN Corporation
- Showa Corporation
- Toray Industries, Inc.
- Tsuchiya Co., Ltd.
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