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Mitsubishi’s hybrid Concept-CT
Source: www.leftlanenews.com
Mitsubishi today unveiled at the North American International Auto Show the Concept-CT, a concept for a hybrid-powered small car that may influencedevelopment of future “Driven to Thrill” Mitsubishi models. Designed at the Mitsubishi Motors Design Center in Cypress, Calif., the Concept-CT introduces an innovative hybrid powertrain packaged in an entirely new type of vehicle architecture. The ultra-compact four-door hatchback captures the essence of the Mitsubishi brand while combining practicality, fun-to-drive performance and low fuel consumption.
The key to the Concept-CT’s roomy packaging, performance potential andfuel efficiency is the Mitsubishi In-wheel Electric Vehicle (MIEV) hybridpowertrain, which employs an electric motor in each of the vehicle’s fourwheels.
“The Concept-CT is a breakthrough vehicle that demonstrates how Mitsubishi might interpret its ‘Driven to Thrill’ core philosophy with the increasingdemands for higher fuel efficiency and environmental compatibility,” said MMNAPresident and CEO Rich Gilligan. “We are carefully studying ideas showcasedin this innovative concept car.”
Mitsubishi Signature Design With An Accent on the Future
Although clearly echoing the Mitsubishi “DNA” also seen in thehigh-performance Concept X from the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, the Concept-CT’ssharp, expressive lines are intended to convey a more casual performancecharacter. The overall design theme was inspired by the sleekhigh-performance scooters popular in Japanese urban centers — and gainingpopularity in the United States.
The Concept-CT’s 102.4-inch wheelbase falls between today’s sub-compactand compact models. However, the 149.6-inch length makes the Concept-CT evenbetter suited to congested urban environments. The long wheelbase relative tovehicle length, combined with 20-inch wheels that are thrust out to thecorners, yields a stable, forceful stance while maximizing interior space.Candy yellow-orange paint, with copper and grey accents, underscores theConcept-CT’s advanced powertrain and overall futuristic orientation.
Unique design elements combine high-tech style with function. The LEDhead lamps and tail lamps are designed to appear as if their light emanatesfrom a single source rather than multiple bulbs. A large, wraparoundpanoramic windshield provides excellent front visibility.
The rear doors open butterfly-style without a center pillar to providemaximum interior access. Also contributing to the design’s practicality, therear hatch is split horizontally, featuring an upper glass hatch and a lowertail gate for ease of loading.
New Vehicle Architecture Shows Future Possibilities for Small Cars
Early on, the Mitsubishi Concept-CT designers disregarded current vehiclearchitecture and created a whole new type of small car platform that couldtake full advantage of the MIEV powertrain’s numerous benefits. Arear-midship layout places the gasoline engine behind the rear passengers butahead of the rear axle line. This same configuration can be found in some ofthe world’s best sports cars because it allows for optimum weightdistribution, low center of gravity and a small yaw-inertia moment (quicksteering response).
With room freed up by the lack of a center differential, driveshaft to thefront and front-wheel halfshafts, designers were able to locate vitalcomponents to optimize both safety and weight distribution. The rear-midshiplayout allows for a large frontal crush zone and greatly reduces the potentialfor engine intrusion into the cabin in a collision. Batteries are housedunder the rear floor and in the front of the vehicle. The fuel tank is housedunder the front floor.
MIEV Powertrain Hints at High-Tech Mitsubishi Future
Mitsubishi is actively developing its MIEV technology to address futuredemands for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, withoutsacrificing driving performance and fun. The series/parallel hybrid drive inthe Concept-CT uses a special transmission to harness the 50 kW(67 horsepower) output of a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine to drivethe rear wheels and the generator. Engine power is 20kW per wheel. A 40 kW(54 horsepower) generator charges high-energy-density, lithium-ion batteriesto offer high capacity and long life. Total combined peak power is 100kW (134horsepower).
The MIEV system provides both economical cruising capability and highcapacity power for short bursts of acceleration when needed. A regenerativebrake system captures energy that would otherwise be lost as heat through thebrake discs and channels it to the batteries.
