Colorado Springs, June 26, 2013 – Mitsubishi Motors
Corporation (MMC) will compete in the 2013 edition of the world-famous
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb*1 from June 25 to June 30 with the
MiEV Evolution II all-electric prototype. With the upgraded MiEV
Evolution II, MMC aims for overall first place.
MiEV Evolution II
MMC’s team will consist of two of the new all-electric four-wheel drive (4WD) racecars.
MMC will utilize the data and technical knowhow garnered through its
participation in the event in its @earth TECHNOLOGY*2 next-generation
advanced technology R&D program for eventual use in future
production vehicles.
MMC entered the Pikes Peak competition for the first time last year
with the i-MiEV Evolution all-electric prototype, finishing second in
the Electric Division. Participation in the event brought a rich harvest
in terms of vehicle speed, acceleration and other on-road data, as well
as drive battery consumption, motor temperature and other data and
knowhow critical to electric vehicle development.
Like last year’s i-MiEV Evolution, the MiEV Evolution II uses parts
used in production vehicles combined with a high-capacity battery and
high-output motors both specially designed by MMC’s suppliers. Based on
experience gained from last year’s race, MMC added S-AWC (Super
All-Wheel Control) integrated vehicle dynamics control system to a
two-front/two-rear four-motor drivetrain for increased handling and
control in the MiEV Evolution II. These, together with a
specially-designed body that provides reduced weight and improved
aerodynamics, has resulted in a significant improvement in driving
dynamics.
One MiEV Evolution II will be driven by two-time Dakar Rally overall
champion Hiroshi Masuoka, who piloted the i-MiEV Evolution to second
place honors in the Electric Class last year and also act as Captain of
the MMC team. The second MiEV Evolution II will be piloted by Greg
Tracy, six-time Pikes Peak motorcycle champion.
Drivers- Hiroshi Masuoka (right) and Greg Tracy (left)
In addition, Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMC’s United States
subsidiary) is participating as Presenting Sponsor for this year’s race
and MMC’s new Outlander – recently awarded Japan’s JNCAP Five Star Award
as well as JNCAP First Prize for outstanding safety performance*3 –
will be this year’s “Official Safety Vehicle” for the world-famous race.
Outlander and EVO as Safety Vehicles
The MiEV Evolution II is an all-new all-electric racecar designed
with data and know how gained from last year’s Pikes Peak race, based on
parts from production electric vehicles including the i-MiEV. It carries
an array of advanced technologies improved from last year’s i-MiEV
Evolution packed into a specially-designed lightweight and aerodynamic
body, including a high-capacity battery and four high-output electric
motors for improved motive performance in addition to a pipe-frame
chassis and a carbon cowl for reduced weight and improved aerodynamics.
Superior motive performance, handling, and stability are made possible in the MiEV Evolution II with
- A low center of gravity due to the battery being installed under the floor
- A two-front/two-rear four-motor 4WD drivetrain with MMC’s S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system
- AYC (Active Yaw Control), which optimally controls the yaw moment to generate high cornering capability
- ASC (Active Stability Control) which improves stability by
automatically controlling brake force to one or more wheels and motive
power
- ABS (Anti-lock brake system)
Length x Width x Height (mm)
|
4,870 x 1,900 x 1,390
|
Occupants
|
1
|
Drivetrain
|
4WD
|
Motors
(Made by Meidensha)
|
Configuration
|
4 (2 front, 2 rear)
|
Maximum Output (kW)
|
400 (100kW x 4 motors)
|
Battery
(Made by LEJ)
|
Maximum Capacity (kWh)
|
50
|
Chassis
|
Specially-designed pipe frame
|
Cowl
|
Carbon
|
Tires (made by Dunlop)
|
260/660-18
|
Drivers- Masuoka (right) and Tracy (left)
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: “We are able to
tackle Pikes Peak a second time thanks to the support of our many
partner companies. We were able to come up with a new and improved MiEV
Evolution II based on the precious data and knowhow we gained from last
year’s race. We welcome Greg Tracy as our teammate. With his wealth of
motorsport experience, we will do our all for a one-two finish. Thank
you for your continued support!”
2. Greg Tracy (Professional Driver)
Six-time Pikes Peak overall motorcycle champion, Greg placed second
overall in motorcycles in 2012. Greg brings a wealth of racing
experience not only in motorcycles but four-wheeled vehicles as well and
is also a stunt driver. Greg brings high racing skills in four-wheeled
vehicles and knows the Pikes Peak course inside and out.
Greg commented “I’m excited to compete here in the MiEV Evolution II.
I will do my best, along with my teammates to make an electric vehicle
the champ for the first time ever.”
Sources: MMM
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