Among the numerous fuel sucking, fire-spitting, noise pollution causing and overall monstrous machines to climb this year’s historic Pikes Peak Hill Climb will be something much quieter. On July 8, the international race will go underway and with it will be the first competitive event for the all-new 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Like the other mass-produced EV to climb to the clouds, the Nissan LEAF, the i will go up the hill in two forms: one stock and one race-prepped. When driven by off-road racer Beccy Gordon, the all-stock all-electric i will compete in the EV class and should look to beat the LEAF’s record set last year.
“I’m really looking forward to driving the Mitsubishi i in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb competition this year,” said Beccy. “I am very excited to be part of this challenge and also to drive a 100% electric-powered car since this type of vehicle will likely play a major role in both our daily transportation and motorsports in the future.” Both versions of the i will race up Pikes Peak with intentions more than just showing off. The race will gather important data for Mitsubishi engineers so they can advance the current production version as well as future EVs, plug-ins and hybrids. Not to be left in the shadow of the Nissan LEAF Nismo, the race-spec version of the i-MiEV will feature a higher output electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack as well as a more robust braking system. Hiroshi Masuoka, a two-time Paris-Dakar rally winner, will pilot the race i.
Source: Mitsubishi
