Mitsubishi Motors' 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Team and All-new All-electric Racecar Announced

Mitsubishi Motors' 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Team and All-new All-electric Racecar Announced
- i-MiEV Evolution to tackle Pikes Peak -


Tokyo , May 18, 2012 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), will enter two all-electric vehicles (EVs) in the Electric Class of the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb*1. MMC will be aiming for victory in the Electric Class with the i-MiEV Evolution, a specially-prepared competition version based on the i all-electric vehicle*2. MMC is also entering a regular production i in the event.

*1:Held annually in Colorado in the United States. 2012 edition to be held July 3 - 8.
*2:i-MiEV in other countries.

Enter the i-MiEV Evolution
The i-MiEV Evolution uses the same motor, drive battery and other major components as the production i and has been developed in cooperation with several partner companies including Meidensha Corporation and GS Yuasa Corporation. The i-MiEV Evolution has been developed to showcase MMC's advanced EV control and EV component technologies. MMC will use the technical knowhow garnered through the i-MiEV Evolution's development and usage for the development of future EV models with superior durability and reliability.

All-pro Team
Driving the i-MiEV Evolution in the Pikes Peak event and also serving as team manager will be Mr. Hiroshi Masuoka-the first Japanese driver to post consecutive overall victories in the Dakar Rally. The Mitsubishi i will be piloted by Ms. Beccy Gordon, a winner in the Score International Off-Road Racing Series.

i-MiEV Evolution

Mitsubishi i

1. Mitsubishi Motors 2012 Pikes Peak Challenge Team

2. Outline Description of Cars Entered for Pikes Peak

(1) i-MiEV Evolution
Developed for the Pikes Peak event, the i-MiEV Evolution basically uses the same motor, drive battery and other major components as the production i-MiEV fitted to a specially-designed racing-specific body which uses a tube-frame chassis and a carbon fiber cowl among other features designed to reduce weight and improve aerodynamic performance. Comprising a single motor driving the front and two motors driving the rear wheels, the car's four-wheel-drive system provides superior motive performance and handling.

(2) Mitsubishi i
For the Pikes Peak event the production Mitsubishi i has been modified using a more aerodynamic front bumper and fitted with roll bars and other safety equipment.

The Mitsubishi i went on sale on the west coast of the United States (in the states of California, Washington and Oregon) and in Hawaii in November 2011 with plans to expand sales to the whole of the country by June 2012. The i also went on sale in Canada as the i-MiEV in December 2011, marking its full-scale launch targeting corporate and individual customers in the North American market.

3. Driver Profiles

(1) Hiroshi Masuoka (Product Strategy Office, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation)

Hiroshi Masuoka 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 Masuoka works at Mitsubishi Motors 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.

Masuoka had the following to say before the event: "Given the tough driving conditions that Pikes Peak is known for, I'm really keen to show people the world over that electric vehicles are capable of gutsy motive performance and excellent handling in addition to their superior environmental performance."
  

(2) Beccy Gordon

Beccy Gordon is an American off-road racer. She grew up in a family in which her father, brother and sister have all been successful racing drivers, as is her husband today. Gordon herself is an experienced driver having raced in a wide spectrum of motor sports and she is also a motorsport spokesperson.

Gordon commented before the event: "I'm really happy to be able to drive the Mitsubishi i in the Pikes Peak race and am looking forward to giving it my best in an electric car, the type of vehicle that is set to become a major player in motor sports in future."
  
4. Partner Companies (20 in all, listed in alphabetical order)

    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.

Off-Road Racer Beccy Gordon to Pilot 2012 Mitsubishi i in this year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today announced that professional SCORE International off-road series race-winning driver Beccy Gordon will pilot the 100% electric-powered 2012 Mitsubishi i race car in this year's annual running of the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) on July 8.

Beccy Gordon comes from a family with a rich history in auto racing – brother Robby had a distinguished career in Indy, NASCAR and off-road racing; sister Robyn is the first woman to score an overall win in the Baja 1000; father Bob was a longtime combatant in off-road racing; and great-grandfather Huntley was an Indy car driver in the early 1900s. Beccy's husband, Ryan Hunter-Reay, is currently a driver for Andretti Autosport in the IZOD IndyCar Series.

