Geneva 2009: Mitsubishi iMiEV Sport Air
by Sam Abuelsamid on Mar 3rd 2009 at 7:12AM 
click for a high res gallery of the Mitsubishi iMiEV Sport Air
Mitsubishi revealed the latest iteration of its iMiEV Sport this morning in Geneva, the Sport Air. This year's version is marginally longer (20 mm) and taller for what Mitsubishi describes as a "more technical" look to the tear drop shape. While the new concept doesn't look dramatically different, some of the contours are a bit sharper, and solar power cells are embedded in the lower portion of the windshield and the removable glass roof.
The iMiEV Sport Air uses an aluminum space frame to carry its lithium ion battery and electric drive system, which help limit mass to just 2,072 pounds. The motor gets a bump from the standard iMiEV's 47 kW to 60 kW which helps acceleration, and the range climbs from 100 miles to 120 miles, although Mitsubishi has declined to specify whether the new battery is larger.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Herm 8:46AM (3/03/2009)
Gorgeous!, this is my idea of an electric car.. why put a hood on it?, no user serviceable parts inside :)
Keep it simple... why does it need a stick shift?
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GoodCheer 10:21AM (3/03/2009)
It's certainly more aero, which might account for the higher range.... maybe.
I agree. If this were in showrooms right now, I would be too.
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john 11:58AM (3/03/2009)
its nice to see somebody has finally gotten the idea that electrics can be distinctive in their own rights, i know many companies (aptera for one) have gone with various designs but this is downright gorgeous, and i am waiting until these come to the show rooms, please make it soon i really want to get rid of my honda(much as i love it)
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bastien 9:14AM (5/22/2009)
Yup, electric cars *do* need to look very different. That's what Toyota done with the Prius.
That's GM do not yet understand with the Volt....
BTW, don't miss the 2 greatest electric car design imho:
Pininfarina B0
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/wp-content/plugins/gallery/gallery.php/67/1/15/
Joule from Optimal Energy
http://www.urbansprout.co.za/sas_electric_car_joule_official_pics
Tommy 5:00PM (3/03/2009)
I'd buy one.
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andrichrose 2:10PM (3/03/2009)
this I would buy !
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Bob Seeley 3:27PM (3/03/2009)
Only thing is .. it's hard to tell the front from the back. Might confuse people, thinking it's rapidly backing up when it's not.
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Snoopy 11:19PM (3/03/2009)
This is way nicer than the current i-MiEV. I would love to see these here in Canada.
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Wonderboy 10:28AM (4/20/2009)
This is the most forward thinking transitional design for an EV so far. Instead of golf carts that no one wants, the Sport Air would open the door for other design innovations, such as the Peugot Capsule and Aptera... all moving towards a behavior change that may eventually result in benign transportation... yes, only renewable electricity makes an EV an environmental vehicle. Coal-fired electricity with BEVs is not any different from ICEVs, except for emissions at the source...
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