Mitsubishi->ke58 is returning to this year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb->ke1001 with an improved iteration of its MiEV electric race car->ke148. After coming second and third in the Electric Modified class last year, Mitsubishi will be looking to cross the finish line in first position with an aerodynamically optimized and more powerful vehicle.
Specifically developed for the grueling Pikes Peak course, The MiEV Evolution III benefits from a redesigned tube-frame chassis and reshaped bodywork, the latter modeled after extensive wind tunnel testing. The resulting single-seater is lighter that its predecessor and provides more downforce thanks to its huge front spoiler and massive rear wing.
Fitted with electric motors at all corners, the Evolution III is also a lot more powerful than last year's model, as the units now deliver a total output of 611 horsepower (450 kW). That's a 68-horsepower increase over the Evolution II, which had 543 electrified->ke1030 ponies (400 kW) on tap. Enabling the vehicle to handle all that additional power is Mitsubishi's redesigned Super All-Wheel Crontrol (S-AWC) system, one that returns better handling and improved traction control.
Driving duties for the 2014 Pikes Peak were handled to Hirochi Masuoka and Greg Tracy, the same aces that took both MiEV Evo IIs to podium finishes last year. While Tracy is a six-time Pikes Peak motorcycle champion, Masuoka has yet to experience success in the Rocky Mountains. However, the Japanese has two Dakar Rally->ke2159 overall wins to his name.
The 92nd running of the "Race to the Clouds" is set to begin on June 29 near Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Mitsubishi MiEV Evolution III.
2014 Mitsubishi MiEV Evolution III
- Make: Array
- Model: 2014 Mitsubishi MiEV Evolution III
- Horsepower: 603
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Competitors
Honda Fit EV
As of 6/3/2014, the Electric class for the 2014 Pikes Peak consists only of seven competitors. The Electric Production class will be a two-way battle between Honda->ke34 and Toyota->ke88, while the two MiEVs fielded by Mitsubishi will face competition from a Monster Sport E-Runner, a Summit HER-02 and modified Tesla Roadster->ke1843 360. Driven by Roy Richards, the Fit EV is part of Honda's extensive 2014 Pikes Peak effort, one that also includes a B-Spec class Fit, a first-generation Acura NSX, a CBR600RR motorcycle and a TRX450 ATV.