Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mitsubishi previews diesel hybrid pickup concept, next-gen EV for Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/mitsubishi-previews-diesel-hybrid-pickup-concept-next-gen-ev-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/mitsubishi-previews-diesel-hybrid-pickup-concept-next-gen-ev-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/mitsubishi-previews-diesel-hybrid-pickup-concept-next-gen-ev-fo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Mitsubishi Concept GR-HEV teaser

Mitsubishi CA-MiEV teaser - shadowy front endMitsubishi has a long history of tidy little pickup trucks, and the Japanese automaker is apparently looking to extend that heritage in a bolder, bigger way with the Concept GR-HEV, a "sport utility hybrid truck."

The future-think show star, slated to be unveiled at next month's Geneva Motor Show, is actually tipped to be a much larger effort - Mitsubishi says it's applying its hybrid technology to a one-ton truck for the first time. The GR-HEV is powered by a complex powertrain composed of a diesel engine and electric motors, which the company believes is better suited to the sort of heavy-duty work required in the segment. The concept also employs full-time four-wheel drive and a development of Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control system (which governs things like stability and brake force control along with an active center differential) as seen on the production Lancer Evolution.

In related news, Mitsubishi has also confirmed that it will show a next-generation electric showcar at Geneva dubbed Concept CA-MiEV. With this new concept (inset photo), the company says it is looking to build on the learnings of its i citycar and take EVs out of their limited urban roles. To that end, the CA-MiEV boasts "next generation EV systems and high density batteries" that give it a range of 186 miles.

Continue reading Mitsubishi previews diesel hybrid pickup concept, next-gen EV for Geneva

Mitsubishi previews diesel hybrid pickup concept, next-gen EV for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ca-mievconcept ca-mievconcept gr-hevgenevageneva 2013geneva motor showgr-hevimitsubishimitsubishi iWed, 13 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20460590/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/13/mitsubishi-previews-diesel-hybrid-pickup-concept-next-gen-ev-fo/20460590/article-detail.xml 20460590 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/mitsubishi-concept-gr-hev-teaser-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/mitsubishi-concept-gr-hev-teaser-628.jpg <![CDATA[These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/these-are-your-top-10-worst-selling-vehicles-of-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/these-are-your-top-10-worst-selling-vehicles-of-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/these-are-your-top-10-worst-selling-vehicles-of-2012/#commentsFiled under:



Despite 2012 being the best year of auto sales this country has seen since 2007, not every vehicle got an equally large share of the sales pie. Some barely got a sliver, as evidenced by this year's list of the top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012.

We've dug through sales data from every automaker to come up with this year's list and, like last year, we've set some parameters to ensure it includes legitimately bad-selling vehicles.

The first parameter is a starting MSRP under $100,000, which automatically excludes what's parked in most one-percenters' garages. We're also excluding vehicles cancelled in 2012, even if they garnered sales through the end of the year while dealerships sold off remaining inventory. This includes models like the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Mercedes-Benz R-Class and last year's worst-seller, the Acura RL. Next, vehicles are considered as they are reported by the automaker, which means that, while sales of the Murano CrossCabriolet were probably low enough to make the list, because Nissan reports only one number for all Murano sales, it was excluded. Cadillac, however, reports sales of the Escalade EXT separately from the Escalade, hence its repeat appearance.

Finally, there was the question of whether or not eligibility should be given to Suzuki vehicles, as the brand announced in November that it would end sales in the US as soon as its current inventory ran out. We decided Suzuki vehicles should be included as the brand was offering 2013 models at the time of the announcement, and as far as we can tell, inventory levels remained high enough to satisfy demand through the end of the year.

Without further ado, below are the top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012.

Continue reading These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012

These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012acuraappsaudibmwc30equatorescaladeescalade extgt-rgtrgtr nurburgring timeilancerlancer sportbackmitsubishinissansubarutribecattvolvoworst selling carsworst-selling vehiclesworst-selling vehicles of 2012z4zdxMon, 07 Jan 2013 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20417056/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/07/these-are-your-top-10-worst-selling-vehicles-of-2012/20417056/article-detail.xml 20417056 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mitsubishiikbb10best20121-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mitsubishiikbb10best20121-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi boss confirms new Mirage for US; i EV enduring dismal sales]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/mitsubishi-boss-confirms-new-mirage-for-us-starting-in-september/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/mitsubishi-boss-confirms-new-mirage-for-us-starting-in-september/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/mitsubishi-boss-confirms-new-mirage-for-us-starting-in-september/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2012 Mitsubishi Mirage live on show floor at 2011 Tokyo Motor Show

By March, Mitsubishi expects to have sold just 55,000 cars in the US this fiscal year. That's a tiny sum - by comparison, Honda has sold over 276,000 Civic models thus far this year - and that's just one vehicle, not an entire brand. Mitsubishi president Osamu Masuko recognizes this is not a tenable position, and he's hoping the company will shift 80,000 units next fiscal year. Warding off speculation, Masuko has repeatedly stated that his company will not retreat from the US market like competitor Suzuki.

