Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will compete in the 2013 edition of the world-famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb1 (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 utilise the data and technical knowhow garnered through its participation in the event in its @earth TECHNOLOGY2 next-generation advanced technology R&D programme 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 honours 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 performance3 − will be this year’s “Official Safety Vehicle” for the world-famous race.
OVERVIEW
1. MMC Pikes Peak Challenge 2013 Team
1.Team Captain Hiroshi Masuoka 2.Drivers Hiroshi Masuoka Greg Tracy 3.Vehicle MiEV Evolution II 4.Division Electric Division 2. Partners (21, in alphabetical order)
Advics Co. Ltd
dSPACE Japan K.K.
Dunlop Goodyear Tires Ltd
ENDLESS ADVANCE Co. Ltd
Enkei Corporation
GKN Driveline Japan Ltd
GS Yuasa Corporation
Hitachi Automotive Systems Ltd
Kenwood U.S.A. Corporation
Linear Technology Corporation
MEIDENSHA CORPORATION
MIKUNI CORP
Mitsubishi Corporation
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
Mitsubishi Motors Dealers Association
NHK SPRING Co. Ltd
Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK LINE)
NTN Corporation
Real Power
Tsuchiya Co. Ltd3. About the MiEV Evolution II
The MiEV Evolution II is an all-new all-electric racecar designed with data and knowhow gained from last year’s Pikes Peak race, based on parts from production electric vehicles including the i-MiEV. It carries an array of advanced technologies improved from last year’s i-MiEV Evolution packed into a specially-designed lightweight and aerodynamic body, including a high-capacity battery and four high-output electric motors for improved motive performance in addition to a pipe-frame chassis and a carbon cowl for reduced weight and improved aerodynamics.
Superior motive performance, handling, and stability are made possible in the MiEV Evolution II with:
- A low centre of gravity due to the battery being installed under the floor
- A two-front/two-rear four-motor 4WD drivetrain with MMC’s S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system
- AYC (Active Yaw Control), which optimally controls the yaw moment to generate high cornering capability
- ASC (Active Stability Control) which improves stability by automatically controlling brake force to one or more wheels and motive power
- ABS (Anti-lock brake system)
Length x Width x Height (mm) 4,870 x 1,900 x 1,390 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 pipe frame Cowl Carbon Tyres (made by Dunlop) 260/660-18 4. Driver Profiles
1. Hiroshi Masuoka (Product Strategy Office, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation)
Hiroshi Masuoka began his Dakar Rally campaign in 1987 and became the first Japanese driver to post consecutive overall victories in the event when he won in 2002 and 2003. Currently
Masuoka works at Mitsubishi Motors where his many duties include vehicle development, the training of company test drivers and the running of test drive sessions an
d other events both in Japan and overseas. Masuoka had the following to say before the event: “We are able to tackle Pikes Peak a second time thanks to the support of our many partner companies. We were able to come up with a new and improved MiEV Evolution II based on the precious data and knowhow we gained from last year’s race. We welcome Greg Tracy as our teammate. With his wealth of motorsport experience, we will do our all for a one-two finish. Thank you for your continued support!”
2. Greg Tracy, professional driver
Six-time Pikes Peak overall motorcycle champion, Greg placed second overall in motorcycles in 2012. Greg brings a wealth of racing experience not only in motorcycles but four-wh
eeled vehicles as well and is also a stunt driver. Greg brings high racing skills in four-wheeled vehicles and knows the Pikes Peak course inside and out. Greg commented “I’m excited to compete here in the MiEV Evolution II. I will do my best, along with my teamma
tes to make an electric vehicle the champ for the first time ever.”
