Autoblogger John attended the Mitsubishi press conference and sent pics and specs of the vehicles unveiled there.
The Concept-CT is one of Mitsubishi’s small car entries falling, according to the company, between
compact and subcompact vehicles. Its most unique selling point (well, besides its looks) is that it’s a MIEV
(Mitsubishi In-wheel Electric Vehicle ). The technology, first shown in the Lancer MIEV (Autoblog post can be found here)
utilizes electric motors in the wheels themselves. There is one motor per wheel.
More specs and
pics after the jump.
MITSUBISHI MOTORS UNVEILS DRAMATIC CONCEPT
FOR FUTURE HYBRID-POWERED SMALL CAR AT NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
DETROIT, (Jan. 9, 2006) –
Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today unveiled at the North American International Auto Show the Concept-CT, a
groundbreaking concept for a hybrid-powered small car that may influence development of future “Driven to
Thrill” Mitsubishi models.
Designed at the Mitsubishi Motors Design Center in Cypress, Calif.,
the Concept-CT introduces an innovative hybrid powertrain packaged in an entirely new type of vehicle architecture. The
ultra-compact four-door hatchback captures the essence of the Mitsubishi brand while combining practicality,
fun-to-drive performance and low fuel consumption.
The key to the Concept-CT’s roomy packaging,
performance potential and fuel efficiency is the Mitsubishi In-wheel Electric Vehicle (MIEV) hybrid powertrain, which
employs an electric motor in each of the vehicle’s four wheels.
“The Concept-CT is a
breakthrough vehicle that demonstrates how Mitsubishi might interpret its ‘Driven to Thrill’ core
philosophy with the increasing demands for higher fuel efficiency and environmental compatibility,” said MMNA
President and CEO Rich Gilligan. “We are carefully studying ideas showcased in this innovative concept
car.”
Mitsubishi Signature Design With An Accent on the Future
Although clearly echoing
the Mitsubishi “DNA” also seen in the high-performance Concept X from the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, the
Concept-CT’s sharp, expressive lines are intended to convey a more casual performance character. The overall
design theme was inspired by the sleek high-performance scooters popular in Japanese urban centers – and gaining
popularity in the United States.
The Concept-CT’s 102.4-inch wheelbase falls between today’s
sub-compact and compact models. However, the 149.6-inch length makes the Concept-CT even better suited to congested
urban environments. The long wheelbase relative to vehicle length, combined with 20-inch wheels that are thrust out to
the corners, yields a stable, forceful stance while maximizing interior space. Candy yellow-orange paint, with copper
and grey accents, underscores the Concept-CT’s advanced powertrain and overall futuristic orientation.
Unique design elements combine high-tech style with function. The LED head lamps and tail lamps are designed to
appear as if their light emanates from a single source rather than multiple bulbs. A large, wraparound panoramic
windshield provides excellent front visibility.
The rear doors open butterfly-style without a center pillar
to provide maximum interior access. Also contributing to the design’s practicality, the rear hatch is split
horizontally, featuring an upper glass hatch and a lower tail gate for ease of loading.
New Vehicle
Architecture Shows Future Possibilities for Small Cars
Early on, the Mitsubishi Concept-CT designers
disregarded current vehicle architecture and created a whole new type of small car platform that could take full
advantage of the MIEV powertrain’s numerous benefits. A rear-midship layout places the gasoline engine
behind the rear passengers but ahead of the rear axle line. This same configuration can be found in some of the
world’s best sports cars because it allows for optimum weight distribution, low center of gravity and a small
yaw-inertia moment (quick steering response).
With room freed up by the lack of a center differential,
driveshaft to the front and front-wheel halfshafts, designers were able to locate vital components to optimize both
safety and weight distribution. The rear-midship layout allows for a large frontal crush zone and greatly reduces the
potential for engine intrusion into the cabin in a collision. Batteries are housed under the rear floor and in the
front of the vehicle. The fuel tank is housed under the front floor.
MIEV
Powertrain Hints at High-Tech Mitsubishi Future
Mitsubishi is actively developing its MIEV technology to
address future demands for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, without sacrificing driving performance and
fun. The series/parallel hybrid drive in the Concept-CT uses a special transmission to harness the 50 kW (67
horsepower) output of a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine to drive the rear wheels and the generator. Engine
power is 20kW per wheel. A 40 kW (54 horsepower) generator charges high-energy-density, lithium-ion batteries to offer
high capacity and long life. Total combined peak power is 100kW (134 horsepower).
The MIEV system
provides both economical cruising capability and high capacity power for short bursts of acceleration when needed. A
regenerative brake system captures energy that would otherwise be lost as heat through the brake discs and channels it
to the batteries.
Each of the Concept-CT’s wheels houses an electric motor, effectively providing
computer-controlled all-wheel drive (AWD) that can transfer optimal traction independently to each tire as needed. Such
individual wheel control opens up new possibilities to enhance vehicle stability and performance.
In addition
to a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain featured in the Concept-CT, MIEV technology can be applied to pure battery
electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles to suit a wide variety of world market needs and infrastructures in
the future. Mitsubishi is testing a MIEV powertrain in the Lancer Evo MIEV rally car acclaimed at the 2005 Tokyo Motor
Show as an environmentally conscious, high-performance vehicle.
Adventurous Yet Practical Interior
The Concept-CT interior design is as adventurous as the exterior, starting with structural elements that also
serve as design elements. The main controls take inspiration from motorcycle front forks and controls and are supported
by a structure fashioned in parallel strips. For a clean, modern image, the interior features pearl finish, ribbed vinyl
and soft-touch surfaces with copper accents.
The Concept-CT instrument panel is unlike anything seen in
current vehicles. A wide format “wall to wall” screen displays information for navigation, rear/side-view
mirror functions, and entertainment functions (when in park). Flat-screen gauges are placed well forward of the driver
for optimal visibility. In addition, a flat screen in the center panel displays climate control and audio
information. Reflecting Concept-CT’s futuristic theme, the ultra-thin center console houses a fingerprint-reading
security key and computer touch pad interface.
A flat floor and “floating” seats for four
provide an open feeling and interior flexibility. The contoured bench-style seats are designed for superior support
while providing ease of entry and egress. The front passenger seatback and rear seatbacks fold flat to carry long
loads. Rear seat cushions fold up with the seatback in the upright position to load tall items through the side
doors. Concept-CT provides additional storage under the front hood.
This concept provides a vision into the
future of advanced hybrid technology in a fun and futuristic design. Mitsubishi Motors’ Lancer Evolution MIEV is
currently under testing in Japan – with a goal to bring a MIEV model, built around core technologies of in-wheel
motors and high density lithium-ion batteries, to market by 2010.
Mitsubishi Concept-CT Major
Specifications:
• Wheelbase: 2600 mm (102.4
in.)
• Length: 3800 mm (149.6 in.)
• Width: 1700 mm (66.9 in.)
• Height: 1430 mm (56.3 in.)
• Engine: 1.0 liter 3 cylinder, gasoline
• Engine power: 50kW
•
Generator power: 40kW
• Battery power:
50kW
• Motor power: 80kW (20kW X
4)
• Total peak power: 100kW
[Source: Mitsubishi]