We reported on one part of Masuko's plan, the updated Outlander, and now he has confirmed that the small Mirage will be sold in the US beginning next September. The cut-price hatchback is selling well enough that Mitsu's Thailand plant is at its full capacity of 150,000 cars. "And even at that level it's not keeping up with orders," Masuko tells Automotive News. Masuko went on to say the plant would be expanded next year to handle an extra 50,000 units. We can also expect the Outlander plug-in early 2014.

The company's Normal, Illinois, plant will also get an expansion to increase output of the Outlander Sport crossover. That facility will go from 50,000 a year to 70,000. Much of the additional production will be exported from the US to Russia, Latin America and the Middle East.

In other news, Masuko admits the company's bubble-shaped i electric subcompact is selling far more poorly than expected. At one time, the company had optimistically planned on 20,000 sales a year of it little EV, but thus far, Mitsu has only shifted 469 units through October. Because of that, don't expect to see the electric Mirage any time soon. In fact, Automotive News reports that the company plans to move away from pure electric vehicles and focus on hybrids and plug-in hybrids for the US market.

Mitsubishi boss confirms new Mirage for US; i EV enduring dismal sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mitsubishi i2014 mitsubishi mirageii mievmiragemitsubishimitsubishi miragemitsubishi outlanderosamu masukoMon, 12 Nov 2012 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20377243/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/12/mitsubishi-boss-confirms-new-mirage-for-us-starting-in-september/20377243/article-detail.xml 20377243 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2012-mitsubishi-mirage-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2012-mitsubishi-mirage-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi i-MiEV recalled for air bag safety issue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/mitsubishi-i-miev-recalled-for-air-bag-safety-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/mitsubishi-i-miev-recalled-for-air-bag-safety-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/mitsubishi-i-miev-recalled-for-air-bag-safety-issue/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mitsubishi i

A minor but important problem with the sensors in the self-diagnostic software used by the Safety Restraint System (SRS) system in some Mitsubishi i-MiEV models has led to a recall notice from Transport Canada and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall affects 49 vehicles in Canada and 261 in the States. According to NHTSA, "incompatibility between the air bag sensors and the self-diagnostic software may deactivate the frontal and side airbag system."

As a result, "the side and curtain air bags may not deploy in a crash for which those air bags were intended to deploy, increasing the risk of personal injury to the vehicle occupants." And that's a bad thing. See recall notices for both Canada and the United States below.

Continue reading Mitsubishi i-MiEV recalled for air bag safety issue

Mitsubishi i-MiEV recalled for air bag safety issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleii-mievi-miev recallmistubishi imitsubishimitsubishi i-mievmitsubishi recallnational highway traffic safety administrationrecalltransport canadaFri, 10 Aug 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20297837/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/10/mitsubishi-i-miev-recalled-for-air-bag-safety-issue/20297837/article-detail.xml 20297837 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2012-mitsubishi-i-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2012-mitsubishi-i-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi previews bonkers i-MiEV Evolution for Pikes Peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/mitsubishi-previews-bonkers-i-miev-evolution-for-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/mitsubishi-previews-bonkers-i-miev-evolution-for-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/mitsubishi-previews-bonkers-i-miev-evolution-for-pikes-peak/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution - front three-quarter view

No, that's not a Mitsubishi i-MiEV in a fat suit, it's the automaker's brand-new all-electric race car, and it's set to take on the 2012 Pike's Peak International Hill Climb in July. This isn't the first time we've seen an EV enter the Pike's Peak challenge - Nissan commissioned a Leaf for battle last year, a car that set the bar for all future electric racers.

Mitsubishi says that its race car, dubbed i-MiEV Evolution, uses the same motor, drive battery and other major components as the standard, bean-shaped electric car that we haven't quite grown to love. Aside from the additional bodywork, the chassis has clearly been lengthened and widened, and the race car now uses an all-wheel-drive configuration rather than the rear-wheel drive of the standard i-MiEV.

