Geneva 2009: Mitsubishi iMiEV Sport Air streamlines the bubble
by Sam Abuelsamid on Mar 3rd 2009 at 7:19AM 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mitsubishi iMiEV Sport Air
Mitsubishi revealed the latest iteration of its iMiEV Sport this morning in Geneva, the Sport Air. This year's version is marginally longer (20 mm) and taller for what Mitsubishi describes as a "more technical" look to the car's teardrop shape. While the new concept doesn't look dramatically different, some of the contours are a bit sharper, and solar power cells are embedded in the lower portion of the windshield and the removable glass roof.
The iMiEV Sport Air uses an aluminum space frame to carry its lithium ion battery and electric drive system, which help limit mass to just 2,072 pounds. The motor gets a bump from the standard iMiEV's 47 kW to 60 kW which helps acceleration, and the range climbs from 100 miles to 120 miles, although Mitsubishi has declined to specify whether the new battery is larger.
Photos Copyright ©2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Assass1n 8:26AM (3/03/2009)
Man, that is fugly. It looks like it is backwards, almost like the front should open a la the Isetta.
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Galley 8:42AM (3/03/2009)
New New Beetle?
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TheCaRnErds.com 8:49AM (3/03/2009)
It does remind me of a Bettle and Audi TT but since it is electric
who bothers worrying about the exterior.
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JZeke 9:27AM (3/03/2009)
Push me - pull you?
Awful color, if they wanted to convey technical it should be copper like a high-end water cooling system - or more silver than blue.
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Mr_Pie 10:34AM (3/03/2009)
i think it looks quite nice, but yer the shape is a bit awkward
but in the way the boxter's and the cayman's rears are awkward
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Luis 10:47AM (3/03/2009)
Now how about actually producing it, Mitsu! I'd love to see these running about Boston.
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Rends 12:05PM (3/03/2009)
I wonder if they will change the car name in germany?
Or would you buy a car named "i stink"?
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gslippy 3:17PM (3/03/2009)
I like it. It's sort of a pushme-pullyou from Dr. Doolittle's adventures.
I prefer pure electric to the complication and expense of hybrid or Volt-like. The solar cells are a great idea. Just beware of the lithium ion cells.
No price target?
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Jason G. 4:33PM (3/03/2009)
Mitsubishi, sorely lacking image & recognition here in the U.S., needs an iconic vehicle to lead its way into the future. This cute little buggy could be just the prescription - with or without electric propulsion.
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hakuta 5:36PM (3/03/2009)
I think ECLIPSE is the most sell car there a few years ago.
And iMiEV is dedgined for Europe.
The picfture of iMiEv sport
http://car.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20090303_43105.html
P.V. 6:33PM (3/03/2009)
Is this thing RR like the i? If so, that would be SWEET!
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GOT 7:39AM (3/05/2009)
Awesome! I think it's beautiful. I would love to own & drive it!
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