Mitsubishi MiEV evolution III targets Pikes height victory
The Mitsubishi MiEV evolution III has debuted online before it begins its assault on the 2014 Pikes height international hill Climb in Colarado, USA.
Two versions of the car will take part in the 92nd running of the challenge, making this the third year in a row the Japanese maker has fielded a vehicle.
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This year Mitsubishi will be trying to find its first victory, competing in the new electric modified division using a revised version of last year’s MiEV evolution II.
The new all-electric racer features improved versions of the battery, electric motor and electric motor-driven 4WD system deployed in 2013, and also gains an updated pipe-frame chassis and sees power boosted 50kW to 450kW (604bhp).
Larger tyres help keep this extra output on the road, while a new carbon cowl design and wind-optimised spoiler have apparently boosted the MiEV evolution III’s downforce.
Meanwhile, developing the S-AWC integrated automobile dynamics control system – a version of which appears in the recently unveiled concept XR-PHEV evolution Vision Gran Turismo – has made Mitsubishi’s new hill-climb contender much easier to steer nearer the limit.
As If all this wasn’t enough, Mitsubishi can also take comfort from the fact that its motorists are both experienced when it pertains to tackling the Pikes height course.
Team captain and two-time Dakar Rally champion Hiroshi Masuoka came second in the electric division driving last year’s MiEV evolution model, while Greg Tracy finished third in his first year racing four-wheel vehicles, having previously won the even six-times on motorcycles.