Mitsubishi Motors to Enter a Pair of All-New MiEV Evolution II All-Electric Racecars in 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC)

CYPRESS, Calif., May 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will compete in the 2013 edition of the world-famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) to be held on June 30, 2013 with a pair of all-new MiEV Evolution II all-electric four-wheel drive (4WD) prototype racecars.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130516/LA15374)

With the upgraded all-new MiEV Evolution II, MMC has set its sights on an outright victory in this legendary American race.

Held annually in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) is an annual automobile and motorcycle hill climb to the 14,110-foot summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado, with entrants covering an elevation difference of almost 4,720 feet. First run in 1916, the hill climb celebrates its 91st running this year making it the second oldest U.S. motorsport event after the Indianapolis 500. Also known as "The Race to the Clouds," atmospheric pressure, temperature, weather and other conditions vary significantly between the start and finish, requiring optimum vehicle tuning for maximum performance.

MMC entered the Pikes Peak competition for the first time last year with the i-MiEV Evolution all-electric prototype, finishing second in the Electric Vehicle division. Participation in the event brought a wealth of data in areas such as vehicle speed and acceleration, lithium-ion drive battery consumption, electric motor temperature and other key information that will play an important role in future MMC electric vehicle development.

Driving the pair of all-new MiEV Evolution II racing prototypes will be two-time Dakar Rally champion and MMC vehicle development/test driver Hiroshi Masuoka and six-time PPIHC motorcycle champion Greg Tracy.

Hiroshi Masuoka scored an impressive second-place finish in last year's PPIHC in the Electric Vehicle division piloting the i-MiEV Evolution racing prototype.

In addition to competing in the event with two electric vehicles, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is proud to announce its role as the Presenting Sponsor of the 91^st running of PPIHC.

All-New MiEV Evolution II

Like last year's i-MiEV Evolution, the MiEV Evolution II combines parts used in production vehicles with a high-capacity battery and high-output motors specially-designed by MMC's suppliers. Based on experience gained from last year's race, MMC has added a high-tech Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system to the innovative four-motor (two-front/two-rear) drivetrain for increased handling and control in the MiEV Evolution II.

Together with a specially-designed body that provides reduced weight and improved aerodynamics, the MiEV Evolution II represents a significantly improved all-electric racing prototype.

2013 MiEV Evolution II Design Highlights

• Improved lower center of gravity due to redesigned lithium-ion battery placement
• Improved power output/performance from four-motor (two front/two rear) 4WD drivetrain with MMC's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated vehicle dynamics control system
• Active Yaw Control (AYC) to optimally control yaw for improved high-speed cornering
• Active Stability Control (ASC) for improved vehicle dynamics and control by automatically managing brake force to one or more wheels as well as motor output
• Redesigned Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

2013 MiEV Evolution II Specifications

Driver Profiles

Hiroshi Masuoka

Hiroshi Masuoka began his Dakar Rally campaign in 1987 and became the first Japanese driver to post consecutive overall victories in the event when he won in 2002 and 2003.

Currently, Masuoka works at Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) where his many duties include vehicle development, training MMC test drivers, and running test drive sessions and other events both in Japan and overseas.

"We are able to tackle Pikes Peak a second time thanks to the support of our many partner companies. We were able to come up with a new and improved MiEV Evolution II based on the precious data and know-how we gained from last year's race. We welcome Greg Tracy as our teammate. With his wealth of motorsport experience, we will give it our all for a one-two finish. Thank you for your continued support!," says Masuoka.

Greg Tracy

A six-time PPIHC overall motorcycle champion, Tracy placed second overall in motorcycles in 2012.

Tracy brings a wealth of racing experience not only in motorcycles but four-wheeled vehicles as well, and is also a professional stunt driver. As a Hot Wheels Team Green Driver, he achieved the Guinness World Record for completing the Double Loop Dare at XGames in 2012.

"I'm excited to compete here with the MiEV Evolution II. I will do my best, along with my teammates, to make an electric vehicle the champ for the first time ever," says Tracy.

2013 MMC Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) Challenge Partners

Advics Co., Ltd.

dSPACE Japan K.K.

Dunlop Goodyear Tires Ltd.

ENDLESS ADVANCE Co., Ltd.

Enkei Corporation

GKN Driveline Japan Ltd.

GS Yuasa Corporation

Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.

Kenwood U.S.A. Corporation

Linear Technology Corporation

MEIDENSHA CORPORATION

MIKUNI CORP.

Mitsubishi Corporation

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Mitsubishi Motors Dealers Association

NHK SPRING Co., Ltd.

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK LINE)

NTN Corporation

Real Power

Tsuchiya Co., Ltd.

For more information on Mitsubishi Motors electric vehicles competing at Pikes Peak, please log on to media.mitsubishicars.com, and for more on the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), please visit ppihc.com.

About Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 400 dealers. In November of 2011, MMNA launched the battery-powered electric vehicle Mitsubishi i-MiEV as part of a corporate mission to offer consumers more environmentally responsible modes of transportation. This battery-powered electric vehicle technology addresses the need for vehicles that produce zero tailpipe emissions and support a growing agenda for sustainability. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

SOURCE Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.