To give you an idea of just how big the racer is, a quick glance of Mitsubishi's specs show that the i-MiEV Evolution's dimensions are within a few inches of the stock Lancer Evolution. We wouldn't be surprised if the all-wheel-drive system was sourced from the Lancer, as well.

Mitsubishi will also be bringing two more of its EVs to the Pike's Peak event, including an i that has been updated with a more aerodynamic front bumper and new safety equipment, as well as a bone stock model. Scroll down for the official press blast.

Continue reading Mitsubishi previews bonkers i-MiEV Evolution for Pikes Peak

Mitsubishi previews bonkers i-MiEV Evolution for Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hill climbhillclimbii-mievi-miev evolutionmitsubishipikes peakpikes peak international hill climbFri, 18 May 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20240742/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/18/mitsubishi-previews-bonkers-i-miev-evolution-for-pikes-peak/20240742/article-detail.xml 20240742 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/67821mit628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/67821mit628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak roster adds female off-road star, former Le Mans champ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/pikes-peak-roster-adds-female-off-road-star-former-le-mans-cham/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/pikes-peak-roster-adds-female-off-road-star-former-le-mans-cham/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/pikes-peak-roster-adds-female-off-road-star-former-le-mans-cham/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Things are getting yet more interesting for this year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with the addition of Le Mans winner Romain Dumas and off-road racer Beccy Gordon. Dumas was part of the winning team in the Audi R15 TDI in 2010 and has taken the top spot at the 24 Hours of Spa and the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring in various Porsches. He will tackle the Colorado incline in a Porsche 997 GT3-R.

Gordon has been racing off-road for years now, forms half the duo in All American Girl racing, and has taken two SCORE off-road victories. Her off-road expertise won't give her the full benefit this year since the mountain road has been completely paved, but that's probably better for the car she'll be driving: the 2012 Mitsubishi i-Miev. Gordon will be in the same Electric Auto Division class with Monster Tajima.

Scroll down below for the press releases, and get ready to tune in July 8 for the action.

Continue reading Pikes Peak roster adds female off-road star, former Le Mans champ

Pikes Peak roster adds female off-road star, former Le Mans champ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911911 gt3-rbeccy gordonii-mievmitsubishimotorsportspikes peakpikes peak hill climbporscheromain dumasTue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20220591/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/pikes-peak-roster-adds-female-off-road-star-former-le-mans-cham/20220591/article-detail.xml 20220591 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/dumasgordonpikes_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/dumasgordonpikes.jpg <![CDATA[BMW i8 Spyder pops the top on future mobility]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/31/bmw-i8-spyder-pops-the-top-on-future-mobility/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/31/bmw-i8-spyder-pops-the-top-on-future-mobility/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/31/bmw-i8-spyder-pops-the-top-on-future-mobility/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



BMW i, the sub-brand within BMW with its eye towards the future of mobility, has unveiled its third concept, the i8 Spyder. Based on the i8 coupe that debuted last year alongside the i3 city car, the i8 Spyder is at once an obvious followup, but also appears to be a couple of steps closer to the production models that will eventually go on sale to the public.

Like the coupe, the i8 Spyder is a plug-in through-the-road hybrid with a 96 kW (131 horsepower) electric motor up front powering the front axle and a mid-mounted turbocharged three-cylinder gas engine (presumably with a displacement of 1.5 liters like the coupe) producing 223 hp that powers the rear. A pack of lithium-ion batteries are located in a center tunnel between the two power sources, which together can produce a total system output of 354 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. On electricity alone, the i8 Spyder can travel about 19 miles before the gas engine turns on to recharge the batteries. BMW says the system is good for 94 miles per gallon on the Imperial cycle, which converts to upwards of 78 miles per gallon on our own EPA cycle.



The beauty of the i8 Spyder's drivetrain is the car can be front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive depending on whether efficiency, performance or all-weather traction is called for. Like the coupe, the i8 Spyder also features a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, and BMW claims to have completely cancelled out the extra weight of the hybrid drivetrain through extensive use of lightweight materials like carbon fiber and aluminum. Performance is also impressive, with 0-62 mph happening in five seconds and a top speed governed at 155 mph.

