Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will compete in the 2013 edition of the world-famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb to be held on June 30, 2013 with a pair of all-new MiEV Evolution II all-electric four-wheel drive (4WD) prototype racecars.
With the upgraded all-new MiEV Evolution II, MMC has set its sights on an outright victory in this legendary American race.
Held annually in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) is an annual automobile and motorcycle hill climb to the 14,110-foot summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado, with entrants covering an elevation difference of almost 4,720 feet. First run in 1916, the hill climb celebrates its 91st running this year making it the second oldest U.S. motorsport event 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, requiring optimum vehicle tuning for maximum performance.
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 Vehicle division. Participation in the event brought a wealth of data in areas such as vehicle speed and acceleration, lithium-ion drive battery consumption, electric motor temperature and other key information that will play an important role in future MMC electric vehicle development.
Driving the pair of all-new MiEV Evolution II racing prototypes will be two-time Dakar Rally champion and MMC vehicle development/test driver Hiroshi Masuoka and six-time PPIHC motorcycle champion Greg Tracy.
Hiroshi Masuoka scored a second-place finish in last year’s PPIHC in the Electric Vehicle division piloting the i-MiEV Evolution racing prototype.
In addition to competing in the event with two electric vehicles, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is proud to announce its role as the Presenting Sponsor of the 91st running of PPIHC.
All-New MiEV Evolution II
Like last year’s i-MiEV Evolution, the MiEV Evolution II combines parts used in production vehicles with a high-capacity battery and high-output motors specially-designed by MMC’s suppliers. Based on experience gained from last year’s race, MMC has added a high-tech Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system to the innovative four-motor (two-front/two-rear) drivetrain for increased handling and control in the MiEV Evolution II.
Together with a specially-designed body that provides reduced weight and improved aerodynamics, the MiEV Evolution II represents a significantly improved all-electric racing prototype.
2013 MiEV Evolution II Design Highlights
– Improved lower center of gravity due to redesigned lithium-ion battery placement
– Improved power output/performance from four-motor (two front/two rear) 4WD drivetrain with MMC’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated vehicle dynamics control system
– Active Yaw Control (AYC) to optimally control yaw for improved high-speed cornering
– Active Stability Control (ASC) for improved vehicle dynamics and control by automatically managing brake force to one or more wheels as well as motor output
– Redesigned Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
2013 MiEV Evolution II Specifications
| Length x Width x Height (in.) | 191.7 x 74.8 x 54.7 | |
| 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 tube frame | |
| Cowl | Carbon-fiber | |
| Tires (made by Dunlop) | 260/660-18 | |
