Autoblog

Mitsubishi readies i-MiEV-based prototype for Pikes Peak climb this summer

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Mitsubishi, Electric, Racing

Sending an all-electric vehicle up Pikes Peak is not new - a Nissan Leaf and a custom EV from AC Propulsion made the climb in 2011 - but that shouldn't stop anyone from trying to reach the 14,110-foot height in Colorado better, faster and in a cooler car.

Enter Mitsubishi and a radically reworked all-electric i-MiEV Prototype that will participate in the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this July. Based on sketches released today, the car is a one-seat racer the certainly looks ready for on-track duty. It also looks nothing like the bean-shaped i-MiEV we've grown accustomed to. We're certainly curious how well it'll make the peak, since the powertrain is made up of "the same EV components as the current production i-MiEV" and it'll be piloted by well-known driver Hiroshi Masuoka, who won the Dakar Rally in 2002 and 2003 behind the wheels of a Mitsubishi Pajero and Pajero Evolution, respectively.

The idea here, of course, isn't just to have a good time. Mitsubishi will "use the data obtained through its participation in the event to enhance the durability and reliability of pure EVs and plug-in hybrid EVs which it will be bringing to market in the near future." Read: plug-in versions of the Outlander, the i-MiEV-based truck and the Mirage EV.

Continue reading Mitsubishi readies i-MiEV-based prototype for Pikes Peak climb this summer

Mitsubishi readies i-MiEV-based prototype for Pikes Peak climb this summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi i rated at 112 MPGe with 62 to 98 mile range

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Mitsubishi, Electric

Mitsubishi i - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi is nearly ready to join North America's nascent all-electric parade. The 2012 Mitsubishi i will be available sometime early next year, and the automotive world has been speculating on the type of electron-powered economy one can expect to achieve when behind the wheel. The speculators can take a break because the EPA has finally released its ratings for the i.

How does a mile per gallon equivalent of 126 city and 99 highway sound? That's a combined MPGe rating of 112. The EPA also subjected the 2012 i to its LA4 driving test, also known as the city test. This subjects the vehicle to numerous starts and stops, as one would encounter when cruising through town. The electric four-door achieved a max cycle range of 98 miles.

From an efficiency standpoint, the 2012 Mitsubishi i stacks up nicely against its electricity-drinking competition. The Tesla Roadster 2.5 has a 119 MPGe combined rating while the Nissan Leaf sports a rating of 99 MPGe combined.

Check out our photos of the Mitsubishi i in the gallery below, and be sure to keep reading for the full press release.

Continue reading Mitsubishi i rated at 112 MPGe with 62 to 98 mile range

Mitsubishi i rated at 112 MPGe with 62 to 98 mile range originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi sets Canadian i-MiEV price at $32,998

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Mitsubishi, Canada, Electric

$32,998. That's the price that Mitsubishi Motors has announced for the i-MiEV in Canada when the little space egg goes on sale there later this year. (That's $33,891 U.S. at today's exchange rate).

Yes, Canada will get the i-MiEV, and not the fatter, longer U.S.-only i that will cost $27,990 (seen in the gallery below). The Canadian i-MiEV will be available in two trim levels: standard and premium. There's nothing all that exciting about the standard version (A/C, heated driver's seat and remote keyless entry) but the premium package adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 15-inch alloy wheels and an improved stereo, along with navigation (full details available after the jump) for $35,998 ($36,972). Both versions are targeted to have a range of 135 kilometers (84 miles) and have a 130 km/h top speed (81 mph).

The i-MiEV is no stranger to Canada, having spent time in a 50-vehicle test fleet in 2010. Oh, and the coast-to-coast reference in the image above? We think that this is a pretty clear reference to the Clean Across Canada Tour that Mitsubishi took the electric jellybean on last year. Read more about that plug-in adventure here.

