Mitsubishi returns to Pikes Peak with all-new MiEV Evolution III

Mitsubishi is back again with an all-new version of its electric hill-climbing machine, the MiEV Evolution III. A pair of the fully electric race cars will compete in the 92nd running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 29, held just outside of Colorado Springs, Colo.

Replacing the MiEV Evolution II that came in second in the EV division in last year's, “Race to the Clouds,” the MiEV Evolution III comes with a full force of upgrades that look to bump it to first place. The upgrades include a serious power boost over last year's model from 536 hp to 603 hp, a redesigned tube-frame chassis that is both stronger and lighter, in addition to new wind tunnel-shaped bodywork. The MiEV's modified motors come from the rarely seen road-based Mitsubishi iMiEV.

Covering 12.42 miles, the perilous course throws 156 corners and 4,720 feet worth of elevation changes at drivers, pushing both the cars and their human pilots to the limit. Don Swearingen, executive vice president of Mitsubishi Motors North America, feels that this is the best place to put Mitsubishi's MiEV technology to the test.

“Pikes Peak is an excellent laboratory for testing our advanced MiEV technology. It not only features high elevations but also a range of weather conditions to challenge the performance and reliability of our technology,” said Swearingen.

Hiroshi Masuoka, a two-time Dakar Rally overall champion, will pilot one entry. Greg Tracy, a six-time Pikes Peak motorcycle champion, will run the other MiEV. Both look to secure a first-place finish in the EV field after coming in second and third in last year's event.

By Sam Thetard