Lancer Evolution MIEV with all wheel electric motors

The second coming of the oil crisis will yield some very impressive automotive electronic technologies and Mitsubishi is planning to show one of the first that fits into the mouth-watering next-generation electric vehicle category at next month's 39th Tokyo Motor Show. The Mitsubishi MIEV has four high-efficiency direct-drive motors inside its 20-inch wheels, each producing 50 kW of power and 518 Nm torque adding to maximum output of 200 kW (270 bhp). And because this drive system allows precise regulation of power at each individual wheel, it opens the door to creating a vehicle dynamics control system in its ultimate evolutionary form. Mitsubishi will also show the Concept-D:5, a go-anywhere, high-performance concept car that embodies the company's "utmost safety" ideal; and, Concept-X, a concept car with styling that raises the bar on performance car looks and also boasts Mitsubishi's 4WD-based Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC1).

The MIEV is a proposal for next-generation electric vehicles that utilizes to maximum effect the environmental technology Mitsubishi has developed over the years. The offspring of a marriage between such environmental technology and Mitsubishi Motors' sporty characteristics, Lancer Evolution MIEV utilises the advantages offered by the electric powertrain to craft smooth and slippery, low-drag body lines and the styling imparts an aggressive wind-cleaving look to the body. Riding on large wheels and tires, Lancer Evolution MIEV projects a tempting taste of its potent new-age sport driving potential.

The in-wheel motors and the lithium-ion battery system, which is located under the floor to reduce the center of gravity, accelerate Lancer Evolution MIEV from 0 km/h to 100 km/h in less than 8 seconds and up to a maximum speed of 180 km/h. This is a level of motive performance that leaves today's EV's standing.

The foremost feature of the in-wheel motor is that it allows drive torque and braking force to be regulated with high precision on an individual wheel basis without requiring transmission, drive shafts, differential gears or other complex and heavy components. Housing the drive system in the wheels also gives greater freedom in designing the layout.

This will facilitate the conversion of internal combustion engine-powered vehicles into hybrid vehicles without requiring the introduction of complex hybrid power systems. It will also make it easier to provide room for space-consuming components such as fuel cell stacks and hydrogen tanks in fuel cell vehicles. The space-saving benefits of the in-wheel motor also offer exciting possibilities in terms of body design.

The major shortcoming of the EV to date has been its limited cruising range. This is now well on the way to being overcome with recent improvements in battery performance. MIEV uses the lithium-ion storage cell for its main power source, this offering advantages in terms of energy density and life over other types of secondary or rechargeable battery.

Concept-X (show car)

With an exterior that carries over the full flavor of Lancer Evolution's spartan road machine image and a high quality interior with a functional layout that encourages the driver to concentrate solely on operating his machine, MITSUBISHI Concept-X points to way a new-age Evolution design that is as handsome and purposeful as it is functional.

In the mechanical components department, MITSUBISHI Concept-X mates a turbocharged aluminum cylinder block MIVEC engine to a high-performance 6-speed auto-manual transmission. Extensive use is made of aluminum in the roof, engine hood and other body panels. Chassis performance has been substantially improved with the introduction of Mitsubishi's latest 4WD-based Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics control system. The incarnation of driving pleasure, this highly advanced technical specification makes MITSUBISHI Concept-X a showcase on wheels for Mitsubishi Motors' quintessential road performance technology.

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