One last thing - ABG reader Keith R came up with this interesting table of price differences between the U.S. and Canada for three of the best-known plug-in vehicles (not factoring in the exchange rate), and it makes for interesting reading:

Mitsubishi i-MiEV
Standard $27,990 (U.S.) vs. $32,998 (CAN) = +17.9 percent
Premium $29,990 (U.S.) vs. $35,998 (CAN) = +20 percent

Nissan Leaf
SV $32,780 (U.S.) vs. $38,395 (CAN) = +17.1 percent
SL $33,720 (U.S.) vs. $39,995 (CAN) = +18.6 percent

Chevrolet Volt
$41,000 (U.S.) vs. $41,545 (CAN) = +1.3 percent

Continue reading Mitsubishi sets Canadian i-MiEV price at $32,998

Mitsubishi sets Canadian i-MiEV price at $32,998 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2011: Mitsubishi sets price of all-electric i at $27,990, accepting deposits via PayPal *UPDATE

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hatchback, Mitsubishi, Electric

Mitsubishi i - Click above for high-res image gallery

Some bits of good news come with a head scratcher. At the New York Auto Show today, Mitsubishi announced that the all-electric i will start at just $27,990 in the U.S. Once you take off the $7,500 federal tax credit, this drops the i's price to an eye-catching $20,490. That's the price for the entry-level ES trim. If you swap those letters around and get the SE version, which comes with a better sound system, fog lamps, special interior design touches and more, you'll have to pony up $2,000 more. There will also be an SE Premium version available for another $2,790 that will offer DC fast charging (get an 80 percent charge in half an hour - a key selling point for some people), an HDD nav system and even better entertainment/audio options. On any model, an extra $150 also gets you the Cold Zone package, made up of a battery warming system and headed outside mirrors.

So, what's the head scratcher? To place an order, you have to visit the i reservation site starting tomorrow (Earth Day) and pay two deposits: $299 for the car and $99.99 for a required home inspection. Mitsubishi will waive the $100 fee for the first 2,000 people who place an order and then buy the car. Granted, this isn't all that strange. The bizarre thing is, according to the press release, Mitsubishi is only accepting one type of payment for this transaction: PayPal. Thanks, Elon.

Mistubishi is already selling the global version of the i - the i-MiEV - around the world, in places like Costa Rica, Japan and Europe. Prices vary (and the North American i is larger and has better "highway manners"), but $20,490 is the lowest out there.

*UPDATE: We just got confirmation that the price listed above does not include the destination charge, which might be around $720 (based on Mitsubishi's gas-powered vehicles), said Mitsubishi spokesman Maurice Durand. The goal was to get the after-tax incentive price down to $19,990, but the earthquake prevented this. Also, we have a timeline: the first demo units will be available this November, and the car should be at dealerships in January 2012.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading New York 2011: Mitsubishi sets price of all-electric i at $27,990, accepting deposits via PayPal *UPDATE

New York 2011: Mitsubishi sets price of all-electric i at $27,990, accepting deposits via PayPal *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: All-electric Mitsubishi i (don't call it i-MiEV) debuts for U.S.

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hatchback, Mitsubishi, Electric

U.S.-market Mitsubishi i - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi has been working on electric vehicles for a long time. So much so that the car the company is now calling the "100% battery-powered Mitsubishi i for the U.S. market" was emblazoned with the words "40 years of EV development" on its back bumper when it as unveiled at the LA Auto Show today. As the sketches we saw of the widebody i hinted at, the new vehicle is indeed longer and wider than the original i-MiEV in order to meet U.S. safety regulations. Oh, and the inside is "a little bit larger for larger frame people," said Maurice Durand, manager of product communications for Mitsubishi Motors North America. Yes, America, Mitsubishi has heard your pleas for more butt space.

The electric i will go on sale in the U.S. next fall and be priced "around $30,000." The company expects to sell just 20,000 units by fiscal 2015 - a modest goal, indeed. This is due, in part, to Mitsubishi positioning the i as an electric vehicle best suited for commuting, not one intended to replace the SUV or car you take on long road trips. "Frankly, the main purpose of this car for us is to get us in as a stakeholder in the electric vehicle game and to help pave the way for our future products," Durand told AutoblogGreen. What future Mitsubishi vehicle might that be? The PX-MiEV. Details are yet to come.

As this vehicle shows, the MiEV name survives as something to brand Mitsubishi's eco drivetrains that are based on the battery system used in the i and the i-MiEV. The hardware in the American, European and Japanese vehicles are the same, but the software that runs it is going to be upgraded for the U.S so that the car hits a range target of 85 miles on the LA4 test cycle and performs as American drivers expect.

