Mitsubishi to Introduce Sport Concept Version of Electric i MiEV

7 September 2007

The i MiEV Sport.

At the 40th Tokyo Motor Show later this year, Mitsubishi Motors will unveil the i MiEV Sport. Based on the i MiEV (earlier post), the i MiEV Sport is designed to enhance the “driving” image of Mitsubishi’s electric vehicles.

The car features Mitsubishi Motors’ in-wheel motors in the front plus S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control)—the company’s vehicle dynamics control system—to achieve high maneuverability as well as high levels of both environmental and running performance.

The system employs a structure consisting of three permanent magnetic synchronous motors. One 20kW in-wheel motor is placed at each front wheel; a single 47 kW motor drives the rear wheels, as is used in the i MiEV system. The in-wheel motors develop 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque each; the rear motor develops 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of torque.

Top speed for the vehicle is 180 km/h (112 mph) and it has a range in the 10-15 test cycle of 200 km (124 miles).

An E-4WD system electronically optimizes the output of all motors. In addition, a new E-AYC (Electric Active Yaw Control) system is employed to directly regulate torque at the left and right rear wheels via an electric motor.

In addition to the E-4WD and E-AYC, the S-AWC system integrates ABS and ASC (Active Stability Control) systems, thus independently controlling driving force, traction and braking at all four wheels, for total maneuverability and maximum stability.

Like the i MiEV, i MiEV Sport uses a rear-midship design in its layout. Making use of the relatively long wheelbase of this platform, a high-capacity lithium-ion battery is installed in the lowest area under the floor, and components including a motor and inverter are arranged beneath the luggage compartment. This layout provides optimal distribution of weight, front and rear, and a lower center of gravity for stability, sporty performance, and a spacious interior.

An aluminum space frame—a combination of aluminum extrusions and aluminum die casting—is light, rigid and strong; helping to improving performance by minimizing weight. The layout of structural members, including front-side and cross members, absorbs crash energy in the event of front-end or side collision.

In a collision from the rear, EV components under the back seat and rear floor serve as a barrier to ensure the integrity of the passenger compartment. By making use of the rear-midship layout and utilizing Mitsubishi’s latest RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body, the concept realizes excellent occupant protection in collisions from any direction, even when colliding with a vehicle of different height or weight.

The i MiEV Sport features an auxiliary photovoltaic generator on the roof, a power-generating fan inside the front grill, and regenerative braking functions to recover energy when the car is slowing down. Much of the lighting is by LEDs, including in the rear combination lamps and vehicle interior, and the efficiency of the air conditioning is enhanced by the use of heat-absorbing window glass. In addition, Green Plastic—Mitsubishi Motors’ plant-based resin technology—is used wherever possible for interior components.