Tokyo Preview: Mitsubishi i MiEV Sport
Our team hasn't even arrived in Frankfurt yet and news is already starting to trickle out about the next big show on the circuit. The Tokyo Motor Show is coming up in October and Mitsubishi has let out some information about their debuts. One of the premieres will be a battery-powered 2+2 coupe dubbed the i MiEV Sport.The lithium ion battery-powered, all wheel drive coupe will use a pair of in-wheel motors in the front corners along with a third motor driving the rear wheels. Helping the coupe reach its 120 mile range are photovoltaic solar cells mounted in the roof and LED lighting. Additional power comes from a generating fan mounted in the front grille. There are more details in the press release after the jump.
Related:
- Brits might get Mitsubishi's all-electric i-Miev in 2011
- Mitsubishi delivers i MIEV to Chugoku Electric Power Co.
i MiEV SPORT 
(Show Car)
Characteristics
Characteristics
| - | Based on the i MiEV, the i MiEV SPORT enhances the "driving" image of Mitsubishi's electric vehicles. The car features Mitsubishi Motors' unique in-wheel motors in the front plus S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) - the company's vehicle dynamics control system - to achieve high maneuverability as well as high levels of both environmental and running performance. |
| - | The car brings a new closeness between people and cars; allowing them to become more a part of daily life. |
Design
The "fastback" exterior design expresses the quickness of the car with an appearance that is pleasing and lively. An efficient, environmentally friendly electric vehicle thanks to its compact size, it also possesses exceptionally fluid styling. A simplified interior styling creates a pleasant space, allowing occupants to feel at home. Geometry, metallic materials and body epitomize the futuristic electric vehicle. Interior lighting, too, has been carefully thought out, with the use of many blue LEDs suggestive of nature, creating a sophisticated, cutting-edge atmosphere.
The light green exterior marks another association with nature. The pearlescent paint, which shines when hit with direct light, brings feelings of advanced, futuristic technology and environmental peace of mind. The interior is sporty and dynamic as a result of the substantial use of mesh materials, while the space, with various natural elements, fosters feelings of both security and comfort.
The light green exterior marks another association with nature. The pearlescent paint, which shines when hit with direct light, brings feelings of advanced, futuristic technology and environmental peace of mind. The interior is sporty and dynamic as a result of the substantial use of mesh materials, while the space, with various natural elements, fosters feelings of both security and comfort.
Packaging
Like the i MiEV, i MiEV Sport uses a rear-midship design in its layout. Making use of the relatively long wheelbase of this platform, a high-capacity lithium-ion battery is installed in the lowest area under the floor, and components including a motor and inverter are arranged beneath the luggage compartment. This layout provides optimal distribution of weight, front and rear, and a lower center of gravity for stability, sporty performance, and a spacious interior.
Body Structure
An aluminum space frame - a combination of aluminum extrusions and aluminum die casting - is light, rigid and strong; helping to improving performance by minimizing weight.
The optimum layout of structural members, including front-side and cross members, efficiently absorbs crash energy in the event of front-end or side collision. In a collision from the rear, EV components under the back seat and rear floor serve as a barrier to ensure the integrity of the passenger compartment. By making use of the rear-midship layout and utilizing Mitsubishi's latest RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body, the concept realizes excellent occupant protection in collisions from any direction, even when colliding with a vehicle of different height or weight.
The optimum layout of structural members, including front-side and cross members, efficiently absorbs crash energy in the event of front-end or side collision. In a collision from the rear, EV components under the back seat and rear floor serve as a barrier to ensure the integrity of the passenger compartment. By making use of the rear-midship layout and utilizing Mitsubishi's latest RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body, the concept realizes excellent occupant protection in collisions from any direction, even when colliding with a vehicle of different height or weight.
Powertrain / S-AWC
The system employs a structure consisting of three permanent magnetic synchronous motors. One in-wheel motor is placed at each front wheel; a single motor drives the rear wheels, as is used in the "i MiEV" system. An E-4WD system electronically optimizes the output of all motors. In addition, a new E-AYC (Electric Active Yaw Control) system is employed to directly regulate torque at the left and right rear wheels via an electric motor. In addition to the E-4WD and E-AYC, the S-AWC system integrates ABS and ASC (Active Stability Control) systems, thus independently controlling driving force, traction and braking at all four wheels, for total maneuverability and maximum stability.
Energy Saving Technology/Environmental Technology
Energy-saving environmental considerations are seen throughout the i MiEV SPORT. Effective use of energy is achieved by installing an auxiliary photovoltaic generator on the roof, a power-generating fan inside the front grill, and regenerative braking functions to recover energy when the car is slowing down. Much of the lighting is by bright, power-saving LEDs, including in the rear combination lamps and vehicle interior, and the efficiency of the air conditioning is enhanced by the use of heat-absorbing window glass. In addition, Green Plastic - Mitsubishi Motors' unique plant-based resin technology - is used wherever possible for interior components in another nod to the environment.
