Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA)
recently unveiled at the North American International
Auto Show the Concept-CT, a groundbreaking concept for a hybrid-powered
small car that may influence development of future “Driven to Thrill” Mitsubishi
models.
Designed at the Mitsubishi Motors Design Centre 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 and fuel efficiency is the Mitsubishi In-wheel
Electric Vehicle (MIEV) hybrid powertrain, which employs
an electric motor in each of the vehicle’s four
wheels.
“The Concept-CT is a breakthrough vehicle that
demonstrates how Mitsubishi might interpret its ‘Driven
to Thrill’ core philosophy with the increasing
demands for higher fuel efficiency and environmental
compatibility,” said MMNA President and CEO Rich
Gilligan. “We are carefully studying ideas showcased
in this innovative concept car.”
Mitsubishi Signature Design With An Accent on
the Future:
Although clearly echoing the Mitsubishi “DNA”
also seen in the high-performance Concept X from the
2005 Tokyo Motor Show, 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 centers – and gaining popularity
in the United States.
The Concept-CT’s 102.4-inch wheelbase falls between
today’s sub-compact and compact models. However,
the 149.6-inch length makes the Concept-CT even better
suited to congested urban environments. The long wheelbase
relative to vehicle length, combined with 20-inch wheels
that are thrust out to the corners, yields a stable,
forceful stance while maximising interior space. Candy
yellow-orange paint, with copper and grey accents, underscores
the Concept-CT’s advanced powertrain and overall
futuristic orientation.
Unique design elements combine high-tech style with
function. The LED head lamps and tail lamps are 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.
New Vehicle Architecture Shows Future Possibilities
for Small Cars:
Early on, the Mitsubishi Concept-CT designers disregarded
current vehicle architecture and created a whole new
type of small car platform that could take full advantage
of the MIEV powertrain’s numerous benefits. A
rear-midship layout places the gasoline 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 centre 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.
MIEV Powertrain Hints at High-Tech Mitsubishi
Future:
Mitsubishi is actively developing its MIEV technology
to address future demands for improved fuel efficiency
and reduced emissions, without sacrificing driving performance
and fun. 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-liter three-cylinder gasoline
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.
In addition to a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain
featured in the Concept-CT, MIEV technology can be applied
to pure battery electric vehicles and fuel cell electric
vehicles to suit a wide variety of world market needs
and infrastructures in the future. Mitsubishi is testing
a MIEV powertrain in the Lancer Evo MIEV rally car acclaimed
at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show as an environmentally conscious,
high-performance vehicle.
Adventurous Yet Practical Interior:
The Concept-CT interior design is as adventurous as
the exterior, starting with structural elements that
also serve as design elements. The main controls take
inspiration from 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 Concept-CT 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 center panel displays climate control
and audio information. Reflecting Concept-CT’s
futuristic theme, the ultra-thin centre 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 superior
support while providing ease of entry and egress. 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. Concept-CT provides additional
storage under the front hood.
This concept provides a vision into the future of advanced
hybrid technology in a fun and futuristic design. Mitsubishi
Motors’ Lancer Evolution MIEV is currently under
testing in Japan – with a goal to bring a MIEV
model, built around core technologies of in-wheel motors
and high density lithium-ion batteries, to market by
2010.
Mitsubishi Concept-CT Major Specifications:
• Wheelbase: 2600 mm (102.4 in.)
• Length: 3800 mm (149.6 in.)
• Width: 1700 mm (66.9 in.)
• Height: 1430 mm (56.3 in.)
• Engine: 1.0 liter 3 cylinder, gasoline
• Engine power: 50kW
• Generator power: 40kW
• Battery power: 50kW
• Motor power: 80kW (20kW X 4)
• Total peak power: 100kW |