← Japanese Oem Design Evolution
Mitsubishi has issued the following press release:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is proud to introduce three concept cars at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. Each car is a different expression of the three pillars of Mitsubishi Motor’s vehicle strategy: driving pleasure, reassuring safety and environmental responsibility. Held at Makuhari Messe, the 40th Tokyo Motor Show is open to the public from October 27 through November 11, with press and media days October 24, 25 and 26.
MiEV SPORT
Characteristics
– Based on the i MiEV, the i MiEV SPORT enhances the “driving” image of Mitsubishi’s electric vehicles. The car features Mitsubishi Motors’ unique in-wheel motors in the front plus S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) — the company’s vehicle dynamics control system — to achieve high maneuverability as well as high levels of both environmental and running performance.
– The car brings a new closeness between people and cars; allowing them to become more a part of daily life.
Design
The “fastback” exterior design expresses the quickness of the car with an appearance that is pleasing and lively. An efficient, environmentally friendly electric vehicle thanks to its compact size, it also possesses exceptionally fluid styling. A simplified interior styling creates a pleasant space, allowing occupants to feel at home. Geometry, metallic materials and body epitomize the futuristic electric vehicle. Interior lighting, too, has been carefully thought out, with the use of many blue LEDs suggestive of nature, creating a sophisticated, cutting-edge atmosphere.
Body Structure
An aluminum space frame — a combination of aluminum extrusions and aluminum die casting — is light, rigid and strong; helping to improving performance by minimizing weight.
The optimum layout of structural members, including front-side and cross members, efficiently absorbs crash energy in the event of front-end or side collision. — Nissan's 2007 Tokyo Motor Show exhibit.
Powertrain / S-AWC
The system employs a structure consisting of three permanent magnetic synchronous motors. One in-wheel motor is placed at each front wheel; a single motor drives the rear wheels, as is used in the “i MiEV” system. An E-4WD system electronically optimizes the output of all motors. In addition, a new E-AYC (Electric Active Yaw Control) system is employed to directly regulate torque at the left and right rear wheels via an electric motor. In addition to the E-4WD and E-AYC, the S-AWC system integrates ABS and ASC (Active Stability Control) systems, thus independently controlling driving force, traction and braking at all four wheels, for total maneuverability and maximum stability.
Energy Saving Technology/Environmental Technology
Energy-saving environmental considerations are seen throughout the i MiEV SPORT. Effective use of energy is achieved by installing an auxiliary photovoltaic generator on the roof, a power-generating fan inside the front grill, and regenerative braking functions to recover energy when the car is slowing down.
MITSUBISHI Concept-ZT
Characteristics
– By combining a high-powered, fuel-efficient, 2.2-liter clean diesel engine and Twin Clutch SST, and using significant quantities of Green Plastic in the interior, a high level of running and environmental performance is achieved.
– In addition to advanced active safety technology, Concept-ZT achieves a high level of passive safety. Features include pre-crash safety; a lane-drift warning system; driving assistance technology, including new all-around multi-monitors and a parking assistance system; and crashworthiness safety technology including a pop-up hood.
– Moreover, equipped with the S-AWC system combining front E-LSD (Electric control – Limited Slip Differential), ABS and ASC, based on Mitsubishi Motors’ 4WD electronic control system, the MITSUBISHI Concept-ZT is a premium sedan that possesses dramatically improved driving, environmental and safety performance.
Design
The basic exterior form, simple and flowing with a low center of gravity, yields a sense of stability and sportiness fitting Mitsubishi Motors’ premier sedan This base is combined with a powerful shoulder line, substantial side panels and projecting fenders. Sculptured headlights, grill and aluminum wheels proclaim quality and status created out of “Japanese” sensitivity — a sophisticated and adult sensibility. — Suzuki's lineup at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show.
In the interior, the goal was a level of “hospitality” that would resonate with all the senses of the occupants.
Powertrain/S-AWC
The concept’s powerplant is a newly developed 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC, 16-valve with VD (Variable Diffuser)/VG (Variable Geometry) clean turbodiesel engine with common-rail direct fuel injection (piezoelectric injector) that delivers a maximum output of 140 kW and maximum torque of 400 Nm.
The power unit is mated to Mitsubishi’s new Twin Clutch SST, which delivers superior power transmission efficiency in a powertrain that realizes smooth, responsive, effortless power and acceleration, whether on the highway or in urban areas, together with good fuel economy. The S-AWC system combines front E-LSD (Electric control – Limited Slip Differential), ABS and ASC with the 4WD electronic control system also used in Outlander and Delica D:5.
Body Structure
As in the i MiEV SPORT, the aluminum space frame structure combines aluminum extrusion and aluminum die casting, not only realizing a body of great strength and rigidity, but contributing to weight reduction and crashworthiness.
Safety Technology/Driving Assistance Technology
Pre-crash Safety System: Using millimeter-length radar waves, the system detects cars far ahead as well as obstacles in the adjacent lane. When it determines that objects near the car are too close and there is danger of a collision, it warns the driver to take action. If the system determines that the possibility of a collision is nevertheless quite high, it pretensions seat belts and activates crash-restraint seat cushions to increase passenger restraint, and initiates emergency braking to reduce the impact of an imminent collision.
MITSUBISHI Concept-cX
Characteristics
High levels of driving and environmental performance are realized through the combination of a newly developed 1.8-liter clean diesel engine and Twin Clutch SST. Practicality is improved with a high-visibility driving position and improved accessibility to luggage space from the split tailgate already well received on the Outlander. Mitsubishi Motors positions this compact SUV as a “soft roader” for on-road use. — Mazda6 debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Design
The design gives the exterior a purposeful and functional form using a dynamic wedge shape and large tires. The front visage combines the inverted-slant nose, trapezoidal grille, and sharp headlights that define the new Mitsubishi Motors design identity starting with the new Lancer. The casual rear view is of the characteristic two-way, T-shaped glass tailgate.
The interior is a modern, sporty space, fusing excitement and the joy of driving. The instrument panel and trim comprise a solid framework with soft, light pads interwoven as a welcoming embrace for passengers.
Powertrain
The combination of the newly developed 1.8-liter clean diesel engine and Twin Clutch SST achieves both responsive performance and low fuel consumption.
The 4WD-based integrated vehicle dynamics control system offers excellent running stability and versatility, and is also used in SUVs including the Outlander and Delica D:5.
Safety / Environmental Technology
Energy-absorbing materials with differing characteristics are incorporated into the lower portion of the bumper, serving to cushion impact and minimize leg injuries to pedestrians, as well as enhancing the bumper’s ability to restore itself to its original state after minor collisions.
