Mitsubishi Motors Unveils Dramatic Concept for Future Hybrid-Powered Small Car at North American International Auto Show
DETROIT, (Jan. 9, 2006) – Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today
unveiled at the North American International Auto Show the Concept-CT, a
groundbreaking concept for a hybrid-powered small car that may influence
development of future “Driven to Thrill” Mitsubishi models.
Designed at the Mitsubishi Motors Design Centre in Cypress, Calif., the
Concept-CT introduces an innovative hybrid powertrain packaged in an entirely
new type of vehicle architecture. The ultra-compact four-door hatchback captures
the essence of the Mitsubishi brand while combining practicality, fun-to-drive
performance and low fuel consumption.
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 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.”
Mitsubishi Signature Design With An Accent on the Future
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 maximising 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 centre 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
centre of gravity and a small yaw-inertia moment (quick steering response).
With room freed up by the lack of a centre differential, driveshaft to the
front and front-wheel halfshafts, designers were able to locate vital components
to optimise 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.
MIEV Powertrain Hints at High-Tech Mitsubishi Future
Mitsubishi is
actively developing its MIEV technology to address future demands for improved
fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, without sacrificing driving performance
and fun. The series/parallel hybrid drive in the Concept-CT uses a special
transmission to harness the 50 kW (67 horsepower) output of a 1.0-litre
three-cylinder gasoline engine to drive the rear wheels and the generator.
Engine power is 20kW per wheel. A 40 kW (54 horsepower) generator charges
high-energy-density, lithium-ion batteries to offer high capacity and long life.
Total combined peak power is 100kW (134 horsepower).
The MIEV system provides both economical cruising capability and high
capacity power for short bursts of acceleration when needed. A regenerative
brake system captures energy that would otherwise be lost as heat through the
brake discs and channels it to the batteries.
Each of the Concept-CT’s wheels houses an electric motor, effectively
providing computer-controlled all-wheel drive (AWD) that can transfer optimal
traction independently to each tyre as needed. Such individual wheel control
opens up new possibilities to enhance vehicle stability and performance.
In addition to a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain featured in the
Concept-CT, MIEV technology can be applied to pure battery electric vehicles and
fuel cell electric vehicles to suit a wide variety of world market needs and
infrastructures in the future. Mitsubishi is testing a MIEV powertrain in the
Lancer Evo MIEV rally car acclaimed at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show as an
environmentally conscious, high-performance vehicle.
Adventurous Yet Practical Interior
The Concept-CT interior design
is as adventurous as the exterior, starting with structural elements that also
serve as design elements. The main controls take inspiration from motorcycle
front forks and controls and are supported by a structure fashioned in parallel
strips. For a clean, modern image, the interior features pearl finish, ribbed
vinyl and soft-touch surfaces with copper accents.
The Concept-CT instrument panel is unlike anything seen in current vehicles.
A wide format “wall to wall” screen displays information for navigation,
rear/side-view mirror functions, and entertainment functions (when in park).
Flat-screen gauges are placed well forward of the driver for optimal visibility.
In addition, a flat screen in the center panel displays climate control and
audio information. Reflecting Concept-CT’s futuristic theme, the ultra-thin
centre console houses a fingerprint-reading security key and computer touch pad
interface.
A flat floor and “floating” seats for four provide an open feeling and
interior flexibility. The contoured bench-style seats are designed for superior
support while providing ease of entry and egress. The front passenger seatback
and rear seatbacks fold flat to carry long loads. Rear seat cushions fold up
with the seatback in the upright position to load tall items through the side
doors. Concept-CT provides additional storage under the front hood.
This concept provides a vision into the future of advanced hybrid technology
in a fun and futuristic design. Mitsubishi Motors’ Lancer Evolution MIEV is
currently under testing in Japan – with a goal to bring a MIEV model, built
around core technologies of in-wheel motors and high density lithium-ion
batteries, to market by 2010.
Mitsubishi Concept-CT Major Specifications:
|
Wheelbase: |
2600 mm (102.4 in.) |
|
Length: |
3800 mm (149.6 in.) |
|
Width: |
1700 mm (66.9 in.) |
|
Height: |
1430 mm (56.3 in.) |
|
Engine: |
1.0 litre 3 cylinder, gasoline |
|
Engine power: |
50kW |
|
Generator power: |
40kW |
|
Battery power: |
50kW |
|
Motor power: |
80kW (20kW X 4) |
|
Total peak power: |
100kW |
| 
