Geneva Preview: Mitsubishi iMiEV Sport Air concept

Last night, Mitsubishi released the first sketches of its next concept car, the iMiEV Sport Air that will debut in Geneva in March. It looks like this one is little more than an update of last year's iMiEV Sport concept. The main difference appears to be a roof that can open. Judging from the sketches, Mitsubishi has incorporated a sliding roof section similar to the Porsche 911 Targa. The powertrain is likely to be the same rear-mounted electric motor and under-floor lithium ion batteries that we've seen in the iMiEV for the past two years.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

PRESS RELEASE:

Mitsubishi Motors to show i MiEV SPORT AIR concept at 2009 Geneva Show

Tokyo, January 26, 2009- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is to give the i MiEV SPORT AIR concept model its global debut at the 79^th Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 3 through March 15 at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex (opening to the general public on March 5).

The i MiEV SPORT AIR explores the future possibilities for zero-emission vehicles, placing a greater bias on exhilarating driving pleasure. The concept model exemplifies the balance between environmental and dynamic performance implied in the tagline Drive@earth, and highlights the benefits of the Mitsubishi electric vehicle drivetrain:

• Powerful, instant torque from a beefed-up electric motor
• Stable driving and handling and a low center of gravity, due to the in-floor lithium-ion battery
• Zero on-road CO₂ emissions

Together, these features along with the car's "clear cutaway" top allow the driver to enjoy the exhilaration of fresh-air motoring while also highlighting its eco-friendly qualities.