Mitsubishi MiEV Evolution II: electric racers bound for Pikes Peak

The two all-new Mitsubishi MiEV Evolution II prototype racers feature an all-electric four-wheel-drive powertrain comprising four 100kW electric motors – two at the front and two at the rear – for a total output of 400kW, up 67 per cent on the 240kW three-motor set-up of last year’s Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution.

Further improvements over the 2012 car include a lower centre of gravity and redesigned anti-lock braking system (ABS), as well as the addition of a Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel-drive system, Active Yaw Control (AYC) and Active Stability Control.

With a lightweight body, improved aerodynamics and 18-inch wheels, the Japanese manufacturer believes the new Mitsubishi MiEV Evolution II represents a significantly improved electric racing prototype to compete in the Electric Vehicle division of the classic ‘Race to the Clouds’ event.

Steering the two cars will be last year’s second-place getter and Mitsubishi Motors vehicle development driver Hiroshi Masuoka and Team Hot Wheels stunt driver Greg Tracy, who made it into the record books with the team’s Guinness World Record-setting Double Loop stunt at the 2012 X Games in Los Angeles, California.

Mitsubishi will be hoping this year’s event goes smoother than last year’s inaugural attempt after Masuoka missed a breaking point and went off the course during the first practice session, damaging bodywork and the car’s steering rack.

The 91st Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will take place in Colorado Springs, Colorado on June 30, with teams from Honda, Hyundai and Peugeot already announced.