What's the news?
Mitsubishi Motors has announced that it will tackle the daunting Pikes Peak hill climb with a prototype based on its i-MiEV electric car. The i-MiEV Evolution will be piloted by the Japanese manufacturer's own rally driver and race team manager, Hiroshi Masuoka along the near 21-kilometre course that snakes its way up Pikes Peak mountain in Colorado, USA.
Exterior
While the Evolution does retain much of the mechanical components of its street sibling the bodywork is completely bespoke. The carbon fibre cowl is lighter, lower and wider than that of the standard i-MiEV in a bid to reduce weight and also the car's centre of gravity. The body has also been aerodynamically designed to allow the Evolution to attack the fearsome Pikes Peak at full (and silent) tilt.
Interior
The single-seat i-MiEv Evolution is not likely to be the last word in luxury. Other than the racing seat that Masouka-san will occupy you will find a roll cage, a steering wheel and maybe some pedals.
Mechanicals
For the Evolution Mitsubishi has replaced the i-MiEV's standard single 49kW electric motor with three 80 kW units, while the batteries, developed by electrical component and battery manufacturers Meidensha and GS Yuasa, more than double the Evolution's specific output. Also unlike the rear-wheel drive i-MiEV, the Pikes Peak special sends power to all four wheels.
Data
The Evolution will not be the only i-MiEV to tackle the Peak. A normal i-MiEV complete with a more aerodynamic front bumper, a roll cage and other safety accoutrement will be driven by American off-road racer Beccy Gordon. The Pikes Peak challenge is seen by Mitsubishi as the ideal way to raise awareness for its electric car ahead of its planned expansion beyond the west coast - the only area in American the i-MiEV is currently offered.