Mitsubishi i-MiEV Loves Lower Case “i”s, On Sale In Japan Soon

Cute, but $50k cute?

Mitsubishi’s innovative i-MiEV electric city car will go on sale this year in Japan, despite having an eye-watering price tag approaching $50,000 (dollars, not yen! 50,000 yen probably wouldn’t buy chewing gum). The little guy incorporates Mitsubishi’s MiEV system (did the name tip you off?), but confusingly, drops the in-wheel electric motors usually employed in MiEV cars in favor of a traditional battery array and single electric motor. More details inside.

This gasoline version provides the basis for the EV.

With a 100 mile claimed range, and a quick-charge capability that brings the vehicle to 80% charge in around 30 minutes, the i-MiEV has a lot of potential for the densely populated urban areas of Japan. Kei cars do enormously well in Japan, and the gasoline “i” on which this EV is based is classified as a kei-car there. The motor puts out the equivalent of 63 HP and 132 ft-lbs of torque, which is suitable to move the small but heavy (2500 lbs) i-MiEV around urban environments confidently (as long as you’re not in a huge hurry). It’s intended for worldwide sale in 2010, and apparently Mitsubishi will be testing the car in Oregon to determine if it’s suitable for US consumption.

[Source: Autopia]

Production Mitsubishi i-MiEV unveiled, sales begin in April 2010

In a very lengthy press release on World Environment Day (which we talked about yesterday), Mitsubishi finally unveiled the production version of its four-seater i MiEV electric-vehicle. The i MiEV will go on sale in Japan in late July of 2009 with a monthly lease process much like the Mini E Cooper. Starting April 2010, Mitsubishi will begin the official sales process to individuals and will start take orders in July.

So let’s get down the technical part of the i MiEV. The new mass-produced Mitsubishi electric-car is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, which is comprised of 88 lithium-ion cells that are installed under the floor in the center of the vehicle. That in turn powers an electric-motor that allows for 67-hp with a peak torque of 133 lb-ft.

How long does it take charge? Mitsubishi says that the i MiEV uses a 3-way charging system, which allows the battery to be charged at home or when out on the road. For normal charging the i MiEV can be charged from a standard 100-volt outlet which takes about 14-hours to reach full charge; a 200-volt outlet will take approximately 7-hours to reach full charge. The i MiEV can also be charged at quick-charging stations that are currently being established in Japan. At the quick-charge stations, the i MiEV can reach 80 percent full charge in 30 minutes. Once completely charged, Mitsubishi says that the i MiEV will provide a traveling range of 99 miles.

Mitsubishi said that it hopes to sell 1,400 units of the i MiEV in Japan in fiscal year 2009. Pricing starts ¥ 4,380,000 - or $44,714 (with Japanese tax credits). We’ll get more details on the sale of the i MiEV in other regions shortly after its Japanese launch

Fiat 500 to get more than 40 mpg in the U.S., Fiat engineers and execs in Detroit setting up launch

We already know that the Fiat 500 will be the only Fiat badged model that will be sold at Chrysler dealerships when Chrysler is officially handed over the Italian automaker. According to people familiar with the plan, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has been leading a team of several dozen engineers and executives in finalizing plans to cut costs on purchasing parts and to pave the way for the introduction of the 500 minicar to the U.S. market.

The Fiat 500 will make it to the U.S. showrooms by the end of 2010 - so if you’re looking for a reliable, good looking, fuel-efficient compact car, just wait because the 500 is expected to get more than 40 mpg as measure by the U.S. regulatory standards.

The group of engineers and executives are working hard to get the compact hatch ready to meet U.S. safety standards.

At the 2009 New York Auto Show in April, Chrysler’s vice chairman Jim press was heavily promoting the 500 by driving one onto the stage.

 

Source: Reuters

More power, better looks: AC Schnitzer 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible

AC Schnitzer has just unveiled their new modifications package for the new 2009 Mini Cooper R57 Convertible.

Visually, Schnitzer added a new front spoiler, a new rear skirt, various decals, chrome sports exhaust system, and a variety of wheel and tire combinations. Inside, AC Schnitzer is offering a set of aluminum pedals, velour floor mats and a aluminum gear knob.

Performance wise, Schnitzer is offering an upgrade for the Mini Cooper Convertible S that takes output up from 175-hp to 226-hp. Other performance enhancing features include a limited slip differential, an aluminum strut brace, and a height adjustable sports suspension.

Why you won’t see many Mini Coopers on the road tomorrow

So tomorrow is World Environment Day 2009 (no really, it actually exists - check out the website) and to get its already ‘environmentally conscious’ consumers to do their part, Mini is asking its owners not to drive their Coopers tomorrow.

In a campaign called ‘Let’s Not Motor Day,’ Mini is asking its owners to “buckle down, instead of up.”

“Let’s have a day when we organize a walk pool,” says Mini. “When we give the highway some breathing room. And get where we’re going with our own power instead of horsepower. For just one day, let’s come together, both Mini owners and enthusiasts, to put our cars in park and hide our keys.”

Yes… that sounds fine and dandy and all, but as enthusiasts on their way to pick up a 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP from GM’s press fleet, we’re going to have to pass this ‘green’ day and put 402-hp to the road.

Either way, if you own a Mini and you’re interested in saving the world, you can pledge the miles you aren’t going to drive and Mini will put your name on its website.

 

Source: MINI

AC Schnitzer unveils their MINI Cooper R57 Convertible

It was just a matter of time until the German tuner AC Schnitzer would release their own version of the recently launched MINI Cooper Convertible.

A new range of accessories are fitted on the new R57 Cabrio, from front spoilers and rear skirts which not only enhance the looks of the MINI but also offer aerodynamic advantages, to black or chrome/black finishes.

Performance has been also raised with a new power boost from the default 175 horsepower to 208. The uprated export version of the Cooper S takes the standard power of 128 kW/175 HP to an impressive 166 kW/226 HP. At the same time, AC Schnitzer offers a limited slip differential in the MINI Cooper S and Special Model JCW (John Cooper Works).

AC Schnitzer is also offering a choice of several wheel and tire combination with 17″ Mi1 wheels and 18″ Mi2 wheels. For tires choices, AC Schnitzer recommend Continental and Michelin in size 215/35 R 18 or optionally in 205/40 R 18. All of these options are coupled with an height adjustable sport suspension and an aluminum strut brace for the front axle.

The interior gets an upgrade as well, from gear knobs, handbrake handle, pedals and foot rests in aluminum, to velours floor mats.