Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution Taking on Pikes Peak

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is entering two electric cars into the Pikes Peak Hill Climb from July 3-8. While both cars are based on the i, the i-Miev Evolution is an entirely different beast. The car uses the same motor, drive battery and other major components as the standard Mitsubishi i. However, it has been wrapped in a tube-frame chassis with a carbon fiber body that cuts weight and improves aerodynamics. Using the same components, Mitsubishi was also able to increase power significantly by using three of its electric motors. 

The i-Miev Evolution has a single motor powering the front and two motors in the rear producing 322hp. The widened chassis will hold just the driver and is fitted with 245mm wide, 18in tires. 

Mitsubishi has been selling the i on the West Coast of the US for the last year, and it will be launching the car throughout the entire country throughout this year. It will also be entering one of these standard cars into the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. These cars hold four passengers with a single electric motor powering the rear wheels. It has 66hp or 68hp in sport mode.

Both cars will be driven by Hiroshi Masuoka and Beccy Gordon. Masuoka works in the Product Strategy Office at Mitsubishi. He raced in the Dakar rally in 1987 and won the rally back to back in 2002 and 2003. He develops vehicles for Mitsubishi.

"Given the tough driving conditions that Pikes Peak is known for, I'm really keen to show people the world over those electric vehicles are capable of gutsy emotive performance and excellent handling in addition to their superior environmental performance," said Masuoka.

Gordon is an off-road racer from a family of racers. Her grandfather raced in the Indy 500, and her father was a successful off-road racer. Her brother is Nascar driver and off-road racer Robby Gordon. 

"I'm really happy to be able to drive the Mitsubishi i in the Pikes Peak race and am looking forward to giving it my best in an electric car, the type of vehicle that is set to become a major player in motor sports in future," said Gordon.