Each of the Concept-CT’s wheels houses an electric motor, effectivelyproviding computer-controlled all-wheel drive (AWD) that can transfer optimaltraction independently to each tire as needed. Such individual wheel controlopens up new possibilities to enhance vehicle stability and performance.
In addition to a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain featured in theConcept-CT, MIEV technology can be applied to pure battery electric vehiclesand fuel cell electric vehicles to suit a wide variety of world market needsand infrastructures in the future. Mitsubishi is testing a MIEV powertrain inthe Lancer Evo MIEV rally car acclaimed at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show as anenvironmentally conscious, high-performance vehicle.
Adventurous Yet Practical Interior
The Concept-CT interior design is as adventurous as the exterior, startingwith structural elements that also serve as design elements. The maincontrols take inspiration from motorcycle front forks and controls and aresupported by a structure fashioned in parallel strips. For a clean, modernimage, the interior features pearl finish, ribbed vinyl and soft-touchsurfaces with copper accents.
The Concept-CT instrument panel is unlike anything seen in currentvehicles. A wide format “wall to wall” screen displays information fornavigation, rear/side-view mirror functions, and entertainment functions (whenin park). Flat-screen gauges are placed well forward of the driver foroptimal visibility. In addition, a flat screen in the center panel displaysclimate control and audio information. Reflecting Concept-CT’s futuristictheme, the ultra-thin center console houses a fingerprint-reading security keyand computer touch pad interface.
A flat floor and “floating” seats for four provide an open feeling andinterior flexibility. The contoured bench-style seats are designed forsuperior support while providing ease of entry and egress. The frontpassenger seatback and rear seatbacks fold flat to carry long loads. Rearseat cushions fold up with the seatback in the upright position to load tallitems through the side doors. Concept-CT provides additional storage underthe front hood.
This concept provides a vision into the future of advanced hybridtechnology in a fun and futuristic design. Mitsubishi Motors’ LancerEvolution MIEV is currently under testing in Japan — with a goal to bring aMIEV model, built around core technologies of in-wheel motors and high density lithium-ion batteries, to market by 2010.
Source for images: www.autoweek.com
Source: www.leftlanenews.com
Mitsubishi today unveiled at the North American International Auto Show the Concept-CT, a concept for a hybrid-powered small car that may influencedevelopment of future “Driven to Thrill” Mitsubishi models. Designed at the Mitsubishi Motors Design Center in Cypress, Calif., the Concept-CT introduces an innovative hybrid powertrain packaged in an entirely new type of vehicle architecture. The ultra-compact four-door hatchback captures the essence of the Mitsubishi brand while combining practicality, fun-to-drive performance and low fuel consumption.
The key to the Concept-CT’s roomy packaging, performance potential andfuel efficiency is the Mitsubishi In-wheel Electric Vehicle (MIEV) hybridpowertrain, which employs an electric motor in each of the vehicle’s fourwheels.
“The Concept-CT is a breakthrough vehicle that demonstrates how Mitsubishi might interpret its ‘Driven to Thrill’ core philosophy with the increasingdemands for higher fuel efficiency and environmental compatibility,” said MMNAPresident and CEO Rich Gilligan. “We are carefully studying ideas showcasedin this innovative concept car.”
Mitsubishi Signature Design With An Accent on the Future
Although clearly echoing the Mitsubishi “DNA” also seen in thehigh-performance Concept X from the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, the Concept-CT’ssharp, expressive lines are intended to convey a more casual performancecharacter. The overall design theme was inspired by the sleekhigh-performance scooters popular in Japanese urban centers — and gainingpopularity in the United States.
The Concept-CT’s 102.4-inch wheelbase falls between today’s sub-compactand compact models. However, the 149.6-inch length makes the Concept-CT evenbetter suited to congested urban environments. The long wheelbase relative tovehicle length, combined with 20-inch wheels that are thrust out to thecorners, yields a stable, forceful stance while maximizing interior space.Candy yellow-orange paint, with copper and grey accents, underscores theConcept-CT’s advanced powertrain and overall futuristic orientation.
