Mitsubishi to Feature 3 World Premiers at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in October
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TOKYO - September 7, 2007: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is proud to introduce three concept cars at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. Each car is a different expression of the three pillars of Mitsubishi Motor's vehicle strategy: driving pleasure, reassuring safety and environmental responsibility. Held at Makuhari Messe, the 40th Tokyo Motor Show is open to the public from October 27 through November 11, with press and media days October 24, 25 and 26.
World Premiere: i MiEV SPORT
 i Miev Sport |
*MiEV: Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle
World Premiere: MITSUBISHI Concept-ZT*
 Concept ZT |
*ZT: "Z" meaning the ultimate, plus "T" for tourer
World Premiere: MITSUBISHI Concept-cX*
 Concept cX |
*cX: "c" for compact, plus "X" for crossover
1. i MiEV SPORT (Show Car)
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.
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.
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.
2. MITSUBISHI Concept-ZT (Show Car)
Characteristics
By combining a high-powered, fuel-efficient, 2.2-liter
clean diesel engine and Twin Clutch SST, and using significant quantities
of Green Plastic in the interior, a high level of running and environmental
performance is achieved. - In addition to advanced active safety
technology, Concept-ZT achieves a high level of passive safety. Features
include pre-crash safety; a lane-drift warning system; driving assistance
technology, including new all-around multi-monitors and a parking
assistance system; and crashworthiness safety technology including a pop-up
hood. - Moreover, equipped with the S-AWC system combining front E-LSD
(Electric control - Limited Slip Differential), ABS and ASC, based on
Mitsubishi Motors' 4WD electronic control system, the MITSUBISHI Concept-ZT
is a premium sedan that possesses dramatically improved driving,
environmental and safety performance.
Design
The basic exterior form, simple and flowing with a low center of
gravity, yields a sense of stability and sportiness fitting Mitsubishi
Motors' premier sedan This base is combined with a powerful shoulder line,
substantial side panels and projecting fenders. Sculptured headlights,
grill and aluminum wheels proclaim quality and status created out of
"Japanese" sensitivity — a sophisticated and adult sensibility.
In the interior, the goal was a level of "hospitality" that would resonate
with all the senses of the occupants. Combinations of designs with clear
contrasts — simple forms with overall continuity gently embrace
passengers and precise, hard functional parts — express the melding
of quality, comfort and the pleasure of driving. Meters and monitors are of
clear materials, futuristically stacked, with the beauty of industrial art.
Minute quantities of a new reflective material add elegance to the body
color. In combination with decorative parts, including wheels and grill, a
radiant presence is realized with a sense of quality and refinement, like
jeweled layers of precious metals. Interior colors are a combination of
grained black wood, metal and leather, making maximum use of materials
expressing boldness, sophistication and grace.
Powertrain/S-AWC
The concept's powerplant is a newly developed 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC,
16-valve with VD (Variable Diffuser)/VG (Variable Geometry) clean
turbodiesel engine with common-rail direct fuel injection (piezoelectric
injector) that delivers a maximum output of 140 kW and maximum torque of
400 Nm.
The power unit is mated to Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch SST, which
delivers superior power transmission efficiency in a powertrain that
realizes smooth, responsive, effortless power and acceleration, whether on
the highway or in urban areas, together with good fuel economy. The S-AWC
system combines front E-LSD (Electric control - Limited Slip Differential),
ABS and ASC with the 4WD electronic control system also used in Outlander
and Delica D:5. This optimally controls driving force, traction and braking
at all four wheels, and provides stable driving on various road surfaces
under various conditions, realizing a pleasurable and safe driving
experience.
Body Structure
As in the i MiEV SPORT, the aluminum space frame
structure combines aluminum extrusion and aluminum die casting, not only
realizing a body of great strength and rigidity, but contributing to weight
reduction and crashworthiness. In addition, for the outer panels of hoods,
fenders, doors and trunk lids, shock-resistant, recyclable resin is used,
as seen on the front fender of the Delica D:5.
Safety Technology/Driving Assistance Technology
Pre-crash Safety System: Using millimeter-length
radar waves, the system detects cars far ahead as well as obstacles in the
adjacent lane. When it determines that objects near the car are too close
and there is danger of a collision, it warns the driver to take action. If
the system determines that the possibility of a collision is nevertheless
quite high, it pretensions seat belts and activates crash-restraint seat
cushions to increase passenger restraint, and initiates emergency braking
to reduce the impact of an imminent collision.
Lane-Drift Warning System: The system consists of a front camera, steering angle sensor, speed sensor,
yaw rate sensor and ECU. The front camera recognizes lane markings (white
lines, etc.), and the system, based on information from the other sensors,
calculates the possibility of the vehicle drifting out of its lane, warns
the driver, and adds steering torque in the direction such that the car
stays within the lane.
Pop-Up Hood: If the car should hit a pedestrian, the
hood pops up before the person's head strikes the hood, acting as a buffer
and minimizing injury to the head.
New All-Around Multi-Monitors: In
addition to a nose-view camera and a rear-view camera, cameras with
extremely wide-angle lenses are positioned at the left and right sides.
Optical distortions of the images from the four cameras are corrected, and
the information is converted into a display of the situation all around the
car as seen from the top — thus enabling clear confirmation by the
driver. The nose camera is also part of the proximity-detection function
for approaching objects.
Parking Assistance System: A distance sensor,
embedded in the bumper, assesses the space available for parking. If
parking is possible, the system will automatically maneuver the wheels
(steering) while all the driver must do is control braking.
3. MITSUBISHI Concept-cX (Show Car)
Characteristics
High levels of driving and environmental performance are
realized through the combination of a newly developed 1.8-liter clean
diesel engine and Twin Clutch SST. Practicality is improved with a
high-visibility driving position and improved accessibility to luggage
space from the split tailgate already well received on the Outlander.
Mitsubishi Motors positions this compact SUV as a "soft roader" for on-road
use.
Design
The design gives the exterior a purposeful and functional form
using a dynamic wedge shape and large tires. The front visage combines the
inverted-slant nose, trapezoidal grille, and sharp headlights that define
the new Mitsubishi Motors design identity starting with the new Lancer. The
casual rear view is of the characteristic two-way, T-shaped glass tailgate.
The interior is a modern, sporty space, fusing excitement and the joy of
driving. The instrument panel and trim comprise a solid framework with
soft, light pads interwoven as a welcoming embrace for passengers.
The fresh medium-blue color of the body is reminiscient of clear lakes —
a fresh, ecologically attuned image. The paint contains a mixture of
delicate aluminum flakes producing an unconventional metallic, transparent
effect. In the interior, black and white are the key colors, with brown
genuine leather highlights. The space is fashionable and appealing.
Powertrain
The combination of the newly developed 1.8-liter clean diesel
engine and Twin Clutch SST achieves both responsive performance and low
fuel consumption. The 4WD-based integrated vehicle dynamics control system
offers excellent running stability and versatility, and is also used in
SUVs including the Outlander and Delica D:5.
Safety / Environmental Technology
Energy-absorbing materials with differing characteristics are
incorporated into the lower portion of the bumper, serving to cushion
impact and minimize leg injuries to pedestrians, as well as enhancing the
bumper's ability to restore itself to its original state after minor
collisions.
In addition, Green Plastic — Mitsubishi Motors' unique
plant-based resin technology — is used wherever possible for interior
components in another nod to the environment.