Not everything between the coupe and spyder is the same, though. The i8 Spyder has a slightly shorter wheelbase and overall length. Its upward-swiveling, windowless doors are also different. The car's developers have also whimsically included a pair of electric scooters underneath a glass panel in the rear. Aside from a few more exterior tweaks to accommodate the open air design, which can be closed again with a two-section folding roof, the rest of the i8 Spyder is identical to the coupe, including the interior that features a slightly warmer choice of colors.

Scroll down for the official specs and info from BMW, and stay tuned while we hunt down the i8 Spyder for some in-person impressions. Though BMW makes no mention of its appearance at next week's New York Auto Show, the timing of this debut suggests it will be there.

Continue reading BMW i8 Spyder pops the top on future mobility

BMW i8 Spyder pops the top on future mobility originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw iii3i8i8 spydernew yorknew york 2012new york auto showSat, 31 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20205777/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/31/bmw-i8-spyder-pops-the-top-on-future-mobility/20205777/article-detail.xml 20205777 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/bmw-i8-spyder-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/bmw-i8-spyder-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi readies i-MiEV-based prototype for Pikes Peak climb this summer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/mitsubishi-readies-i-miev-based-prototype-for-pikes-peak-climb-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/mitsubishi-readies-i-miev-based-prototype-for-pikes-peak-climb-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/mitsubishi-readies-i-miev-based-prototype-for-pikes-peak-climb-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

mitsubishi i-miev pikes peak
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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclehiroshi masuokaii-mievmievmitsubishimitsubishi imitsubishi imievpikes peakThu, 01 Mar 2012 17:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20184063/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/01/mitsubishi-readies-i-miev-based-prototype-for-pikes-peak-climb-t/20184063/article-detail.xml 20184063 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/i-miev-prototype-for-pikes-peak-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/i-miev-prototype-for-pikes-peak-628.jpg <![CDATA[BMW planning to slot i5 minivan into new range]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/bmw-planning-to-slot-i5-minivan-into-new-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/bmw-planning-to-slot-i5-minivan-into-new-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/bmw-planning-to-slot-i5-minivan-into-new-range/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW i3 and i8

Imagine you're an auto exec launching a new line of cars. One's a sportscar, the other a city car - pretty much opposite extremes on the spectrum of automotive bodystyles. Do you give them alphanumeric nameplates close to one another? Of course not. You assign them disparate numbers to make room for more models to slot in between.

That's just what BMW is doing with its upcoming "i" range, with an i3 at one end and the i8 (star of the recent Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol). So what does it have planned to fit in the middle? According to Autobild out of Germany, an i5.

The third model in the range is tipped to come in as a compact MPV in a similar mold as the Toyota Prius V - only probably significantly more expensive. Underpinnings would likely be borrowed from the i3, but stretched out a bit to make extra room for people and stuff. For that matter, we wouldn't be surprised to see an i2 come in as a two-door version of the i3 with the Smart ForTwo in its sights, or an i6 or i7 electric sedan, either.

BMW planning to slot i5 minivan into new range originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw electricbmw evbmw ibmw i5bmw minivanii5Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157879/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/27/bmw-planning-to-slot-i5-minivan-into-new-range/20157879/article-detail.xml 20157879 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/043-bmw-i3-i8-press-1327613500_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/043-bmw-i3-i8-press-1327613500.jpg <![CDATA[Is this BMW 7 Series an electric i sedan mule?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/22/is-this-bmw-7-series-an-electric-i-sedan-mule/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/22/is-this-bmw-7-series-an-electric-i-sedan-mule/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/22/is-this-bmw-7-series-an-electric-i-sedan-mule/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Look at the BMW i line-up. You've got the all-electric i3 on the low end and the hybrid flagship i8 on the high end. What's missing? Lots.

So when our intrepid spy shooters caught this oddly modified 7 Series with ActiveHybrid badging, the wheels of speculation began spinning.

Ignore for a second the misshapen front and rear fenders and direct your attention at the thin front wheels. The bits behind the spokes and brakes look remarkably close to hub-mounted motors, and it looks like there could be a set in the back as well.

BMW has made it clear that the i brand will spawn a number of models in the coming years and if there's any segment ripe for mass consumption, it's a sedan. So with the Tesla Model S due to arrive next year and the Fisker Karma continuing to get press, BMW needs its own EV sedan. And if it's packing a range extending engine, all the better.

