Mitsubishi i-MiEV to race at Pikes Peak

Mitsubishi is entering two of its i-MiEV all-electric vehicles for the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, USA this July.

The EV city car has undergone extensive modifications, turning the vehicle into a specially prepared racer – dubbed the i-MiEV Evolution – that will compete in the Electric Class.

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The Evolution uses three 107hp motors giving a total output of 321hp – one driving the front axle and two driving the rear wheels, thus equipping the competition-spec i-MiEV four-wheel drive to aid grip and performance on the mountain’s loose gravel surface.

A specially-designed tubular spaceframe chassis clothed in bespoke carbon fibre bodywork helps reduce weight – a significant advantage in ascending the uphill 12-mile run – as well as ensuring the Evolution is up to the relevant motorsport safety standards.

Mitsubishi is also entering a standard i-MiEV into the gruelling race. Propelled by a standard 66hp production motor, the only modifications to the car are a more aerodynamic front bumper (still reminiscent of the road car) and a fully integrated roll cage, again to improve safety.

Mitsubishi vehicle development driver Hiroshi Masuoka – who recorded back-to-back overall victories in the 2002 and 2003 Dakar Rally – and American off-road race Beccy Gordon will pilot the brace of i-MiEVs at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

The Electric Class record currently stands at 14 minutes 33 seconds set by Chad Hord in 2011 in a Nissan Leaf – a respectable performance for an EV given the 9 minute 51 second overall record achieved in 2011 was set by a 900hp modified Suzuki SX4.