Unique design elements combine high-tech style with function. The LEDhead lamps and tail lamps are designed to appear as if their light emanatesfrom a single source rather than multiple bulbs. A large, wraparoundpanoramic windshield provides excellent front visibility.
The rear doors open butterfly-style without a center pillar to providemaximum interior access. Also contributing to the design’s practicality, therear hatch is split horizontally, featuring an upper glass hatch and a lowertail gate for ease of loading.
New Vehicle Architecture Shows Future Possibilities for Small Cars
Early on, the Mitsubishi Concept-CT designers disregarded current vehiclearchitecture and created a whole new type of small car platform that couldtake full advantage of the MIEV powertrain’s numerous benefits. Arear-midship layout places the gasoline engine behind the rear passengers butahead of the rear axle line. This same configuration can be found in some ofthe world’s best sports cars because it allows for optimum weightdistribution, low center of gravity and a small yaw-inertia moment (quicksteering response).
With room freed up by the lack of a center differential, driveshaft to thefront and front-wheel halfshafts, designers were able to locate vitalcomponents to optimize both safety and weight distribution. The rear-midshiplayout allows for a large frontal crush zone and greatly reduces the potentialfor engine intrusion into the cabin in a collision. Batteries are housedunder the rear floor and in the front of the vehicle. The fuel tank is housedunder the front floor.
MIEV Powertrain Hints at High-Tech Mitsubishi Future
Mitsubishi is actively developing its MIEV technology to address futuredemands for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, withoutsacrificing driving performance and fun. The series/parallel hybrid drive inthe Concept-CT uses a special transmission to harness the 50 kW(67 horsepower) output of a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine to drivethe rear wheels and the generator. Engine power is 20kW per wheel. A 40 kW(54 horsepower) generator charges high-energy-density, lithium-ion batteriesto offer high capacity and long life. Total combined peak power is 100kW (134horsepower).
The MIEV system provides both economical cruising capability and highcapacity power for short bursts of acceleration when needed. A regenerativebrake system captures energy that would otherwise be lost as heat through thebrake discs and channels it to the batteries.
Each of the Concept-CT’s wheels houses an electric motor, effectivelyproviding computer-controlled all-wheel drive (AWD) that can transfer optimaltraction independently to each tire as needed. Such individual wheel controlopens up new possibilities to enhance vehicle stability and performance.
In addition to a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain featured in theConcept-CT, MIEV technology can be applied to pure battery electric vehiclesand fuel cell electric vehicles to suit a wide variety of world market needsand infrastructures in the future. Mitsubishi is testing a MIEV powertrain inthe Lancer Evo MIEV rally car acclaimed at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show as anenvironmentally conscious, high-performance vehicle.
Adventurous Yet Practical Interior
The Concept-CT interior design is as adventurous as the exterior, startingwith structural elements that also serve as design elements. The maincontrols take inspiration from motorcycle front forks and controls and aresupported by a structure fashioned in parallel strips. For a clean, modernimage, the interior features pearl finish, ribbed vinyl and soft-touchsurfaces with copper accents.
The Concept-CT instrument panel is unlike anything seen in currentvehicles. A wide format “wall to wall” screen displays information fornavigation, rear/side-view mirror functions, and entertainment functions (whenin park). Flat-screen gauges are placed well forward of the driver foroptimal visibility. In addition, a flat screen in the center panel displaysclimate control and audio information. Reflecting Concept-CT’s futuristictheme, the ultra-thin center console houses a fingerprint-reading security keyand computer touch pad interface.
A flat floor and “floating” seats for four provide an open feeling andinterior flexibility. The contoured bench-style seats are designed forsuperior support while providing ease of entry and egress. The frontpassenger seatback and rear seatbacks fold flat to carry long loads. Rearseat cushions fold up with the seatback in the upright position to load tallitems through the side doors. Concept-CT provides additional storage underthe front hood.
This concept provides a vision into the future of advanced hybridtechnology in a fun and futuristic design. Mitsubishi Motors’ LancerEvolution MIEV is currently under testing in Japan — with a goal to bring aMIEV model, built around core technologies of in-wheel motors and high density lithium-ion batteries, to market by 2010.
Source for images: www.autoweek.com