Is this BMW 7 Series an electric i sedan mule? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw ibmw i sedanispy photosspy picsspy shotsTue, 22 Nov 2011 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20112539/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/22/is-this-bmw-7-series-an-electric-i-sedan-mule/20112539/article-detail.xml 20112539 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/02-bmw-i-sedan-spy-cp-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/02-bmw-i-sedan-spy-cp-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi i tops 2012 EPA Fuel Economy Guide]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/20/mitsubishi-i-tops-2012-epa-fuel-economy-guide/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/20/mitsubishi-i-tops-2012-epa-fuel-economy-guide/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/20/mitsubishi-i-tops-2012-epa-fuel-economy-guide/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Mitsubishi i

What's the most fuel-efficient vehicle sold in the United States? Well, for 2012 it's the Mitsubishi i, at least according to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.

The federal agencies have issued the latest edition of their Fuel Economy Guide, and Mitsubishi's subcompact electric leads all vehicles with a combined rating of 112 miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent. The Nissan Leaf is second at 99 MPGe, the Ford Transit Connect Electric is third at 62, and the Chevrolet Volt ranks fourth at 60 MPGe.

Of course, they're all electric vehicles (well, in the case of the Volt, a part-time EV), which is why their mileage numbers are listed as MPGe. The highest-rated vehicle powered by a conventional internal combustion engine continues to be the Toyota Prius, at 50 miles per gallon combined.

Click past the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading Mitsubishi i tops 2012 EPA Fuel Economy Guide

Mitsubishi i tops 2012 EPA Fuel Economy Guide originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Light Weight, Rear-Wheel Drive And Instant Torque Bubble Up

2012 Mitsubishi i

There are two simple truths about the Mitsubishi i that should help this funky little electric car sell well in the U.S. once it goes on sale later this year. First, it looks like absolutely nothing else on the road today. Second, the car is much more fun than its jellybean shape implies.

The North American-spec i does share its look with versions on sale in Japan and Europe, but this EV is a different beast compared to those models. It's also completely different from the gas-powered kei-car sold only in Mitsubishi's home market, which was named the Japan Car of the Year by the Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference in 2007. It's also completely different from the Japan or Euro-spec electric i-MiEVs (which are also slightly different from each other) that Mitsubishi has been showing off in the U.S. for the past few years. We've had a chance to drive these other models, and you can read our thoughts on the foreign i-MiEV here and here. At this point, though, it's best not to bother - this i is something new.

That's part of the idea, since the i is meant to be distinctive. Love it or hate it, Mitsubishi thinks that this is what electric car buyers want: an electric vehicle that looks like an electric vehicle, even if it comes from gas roots.

Continue reading 2012 Mitsubishi i

2012 Mitsubishi i originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mitsubishi ifeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveii-mievimievmitsubishiWed, 26 Oct 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20090374/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/26/2012-mitsubishi-i-first-drive-review/20090374/article-detail.xml 20090374 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2012-mitsubishi-i-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2012-mitsubishi-i-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Behind i: BMW's vision for the future of mobility]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/behind-i-bmws-vision-for-the-future-of-mobility/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/behind-i-bmws-vision-for-the-future-of-mobility/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/behind-i-bmws-vision-for-the-future-of-mobility/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

BMW i3 and i8

It's not everyday that an automaker launches a new marque, let alone a disruptive vision of the future. But BMW did just that last week in Frankfurt with the unveiling of its new i sub-brand.

However, the story behind BMW i isn't limited to the i3 city car and i8 plug-in hybrid concepts. It's a new take on everything from manufacturing to infrastructure; it's about challenging preconceived ideas about how we get around in an ever-changing, ever-expanding world; and it's arguably one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken by a modern automaker.

That might sound like overwrought hyperbole, and it's sure to send chills down the spines of technophobes and Luddites, but i isn't about a dystopian driverless future. In fact, BMW says it doesn't want mobile automatons. It wants drivers with an eye on what lies ahead and an open mind. And from what we've seen, i and the philosophies behind it have the potential to eliminate much of the daily drudgery behind the wheel, ushering in a new era of mobility that's at once intelligent, sustainable and engaging.

And we can't wait.

