In the AutoblogGreen garage: paper Mitsubishi i MiEV
by Domenick Yoney on Jul 7th 2008 at 8:46AM 
While we've featured many alternatively-powered cars on AutoblogGreen, this may be the first one that is fueled by the imagination. If you've been perusing the iMiEV microsite we told you about the other day you may have noticed a paper craft section. It's a special place that fans of the Mitsubishi iMiEV (other Mitsu models are also there) can go to and download a PDF file containing a magical pattern that was conjured up by Akira Mizorogi. This can then be printed out, cut out, folded and glued to become a mini version of the micro electric car. Although the cutting may be achieved with scissors, an exacto knife and cutting mat is recommended. Small, childlike fingers and a grandparent's patience may also come in handy.
Because of the inexpensive properties of paper automobiles, we were able to get our hands on three of these little beauties, instead of the usual single model, to put through their paces. The cars were pretty much identical with each having unlimited amounts of power and speed. A few runs through the cones revealed handling that was superb as long as you kept a gentle grip. One car had a little better fit and finish which was chalked up to assembly by a different team. We expect the electric versions to be more uniform and also more silent, since the vehicles we had were for some reason equipped with some sort of sound effects device that reproduced the noises of a gas-powered car.
The trio were driven across varying terrain including a redwood forest (pictured above), a grassy savanna, as well as the usual concrete and asphalt. A word of caution. It's a dangerous world out there for paper cars so beware of puddles and large furry beasts who might mistake your iMiEV for a mouse. Check out the gallery of our paper iMiEV adventures below. Many thanks to Yanquetino for the tip!
Gallery: i MiEV in paper
[Source: Mitsubishi]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
kert 10:21AM (7/07/2008)
good one guys :) With all the love of these paper beasts, when will you review the electric version ?
Reply
Domenick Yoney 10:45AM (7/07/2008)
Actually, we (and by "we" I mean "Alex Nunez") already did.
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/03/21/new-york-2008-autobloggreen-drives-the-mitsubishi-i-miev-w-vid/
Hopefully we'll find an excuse to have another, longer go at it.
Joni 11:19AM (7/07/2008)
I made one of these paper cars yesterday. So nice to see that somebody else is also making them. ;)
But honestly, they look very cool, and fun.
Reply
Doug 12:05PM (7/07/2008)
Hmmm... What does this paper automobile have to offer over say a locomotive, which I could equally afford?
Reply
Domenick Yoney 2:11PM (7/07/2008)
I think a paper train could very well have the paper iMiEV beat. Except maybe for cuteness. I think they would probably both stand up equally poorly to curious kittehs.
You can find paper train patterns of all kinds, along with tracks and even scenery at this Japan Railroad website. Just click any of the links and prepared to be amazed. Or overwhelmed. Or something.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/fan/paper/
Doug 2:53PM (7/07/2008)
I was just making a Simpsons reference, but I appreciate the link. Thanks. =)
Rick 7:15PM (7/07/2008)
I hope this isn't as close as we Americans will get to owning one.
Reply