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Tokyo, March 20 2008 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces
the display of the i MiEV*1 new-generation electric vehicle at the New
York International Automobile Show. The company plans to use the vehicles in a
joint fleet testing program in cooperation with select U.S. power companies in
the fall of this year. At the show, which opened to the press on March 19 and
will open to the public on March 21, the company's booth is given over to a wide
range of exhibits that demonstrate MMC's advanced environmental technology. They
include: the i MiEV-derived i MiEV SPORT concept -- which
leverages the electric vehicle's natural power and weight advantages for a
performance payoff; the MITSUBISHI Concept-cX*2 compact SUV -- powered
by MMC's new clean diesel engine due to make its European debut in 2009; and
MMC's proprietary plant-based Green Plastic range of interior parts and trim.
The i MiEV is a 100% electric vehicle, using high-energy density
lithium batteries to power its compact, lightweight motor. In offering an option
to petroleum-based energy sources, Mitsubishi presents one avenue for addressing
global warming. In October 2006, working with several power companies, MMC began
a fleet test program in Japan to determine i MiEV's overall performance
under actual driving conditions and its market acceptability. With plans to
start a fleet test program this fall working with several power companies in
North America, MMC continues to stride forward in making the EV a practical
proposition on a global scale.
Derived from the i MiEV, the i MiEV SPORT features MMC's
unique in-wheel motors to drive the front wheels and a single motor in the back,
with the company's proven S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) vehicle dynamics
control system managing power output, traction and braking at all four wheels.
This configuration allows the vehicle to achieve a synergy of environmental and
road performance. To boost electric power generation i MiEV SPORT also
employs solar panels in its roof and a generator turbine driven by the airflow
passing through the front grille. Another feature is its wireless
microwave-based battery-charging system.
The MITSUBISHI Concept-cX mates MMC's new 1.8-liter clean diesel
engine to the company's Twin Clutch SST*3 automated manual transmission to
realize very high levels of driving and environmental performance. This compact
SUV soft-roader concept also features a top-bottom split tailgate to enhance
accessibility to luggage space.
*1 "i" is an MMC minicar model; "MiEV" stands for Mitsubishi
innovative Electric Vehicle.
*2 cX: compact
crossover
*3 Sportronic Shift Transmission
MMC exhibits at 2008 New York International Auto Show
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Model on display |
Remarks |
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i MiEV |
Show car. Same vehicle as that undergoing fleet testing in
Japan. |
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i MiEV SPORT |
Show car. Exhibited at 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. |
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MITSUBISHI Concept-cX |
Show car. Exhibited at 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. |
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i |
Show car. Introduced on Japanese market in January 2006. |
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Lancer Ralliart |
New model. |
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Lancer Evolution |
Named Lancer Evolution X in Japan. |
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Lancer |
Powered by 2.4-liter engine. Named Galant Fortis in
Japan. |
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Outlander |
|
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Lancer * |
Powered by 2.0-liter engine. Named Galant Fortis In
Japan. |
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Galant SPORT * |
Built in North America. |
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Galant RALLIART * |
Built in North America. |
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Endeavor * |
Built in North America. |
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Total |
8 models in press day (12 models in public
days) |
*Displayed only in public days.
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