Continue reading Behind i: BMW's vision for the future of mobility

Behind i: BMW's vision for the future of mobility originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw ibmw i3bmw i8iMon, 01 Aug 2011 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20006340/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/01/behind-i-bmws-vision-for-the-future-of-mobility/20006340/article-detail.xml 20006340 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/043-bmw-i3-i8-press-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/043-bmw-i3-i8-press-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi i rated at 112 MPGe with 62 to 98 mile range]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/07/mitsubishi-i-rated-at-112-mpge-with-62-to-98-mile-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/07/mitsubishi-i-rated-at-112-mpge-with-62-to-98-mile-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/07/mitsubishi-i-rated-at-112-mpge-with-62-to-98-mile-range/#commentsFiled under: ,

mitsubishi i
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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mitsubishi iepagreeniimievmiles per gallon equivalentmitsubishimitsubishi impgeThu, 07 Jul 2011 15:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19985785/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/07/mitsubishi-i-rated-at-112-mpge-with-62-to-98-mile-range/19985785/article-detail.xml 19985785 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/73-mitsubishi-i-miev-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/73-mitsubishi-i-miev-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Report: BMW i won't be limited to EVs; diesels, hybrids, motorcycles all possible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/23/report-bmw-i-wont-be-limited-to-evs/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/23/report-bmw-i-wont-be-limited-to-evs/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/23/report-bmw-i-wont-be-limited-to-evs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW i

If you're still trying to work your mind around how the new BMW i brand fits with the company's ultimate driving machine mantra, Autocar may have the piece of the puzzle that you're missing. According to reports, the German automaker is currently planning to flesh out the fledgling marque with a host of alternative fuel vehicles.

Not everything under the i banner won't be sailing on all-electric power all the time. The news came courtesy of BMW marketing head honcho Ian Robertson, though he chose not to delve deeper into what other types of alternative fuel we could see from the green arm of BMW.

Autocar also stole some time with BMW R&D boss Klaus Draeger, who said the upcoming i8 won't boast the same fuel-savvy diesel engine as the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics concept. Instead, the production version of the vehicle will carry a small gasoline engine on board to make it more appealing in various markets (including the States, we'd imagine) all over the world.

While there aren't any specifics on exactly which engine will find its way into the new green supercar, we'd think that the new BMW turbocharged four-cylinder wouldn't be a bad guess. Also interesting are reports that BMW may extend its new i sub-brand to its motorcycle division, possibly with a range of hybrid and/or electric two- and three-wheeled scooters, motorcycles and trikes.


Gallery: BMW Clever concept


[Source: Autocar, Visordown]

Report: BMW i won't be limited to EVs; diesels, hybrids, motorcycles all possible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw cleverbmw ibmw i3bmw motorcyclesbmw motorradii3i8Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19854688/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/23/report-bmw-i-wont-be-limited-to-evs/19854688/article-detail.xml 19854688 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/bmw-i_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/bmw-i.jpg <![CDATA[BMW registers 'i' nameplate for MegaCity range]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/21/bmw-registers-i-nameplate-for-megacity-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/21/bmw-registers-i-nameplate-for-megacity-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/21/bmw-registers-i-nameplate-for-megacity-range/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW MegaCity design sketch
BMW Megacity Vehicle - Click above for high-res image gallery

First Apple, then Intel, now BMW. We're not sure what it is about the letter 'i' (in lower case, naturally) that various marketing professionals the world over are so enamored with, but word has it that the Bavarian automaker plans to use the moniker for its fuel efficient MegaCity range of vehicles.

According to a post on the e90.com web forums, BMW has registered trademarks for i1, i2, i3, i4, i5, i6, i7, i8 and i9, making us wonder exactly what the company has in mind for its newest sub-brand. Will there be high-efficiency versions of each of the automaker's models, or is it just holding on to these designations so that others don't attempt to gobble them up?

Whatever the case, we think they missed one golden opportunity... Where's the iSetta trademark?


Gallery: BMW Megacity Vehicle


[Source: e90post.com]

BMW registers 'i' nameplate for MegaCity range originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw i seriesbmw megacityimegacityTue, 21 Dec 2010 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19772532/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/21/bmw-registers-i-nameplate-for-megacity-range/19772532/article-detail.xml 19772532 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/bmw-megacity-sketch_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/bmw-megacity-sketch.jpg <![CDATA[Quick Spin: Mitsubishi i is a good car with a bad name]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/mitsubishi-i-quick-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/mitsubishi-i-quick-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/mitsubishi-i-quick-spin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mitsubishi i - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're looking at a long, nearly straight, almost totally traffic-free downhill. We'd climbed up to the base of the Palm Springs to Idyllwild Ariel Tramway. Our goal was to see how fast Mitsubishi's tiny i could go. We're on the gas, and the teensy, turbocharged 660cc three-banger is giving us all its got. The speedometer ticks upwards, now cresting 100. In front of us is nothing but inviting tarmac. Deeper and harder we push and the numbers keep ticking up. 119, 120, 121 and then finally hitting 122. We felt we left a little on the table and could have probably achieved a terminal velocity of around 130. Maybe. 125 for sure.