Specifications
| Overall length | 3,450 [mm] |
| Overall width | 1,600 [mm] |
| Overall height | 1,400 [mm] |
| Wheelbase | 2,550 [mm] |
| Track (F/R) | 1,405/1,405 [mm] |
| Seating capacity | 2 + 2 |
| Motors | Permanent magnetic synchronous motors Front: In-wheel motors Rear: Single motor |
| Max. output | Front: 20kW � 2; Rear: 47kW |
| Max. torque | Front: 250 Nm � 2; Rear: 180 Nm |
| Max. Speed | 180km/h |
| Range (10-15 Mode) | 200km |
| Tires | 175/40R17 |
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
don bryant 3:30PM (3/30/2008)
Sooner than later we will all have to embrace the concept of, use less-leave more. This may well be the Sports Car of the future
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Ian 2:51PM (5/08/2008)
I like the idea. I do believe that a properly configured air ram system can be created to generate power. I am not buying the line that it can't be done. There are very simple and some not so simple ways to reduce drag while producing power.
I have a Gas Turbine engineering background and while I never did well in the math part, I do fully understand the mechanics behind turbine systems. And I have seen then operate well outside of what they are supposed to... based on the laws of physics.
How does that apply? Simple, a wind turbine is nothing more than a gas turbine minus the compressor and gas section. By using variable vanes to reduce drag at higher speeds it is possible to maintain relative RPM's for power generation. Also by using ducting and several venturi principles drag can be further reduced.
Now is it possible to sustain a vehicle indefinitely? Unknown at this time. Keep in mind many laws of physics and mechanics as well as electronics have been re-written as technology improved and changed their validity. But is is possible with the technology we have NOW to create vehicles that are capable of over 300 miles on a single charge by using a slick combination of light weight materials, aerodynamic body design, high efficiency motors coupled with carbon nano-tube batteries (new technology that increases the energy density while reducing weight... I just read about them 6 months ago), and a properly ducted and designed in line wind turbine system.
I can't stand being told I can't do something when I know it can be done. Problem is I don't have the $$$ to prove my theory. Otherwise I would put my money where my mouth is. Food for thought:
Those who allow themselves to be constrained by a defined method of thought will never be able to move ahead, they will be perpetually held back by their lack of vision and beliefs.
History is full of people that said, no! And moved on with their visions.
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autoblogroll.blogspot.com 5:00AM (9/03/2008)
i-Miev is totally cool for me.
Why argue on the speed? For the basic sense, this is a battery-powered car so we shouldn't expect a lot in terms of speed. Let's give it some time (not just for Mitsu) for car manufacturers to develop and come-up with high-end technology with regards to speed and power efficienty. We will come to that point sooner or later I suppose...
If I want power and speed, then I'll go for an Evo X instead to unleash the boy-racer blood in me.
Thanks and just my 2 cents...
autoblogroll.blogspot.com
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Kardax 1:41PM (9/07/2007)
With only 90 horsepower, I don't think this car is deserving of "sport" in the name.
I'm kinda surprised to see Mitsubishi throwing a bone to perpetual motion advocates by adding a "power-generating fan", but oh well.
I'm convinced that this concept car is just made to show off, not for actual production intent.
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grimmex 6:15PM (9/07/2007)
Heh. I wouldn't say that this is perpetual motion by any stretch of the imagination, but the "power generating fans" can recover *some* of the energy lost to air resistance. Although I'm kind of skeptical about how much more drag it would introduce, and if it's worth the effort.
My guess is no. Better aerodynamics would reduce power consumption, reducing the need to generate more power.
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GoodCheer 3:37PM (9/07/2007)
I'm not sure I agree with Kardax on 'sporty'.
The weight of the vehicle is not mentioned, and if light enough, 90hp would be more than enough. Keep in mind as well that an EV torque curve will makes comparison with ICE cars less intuitive (remember the Tesla has only about 180hp, and runs 0-60s with cars with 400hp engines).
As for the grill fan, um.... yeah. That's because designers don't necessarily have engineering backgrounds I guess. The same goes for the solar panels: Any money spent on solar panels would be much better spent on a unit facing south on the roof of your house (though the idea of DC panels to a DC battery is nice). But then this IS just a concept so far.
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Kardax 4:29PM (9/07/2007)
Actually, the Tesla Roadster has 250 horsepower; almost triple what this car has. (Tesla's 185KW versus this car's 67.) Add in the weight and drag for those extra two seats, and I'm thinking the zero to 60 time would be close to 12 seconds. Nothing sporty about that :)
I agree that design ruled over engineering with this concept. That'll have to change if they have any ambition of going to production.
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GoodCheer 5:53PM (9/07/2007)
Oops, those are kW aren't they... good point.
