Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) engine to power the production “i” car

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has developed two Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) aluminium cylinder block engines to power two new models slated for introduction in the domestic Japanese market later this year. The new Outlander SUV, due to debut in showrooms this October, is to be powered by a new 4-cylinder 2.4-liter MIVEC engine. The new-concept minicar i, scheduled to join the MMC lineup in January next year, will use a new 3-cylinder 660cc MIVEC engine. The Smart lookalike “i” concept car was shown at the Frankfurt motor Show in 2003 and was a crowd favourite. The new turbocharged 3-cylinder 660cc MIVEC engine delivers outstanding power and torque, fuel economy and emissions performance. The unit produces 47kW (64PS) and with the MIVEC variable valve timing system, it is expected to return significantly better fuel economy than the concept vehicle which achieved maximum 5-Star ratings (lowest environmental impact) in fuel consumption and emissions testing conducted in Europe in 2003. The engine for the vehicle at that stage was a one litre motor producing 50kW.

The two new MIVEC engines announced today have been developed with a common concept of more power, better fuel economy and reduced weight, size and cost.

The concept behind the technologies built into the two new MIVEC engines is also common to the A9-type engine jointly developed with DaimlerChrysler in 2004. The A9 engine currently powers Mitsubishi Colt and Colt Plus and enjoys high critical acclaim both in Japan and Europe. In addition to the core elements listed below, the new engines announced today incorporate other new and proprietary technologies.

Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) Aluminum cylinder block 4-valve direct-drive valvetrain Timing chain Resin components (including intake manifold, head cover) Rear exhaust engine mounting layout

Both new MIVEC engines employ weight-reducing technologies such as the aluminum cylinder block to achieve a more than 10 percent weight reduction, which contributes to improved fuel economy and driving performance. Also, in order to assure high quality and reliability, these engines have been developed through strict development processes that conform to the MMDS (Mitsubishi Motors Development System) as well as the company's vehicle development processes.

The "i" car has been developed as a next-generation small car designed to bring fun and emotion into people's lives. It represents Mitsubishi Motors' latest solution to the universal small car theme of maximizing roominess within limited exterior dimensions.

The company is planning to introduce a small car incorporating the ideas introduced in the "i" concept model and adapted to Japanese market requirements in early 2006 and intends phasing in a similar model into some overseas markets soon after.

Design approach

Breaking with tradition, "i" presents a one-motion form that gives it a sporty look and offers a comfortable ride for its passengers. The design fully exploits the benefits of the new midship engine/rear wheel-drive platform in marrying together a spacious interior with a cheeky exterior appearance.

Exterior design

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