Before you crime and punishment types climb upon your soapboxes, we should mention that the right-hand drive, JDM-only i reads out in kilometers per hour. Meaning that our top speed was almost 76 mph. And we stand by our assertion that we totally could have hit 80 mph.


Gallery: Quick Spin: Mitsubishi i


Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Quick Spin: Mitsubishi i is a good car with a bad name

Quick Spin: Mitsubishi i is a good car with a bad name originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredii MiEVIMievKeiKei CarKeiCarMiEVMitshsubishi iMitshsubishi i MiEVMitshsubishiIMitshsubishiIMievMitsubishiquick spinQuickSpinTue, 15 Dec 2009 11:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19276494/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/15/mitsubishi-i-quick-spin/19276494/article-detail.xml 19276494 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/mitsubishiiqd_01_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/mitsubishiiqd_01_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Tokyo Motor Show: Mitsubishi's i MIEV Sport plug-in]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/25/tokyo-motor-show-mitsubishis-i-miev-sport-plug-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/25/tokyo-motor-show-mitsubishis-i-miev-sport-plug-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/25/tokyo-motor-show-mitsubishis-i-miev-sport-plug-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click the above image for more of the i MIEV Sport

Mitsubishi's has given its cute and funky 'i' minicar a sporty makeover with a coupe-like shape and vents on the side to create the i MIEV Sport. Despite being the sports version, it uses the same electric plug-in technology found in the i MIEV, which means two in-wheel motors driving the front wheels, and one motor for the rear. The cab-forward design does make it look like a bubble car, but having navigated Tokyo's streets for the last few days we can totally see it fitting right in.

Gallery: Mitsubishi i MIEV Sport

Tokyo Motor Show: Mitsubishi's i MIEV Sport plug-in originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ii MIEVi MIEV SportIMievIMievSportTokyoTokyo Motor ShowTokyoMotorShowThu, 25 Oct 2007 14:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1021532/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/10/25/tokyo-motor-show-mitsubishis-i-miev-sport-plug-in/1021532/article-detail.xml 1021532 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/mitsubishi-i-mievsmall_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/mitsubishi-i-mievsmall.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: i spied in Canada]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/29/spy-shots-i-spied-in-canada/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/29/spy-shots-i-spied-in-canada/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/29/spy-shots-i-spied-in-canada/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

What you're looking at is a right-hand-drive Mitsubishi i spotted in Toronto, as in Toronto, Canada... as in on the North American continent. Mitsubishi's initial line was that the i would be for the Japan Domestic Market only. Then they exported it to Hong Kong, Singapore and Brunei. Then New Zealand. Then Britain. And Australian cities are next in the crosshairs. Wherever it has shown up, it's been a sales sensation, which is handy for Mitsubishi as sales in Japan have slumped to 1,200 cars per month from almost 8,000 per month in March 2006.

So will North America be getting its first 660cc kei car? Not a chance say sources within Mitsubishi's Tokyo HQ. Then the i spied in Toronto is almost certainly a plug-in electric i MiEV undergoing testing. Everyone will have to wait until 2009 or even 2010 to get their hands on one of those, but when they hit markets worldwide they'll have sticker prices under 2million Yen - that's about $17,500 today.

Well spotted Allan!

Spy Shots: i spied in Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaii mievIMievmitsubishinorth americaNorthAmericatorontoWed, 29 Aug 2007 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/976462/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/08/29/spy-shots-i-spied-in-canada/976462/article-detail.xml 976462 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/08/i-spy_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/08/i-spy_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi i confirmed for sale in the UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/15/mitsubishi-i-confirmed-for-sale-in-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/15/mitsubishi-i-confirmed-for-sale-in-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/15/mitsubishi-i-confirmed-for-sale-in-the-uk/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaingreat britainGreatBritainikeikei carKeiCarmitsubishi iMitsubishiIU.K.UKThu, 15 Feb 2007 20:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/754815/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/02/15/mitsubishi-i-confirmed-for-sale-in-the-uk/754815/article-detail.xml 754815 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/52275-c-mit_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/52275-c-mit_450.jpg -1 2