"I'm really looking forward to driving the Mitsubishi i in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb competition this year," said Beccy. "I am very excited to be part of this challenge and also to drive a 100% electric-powered car since this type of vehicle will likely play a major role in both our daily transportation and motorsports in the future." 

Mitsubishi Motors will be entering a pair of 2012 Mitsubishi i racing cars in this year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb event: an essentially stock version of the electric-powered 2012 Mitsubishi i (to be driven by Beccy Gordon) along with an advanced race-spec version of the electric vehicle (EV), the Mitsubishi i-MiEV Prototype (to be driven by two-time Paris-Dakar Rally champion, Hiroshi Masuoka).

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV Prototype race car features an enhanced Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle (MiEV) electric motor, lithium-ion battery pack and braking system. Engineers and researchers from Mitsubishi Motors and numerous EV component and systems suppliers will be on hand to record and analyze data from both cars entered in the 2012 Pikes Peak event, using the challenging race as an important R-D exercise to further the advancement of the current Mitsubishi i production vehicle as well as for future EVs, Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) models.

Mitsubishi Motors Unveils Enhanced 2013 Outlander Sport at 2012 New York International Auto Show

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has unveiled an enhanced and improved 2013 Outlander Sport compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV) today at the 2012 New York International Auto Show.

Beginning in July, the 2013 Outlander Sport will be built in the United States at the company's advanced automobile manufacturing facility in America's heartland in Normal, Illinois. The updated, American-made Outlander Sport models produced here in the U.S will not only supply Mitsubishi dealers in the states but also be shipped to foreign markets.

With composed handling, a comfortable ride and roomy seating for 5 adults, this stylish crossover is currently the best-selling car in Mitsubishi Motors' North American model lineup.

The 2013 Outlander Sport features numerous design and feature improvements for the new model year:

Exterior

    Front Fascia - Redesigned front bumper section; New grille styling; New fog lamp design.
    Rear Bumper - New rear bumper design.
    Side Sills - Side sills now black in color to match the lower sections of the redesigned front & rear bumpers.
    Handsome 18-in. alloy wheels now standard on all on all trim levels for the 2013 model.

Interior

    New interior fabrics; New chrome accent molding for the front doors; New All Wheel Control (AWC) push button switch.

Chassis

    Revised rear multi-link suspension for improved handling and ride comfort.

Drivetrain

    Enhanced Continuously-Variable Transmission (CVT) calibration for improved acceleration performance and smoother shift feeling.

Exterior Color Availability

    New hues White Pearl and Quick Silver join Laguna Blue, Labrador Black Pearl, Mercury Gray and Rally Red.

Fresh Face, Same Exceptional Value
The entire front fascia of the 2013 Outlander Sport has been completely made over versus last year's model. The signature pronounced, trapezoidal grille opening and recessed fog lamp housings are still present, but now feature a new, more simple and clean shape. Another appealing detail is the new chrome trim surrounding the outer perimeter of the recessed fog lamps.

Likewise, the rear fascia has been refreshed to complement the new look of the front fascia.

The highly-stylized front/rear fascia makeover - along with new black-colored side sills - enrich the Outlander Sport's already athletic-looking aesthetic demeanor, further separating Mitsubishi's compact crossover from its more mundane peers.

With an impressive EPA fuel mileage rating of 31 highway mpg, and the availability of either front- or all-wheel drive, the stylish 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a compelling choice for young families or active individuals that combines the space and versatility of an SUV with the outstanding ride quality and improved fuel economy of an exceptionally engineered car.

Standard equipment on all Outlander Sport models includes stylish 18-in. alloy wheels; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls; Electric Power Steering (EPS); FUSE Handsfree Link System™ that allows voice-activated operation of an iPod® and a cell phone, remote keyless entry; eye-catching rear LED combination tail lamps; heated outside mirrors; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; and air conditioning with micron filter. Among the included safety features are driver knee airbag; Hill Start Assist (HSA); Active Stability Control (ASC); Traction Control Logic (TCL); anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and an advanced front air bag SRS with passenger weight and driver's seat position sensors, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and curtain side air bags with roll-over sensors.

The top-flight SE version adds further luxuries such as a dynamic 6 speaker premium audio system with SiriusXM™ satellite radio with 3-months subscription service; heated front seats; one-touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch; climate control system with full-auto air conditioning; rain-sensing wipers; super-wide beam xenon head lights and FAST key passive entry system.