Once available, buyers will be able to buy a preferred 220V charging station, designed and manufactured by Eaton that can fully charge an empty battery in eight hours, at Best Buy. Mitsubishi had a partnership with Best Buy in the past and had some Geek Squad groups use Japanese-spec i-MiEVs for service calls. Having Best Buy get familiar with the vehicle - learn how it charges and how it reacts in a real world environment - helped convince the retail giant to sell the charger, Durand said. Check out the full press release after the break.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeff Glucker / AOL

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading LA 2010: All-electric Mitsubishi i (don't call it i-MiEV) debuts for U.S.

LA 2010: All-electric Mitsubishi i (don't call it i-MiEV) debuts for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Mitsubishi considering gasoline-engine MiEV

Chris Shunk — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Mitsubishi, Electric

Mitsubishi i MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi already plans on selling its little MiEV electric car in the U.S. within the next 18 months, and it appears that we may get a gasoline powered version of the roomy micro car as well. Automotive News is reporting that Mitsubishi is mulling the idea of putting petrol power in charge of propulsion of some i models, giving dealers a higher volume line that can compete with the Smart Fortwo. The automaker already sells a gasoline powered i in Europe, but Mitsubishi Motors North America VP John Koenig reportedly told AN that the Euro model's turbocharged 660cc motor would likely be swapped out for the same Mitsubishi-sourced 1.0-liter three-cylinder model that powers the Smart.

If Koenig wants to bring the gas-powered i to the States, he estimates that he'll have to prove that dealers can sell 1,000 models per month in order to get the parent company to pull the trigger. That sounds doable to us considering Smart sold 20,000 Fortwo's in the first 10 months of production - in spite of the fact that the unique-looking micro mini is premium-priced and only has two seats. The i can comfortably seat four and it can probably be sold for close to the Fortwo's $11,990 starting price. The typical i sells in more small car tolerant Europe for $16,000.

Gallery: New York 2009: iMiEV

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req.]

REPORT: Mitsubishi considering gasoline-engine MiEV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Double-decker smart fortwo a little top-heavy

Chris Shunk — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Mitsubishi, Smart

Click above to watch video

The Smart fortwo is an adorable little transportation pod that can get two people wherever they care to go in style, but there are a lot of cheap, efficient four-seaters with more room for people and their stuff. The auto enthusiasts over at 5th Gear rectified the fortwo's apparent disadvantage by creating a smart double decker using four bolts to attach the roof of one car to the floor of another. The experiment is ridiculous enough on its own, but 5th Gear brought it over the top by putting the fortwo+two through a battery of tests versus a four-seat Mitsubishi i. Watching stacked Smart cars doing moose avoidance tests at 40 mph is hilarious, and at 50 mph, you can probably guess what happens. Hit the jump to watch the video.

[Source: CarScoop]

Continue reading VIDEO: Double-decker smart fortwo a little top-heavy

VIDEO: Double-decker smart fortwo a little top-heavy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2008: The Mitsubishi i is A-OKei

Alex Nunez — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 13:10:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Hybrid, Green, Japan, Hatchback, Mitsubishi, First Drives

Click image for a high-res gallery of the turbocharged Mitsubishi i

I'm the resident kei car obsessive here at Autoblog. That means I'm the guy who actually thinks, "That is awesome," when he reads the (Google translated) announcement of yet another Suzuki Wagon R variant. Hell, I did two posts on the one-off Hello Kitty Mitsubishi i. Keis are cool. So, you can imagine how happy I was to see that Mitsubishi brought along a small fleet of its i minicars to the New York Auto Show this year.

Mitsubishi's focus at the show was squarely on the the all-electric i MiEV, which goes on sale in Japan next year and will be tested in North America this fall. The gasoline-powered version was on hand, too, though. I drove the i MiEV for AutoblogGreen, and was a passenger in a black i Turbo. Head over to AutoblogGreen for driving impressions of the i MiEV, and note that many of the observations there apply to both the electric and gasoline-powered cars.

The i Turbo you see here is powered by a 660cc 3-cylinder that delivers around 64 horsepower. It's got around half the torque of the electric i MiEV and it's buzzier-sounding (obviously), but it felt just as well-suited to city driving in New York as its battery-powered counterpart. It can comfortably transport four adults and a bit of cargo, too. Try doing that in a smart.

Mitsubishi is monitoring public reaction to the cars this week, so if you go to the show and like what you see, make sure to let them know. Me? I'll happily take one in black -- with a DAMD kit for optimum not-exactly-badassedness.

Head to AutoblogGreen for a full i MiEV review and video.

