Mitsubishi Motors will be competing at the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race in July with two all-electric vehicles based on its i-MiEV.
The first vehicle is the i-MiEV Evolution. Developed specifically for the Pikes Peak race, it uses the same motor, drive battery and other major components of the i-MiEV. The difference, however, lies in its body, specially designed for the race, which uses a tube-frame chassis and a carbon-fiber cowl among other features designed to reduce its weight while simultaneously improving its aerodynamic performance. With a single motor driving the front wheels and two motors powering the rear wheels, the car's four-wheel-drive system "provides superior motive performance and handling."
The second vehicle is known simply as the i and is based on the production model but has been modified using a more aerodynamic front bumper and fitted with roll bars and other safety equipment.
Driving the i-MiEV Evolution and serving as the Japanese carmaker's team manager for the race is Hiroshi Masuoka, the first Japanese driver to post consecutive overall victories in Dakar Rally, while the i's pilot is Beccy Gordon, a winner in the Score International Off-Road Racing Series.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines flew Masuoka to the Philippines in February 2011 for the launch of the Montero Sport GTV.