Mitsubishi Begins Sale of the Mirage in Thailand

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Begins Sale of the Mirage in Thailand
- JUMP 2013 strategy focusing on emerging markets comes alive -

2012 Mitsubishi Mirage

Bangkok, March 20, 2012-Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced it will sell its all-new Mirage "global compact car" in Thailand starting from March 28 today.

The Mirage is a "global compact car" developed under a revolutionary concept that fulfills the both the needs of incredibly-growing emerging markets as an entry-level car and eco-conscious advanced markets with its superior environmental performance. The Mirage will be made at a brand-new third factory at Mitsubishi Motors Thailand's (MMTh) Laem Chabang Plant; the largest MMC plant outside of Japan. The Mirage will first be sold in Thailand, followed by ASEAN countries, Japan, Europe, then expand to other markets successively.

Mr. Osamu Masuko, President of MMC, noted just before a ceremony marking the event in Thailand "I am pleased to present the Mirage first in Thailand. The Mirage is an all-new compact car focused on premium fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions just right for the times where demand for superior fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness are increasing all over the world. I would like to personally thank the Thai government for their promotion of their Eco-car Program, allowing us the chance to bolster our Thai operations. After Thailand, the Mirage will be exported to ASEAN countries, then gradually make its way around the world."

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Awarded Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has seen its eye-catching and versatile 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport compact crossover vehicle named a "Top Safety Pick" by the non-profit vehicle research and crash test ratings agency, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE

The Outlander Sport joins another popular Mitsubishi Motors vehicle offering - the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer compact sport sedan (except Ralliart and Evolution) - in the elite company of production cars to achieve the Insurance Institute's highest marks for vehicle crash testing.

In order for a production vehicle to be named a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute, a car must earn a "good" rating in the organization’s crash test analysis. The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport received a "good" test score in the following key areas of evaluation:

    Front impact crash testing
    Side impact crash testing
    Roof strength test results
    Rear crash protection/head restraint ratings

With a starting MSRP of only $18,795, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport provides comfortable and roomy seating for five, is powered by a capable 148 horsepower 4-cylinder engine that achieves an EPA-rated 25 mpg city/31 mpg highway and features energy-saving technologies including Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and a specially-designed high-efficiency alternator. Available options include an advanced Continuously-Variable Transmission (CVT), panoramic glass roof, 9-speaker Rockford-Fosgate® premium audio system, HDD navigation system and Mitsubishi’s legendary All Wheel Control (AWC) all-wheel drive system.

Mitsubishi Motors to Launch MiEV Power BOX 1500 Watt Power Feeder for its Electric Vehicles

Mitsubishi Motors to Launch MiEV Power BOX 1500 Watt Power Feeder for its Electric Vehicles

Tokyo, March 9, 2012 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today that it will bring to market on April 27 the new MiEV power BOX power feeder which is capable of supplying large amounts of electrical power from an electric vehicle (EV). Supplied by a Mitsubishi Group affiliate, the MiEV power BOX will be offered as a dealer option for the company's i-MiEV *1 and MINICAB-MiEV EVs and will carry a manufacturer's recommended tax-inclusive price of \149,800.
*1: Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle

The MiEV power BOX is an adapter that plugs into the i-MiEV or MINICAB-MiEV's quick charging connector and is capable of supplying up to 1500 watts of AC electricity from the power stored in the vehicle's drive battery. It has been designed mainly to power household electrical appliances either when away from home or in an emergency. When connected to a fully-charged 16.0 kWh battery-equipped model the MiEV power BOX can supply 1500 watts of power for between five and six hours, equivalent to the amount consumed by an average Japanese household in a single day.

Much attention is currently being focused on the storage capabilities of high capacity EV batteries as a power source for use in major disasters and other emergencies. This comes at a time when solar power, wind power, and other recyclable energy sources are being promoted and the near-future implementation of "smart grids" which will allow the more effective use of electrical power. More and more people are looking to the EV both in terms of its traditional role of addressing environmental issues and also as a means of addressing ever-growing pressures on the demand and supply of energy. To meet these expectations MMC is pushing forward research and development into related technologies, one of which is the MiEV power BOX.

3rd Gen Mitsubishi Outlander and Mitsubishi PHEV Tech [Video]