Mitsubishi is to take part in the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) with a specially built prototype version of its famous i-MiEV electric car, known as ‘Mitsubishi i’ in the U.S market. Famous racer Hiroshi Masuoka will pilot the purpose-designed i-MiEV car for Mitsubishi at the Race to the Clouds, to be held on July 8, 2012.
Interestingly, Mitsubishi’s race car for the Pikes Peak has little similarity with the production model. The original version of the electric car, which has been in production for three years, is an egg-shaped five door hatchback car. On contrast, the i-MiEV race car is a single seat closed cockpit EV and is developed to get maximum downforce during the race.
But, the Japanese automaker says that the same EV drive components are used to manufacture the race car. The company plans to look over the performance of the car during the race. These details will help Mitsubishi enhance reliability and durability of its projected electric and plug-in hybrid cars.
A team of Mitsubishi i-MiEV engineers along with reps from its suppliers of motors, battery and other EV components will be present at Pikes Peak to analyze the car’s performance. Of course, it will help the car maker and supply partners develop more powerful and efficient EV vehicles in coming years.
Hiroshi Masuoka is a two time victor of the Dakar Rally. Anyway, Mitsubishi i-MiEV Prototype is not the first electric car that takes part at the PPIHC. In 2011, the battery-powered Summit HER-02 and Nissan Leaf were in the race with the former, driven by Iuko Hanawa making it into the victory. Hopefully, Mitsubishi is to introduce Masuoka for nothing, but the win.
Via: Insideline
