Mitsubishi plans to tackle the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb again this year, fielding two all-electric racers in the challenge. As the name implies, the Mitsubishi MiEV Evolution III is the automaker’s third attempt at the Electric Division title in the United States’ second-oldest motorsports event.
The car itself is built on a dedicated tube-frame chassis. A high-capacity battery powers four electric motors, one at each wheel as part of the Mitsubishi in-wheel motor Electric Vehicle system. The company has been developing MiEV technology, first fitted to a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, since 2005. Together, the four motors can generate 603 hp, up 67 from last year’s MiEV Evolution II.
Additionally, wider tires, a carbon-fiber cowl and wind tunnel-optimized aerodynamics set it apart from last year’s model. An improved S-AWC all-wheel-drive system, similar to the unit in the Lancer Evolution, distributes power based on vehicle dynamics.
The first car will be piloted by a long-time Mitsubishi factory driver, Hiroshi Masuoka, who has won the Dakar Rally twice. The second car will have six-time Pikes Peak motorcycle champion Greg Tracy behind the wheel.
The 2014 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb takes place on June 29.
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