Mitsubishi unveils hybrid MIEV 4WD sport compact concept

Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) used the NAIAS to unveil the Concept-CT yesterday, a groundbreaking concept for a hybrid-powered small car that may influence future development of Mitsubishi models. The key to the Concept-CT's roomy packaging, performance potential and fuel efficiency is the Mitsubishi In-wheel Electric Vehicle (MIEV) hybrid powertrain, which employs an electric motor in each of the vehicle's four wheels. The ultra-compact four-door hatchback combines practicality, fun-to-drive performance and low fuel consumption.

"The Concept-CT is a breakthrough vehicle that demonstrates how Mitsubishi might interpret its 'Driven to Thrill' core philosophy with the increasing demands for higher fuel efficiency and environmental compatibility," said MMNA President and CEO Rich Gilligan. "We are carefully studying ideas showcased in this innovative concept car."

Although clearly echoing the Mitsubishi "DNA" also seen in the high-performance Concept X from the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, the Concept-CT's sharp, expressive lines are intended to convey a more casual performance character. The overall design theme was inspired by the sleek high-performance scooters popular in Japanese urban centers - and gaining popularity in the United States.

The Concept-CT's 102.4-inch wheelbase falls between today's sub-compact and compact models. However, the 149.6-inch length makes the Concept-CT even better suited to congested urban environments. The long wheelbase relative to vehicle length, combined with 20-inch wheels that are thrust out to the corners, yields a stable, forceful stance while maximizing interior space. Candy yellow-orange paint, with copper and grey accents, underscores the Concept-CT's advanced powertrain and overall futuristic orientation.

Unique design elements combine high-tech style with function. The LED head lamps and tail lamps are designed to appear as if their light emanates from a single source rather than multiple bulbs. A large, wraparound panoramic windshield provides excellent front visibility.

The rear doors open butterfly-style without a center pillar to provide maximum interior access. Also contributing to the design's practicality, the rear hatch is split horizontally, featuring an upper glass hatch and a lower tail gate for ease of loading.

New Vehicle Architecture Shows Future Possibilities for Small Cars

Early on, the Mitsubishi Concept-CT designers disregarded current vehicle architecture and created a whole new type of small car platform that could take full advantage of the MIEV powertrain's numerous benefits. A rear-midship layout places the gasoline engine behind the rear passengers but ahead of the rear axle line. This same configuration can be found in some of the world's best sports cars because it allows for optimum weight distribution, low center of gravity and a small yaw-inertia moment (quick steering response).

With room freed up by the lack of a center differential, driveshaft to the front and front-wheel halfshafts, designers were able to locate vital components to optimize both safety and weight distribution. The rear-midship layout allows for a large frontal crush zone and greatly reduces the potential for engine intrusion into the cabin in a collision. Batteries are housed under the rear floor and in the front of the vehicle. The fuel tank is housed under the front floor.

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