Mitsubishi Motors North America has lifted the covers off its new Concept-CT, which it said is a groundbreaking concept for a hybrid-powered small car that “may influence development of future” models.
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Styled at the Japanese automaker’s US design centre in Cypress, California, the Concept-CT introduces an innovative hybrid powertrain packaged in an entirely new type of vehicle architecture. The ultra-compact four-door hatchback is claimed to combine practicality, fun-to-drive performance and low fuel consumption.
The key contributor to roomy packaging, performance potential and fuel efficiency is the in-house-developed Mitsubishi In-wheel Electric Vehicle (MIEV) hybrid powertrain, which uses an electric motor in each of the vehicle’s four wheels.
Noted MMNA President and CEO Rich Gilligan: “We are carefully studying ideas showcased in this innovative concept car.”
The latest car’s styling shares something with the high-performance Concept X shown at the 2005 Tokyo show, but Mitsubishi said the Concept-CT’s sharp, expressive lines are intended to convey a more casual performance character. The overall design theme was inspired by the sleek high-performance scooters popular in Japanese urban centres and now gaining popularity in the United States.
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By GlobalDataThe Concept-CT’s 102.4-inch wheelbase falls between US-market sub-compact and compact models and MMNA said the 149.6-inch overall length makes the Concept-CT ideal for congested urban environments. The long wheelbase relative to vehicle length, combined with 20-inch wheels that are thrust out to the corners, aids stability and maximises interior space.
Features include LED head lamps plus tail lamps designed to appear as if their light emanates from a single source rather than multiple bulbs. A large, wraparound panoramic windshield provides excellent front visibility.
The rear doors open butterfly-style without a centre pillar to provide maximum interior access. Also contributing to the design’s practicality, the rear hatch is split horizontally, featuring an upper glass hatch and a lower tail gate for ease of loading – this is like US station wagons up to the ‘70s and was revived for Honda’s 1992-1996 three-door hatchback.
Concept-CT designers disregarded current vehicle architecture and created new small car platform that could take full advantage of the MIEV powertrain’s numerous benefits. A rear-midship layout places the petrol engine behind the rear passengers but ahead of the rear axle line. This same configuration can be found in some of the world’s best sports cars because it allows for optimum weight distribution, low centre of gravity and a small yaw-inertia moment (quick steering response).
With room freed up by the lack of a center differential, driveshaft to the front and front-wheel halfshafts, designers were able to locate vital components to optimise both safety and weight distribution. The rear-midship layout allows for a large frontal crush zone and greatly reduces the potential for engine intrusion into the cabin in a collision.
Batteries are housed under the rear floor and in the front of the vehicle. The fuel tank is housed under the front floor.
Mitsubishi is developing its MIEV technology to address future demands for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, without sacrificing driving performance and enjoyment.
The series/parallel hybrid drive in the Concept-CT uses a special transmission to harness the 50 kW (67 horsepower) output of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine to drive the rear wheels and the generator. Engine power is 20kW per wheel. A 40 kW (54 horsepower) generator charges high-energy-density, lithium-ion batteries to offer high capacity and long life. Total combined peak power is 100kW (134 horsepower).
The MIEV system provides both economical cruising capability and high capacity power for short bursts of acceleration when needed. A regenerative brake system captures energy that would otherwise be lost as heat through the brake discs and channels it to the batteries.
Each of the Concept-CT’s wheels houses an electric motor, effectively providing computer-controlled all-wheel drive (AWD) that can transfer optimal traction independently to each tire as needed. Such individual wheel control opens up new possibilities to enhance vehicle stability and performance.
The MIEV technology can be applied to pure battery electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles to suit a wide variety of needs and infrastructures in the future. Mitsubishi is testing a MIEV powertrain in the Lancer Evo MIEV rally car shown at the 2005 Tokyo show as an environmentally conscious, high-performance vehicle.
The cabin has main controls inspired by motorcycle front forks and controls and are supported by a structure fashioned in parallel strips. For a clean, modern image, the interior features pearl finish, ribbed vinyl and soft-touch surfaces with copper accents.
The instrument panel is unlike anything seen in current vehicles. A wide format “wall to wall” screen displays information for navigation, rear/side-view mirror functions, and entertainment functions (when in park). Flat-screen gauges are placed well forward of the driver for optimal visibility. In addition, a flat screen in the centre panel displays climate control and audio information. The ultra-thin center console houses a fingerprint-reading security key and computer touch pad interface.
A flat floor and “floating” seats for four provide an open feeling and interior flexibility. The contoured bench-style seats are designed for good support while providing ease of entry and exit. The front passenger seatback and rear seatbacks fold flat to carry long loads. Rear seat cushions fold up with the seatback in the upright position to load tall items through the side doors. The Concept-CT provides additional storage under the front ‘bonnet’ (hood) too.
The Lancer Evolution MIEV is currently under testing in Japan – with a goal to put a MIEV model, built around core technologies of in-wheel motors and high density lithium-ion batteries, on sale by 2010.
