Mitsubishi enters pikes peak climb

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will compete in the 2013 edition of the world-famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb*1 (Pikes Peak, held 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. 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. 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.