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The countdown is on, with ten days to go until the 91st running of the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Mitsubishi Motors is ready to challenge the mountain with the all-new, more powerful 100% electric-powered prototype racing car, the MiEV Evolution II.
The countdown is on, with ten days to go until the 91st running of the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Mitsubishi Motors is ready to challenge the mountain with the all-new, more powerful 100% electric-powered prototype racing car, the MiEV Evolution II.
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In a two-car assault, in the very capable hands of two-time Dakar Rally winner Hiroshi Masuoka and six-time Pikes Peak overall motorcycle champion and 2002 SCORE International off-road series champion Greg Tracy, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will compete in the 2013 edition of the world-famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb*1 (PPIHC held from June 25 to June 30) with the MiEV Evolution IIall-electric prototype. MMC aims for overall first place.
MMC will utilise 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 honours 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.
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.
The MiEV Evolution II
The MiEV Evolution II is an all-new all-electric race car designed with data and knowhow 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 | Configuration | 4 (2 front, 2 rear) |
| Maximum Output (kW) | 400 (100kW x 4 motors) | |
| Battery | Maximum Capacity (kWh) | 50 |
| (Made by LEJ) | ||
| Chassis | Specially-designed pipe frame | |
| Cowl | Carbon | |
| Tires (made by Dunlop) | 260/660-18 |
*1: Held annually in Colorado, United States, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is an annual automobile and motorcycle hill climb to the 4,300 meter summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado with entrants covering an elevation difference of almost 1,500 meters. First run in 1916, the hill climb celebrates its 91st Running this year making it the second oldest motor sport race in the United States after the Indianapolis 500. Also known as The Race to the Clouds, atmospheric pressure, temperature, weather and other conditions vary significantly between the start and finish and this requires optimum tuning to ensure the vehicles produce their maximum performance all the way up. www.ppihc.com/
*2: MMC’s tagline for a raft of next-generation advanced technologies which aim to contribute to environmental responsibility and to deliver driving pleasure as well as reassuring safety.
*3: http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/publish/pressrelease_en/corporate/2013/news/detail0879.html
Information and details on MMC’s bid for success in the 2013 Pikes Peak event can be found on:
https://www.facebook.com/iMiEV.official
Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
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