Well, as the driver a 115hp (at ~3800 rpm) Civic, I suspect a 90hp EV would have plenty of kick for me. And I'd love to find out.
So this makes
-Th!nk (City)
-Mitsubishi (i MiEV)
-Nissan (Mixim)
-Tesla (WhiteStar)
All at least making motions towards coming out with small-medium 100+ mile highway-capable EVs. I'll be interested to see where we stand in 3 years.
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kert 6:54PM (9/07/2007)
interesting. when EVUK reporter pestered Mitsu guys in japan, they said they are ditching theinwheel motors for MiEV concepts.
Videos here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee8BKWbgmSA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I--F8wm3KU
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Chris M 7:29PM (9/07/2007)
The "fan mounted in the front grille" is part of the air conditioning system, and it doesn't produce any power at all. Either someone is trying a bad joke, or some blithering idiot in marketing saw it and mistook what it was for.
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Domenick 8:45PM (9/07/2007)
Goodcheer:
You can add the Javlon to your list as well. It's further along than some of those others.
As far as in-wheel motors go,that's a little strange. Some other sites are saying "The powertrain consists of two electric motors in the front–one to power each wheel–and one motor providing power to the rear-wheels." But if ABG says in-wheel, in-wheel it must be. I really hope Mitsubishi sticks with the in-wheel plan. It's how it ought to be done.
I like this car much more than the regular i MiEV. Now it just needs it's own music video like the Mixim.^_^
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Sam Abuelsamid 9:30PM (9/07/2007)
The information about in-wheel motors comes directly from the Mitsubishi press release.
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Allan 12:19AM (9/09/2007)
Ok, with the Mitsubishi data, I could make a simulation of Miev Sport performance.
Chassis:
Weight: 1000 kg - suposition. Uses aluminium and is small, that is a good weight. I believe in 200 kg of batterys.
Frontal area: 1,85 m2 - Cx: 0,29 (suposition).
4WD - 100% traction - with traction control.
Rim: 17 pol - 175/40 tyres.
Engine:
Three permanent magnetic synchronous motors:
20X2 Kw in front wheels, 47 in rear wheels:
TOTAL: 87 kw.
Engine specs:
It is in wheel engine, so the max rpm is the max speed - aka 180 km/h.
So max rpm is 1675 rpm (suposition)
Permanent Magnetic Synchronous Motors have a diferent torque curve. The torque curve is flat from 0 to 30% of its max rpm - i.e 500-600 rpm, and in its max rpm, the torque is 40% of max torque.
So: (estimating power curve).
0 rpm - 0 Kw
100 rpm - 14,5 kw
200 rpm - 29,0 kw
300 rpm - 43,5 kw
400 rpm - 58,0 kw
500 rpm - 71,5 kw
600 rpm - 87,0 kw
700 rpm a 1675 rpm - 87,0 Kw
With this specs, we got:(estimate).
Max speed: 178,1 km/h @1650 rpm
0-20 km/h - 1,356s
0-40 km/h - 2,641s
0-60 km/h - 3,944s
0-80 km/h - 5,344s
0-100 km/h - 7,191s
0-120 km/h - 9,596s
0-400 m - 14,952s
0-1000 m - 27,511s
max accelaration - 4,4 m/s^2
max climbing gradient: 49,5%
Comparing with a Polo GTI, a car with 150cv-110kw, we have:
0-100 km/h: 7,2 x 8,2s
0-400 m: 14,9 x 16,1s
0 1000 m: 27,5 x 29,4s
Max speed: 180 km/h x 211 km/h
Yes, it is a great sport car!!!
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atozinusa 2:34AM (10/12/2007)
Allan:
great calculation! you have logically proven my assumptions on the car after having a chance to drive the regular iMiev (wow! what a car) in japan last week. iMiev-S, basically an elongated iMiev kei-car, with no caps on motor output like iMiev, would indeed be very fun to drive. 0-100km in 7 secs is about right based on my experience. btw, iMiev itself is also capable of higher performance, but mitu engineers lowered the output.
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ALan Coles 8:15AM (10/13/2007)
This car would be ideal for city commuting. Coupled with solar panels on your roof the energy required to power it coming from the sun is so practical and progressive for the environment. Now the question is.... what would it cost? My thinking is that if a major auto company like Mitsubishi really promoted it and supported the technology, we could have true economy of scale working to keep the price affordable. I want one. How much will it cost and how soon can I get one?
Toppspnn, Fresno, Ca.
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Paul 4:50PM (10/30/2007)
What about the shape of the car - what generates downforce. Won't the car take off at 180 KPH, or at least lose traction?
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Marvin 11:41AM (11/05/2007)
Looks like a stretched out volkswagen to me. Much To little bang.
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Marvin 2:43PM (11/04/2007)
It does though have the same torque as the new mini cooper s.
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