Gallery: Mitsubishi i Turbo - Live in NY

Gallery: Mitsubishi i MiEV - Live in NY

New York 2008: The Mitsubishi i is A-OKei originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Mar 2008 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi kei cars "Bloom" for Japan's ladies

Alex Nunez — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 14:05:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Mitsubishi

Click image for photo gallery

When you boil away everything else, the core elements of the new "Bloom Edition" Mitsubishi kei cars are their Sakura Pink paint; light-colored, water-resistant seat fabrics; and makeup mirrors. Yes, there are other colors available, and we're sure some of the Japanese shoppers (women, specifically) who Mitsu is targeting might also appreciate the cars' UV glass with water-repellent coating (think "factory Rain-X" here). But the real package centers on the Hello Kitty-look that the pink brings.

The Bloom Edition package is available on the "i" (above) and eK Wagon kei cars. It's not uncommon to see keis marketed in pastels with an eye toward female buyers anyway, but these Bloom Editions are about as direct as you can get. Who knew vanity mirrors could actually be promoted as a selling point?

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Gallery: Mitsubishi i and eK Wagon "Bloom Edition"

Mitsubishi kei cars "Bloom" for Japan's ladies originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi i confirmed for sale in the UK

John Neff — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Mitsubishi

click above image to view high-resolution gallery of the Mitsubishi i

Beginning on July 1st, Brits will be able to purchase the iconic i kei car from Mitsubishi. The i is a big hit in Japan, having won numerous awards for its futuristic styling and clever engineering while racking up big sales in the home market. Mitsubishi has spent the last year shopping the i around Great Britain at the Badminton Horse Trials, the British Motor Show and some select Mitsubishi dealerships, and the response from the public was positive enough to convince management to sell the car on the Queen's isle. It will be available only in one configuration powered by the JDM spec 660cc turbo three-cylinder engine producing an economical though not entirely thrilling 64bhp. Initially, however, only 300 units will be made available for sale at the price of £8,999 ($17,577 USD).

With the success of the MINI Cooper and the impending arrival of the smart fortwo in the U.S., we wonder if there are talks within Mitsubishi to bring the i to the U.S. They'll no doubt be watching sales of the fortwo closely. Check out the official press release after the jump and a high-resolution gallery of the Mitsubishi i.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Gallery: Mitsubishi i

Mitsubishi i confirmed for sale in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Feb 2007 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi releases jeans-themed "i" Kurashiki Edition

Alex Nunez — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Budget, Japan, Mitsubishi

Click to enlarge

The Japanese automakers are the kings when it comes to putting together special limited-edition, limited-availability models for their home market. More often than not, these editions feature little more than a special interior color, accessory pack, and badging. The limited availability adds exclusivity, which begets desirability, and the editions sell.

Mitsubishi's latest is a 100-unit limited edition of its "i" kei car. Dubbed the "i Kurashiki," it will only be sold out of Okayama Mitsubishi in the Okayama prefecture. Okayama, you see, is home to the city of Kurashiki, which is responsible for the bulk of Japan's domestic blue jeans production.

What makes this version of the "i" special? The seat cloth is printed with a special jeans pattern (but not upholstered in actual denim), and it sports a model-specific badge on its rump (shown after the jump). Other than that, it's an "i" in S trim. Four exterior colors are available, and it costs ¥1,099,000.

This is the strangest JDM special we've seen in a while.

(Exterior, badge shots shown after the jump)

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi releases jeans-themed "i" Kurashiki Edition

Mitsubishi releases jeans-themed "i" Kurashiki Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Dec 2006 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi i named RJC Car of the Year

Alex Nunez — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 08:39:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Mitsubishi

The Automotive Researchers' & Journalists' Conference of Japan (RJC) has named the loveable little Mitsubishi "i" its 2007 Car of the Year. The quirky and compelling "i" kei car has been quite a sensation, with its unique appearance and rear-midship engine layout, garnering plenty of attention in Japan from journalists and the general public. Mitsubishi, obviously aware of the hit it has on its hands, has kept interest in the "i" at high levels through clever marketing stunts like the one-off Hello Kitty edition and by giving it a prominent role in the company's research on future electric vehicle technology.

The RJC Car of the Year award is not the first accolade the "i" has won this year. Last month, it was awarded the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization's Good Design Grand Prize -- a first for a kei car.

