Original name: 三菱 コンセプト-CT MIEV

Mitsubishi Motors Lineup at 2006 North American International Auto Show

Tokyo, January 10, 2006  — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and its manufacturing and sales unit in the United States, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA, based in Cypress California) will give the Mitsubishi Concept-CT[1] MIEV[2] 4WD sport compact concept and the new Eclipse Spyder convertible their world premieres at the 2006 North American International Auto Show (Detroit Motor Show). Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV uses outer rotor type in-wheel motors and a lithium-ion battery system to drive all four wheels, together with a gasoline engine in a hybrid configuration. The 2006 NAIAS runs from January 8 to 22 at the Cobo Center in Detroit and is open to the general public from January 14.

MMNA president and CEO Hiroshi Harunari, who took up his new post on January 1, made the following remarks at a press conference held at the show on January 9. "The size and potential of the American market makes it one of our most important markets. In Mitsubishi Motors' drive toward success on a global scale it is vital that we continue to rebuild and improve the sales and profitability of our operations in this market. To put the U.S. operations back on a healthy foundation, last year we called upon the leadership of Rich Gilligan and his fine team to promote the rebuilding of the Mitsubishi brand and the enhancement of our sales performance. Sales operations are being normalized and profitability improved through a process of introducing new models, curtailing fleet sales, and reducing inventory levels. Offering appealing sales finance products to customers is another profitability improving policy this is being implemented. It is clear that these steps are starting to pay dividends.

However, the impact of high oil prices has led to increasing uncertainty in the U.S. market, especially for the automotive industry. For this reason, the relationship between MMC and MMNA has been strengthened to allow for more flexibility in responding to market changes. The company will continue to take steps to normalize sales operations, raise operating efficiencies and increase profit opportunities by actively promoting exports from MMNA's Illinois factory to other markets. Management of both companies are committed to working together to improve operations in North America and to accelerate implementation of existing policies and introduction of more detailed measures."

MMC and MMNA are displaying a total of 11 models including Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV and Eclipse Spyder, most of which are produced in the United States.

1. Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV walkaround

A concept for a new kind of sports compact that captures the essence of the Mitsubishi Motors brand as it combines driving pleasure with low fuel consumption.

(1) Exterior highlights

- Using the same rear-midship layout as the new i minicar to be launched in Japan this month, the wheels on Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV have been moved to the corners of the vehicle yielding a stable and forceful looking stance within a compact 3800 mm length.

- The overall design theme was inspired by the large scooters popular today. Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV's geometric lines impart an architectural look in creating a shape that promises to wrap its occupants in safety and comfort.

- With no center pillars, double opening doors (with rear door hinges located in the rear portion of the body) allow enhanced entry and exit.

(2) Interior highlights

- The instrument panel incorporates a new system wide-format screen stretching from driver's seat to passenger's seat that can display speedometer and fuel readings, on-board navigation and climate control information, entertainment functions and rear/side view mirror images all at the same time.

- The center console houses a computer touch pad-like interface in a simple configuration to give the driver easy, ergonomic access to climate and audio controls.

- The seats use a simple, ultra-slim design to emphasize their light weight. The front passenger seatback and rear seatbacks fold flat and together with the double opening doors and split-tailgate significantly enhance Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV's load carrying ability.

(3) Hybrid powertrain system

Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV is the first vehicle to apply a hybrid drive system to the Mitsubishi Motors' MIEV next-generation electric vehicle concept that utilizes in-wheel motors and high energy-density lithium-ion batteries as core technologies. Features include:

- A series-parallel hybrid drive system that delivers higher power and an extended cruising range.

- A new 1.0-liter 3-cylinder MIVEC[3] engine (generator) that produces a maximum of 50 kW (68 ps).

- A lithium-ion battery system with a 50 kW maximum output housed under the rear seats and under the front hood.

- Outer rotor type in-wheel motors, developed first for Lancer Evolution MIEV, are fitted to all four wheels, producing a maximum power of 20kW each. The system allows drive power and braking to be independently regulated with high precision at each wheel and thereby capitalize on Mitsubishi Motors' hallmark all-wheel control technology and know-how to a maximum advantage. The result is a high-performance hybrid vehicle that delivers not only highlevels of environmental performance, but also power and driving performance superior to that in conventional gasoline vehicles.

2. Eclipse Spyder walkaround

Eclipse Spyder is the open-top model for the new fourth generation Eclipse coupe, which was introduced in 2005 and is acclaimed for its sporty, dynamic styling. Eclipse Spyder is the third generation open-top model. Eclipse Spyder is offered in two trim levels: the GT and the GS powered by 3.8-liter V6 and 2.4-liter 4-cylinder MIVEC engines respectively.

(1) Design highlights

- Eclipse Spyder uses sleek, taut and muscular lines to create a shape that is cool and aggressive whether the cloth top is up or down.

- Large-sized headlamps crafted to flow into the bodylines, and chrome-look LED tail lamps distinguish the exterior and generate a sporty appearance with a strong sophisticated flavor.

- Using an instrument panel that houses distinctive motorcycle-inspired gauges and ice-blue night illumination for better legibility, the interior styling projects the cool image and creates the feel-good space that convertible owners look for.

(2) Engine, transmission, and brakes

- The Eclipse Spyder GT mates a 3.8-liter V6 MIVEC engine to either a six-speed manual transmission or a sport-mode equipped five-speed automatic. Pumping out a maximum of 195 kW (260 ps) and 35.7 kg-m (350 N-m) of torque, the Spyder GT accelerates from zero to 60 mph (zero to 96 km/h) in about seven seconds.

- The Eclipse Spyder GS mates a 2.4-liter in-line 4-cylinder MIVEC engine to either a five-speed manual transmission or a sport-mode equipped four-speed automatic. Producing a maximum power of 119kW (162ps), the Spyder GS returns excellent fuel efficiency, rated to achieve 30 mpg (12.7 km/liter) in highway driving by EPA testing standards.

- The GT employs 4-wheel disc brakes, while the GS uses a drum-in-disc system for the rear brakes.

(3) Trim & equipment

- In a premium-level design that enhances its appearance and convenience, the third-generation Eclipse Spyder features an automatic soft top which smoothly folds completely out of sight under a flush-fitting hydraulic powered tonneau panel in about 19 seconds.

- Both GT and GS trim levels come standard with 17-inch alloy road wheels, air conditioning, an advanced dual-stage driver and passenger seat SRS air bag system, head protecting seat-mounted side air bags, an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD[4]), cruise control, engine immobilizer and keyless entry.

- Featured in Eclipse launched last year and in Outlander sold in Japan, a highly acclaimed audio system was co-developed with Rockford Fosgate® a leading American car audio system manufacturer. This premium audio system features a 650 Watt power amp with a six-disc, in-dash CD changer that can also play MP3 files.

For the Eclipse Spyder, this system features a subwoofer center-mounted under the rear seat. It provides unique automatic sound adjustment and equalization for the different sound conditions under top-up or top-down driving.

- Leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors together with outside temperature and compass displays standard on the GT are available as options on the GS.

- GT is available with a premium package that features 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tires, a six-way power driver's seat, aluminum pedals and an automatic climate control system.

3. Specifications

Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV

[1] Compact Technology

[2] Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electric Vehicle

[3] Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system

[4] Electronic Brake-force Distribution

SOURCE: Mitsubishi