2008 New York Auto Show: Mitsubishi

The "i"s had it for Mitsubishi at the 2008 New York Auto Show. In the wake of increasing urban congestion, rising gas prices, and concerns over exhaust emissions, Mitsubishi showed three Japanese minicars: the i, i MiEV, and i MiEV Sport. In addition to these small cars, Mitsubishi also showed its Concept-cX compact crossover SUV.

2009 Mitsubishi "i" Minicars

Mitsubishi iMiEV

Mitsubishi i

Mitsubishi iMiEV Sport

Minicars are already a hit in Japan. Their tiny size and fuel efficiency make them ideal runabouts on the congested streets of Tokyo and Osaka. A version of Mitsubishi's i minicar has been on sale in the company's home market since 2006, but this is the first time these tiny transporters are being seen on U.S. shores.

The gasoline-powered "i" model has a 64-horsepower turbocharged 660 cubic-centimeter (0.7 liter) 3-cylinder engine. It's a mid-engine design that places the motor ahead of the rear axle, which Mitsubishi officials say overcomes the minicar-class challenges of providing good interior room, ride comfort, and handling. The result is a small car that boasts a longish wheelbase of 100.4 inches and four-passenger seating. By comparison, the Smart ForTwo has a 73.5-inch wheelbase and seats two.

CG Says...
U.S. car shoppers may be put off by i's design, but that could be easily offset by the promise of low- to emission-free transportation for up to four passengers. The technology has promise. Mitsubishi would need to make sure such a vehicle is practical and affordable while making it comply with federal safety regulations.

Though it looks similar to the gasoline i, the i MiEV is a purely electric vehicle. The 330-volt lithium-ion battery is located under the floor deck and powers a permanent magnet electric motor. Officials say this powertrain offers better performance than its gasoline-only counterpart, but naturally, produces zero exhaust emissions. The estimated driving range on a single charge is 100 miles. Packaging tricks ensure the i MiEV loses no interior space compared to the gas version.

For those who want a bit of flair to go with their electric car, Mitsubishi also has the i MiEV Sport. Instead of a single electric motor, the Sport uses three: two to drive the front wheels and one to power the rear wheels. Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control system governs power output, traction, and braking at all four wheels. The Sport also features Electronic Active Yaw Control, similar to what is used in Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution. In addition to its zero-emission status, the i MiEV Sport has a few other environmentally friendly tricks up its sleeve. Heat-absorbing window glass is designed to improve the efficiency of the air conditioner, and most of the lights used in the cabin are energy-efficient LEDs. While the Sport expends energy to move, it can also capture some of it back thanks to solar panels on the roof and wind turbines in the front grille.

Officials confirmed that the all-electric i MiEV would be for sale in Japan beginning in calendar 2009. Prototype i MiEV testing in the United States is scheduled to begin in late calendar 2008. No word was given on whether any i-based vehicle would be for sale in North America.

Concept-cX

Mitsubishi Concept-cX

This compact crossover SUV marks the second time this year that Mitsubishi is introducing a concept vehicle powered by a diesel engine. The first was the Concept-RA from the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.

CG Says...
With two diesel-engine concept cars appearing at US auto shows this year, it looks like Mitsubishi is serious about bringing such products to this market. Might we see a diesel Lancer or Outlander in the not-too-distant future? Don't rule it out.

Concept-cX gets its motivation from a 1.8-liter diesel engine mated to the company's Twin Clutch SST automatic transmission. The interior mixes black, white, and brown trim and the split tailgate design allows for easier access to the cargo bay.

Instead of steel, cX's body panels are made from an energy-absorbing material designed to restore its shape after minor collisions. In parking lots, cX fears no door dings due to careless other motorists or errant shopping carts.

Mitsubishi officials hinted that a production vehicle based on the design of the Concept-cX will see production. They didn't establish a date. Stay tuned.