(Press release after the jump)

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi i named RJC Car of the Year

Mitsubishi i named RJC Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Nov 2006 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi i by DAMD

Alex Nunez — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 15:26:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Mitsubishi

DAMD, the tuners who have recently shown a penchant for Aston Martinizing Nissan products, have turned their attention to what is perhaps Japan's quirkiest kei car, the Mitsubishi i. The newest member of DAMD's enormous lineup, this particular i looks like it'd be right at home seeing duty as Darth Vader's runabout if he were forced to ditch his SS for more economical fare.

The diminutive Mitsubishi is drenched in black paint, and benefits from the installation of new side skirts and spoilers front and rear. The parts are available seperately or as a 3-piece set (the two side skirts count as one "piece"). A billet insert spruces up the car's grille opening, and an extra panel dresses up flat black plastic area immediately below the windshield where the wipers live. Finally, 15" black DAMD DS-6 wheels ( the "6" indicates the number of spokes) complete the visual refresh.

It looks great, and it gives us just another reason to be bummed at the fact that Mitsubishi's slick little kei is for Japanese fans only. If there's a market for the Smart here, there's got to be a way to make a business case for something like the i.

Related Items:

(Additional photos after the jump)

[Source: DAMD (translated) via Nihon Car]

Continue reading Mitsubishi i by DAMD

Mitsubishi i by DAMD originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Nov 2006 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FEAST your "i" on this Mitsubishi concept

Alex Nunez — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 11:49:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Budget, Japan, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi set its phasers to "taunt" during SEMA last week, shipping over an i prepared by FEAST to be part of the automaker's display in Vegas. The i, which I've yammered about a few times here at Autoblog, is Mitsubishi's super-stylish mid-engined kei car, and as such, it's forbidden fruit here in North America.

The FEAST i doesn't have any powertrain mods, keeping it's "keiness" intact, mechanically. Instead, the tuners went a little nuts on the car's appearance and gadgetry. This i is kitted, dropped and exhales through a dual exhaust from Blitz. The exterior graphics are typically overdone (this is a tuner showcase machine, after all, plenty of sponsors to serve). Interior trim panels and other details have been redone to add color and lighten things up a bit, while occupants can take in a DVD or boom their tunes thanks to the new Alpine A/V system.

Myself, I'd trade all the extra stuff just to have the i itself. It's so different from anything we have on the market here, all the attention-getter accessories loaded onto it seem superfluous.

(Gallery, press release after the jump)

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading FEAST your "i" on this Mitsubishi concept

FEAST your "i" on this Mitsubishi concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi looks ahead with an electric i

Alex Nunez — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 17:24:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Japan, Technology, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi is going to take good look at the viability of all-electric motoring, this after announcing its plan to sell an all-electric vehicle in the Japan and U.S. in the near future. It has just introduced a new research platform, the i MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle), a four-passenger EV based on the company's podlike i kei car.

The i MieV will make its public debut later this month at a Japanese alternative vehicle conference. After that, two Japanese power companies will be provided with i MiEVs for internal research on how to integrate EVs into their business plans, including the development and deployment of a rapid-charge infrastructure. In January, Mitsubishi will bring in two additional power companies and commence fleet testing with all four to gauge whether or not an EV is a commercially viable proposition for all parties.

The i MiEV electric motor is mounted in the standard engine's rear-midship location and generates 47kW (63 hp) peak power. The car has an operating range of approximately 80 to 100 miles with a top speed of 80 mph and is actually much torquier than its conventionally-powered counterpart, generating 130 lb-ft to the standard i's 69.

(Press release, diagram, specs after the jump)

[Sources: Mitsubishi, LA Times]

Continue reading Mitsubishi looks ahead with an electric i

Mitsubishi looks ahead with an electric i originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Oct 2006 17:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi i Hello Kitty edition "in the metal"

Alex Nunez — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 08:09:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Never mind the Mitsu-provided renderings we brought you earlier this month. Japan's Carview has been to the Mitsukoshi department store in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district, where the one-of-a-kind Mitsubishi i "Princess Kitty" special edition is on display.

True to the renderings, the Princess Kitty is a rolling tribute to the loveable Sanrio character. Pink paint, special decals, and a themed interior complete with kitty-shaped headrests are the car's not-so-subtle identifiers.

Later this week, a drawing will be held at the Mitsukoshi store to determine who gets the right to buy the car, which is likely the most interesting Hello Kitty collectible ever.

Head over to the translated Carview page to see the rest of their photo gallery.

