U.S.-Spec Mitsubishi I-MiEV Revealed Ahead of LA Auto Show With Wider, Longer Body
Ahead of its planned debut at the LA Auto Show next week, Mitsubishi has released photos and details of it’s U.S.-spec i-MiEV electric car. Normally there’s little differentiation between a U.S.-spec model and one from the brand’s domestic market, but in this case the tiny i-MiEV has been widened to meet the needs of U.S. customers.
The car itself is 285mm (11.2-in.) longer at 3,680mm, it’s wider by 110mm (4.3-in.) at 1,585mm and also higher by 5mm for a total of 1,615mm. The front and rear track are also a total of 110mm (4.3-in.) wider. To a give a sense of perspective that’s roughly three feet longer than a Smart fortwo and about a foot shorter than the Honda Fit.
The U.S.-Spec i-Miev is expected to get the same battery pack and electric motor with a total of 63-hp and 133 ft-lbs of torque.
GALLERY: U.S.-Spec Mitsubishi i-MiEV
Official release after the jump:
Mitsubishi Motors’ North American Version of i-MiEV to Make World Premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show
Tokyo, November 9, 2010 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will host the world premiere of the North American version of its i-MiEV new-generation electric vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS) held at the Los Angeles Convention Center from Wednesday, November 17 to Sunday November 28 (open to the general public from Friday, November 19). In addition, the Outlander Sport compact CUV (RVR in Japan, ASX in Europe), which is to go on sale in the North American market from the end of this year as well as other core vehicles for the North American market are planned for display at the LAAS.
The North American version of the i-MiEV, in comparison to the Japanese- and European-spec i-MiEVs, features an enhanced, enlarged body structure to secure plenty of space for four adults and better meet the expectations of U.S. consumers. In addition, the North American-spec i-MiEV’s front and rear bumpers are all-new. Airbags that detect passengers and control deployment force, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Active Stability Control (ASC) are all standard equipment.
Also, with the Outlander Sport’s mating of a 2.0-liter MIVEC*1 engine to an INVECS*2Ⅲ-CVT Sportronic (six-speed sport-mode CVT) transmission (five-speed manual transmission also available on some trim levels), the Outlander Sport provides superior fuel efficiency and low emissions in a compact CUV package that can seat five.
*1：Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system
*2：Intelligent and Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control System
■ North American Version i-MiEV Main Specifications (numbers in 【 】denote difference with Japanese model)
Length ：3,680mm【+285mm】
Width ：1,585mm【+110mm】
Height ：1,615mm【+5mm】
Tread (front/rear) ：1,420mm／1,380mm【+110mm／+110mm】
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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It's a good idea to increase the size for the North American customers. Big families and larger people means that if Mitsubishi didn't, then this is one car that most likely would not sell well here.
Gah!!! If you've seen the original, you'd see that they UGLIFIED the US version!!! What's with those huge bulbous bumpers? Basically, they destroyed it. The people who will be interested in this car are typically younger, healthier people. They usually eat a healthier diet and aren't as obese as many. The original (http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/07/mitsubishi-i-miev-electric-car-launch-japan-2009.php) was a MUCH nicer car.