Mitsubishi Details 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb i-MiEV Contenders

As it turns out, Mitsubishi will field not one but two i-MiEV cars in the Electric Class of the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, to be held in Colorado from July 3 to 8. 

Mitsubishi will enter the fully decked out i-MiEV Evolution prototype, which was teased through a pair of sketches back in March, and a regular production i-MiEV in the event. 

Developed especially for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, the i-MiEV Evolution is said to borrow several major components from the regular model such as the battery and engine, or to be precise, three modified engines, fitted to a tube-frame chassis and a carbon fiber cowl. 

The driveline comprises a single motor driving the front and two motors driving the rear wheels, each of which produces 80kW or 107.3 hp for a combined system output of 240kW or 321-horses. The single seater model measures 4,341mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,339mm tall, and rides on competition tires size 245/40-R18.

Mitsubishi's second entry is a lightly modified version of the production i-MiEV featuring a more aerodynamic front bumper and fitted with roll bars and other safety equipment. A 49kW or 66hp electric motor drives the rear wheels. 

The i-MiEV Evolution will be piloted by Hiroshi Masuoka who is the first Japanese driver to post consecutive overall victories in the Dakar Rally, while the i-MiEV will be driven by Beccy Gordon, a winner in the Score International Off-Road Racing Series.

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