Related Post:
The ultimate kei? Mitsubishi i Hello Kitty "Princess Kitty" edition

(Additional photos after the jump)

[Source: Carview]

Continue reading Mitsubishi i Hello Kitty edition "in the metal"

Mitsubishi i Hello Kitty edition "in the metal" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jul 2006 08:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi keeping an "i" on the British Motor Show

Alex Nunez — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Europe, Japan, Mitsubishi, Misc. Auto Shows

An unlikely visitor made the trip from Japan to London for the British Motor Show. Joining the rest of Mitsubishi's lineup at ExCeL is one of Mitsubishi's "i" kei cars. Mitsubishi UK is in the final stages of a feasability study as to whether or not there's a market for the "i" in Britain.

The automaker is conducting surveys nationwaide to gauge demand, and if you're in London, you can make your voice heard at the Mitsu stand as well. In Japan, the "i" is equipped with a 600cc MIVEC DOHC 3-cylinder engine that's good for 64 horsepower. It's mated to either a 2WD or AWD drivetrain. Current speculation is that if the "i" is exported to the UK, it'll use that powerplant and be a 2WD-only vehicle.

Given that small city cars are very practical and popular in Europe, and that the "i" is a uniquely stylish little car, there's probably a good chance that our British friends will be seeing them on local roadways in due time.

(Press release after the jump)

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi keeping an "i" on the British Motor Show

Mitsubishi keeping an "i" on the British Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Jul 2006 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The ultimate kei? Mitsubishi i Hello Kitty "Princess Kitty" edition

Alex Nunez — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 15:35:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Japan, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Well, Mitsubishi has done it. They have created the most quintessentially Japanese car ... EVER.

We bring you, dear Autoblog readers, the Mitsubishi i "Princess Kitty" Hello Kitty limited edition. And by limited, we mean one.

The Princess Kitty is finished in pink, with matching paint applied to the wheels. The Hello Kitty trademark ribbon logo is applied to the front doors and roof, while the rear doors get a "Princess Kitty" graphic with the lovable cartoon character's face. The back window also gets a large Hello Kitty face decal. The sideview mirrors feature Hello Kitty's face in relief.

Inside, occupants rest on pink-and-white striped seatcovers adorned with the "Princess kitty" logo. The headrest covers are the shape of Hello Kitty's head, complete with ribbon on the left ear. It may be the friendliest-looking kei car ever made.

The one-off special will be displayed at the Mitsukoshi department store in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district from July 25th - 31st 2006. From the 25th to the 29th at 10:20 AM local time, interested buyers can register for the opportunity to buy the car. At 10:30 on the 29th, one name will be pulled and that person will be allowed to buy the car for ¥2,100,000 -- 200,000 of which goes to Japan's UNICEF. (For our American readers, that purchase price translates to a little over $18,200 USD.)

The i "Princess Kitty" edition is spec'd as a 2WD i "G" grade, powered by the 660cc turbocharged MIVEC 3-cylinder. It makes 64 horsepower and is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission.

This year marks the conclusion of Mitsubishi's and Sanrio's agreement which saw Hello Kitty used in Mitsubishi promotional and advertising efforts. And really, marketing-wise, ending the relationship with this car is the equivalent of going out on top like DiMaggio.

(More pics after the jump)

[Source: Mitsubishi Motors Japan]

Continue reading The ultimate kei? Mitsubishi i Hello Kitty "Princess Kitty" edition

The ultimate kei? Mitsubishi i Hello Kitty "Princess Kitty" edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jul 2006 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi releases the i Limited in Japan

Alex Nunez — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 13:07:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

On Tuesday, Mitsubishi followed up the i (eye) Play with a second special edition of its nifty new kei car.

The i Limited comes in nine possible paint colors and features a grey interior with darker grey cloth seating surfaces. AM/FM/CD 4-speaker audio, air conditioning with a deodorizing filter, UV-reducing privacy glass, keyless entry, power windows, 15" wheels with styled covers, and ABS are all included in the package.

The keyless entry system allows remote operation of the windows.

As with all i models, power comes from a 660cc MIVEC turbocharged 3-cylinder. Prices are 1,197,000 Yen (2WD) and 1,323,000 Yen (4WD).

(Interior photo after the jump)

[Source: Mitsubishi Japan]

Continue reading Mitsubishi releases the i Limited in Japan

Mitsubishi releases the i Limited in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jun 2006 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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